Intro
Looking for a long weekend on a tropical beach? Playa Flamingo should be at the top of your list. I call this the Renegade Trip. 4 days may seem kind of crazy, but sometimes you just really need to get away and recharge. I know that I do. The quiet beach town of Playa Flamingo is only an hour from the Liberia Airport (LIR) which makes the logistics doable. Let’s take a look at our 4 day trip to Costa Rica.
Lodging
Vacation rentals are the primary option for lodging in Playa Flamingo. There are a few hotels nearby, but vacation rentals can offer more variety and unique experiences.
It may be tempting to book a place on one of the hills with a great view. If you’re working remotely… sure. If you don’t plan on leaving the rental much… go for it. If you’re going to be at the beach all day, book a place that allows you to walk to the beach easily.
It’s a pain to walk or drive up and down the hills all day. For a quick 4 day trip to Costa Rica, you’ll want to be out at the beach or in town for sunsets. A few hotel and vacation rental options are highlighted below. We also have a pretty awesome condo in Villas Flamingo, and you can check it out HERE.
Hotels
- The W at Playa Conchal – A 5-Star experience at the beach of Playa Conchal, which is famous for the crushed seashell sand and clear waters.
- Bahia Del Sol – A beachfront resort in Playa Potrero. It’s a great option for visitors who want to be close to the restaurants and nightlife like Hemmingway’s Beach Bar.
- Margaritaville – This is the main beach hotel in Playa Flamingo. They offer all-inclusive rates for visitors who plan on spending the majority ion their time at the property.
- Dunama Hotel and Casino – A mid-range hotel in the hills above Playa Flamingo.
- Las Catalinas – This upscale seaside town was designed with a touch of old-world charm and caters to a more upscale style of travel. It’s located about 20 minutes North of Playa Flamingo.
Vacation Rentals
- The Palms – A high-end beachfront rental community.
- Villas Flamingo – A mid-range rental community behind the palms. A 2-minute walk to the beach and Coco Loco Restaurant.
- 360 Splendor del Pacifico Residences – An upscale rental community on the top of hill.
- The Flamingo Dream – Our vacation rental at Villas Flamingo. We’ve stocked our spot with everything you need for an epic trip. 🤙
Great view… long walk to the beach
Transportation
Flights
We recommend booking a direct flight to save time and maximize your beach getaway. If you can swing it, opt for a red-eye flight to gain an extra travel day… because who wants to waste precious beach time?
Some of the major US Cities with daily direct flights:
Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, Miami, New York
Rental Car or Shuttle
Renting a car is the best way to get around Costa Rica. It may not be necessary for a short trip like this, but it will give you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas like Las Catalinas, Tamarindo, or other day trips from Playa Flamingo.
There is also an Economy Rental Car office near the Playa Flamingo Marina, which makes it very easy to rent a car only for the days you want to go adventure. Check out our guide to renting a car HERE.
Day 1: Arrive in Liberia
Touch down in Liberia, and it’s time to have some fun. Grab your rental car or shuttle and start the hour’s drive to Playa Flamingo. The benefit of booking a hotel is that you can often leave your bags with the staff if your room isn’t ready by the time you arrive. This can be harder if you’re staying at a vacation rental, which rarely offers anywhere to store your bags. While Costa Rica is safe, it’s still not a good idea to leave your bags in plain view in your rental car. Hit the beach when you get settled in and enjoy your first day in Playa Flamingo!
First night dinner and sunset at Coco Loco
Day 2: Relax in Paradise
Today is all about immersing yourself in the bliss of Playa Flamingo. With its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s a true paradise. There are beach vendors that will rent you a sun shade and chairs, and other vendors sell drinks and sometimes food on busy days. We recommend bringing your own cooler of drinks because otherwise, you’ll pay a premium, which may be worth the treat. Don’t forget an insulated can koozie like THIS to keep your drinks cold all day.
After a day in the sun, head down to Hemmingway’s or Mangue Tapas Bar in Playa Potrero for a sunset drink and some live music. There are tons of restaurants around that area for all styles of food.
Beautiful Playa Flamingo 🤙
Enjoying a sunset from Mangue Tapas Bar
Day 3: Explore the Area
Today, is your adventure day so go out and explore the area. Take a short trip to nearby spots like Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, or Las Catalinas. More info on our day trip post HERE.
After a day in the sun, grab a local craft beer at Potrero Brewing, recharge, and then treat yourself to dinner at Gracia in Mar Vista. The view is amazing for sunset and golden hour. It can get crowded, so reservations are highly recommended during the busy season.
Grab a beer at Potrero Brewing
Day 4: Back to Reality
Today is when you’ll hop on a flight back to reality… sad… I know.
If your flight is later in the evening, try to swing late checkout and squeeze in a few extra hours of beach time. If you have some time to kill in Liberia before your flight, Numu Brewing is a great place to stop in for one last cerveza before heading out.
Playa Flamingo Activities:
- Visit Playa Conchal: While in the area, take a short trip to Playa Conchal, known for its beautiful shell-strewn beach.
- SUP and Kayaking: Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are popular activities in the calm waters of Potrero Bay.
- Sailing and Boat Tours: Book a sunset sail, dolphin-watching trip, or a day of island-hopping.
- Fishing Trips: Both towns are renowned for sport fishing, with opportunities to catch marlin, sailfish, and tuna.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: With clear waters and diverse marine life, the area is perfect for underwater exploration. Several local businesses offer guided trips.
- Las Baulas National Marine Park: A short drive away, this park is home to one of the world’s largest nesting colonies of leatherback sea turtles.
Playa Flamingo Travel Tips:
- Do not take the 911 Highway (The Monkey Trail) unless you are familiar with the route because it can be unpassable in the rainy season.
- Consider traveling during the shoulder months to avoid the crowds.
- Take caution while swimming at the beach and be mindful of rip tides.
- Don’t miss our Ultimate Packing List for Costa Rica
Let’s Go
So that’s our 4-day trip to Costa Rica. Whenever you’re craving a quick dose of beach therapy, remember that Playa Flamingo awaits with open arms. Pack your bags and come visit our favorite beach in Costa Rica. Pura vida! 🤙
Note: Always check travel advisories, local regulations, and current conditions before planning your trip.
