MapVivid
Playa Conchal and around
A day in Tamarindo · 9:30–12:30 · 3 stops
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mapvivid.com/tamarindo/itineraries/playa-conchal-and-aroundA walking day around Playa Conchal and Playa Brasilito, with a lunch break nearby and Playa Flamingo to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Beach made of tiny crushed shells
- Calm water, good for snorkelling
- Bring water and snacks
↓ 18 min walk
10:452Playa Brasilito ↗30 minSunset
Small fishing village beach with colourful boats
- Good lunch spots
- Sunrise and sunset are lovely
↓ 19 min walk
11:303Marina town with a white-sand beach
- Fishing and boat trips leave here
- Good for dinner
Lunch
12:30Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Tamarindo tips
Cultural
- Embrace pura vida: Ticos use pura vida as hello, thanks and goodbye; slow down, greet staff warmly and expect service in Tamarindo to run at a relaxed Costa Rican pace.
- Try gallo pinto and Salsa Lizano: Breakfast of rice and beans with eggs is a staple; add Salsa Lizano, the tangy sauce on every Costa Rican table.
- Respect wildlife: Howler monkeys, iguanas and coatis roam Tamarindo; never feed them, and keep lights off and your distance from nesting turtles on Playa Grande.
Local Hacks
- Take a surf lesson at Playa Tamarindo: Gentle waves near the town centre make it ideal for beginners; lessons include boards and rash guards.
- See leatherback turtles at Playa Grande: Las Baulas National Park protects nesting leatherbacks, mainly from October to March; join an official guided night tour.
- Join the sunset crowd: Each evening locals and surfers gather on Playa Tamarindo for the Pacific sunset; book a sunset catamaran or sit near the estuary rocks for the best view.
Saving
- Eat at local sodas: Small sodas serve a casado with rice, beans, salad and meat or fish for much less than restaurants on the main beach strip.
- Visit in green season: Hotel prices drop from May to November, and mornings are usually sunny before the afternoon rains.
- Self-cater from supermarkets: Buy fruit, gallo pinto ingredients and drinks at Tamarindo supermarkets and cook in your rental; beachfront bars on the main strip charge far more.
Security
- Beware of rip currents: Strong rip currents form near the estuary and along Playa Grande; swim near lifeguards and swim parallel to shore if caught.
- Watch for crocodiles: Crocodiles live in the Tamarindo estuary at the north end of the beach; do not swim or wade near the river mouth.
- Never leave valuables in cars: Break-ins happen at beach car parks; take passports and electronics with you or leave them in your hotel safe.
Transportation
- Fly into Liberia: Guanacaste Airport in Liberia is about an hour from Tamarindo, far closer than Juan Santamaria in San Jose; pre-book a shuttle or rental car.
- Use shared shuttles: Companies run shared shuttles from Tamarindo to La Fortuna, Monteverde and San Jose, easier than public buses for travellers.
- Rent a bike or ATV for beaches: Bikes and ATVs are popular for reaching Playa Langosta and Playa Conchal on dirt roads; always wear a helmet.
Weather/Clothing
- Enjoy the dry season: December to April is hot, sunny and dusty in Guanacaste; pack light clothes, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.
- Prepare for green season storms: May to November brings afternoon downpours, especially in September and October; pack a light rain jacket.
- Bring a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen: The Pacific sun is fierce; a long-sleeved rash guard protects you during long surf sessions.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/tamarindo/itineraries/playa-conchal-and-around
Day 3 of 39:30–12:303 stops
Playa Conchal and around
A walking day around Playa Conchal and Playa Brasilito, with a lunch break nearby and Playa Flamingo to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hBeach made of tiny crushed shells
3 tips
- Calm water, good for snorkelling
- Bring water and snacks
- Reached by road from Tamarindo
📷 Photos
18 min walk
210:45 · 30 minSmall fishing village beach with colourful boats
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Good lunch spots
- Sunrise and sunset are lovely
- Swim at the north end
📷 Photos
19 min walk
311:30 · 1 hMarina town with a white-sand beach
3 tips
- Fishing and boat trips leave here
- Good for dinner
- Quieter than Tamarindo
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 12:30
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Tamarindo. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
More days in Tamarindo
Day 1 of 3
Playa Tamarindo and around
🕘 9:30–13:45📍 5 stops
- 1Pico Pequeño Surf Break
- 2Plaza Tamarindo
- 3Playa Tamarindo
- 4Pangas Beach Club
- 5Playa Langosta
Day 2 of 3
Estuario del Río Tamarindo and around
🕘 9:30–12:45📍 3 stops
- 1Estuario del Río Tamarindo
- 2Playa Grande
- 3Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas