We had been told that the Papagayo Peninsula was a true wonder, but it exceeded all our expectations. The beaches all around the peninsula are simply heavenly.

If you’re looking for peaceful white sand beaches with a bit of privacy for you to spend the whole day, Playa Virador is an excellent option.

You’ll need to head to the Papagayo hotel complex in order to visit the beach, as it’s located before the beach entrance. You can enter “Playa Virador” into Waze or just parqueo playas Papagayo and you’re good to go! Conveniently, you can leave your vehicle there and a free minibus will take you to the beach. While you’re here, you can also enjoy Playa Prieta, Playa Nacascolo and Playa Blanca.

We do recommend that you go in comfortable clothing, with a hat to protect you from the sun and good walking shoes, since you’ll have to walk down 728 steps – the most of any of the beaches there. Playa Prieta has 602, Nacascolo 100 and Playa Blanca has 502 steps.

Another recommendation we have is that you should plan on arriving nice and early so that you can visit all of the beaches – or most of them, at least. We’re not exaggerating when we say it’s hard to say which one is the best, they’re all incredible! The minibus that transports tourists can also take some time and is not always available when you need it.

As soon as we started heading down to Playa Virador, the experience was one of a kind: the path is surrounded by nature and has mini-lookouts where you can see the turquoise waters from an elevation.  

Once you reach the edge, you’ll fall in love: white sand, not a lot of rocks, shade trees to rest under, not a lot of visitors and gentle waves to swim in. This place is definitely a great choice for spending a day with family or friends. Don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no nearby facilities where you can buy food.

This beach should absolutely be on your short list for your next trip. Don’t forget to bring a good book and a beach towel to soak in the Guanacaste sun.

#VamosATuristear #VamosalaPenínsuladePapagayo

Information you need to know:

Difficulty: Moderate, not recommended for people with knee problems.

Accessibility: Not accessible; the beach can only be reached by the stairs.

What should I bring with me?  Change of clothes, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, trail shoes, sandals, insect repellent, hydration, snacks and a can-do attitude that will allow you to get the most out of the day!

Vehicle: Automobile

Parking: Yes, free.

Pets: no.

Camping: no.

Contact: N/A

Cost: Free of charge