Beaches South of Playa Ocotal

Introducing Beaches South of Playa Ocotal

Although they’re next to one another, Playas Azucar, Potrero, Flamingo, Brasilito and Conchal have relatively nothing in common except for their proximity. The beaches range in color from grey to white to crushed seashells, while development ranges from years away to way past its expiration date.

Although it’s tempting to take the ‘road’ from Sardinal to Potrero, there’s a reason why locals call this route the ‘monkey trail.’ Although the first 9km of dirt road leading to the small town of Arola isn’t so bad, the second half is pretty brutal, and should only be tackled if you have a 4WD (and after you’ve talked to a few locals).

If you want to avoid the rough roads, return to the main peninsular highway then head south through Filadelfia and on to Belén (a distance of 18km), from where a paved road heads 25km west to Huacas (where there is a gas station). Then take the road leading north until you hit the ocean at the village of Brasilito. Turn right and head north and you’ll pass Playa Flamingo and Bahía Potrero before reaching Playa Pan de Azucár. If you make a left instead and head south, you will end up at Playa Conchal.

Buses from San José, Liberia or Santa Cruz can also get you to most of the beaches. If you’re into sea kayaking, the proximity of the beaches to one another makes for some great day trips.

In the small village of Arola you can take the Congo Trail Canopy Tour (666 4422; US$35), which is a fitting consolation prize if you’re looking for adventure sans broken axles.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009