An Outdoor Lover's Paradise on Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast
Julia Eskins|April 14, 2025Equal parts luxury retreat and adventure playground, Peninsula Papagayo is one of Costa Rica's most exclusive coastal escapes. This private sanctuary, located on the north Pacific coast, is home to exceptional resorts and spectacular residences, yet 70% of its land remains protected, preserving its pristine beaches, mangroves, and tropical dry forest. Visitors can unwind on white-sand shores, play golf with ocean views, or embark on unforgettable eco-adventures. They can also catch world-class waves with pro surfers, hike to nearby waterfalls, or mountain bike rugged trails. Sustainability is at the heart of the destination, with opportunities to help restore coral reefs, visit regenerative farms, or engage with local conservation efforts.
Nature
Howler monkeys, toucans, and iguanas are all common sights along the peninsula's 14 miles of nature trails. Surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Área de Conservación Guanacaste, the destination offers access to one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, home to more than 600,000 species. Offshore, the waters teem with marine life such as sea turtles and rare coral.
Birdwatchers will enjoy a tour through the mangroves and estuaries, a haven for migratory birds. A short drive inland, Rincón de la Vieja National Park provides a habitat for tapirs, armadillos, and anteaters. Nearby, Tenorio Volcano National Park's forests offer a chance to glimpse sloths and coatis.
Photo: Getty Images/Harry Collins
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Photo: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica
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Photo: Christian HoranDestination Highlights
A 1,400-acre resort destination with 11 miles of coastline, 21 beaches, 14 miles of trails, and at least 600,000 different flora and fauna species.
Outdoor activities, such as an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, a surf school, and tennis and pickleball clinics.
The Palmares Preserve, a 250-acre jungle sanctuary that offers mountain biking, ziplining, guided wildlife hikes, and aerial adventures.
The UNESCO-designated Área de Conservación Guanacaste, home to four tropical ecosystems: marine/coastal, dry forest, rainforest, and cloud forest.
Luxury hotels, including an Andaz resort, Central America's only Four Seasons, and the highly anticipated Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
A commitment to sustainability that includes coral reef restoration projects, reforestation initiatives, and a protection program for scarlet macaws.
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Photo: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Peninsula Papagayo is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering everything from ziplining through the treetops to exploring mangroves in an outrigger canoe.Did you Know?
Peninsula Papagayo lies just north of the Nicoya Peninsula, which is one of five of the world's recognized "Blue Zones" — places where people tend to live longer than average.
Outdoor Adventure
Peninsula Papagayo is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering everything from ziplining through the treetops to exploring mangroves in an outrigger canoe.
The Palmares Preserve serves as the peninsula's adventure hub, with mountain biking trails, aerial trekking courses, and wildlife excursions.
Though you could easily spend your entire stay on the peninsula, you'll likely want to take a day trip or two. Nearby Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers half-day adventures to waterfalls like the stunning La Oropendola or the quieter La Cangreja.
For a full-day excursion, Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to the surreal turquoise waters of Río Celeste. Farther afield, Monteverde's misty cloud forest offers trails and hanging bridges high above the jungle canopy, while Arenal Volcano features hot springs and the 246-foot-tall La Fortuna waterfall.
Photo: Getty Images/swissmediavisionWater Relaxation
With 21 beaches and multiple beach clubs, Peninsula Papagayo offers a stretch of sand for everyone. Playa Blanca is home to SurfX, the women-run surf school at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo. Beginners might start with the mellow waves at Playa Prieta, while seasoned surfers can venture to Witch's Rock.
The calm shores of Playa Virador on the peninsula's northwest side or Playa Nacascolo on the southeastern edge bring tranquility. Marina Papagayo offers a gateway for more watersports, from deep-sea fishing to diving. Water biking, snorkeling, windsurfing, and sailing are also available.
Photo: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo
Photo: Christian Horan
Photo: Daniel Butman, Aleks
Photo: Christian Horan
Photo: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Photo: Christian HoranCultural Exploration
From weekly farmers markets to artisan street fairs, Peninsula Papagayo hosts an array of seasonal events and rotating pop-ups that celebrate Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage. Travelers can also visit the Guaitil Women's Co-op, where Chorotega clay artisans craft pottery using centuries-old techniques.
To experience local agricultural traditions, visitors can tour Don Gerardo's Farm, home to medicinal plants and a cacao plantation, or explore Las Huertas, a project that empowers local women to grow and sell fresh produce. Area events often includes talks on biodiversity, beachside concerts, and gatherings that celebrate Costa Rica's pura vida spirit.
