Herradura Beach

The place to be for relaxation on the Central Pacific Coast!

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Visiting Herradura Costa Rica

Playa Herradura Costa Rica is located in the Central Pacific zone. It is about an hour from San Jose and just a few miles north of Jaco. Originally a small fishing village. This area has transformed itself into a desirable tourist destination mostly because of the construction of the Marriott Los Suenos Resort and adjoining marina. With its beautiful black sand beaches and amazing ocean vistas, Herradura Costa Rica has become more than a local secret. The influx of high-end construction has also made Herradura a great shopping area with well-stocked art galleries and boutiques offering just about any treasure that you might be looking for!

Highlights

Sport fishing

Herradura Costa Rica FishingThe Marina at Los Suenos Marriott has helped transform Playa Herradura into a mecca for world-class sports fishing. The Marina boasts the largest number of fishing captains and fully equipped boats in Costa Rica and hosts sports fishing competitions every year. Herradura is famous for the record number of Dorado and Tuna caught in the nearby waters. Avid anglers are likely to find almost anything off the shores of the beaches of Herradura. The full-service facilities at the marina make it the perfect place to book your ocean adventure or dock your boat while exploring the Central Pacific coast!

Tours and activities

Crocodiles of the Tarcoles RiverWater sports are very popular in the Playa Herradura area – surfing, parasailing, jet ski excursions are offered. Plenty of other adventures is also nearby including great zip lines, trails for hiking, kayaking! The Carara National Park borders Herradura and offers visitors an opportunity to experience some great birding and experience a plethora of wildlife and plant life. The mangroves provide a unique habitat for crocodiles and many water birds, as well as macaws, toucans and many other species! If you make a stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge, you can see hundreds of crocodiles relaxing by the banks of the Tarcoles River.

Explore the Central Pacific

Manuel AntonioVisit other famous beaches such as Jaco, Playa Hermosa and Dominical, all great surfer beaches. Jaco especially is known as a prime location for those looking to enjoy a night out. When in the Central Pacific, don’t forget to pay a visit to the iconic Manuel Antonio National Park. Although small, this park boasts a large variety of wildlife and you can spot scarlet macaws, toucans, monkeys and sloths. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also try your hand at white-water rafting, horseback riding, or even parasailing.

Tips

Visit between December and March: This is the Costa Rica dry season. During these months you will have the best chance to enjoy long, sunny days on the beach.

Explore the Central Pacific: Visit the nearby beaches of Jaco and Playa Hermosa. Don’t forget to drop by at the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

If you go to Manuel Antonio, go early: Manuel Antonio is the most famous and also the busiest park in Costa Rica next to Arenal. Guards at the park entrance limit the number of visitors as to not to ruin the experience so it is best to arrive early in the morning to get the best chance to enter.

Getting there

Closest International Airport: Juan Santamaria (SJO)

car rentals vacationPlaya Herradura is located at about 2 hours from San Jose. You can arrange for a shared or private transfer to take you there or you can rent a car. Renting a car in Costa Rica gives you that extra bit of freedom to explore the rest of the country.

Dining

Gallo Pinto VegetarianEl Pelicano offers some of the best seafood in town for those of you longing for the perfect ceviche! La Puesta Del Sol offers vegan and vegetarian friendly options as well as a great introduction into local flavors. Make sure to try the Gallo Pinto for breakfast and the Casado for lunch.

Where to stay

Hacienda Kitchen Los Suenos MarriottThe Los Suenos Resort occupies over 1100 acres in Herradura and changed this area from a sleepy village to a luxury destination. The property boasts a large rainforest reserve, a championship golf course, pools, and recreational facilities as well as the world-famous marina!  A series of islands, bridges, canals, bars and restaurants make the unique pool area a must visit! There is something for everyone to see and do at Los Suenos!

Herradura Beach - Get Info

Herradura Beach Map

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Herradura Beach Vacation Packages

Dream Fishing Trip at Los Sueños

Dream Fishing Trip at Los Sueños

7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.

Herradura Beach Hotels

Hotel Villa Caletas

Hotel Villa Caletas

4
5
From: $200 - $300
Los Suenos Marriott

Los Suenos Marriott

4
2
From: $125 - $200
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