Herradura Beach

Herradura Beach is 3 miles closer to San Jose and hosts the bigger development in coastal areas in the country, Los Sueños Resort, with its Marina and the Marriott Hotel golf and tennis courts and now this area is plenty of other new developments, commerce, banks, restaurants and high quality services.

A quiet beach some ten years ago mostly frequented by Ticos and campers, Playa Herradura was an unknown paradise. A superb black sand beach with aqua green waters and a palm tree lined shoreline; Playa Herradura is today a tourist hotspot on the Northern Puntarenas coast. Ideal for those who want to get away from the hustle of Jaco, this beach has bloomed into becoming a much traveled vacation destination.

To get to Playa Herradura take the turnoff on Costanera Sur, north of Jaco and drive some 3 km down the road west to the beach. Home to the Hotel Villa Caletas, a fantastic luxury hotel with plenty of features and amenities as well as a marina, condominium complex and golf course, this beach area is rapidly becoming one of the biggest tourism developments in Costa Rica. However, with its tranquil waters, Playa Herradura still draws in a number of locals who want a quiet getaway.

Even with its many touristy projects Playa Herradura still does not attract as many visitors as Jaco does, making it a great place to slip away. From Playa Herradura you can also head up north to the lovely Refugio Punta Leona, or down south to the wonderful Playa Hermosa.