Located just 45 minutes from Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirós you can either rent a car and drive or take the Eco-Trans shuttle:
45 min (35.6 km)
via Route 911
Fastest route, the usual traffic
Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirós
Blvd. Aeropuerto, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Drive from Route 911 to Potrero
46 min (34.6 km)
Located in Guanacaste Province, just 45 minutes from the Daniel Aeropuerto Internacional airport right next to some of the region’s most popular destinations, is the little family & Expat friendly beach town of Potrero and the new Flamingo Marina home for yachts and fishing boats alike. This rural beach area is a charming community that is perfectly situated for exploring some of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous beaches, national parks and wildlife. Potrero is literally at the end of the road. While farther north there are more destinations like Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, and the Papagayo, these are separated from Potrero by mostly wild jungle. The one road that does connect them, Route 911, was recently paved. However, it is still narrow, slower, and impacted by seasonal flooding. This keeps many people away, giving Potrero a typically quiet feel.
Adjacent to this community is a main road that leads to Potrero Bay. Along this stretch are restaurants, stores, the Costa Rica Sailing Center, and even a craft beer brewery. If you keep heading north along Route 911, in a few minutes, you will come to the older area of town. This has more of a local feel, with a soccer field, school, church, smaller homes, sodas (local
restaurants), and a few basic grocery stores. This area is closer to Playa Penca and Playa Prieta and of course just above these two beautiful beaches is the home of Casa Azul Océano at Villas Catalina
Runs all the way from the southern point in Flamingo up to the northern end of Potrero, near the soccer field. Since the bay is sheltered, the water is fairly calm and swimmable. You’ll see people on stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, or even small sailboats that can be rented in town.
Another 5 or so minutes north of Casa Azul Océano on the road to Las Catalinas are two more beautiful beaches. Playa Danta is a calm cove with light grey sand that fronts a development called Las Catalinas. Although this is private property, all beaches are public in Costa Rica so you can still access the beach. Playa Danta is popular with locals, especially on weekends. Just on the other side of the point is the remote Playa Dantita. To get here, you take a short hike through the forest or walk along the rocks at low tide. The white sand and clear turquoise water, along with the nice backing of tropical shrubbery, make Playa Dantita the perfect place to waste away the day.
Only 15 minutes south of Casa Azul Océano, you also have the beaches of Playa Brasilito and Playa Conchal. Playa Brasilito is more of a locals’ beach. It’s a long stretch of sand and has some beautiful little islands just off the northern end.
Playa Conchal, just south of Brasilito, is a really special beach. Here, the sand is mostly made up of tiny broken shells and the water is clear and usually good for snorkelling. Playa Conchal is home to the Westin Reserva Conchal Resort, but if you aren’t staying there, you can still access the beach on foot. Costa Rica has dozens of gorgeous beaches, but what makes Playa Conchal so special? In one word, location.
Playa Conchal is virtually cut off from the rest of the world. This is because to get there you either have to walk along the shore from the adjacent fishing village of Playa Brasilito or be a guest at the Westin Golf Resort and Spa or another resort that backs the beach.
Although it does take a bit of effort, once you arrive, you’ll be glad you did.
Another nearby beach that we’d be remiss not to mention is Playa Flamingo, five minutes south of Potrero. This is one of Guanacaste’s most famous and is best known for its clean white sand.
Flamingo is more developed, so this beach is busier and has amenities like beach chair rentals, shade covers, beach massages and restaurants nearby.
Your Hosts Paul & MaryJayne
Co-Host Tropical Homes of Costa Rica
- Villa Catalina 12, F68G+72G, Cam. Las Catalinas, Guanacaste Province, Potrero, Costa Rica