The Ultimate Guide to Playa Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito

Hola 👋

Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Brasilito! This region is home to some of our favorite beach towns in Costa Rica and should be at the top of your list. What it may lack in national parks and land-based animal life like Manuel Antonio, it definitely makes up for with pristine white and black sand beaches, ocean activities, and fiery sunsets. You can snorkel, scuba dive, zipline, and even venture inland to some amazing waterfalls. More on that below.

This guide started as information for our rental guests, so all of the noted drive times are from our condo at Villas Flamingo. Send us a message with any questions you have, and we look forward to hearing about your adventure. Below are many of the area’s popular restaurants, breweries, activities, and lodging. You’ll also find a guide map that visually displays the town and points of interest. Enjoy this guide to Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Brasilito. Let’s go! 🤙

Getting there

From Liberia Airport

Playa Flamingo is between 50-80 minutes driving from the Liberia International Airport (LIR) depending on the route. Taxis are normally available but we encourage renting a car. While the main highways are paved, dirt roads are the norm in Costa Rica. A 4×4 (or all-wheel drive) rental is recommended in the green season and extremely helpful in navigating the occasional washed out areas. Waze / Google Maps are the preferred navigation apps but don’t follow them blindly and check your routes first. I always bring a small wireless battery pack like this to make sure my phone stays charged when using navigation apps.

Primary route – Highway 21 to 155 to 180
80-90 minutes in average traffic
This is the primary route into Playa Flamingo and surrounding areas. It’s three turns on three highways, and you roll right into the Flamingo Marina.
View route here

Secondary route – Highway 21 to 151 to 911
50-60 minutes in average traffic
This alternate route is called The Monkey Trail, and is fairly easy to navigate in the dry season, normally December-May. It crosses over a river, which makes it impassable in the Green Season. The water level is hard to judge and can change in minutes.

There’s a nearby private bridge that is owned by the Congo Canopy Tours. The tour company is usually open for bridge access from 8am-5pm in the dry season, and 6am-5pm in the green season. The cost is around ₡5000 (USD $10), and is good for a same-day round trip. Check out our complete guide to the Monkey Trail.
View route here

From everywhere else

Flying into San José International Airport (SJO) only makes sense if you’re going to visit other areas on the way to Playa Flamingo, like La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio. Use the right navigation app and you should be good. We’ve been told by all rental car employees that Waze is the best navigation app for driving in Costa Rica. We’ve had good experience with Waze, but Google Maps has always worked well too. Apple Maps doesn’t navigate in Costa Rica, so be prepared with a different app if that’s your usual go-to.

Transportation

Rental cars

If this section sounds a bit repetitive from our other city guides you've read... it is 🙃. We've synchronized the rental car section in our destination posts to provide you with the most up-to-date changes when we have something to add here, and the info applies to any destination you'll be visiting.

Rental cars are honestly the best way to get around Costa Rica, and Adobe Rent A Car is the company we recommend. It's who we rented with on our trips before we moved here and bought our own car. Their fleet gets refreshed often, so the cars are in good shape, and they have offices in many towns and at both international airports, including Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, and multiple in San José.

Before Adobe, we rented with Economy Rent A Car and always had a decent experience. Unfortunately, we've heard too many complaints from our readers to keep recommending their general booking site. Our friend Stanley at Economy is still great, though, and he can help set up a rental for you. Shoot him a message on WhatsApp here. The message is already written for you, so just hit send.

Confusing insurance requirements are the most frequent complaint about rental cars in Costa Rica, so we really like how Adobe clearly displays the insurance options at checkout. It’s pretty hard to be surprised when you get there.

Rental car insurance in Costa Rica is complicated and often leaves you feeling burned at the rental counter if you're not careful. There are various levels of undisclosed insurance that can cost more than the rental car itself, so we've put together a post to clarify some of these topics. Check out our full guide to renting a car in Costa Rica here to avoid some major frustration later.

Book through our Adobe link or the card below to get our reader discount. 👇

Drivers

Private driver – Bryan is our go-to driver in Playa Flamingo. He’s picked up our family and friends from the airport plenty of times, and he’s always on time and great company. He also runs tours around the area. We book him for our own guests all the time, so if you’d like a ride or a tour, message us on WhatsApp and we’ll set it up.

Taxi – Taxis are a little hard to get in Playa Flamingo. They are available but not always quickly when you need them. Unless you’re in Tamarindo, it’s best to arrange return transportation before if you’re going out somewhere and don’t have a rental car.

Shuttle – Best for larger groups with a lot of luggage. Our team at Stay With Colibri can set up a private airport shuttle for you, with a driver waiting when you land.

Golf carts

One of the most fun ways to explore Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Brasilito is by golf cart. They’re perfect for beach hopping, grabbing dinner, or cruising to sunset without worrying about finding parking. It’s a laid back way to experience the area, and you’ll quickly notice just how many locals and visitors get around this way.

One thing we’ve learned is that not all golf carts are created equal. While the cheaper rentals may save you a few dollars, many are noticeably slower and can struggle to keep up with traffic. On roads where vehicles often travel 40-60 km/h (25-40 mph), that can become more stressful than enjoyable. We think it’s well worth spending a little extra for a newer, higher-quality cart. Many feature upgraded suspension, Bluetooth speakers, built-in coolers, and enough speed to comfortably keep pace with local traffic.

We set up golf carts for visitors through Ride With Colibri, working with a few local cart companies we trust. Send us your dates and where you’re staying, and we’ll match you with the right cart, delivered to your door.

👉 Find a golf cart in Playa Flamingo

Lodging

In Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Brasilito, vacation rentals are one of the best ways to experience the area. There are a few hotels nearby, but rentals tend to offer more space, privacy, personality, and flexibility, especially if you’re traveling with family or planning to settle in for more than a night or two.

