Costa Rica → Destinations → Punta Islita

Punta Islita Costa Rica

Punta Islita is a pristine beach located on the Nicoya Peninsula only 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Playa Carrillo in the Costa Rican Pacific. The road to Punta Islita winds through high cliffs and crosses a river. We recommend that you fly into the resort’s landing strip and don’t risk this road unless you have a car with very high clearance and in the middle of dry season. If you decide to drive yourself to Punta Islita, make sure that you cross the river during low tide. It is common to get to the river and see cars stranded because the driver crossed during high tide and some water got in the motor. The view of the landscape from the cliffs is enticing. Punta Islita is actually two small secluded beaches, this place and Playa Corozalito. These two beaches are situated between Camaronal Beach and Bejuco Beach. The road that connects Punta Islita with Corozalito is very picturesque. It wanders through wooded hills, 460 feet (140 meters) above sea level, which afford views of brilliant red sunsets, just before the sun slips into the sea. Its surrounding hills, sky and water, are definitely the choice for people seeking a first class vacation spot in Costa Rica, and those who wish to make a more permanent home can look at real estate in the area. While you are visiting and staying at your hotel or resort, you have the option to go horseback riding along the coasts of Punta Islita and Corozalito. You can also hike in the nearby hills and see more of the Costa Rican flora and fauna. It is very common to see howler monkeys gathered in the trees late in the afternoon. Stop for a bit and observe these animals socializing, and remember to keep a respectable distance from the animals, who have been known to throw more than just sticks and stones at intruders.

Punta Islita beach is less than a mile long and it lies in a small cove. It is watered by two streams that form estuaries. Corozalito is slightly larger and has a mangrove swamp. It is not unusual to spot a few leatherback or hawksbill sea turtles nesting at Corozalito. The isolated beach offers an array of activities for those looking forward to experiencing a quality vacation in Costa Rica. You can surf at the nearby isolated beach of Camaronal where the surf is rated as first class. The pounding surf that battles the coast has formed abraded cliffs and platforms where at low tide there are tidal pools and exposed rocks that serve as temporary shelter for brightly colored fish. In the town of Punta Islita you’ll be able to see a bustling artistic community heavily supported by foreigners and wealthy locals who give the people of the town a healthy cultural outlet to express themselves.

Getting to there is pretty easy if you take a flight and then make a 20 minute drive to reach this destination. The flight takes about 1 hour and it is definitely worth it as you will have the opportunity to take in the country’s natural beauty from the air. If you get here by car there are two possible routes. One is taking the ferry from Puntarenas to Playa Naranjo and then driving through the villages of Jicaral, Coyote, Javilla, Pueblo Nuevo and Corozalito. Another possible route is if you cross the Tempisque Bridge and drive to Samara and then to Carrillo. Even though the distance from Carrillo to this beach is only 8 miles (13 km) the road is not paved and a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended for you will have to cross a river. For the adventurous tourist the road from Carrillo is a great opportunity to test your driving skills through beautiful hills overlooking the Pacific. Once in Punta Islita you will enjoy your stay at one of the pretty hotels of the region. Please contact one of our travel advisors to help you go through Punta Islita’s hotels list and make the best choice for you.