Playa Hermosa is a small settlement on the beach in South Pacific Costa Rica.

Kids at Playa Hermosa

Understand

The settlement is located up an extremely steep hill, on the inland side of the main highway along the Pacific Coast. Venture inland from the beach to visit the Playa Hermosa Reserva Biologica, which is home to ancient tropical trees over 1,000 years old. The Reserva Biologica was the site of a voluntary conservation project by Reto Juvenil Internacional, Youth Challenge Canada, and Youth Challenge Australia in 2003-2004. The park contains several walking tracks and a lookout with a stunning view over the Pacific Ocean. The Ranger's office is on the right as you enter the settlement.

Get in

The only entrance to the area is by road. Playa Hermosa is a few miles south of Dominical and a few miles north of Uvita. The settlement of Playa Hermosa is a very steep walk up a gravel road off the main highway. The entrance off the highway is signposted and is on your left when coming from Dominical.

Do

• Walk the trails in the Reserva Biologica, passing ancient trees and exotic wildlife. Reach the lookout for a stunning view over the Pacific Ocean.
• Swim at the unpatrolled beach Playa Hermosa - the name says it all. Watch the tides and rip currents though. The beach is accessed from the main coastal road by taking any of the unmarked trails off the road through the undergrowth.

Eat

• Pulperia Escondida at the entrance to the national park sells small items of groceries and ice-cream.
• Rafa's bar, across the road from Brizas Del Mar hotel, serves drinks and cheap tapas, with a stunning sunset view.

Sleep

• Brizas Del Mar hotel is located at the beachside entrance to the settlement. Small rooms for one or two people open on to a wrap around balcony with views over the ocean.