Photo: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort pottery, Costa RicaThe region boasts a rich culinary heritage, with Indigenous Chorotega influences shaping its traditional dishes.Local Food and Drink
The region has a rich culinary heritage, with Indigenous Chorotega influences shaping its traditional dishes. A must-try is casado, a hearty plate of rice, black beans, sweet plantains, picadillo (diced vegetables), and a choice of meat — served with tortillas. Another staple is gallo pinto, Costa Rica's beloved rice-and-bean breakfast dish.
Farms supply produce, including pitaya (dragonfruit), cas (Costa Rican guava), and avocado. Coffee lovers can sip on brews made from locally grown beans, while craft beer enthusiasts can find ales from Costa Rican microbreweries. The guaro sour, made with sugarcane-distilled guaro, lime, and sugar, is a typical drink.
Photo: Getty Images/helovi
Photo: Ilya ShnitserWhere to Eat
Peninsula Papagayo's dining scene blends refined Costa Rican cuisine with international flavors, from elegant resort dining to casual, toes-in-the-sand eateries.
At Ostra, the seafood-forward restaurant at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, chef Bruno Alves reimagines local flavors with dishes like casado croquettes and homemade pasta with a seafood sauce that pays homage to Costa Rican mariscado (seafood stew). Tapas bar Chao Pescao brings bold Latin American flavors to the table with creative tapas and cocktails overlooking Culebra Bay.
Over at the Four Seasons, Pesce serves up classic Italian plates, while the Virador Beach Club offers fresh seafood, grilled specialties, and Mediterranean flavors with ocean views. The resort's Golf Clubhouse, Palapita Papagayo, is a social hub with craft beer and light bites. Travelers can also look forward to the opening of the signature restaurant at the upcoming Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — complete with a six-seat Japanese-Peruvian omakase, helmed by celebrated chef Diego Muñoz.
For local cuisine, venture beyond the peninsula to one of the region's beloved sodas — casual, family-run eateries serving typical Costa Rican food. In nearby communities, you'll find these mom-and-pop restaurants dishing out hearty plates of casado, slow-cooked meats, and catches of the day. Soda Lula in Comunidad is a local favorite for flavorful gallo pinto, while Soda Teresita in Playas del Coco is a must-visit for fresh ceviche.
Photo: Christian Horan
Photo: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Where to Stay
Overlooking the marina and tucked inside a 1,400-acre private community, the 152-room Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with two pools, a kids' club, and a beach club. The resort recently debuted 25 new residential villas, all within a new hillside neighborhood that overlooks Culebra Bay. Set inside the tropical forest, Spa ONDA offers an array of body treatments, plus yoga, meditation, and fitness classes.
The Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, the peninsula's first hotel, remains a gold standard for barefoot luxury, with 181 rooms and suites, plus more than 50 private residences — with expansive living areas and gourmet kitchens. Mornings are best enjoyed at the Wellness Shala, an architecturally stunning hilltop platform designed for yoga, sound healing, and other programming led by visiting wellness practitioners. Two onsite beaches and secluded cabanas help to extend the relaxing vibes throughout the day.
The most anticipated addition to Peninsula Papagayo arrived in February 2025 with the grand opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — the first Reserve property in Central and South America. Perched above coastal cliffs, Nekajui will offer 107 ocean-facing rooms, suites, and ultra-luxury treetop tents, plus 36 private residences. Its design draws inspiration from Chorotega heritage, with handcrafted wood, stone, tile, and local art. Highlights will include a 27,000-square-foot spa, a treetop bar, and an exclusive beach club.
Photo: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Photo: Christian HoranGetting Around
Peninsula Papagayo is a 45-minute drive from Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), with direct flights from major North American cities, including New York, Miami, Toronto, Atlanta, and Dallas.
The airport is served by American, United, Delta, JetBlue, Air Canada, Alaska, WestJet, and Southwest, alongside other international carriers.
Some travelers also arrive by private jet or yacht, as the peninsula's 180-berth marina accommodates vessels up to 250 feet.
On the peninsula, the best way to explore is by golf cart or electric bike through the Papagayo Bike-Share program. Shuttle services and private transfers are available for day trips to nearby national parks and cultural attractions, making it easy to discover Costa Rica's natural wonders without a rental car.
Photo: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula PapagayoMake It Happen
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