The best place to stay really depends on the kind of trip you want. A beachfront or walkable condo is hard to beat if your plan is to spend most days at the beach, walk to restaurants, and keep things simple without relying on a car. These properties are especially convenient for families, couples, and anyone who wants easy access to the sand, sunsets, and nearby dining.

Hillside homes like Villa Oasis offer a different kind of experience. You may trade walkability for more privacy, larger indoor and outdoor spaces, incredible views, private pools, and a quieter setting away from the busier beach areas. For travelers who plan to rent a car, spend time relaxing at the property, work remotely, or enjoy a more private home base, staying up on the hills can be a fantastic option.

The good news is that there really isn’t one “best” choice. There’s just the best fit for your trip. If you want easy beach access, a walkable condo may be perfect. If you want sunset views, space to spread out, and a private pool, a hillside villa may be the better call.

We manage a small collection of vacation rentals in the area, including beachside condos and private hillside homes. Each one offers a different way to experience Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Brasilito, depending on your travel style.

Hotels

• The W Costa Rica 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. Even with their new 2024 “remodel”, it feels run down, but the location is excellent. They offer all-inclusive rates for visitors who plan on spending the majority of their time at the property.

Vacation rentals

• The Flamingo Dream 🤙 – Our beach-loving condo just steps from Playa Flamingo. Thoughtfully stocked with everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay.
• Villa Oasis – Beautiful hillside retreat featuring panoramic sunset views, a saltwater pool, and frequent visits from the local howler monkeys. Perfect for groups of 4-8 people.
• Ballena Vida – A relaxing condo in Villas Flamingo, conveniently located near the pools and just a short walk from the beach.
• Villas Flamingo – A charming vacation rental community tucked behind The Palms, just a short walk from Playa Flamingo and the iconic Coco Loco beachfront restaurant.

Playa Flamingo area guide map

Take a look at our interactive map to start the inspiration. It isn’t an absolute list, but we’ve put together some of the most popular places to visit in Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Brasilito.

Activities

A quick note: You’ll notice we occasionally recommend Viator. It's the tour booking company owned by TripAdvisor, and we link to their tours. If you book through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We do this instead of cluttering the site with annoying ads. Seriously, have you ever seen a travel website with fewer ads than ours? We love sharing our experiences and hearing how our recommendations help make your trips even better. Some additional benefits are highlighted below.

• ⏰ Viator offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for nearly all of the activities, regardless of the tour company's policies.
• 🔒 Viator secures your payment information with the best technology in the business. Your credit card info doesn't sit in a local office... somewhere.
• 💸 Viator offers "Reserve Now and Pay Later" options for many activities.

Don't miss our Official Viator Tour Page to see recommended tours and experiences sorted by destination.

We also love shouting out local tour companies that go above and beyond. Did I mention that Bryan is our guy in the Playa Flamingo area? Check out his tours here and you can shoot him a message on WhatsApp. Below are some popular activities. We have experienced many of these first-hand, and others have been recommended by our rental guests or friends and family.

Heads up: the activity links below go to Roam with Colibri, the tour booking site we run here in Flamingo.

• Snorkeling – Snorkeling around this area shouldn’t be missed. We’ve seen sea turtles, eagle rays (the inspiration for our tattoos), reef sharks, and tons of tropical fish. There are many great tours out there, but GoBrianTours or Life Is Better At Sea are the companies to go with. They provide a 5-star experience, and this is a must-do activity if you’re visiting Playa Flamingo.
• ATV Tours – There are a ton of great ATV tour operators in the area. Here are a few highly rated options with nearly 100% smiles. We recently went on a tour with Congo Canopy and had a blast!
• Zip Lining – Did you know that recreational zip lining started in Costa Rica? Congo Canopy also offers zip-lining on its list of activities.
• Scuba Diving – If you love to explore the underwater world like us, don’t miss a dive trip to the Las Catalinas Islands. We love diving with Under The Sea Diving for a 5-star experience or Pacific Coast Dive Center for a good dive when we visit with people who also want to snorkel. Check out our full guide to scuba diving here.
• Sunset Sailing Tour – Playa Flamingo is known for its world-class sunsets. Spend an evening on the ocean and watch the sun fade over the horizon.
• Mountain Biking – Mountain biking is available through Pura Vida Ride. Their two locations are in the Flamingo Marina and Las Catalinas.
• Visit Tamarindo – Tamarindo is worth checking out if you enjoy shopping, surfing lessons, or just exploring a popular beach town. It feels more hustly than Flamingo and the surrounding areas, but still a fun day trip.
• Visit Playa Conchal – Playa Conchal is known as one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Costa Rica. The sand is made up of crushed seashells, and the water is often crystal clear. You’ll park in Brasilito town and walk about 10 minutes down the beach before driving to Conchal. Beach vendors rent sunshades and chairs and serve drinks at the main entry point.
• La Leona Waterfall – The La Leona Waterfall is a great full-day trip from the beach areas. You’ll drive back past the airport to Liberia, which takes around 1.5 hours each way. The waterfall is on private land so reservations are needed to secure a tour guide. You’ll also have the option to go tubing, zip lining, and soaking in pools of natural hot spring water.
• Visit Las Catalinas – Las Catalinas is being constructed as a European-style town about 20 minutes north of Playa Flamingo. There are a few upscale restaurants, boutiques, and a tasting room for Papagayo Brewing. To us, it feels out of place in Costa Rica, and only worth visiting if you have nothing else to do. Even then we’d rather explore elsewhere.

Plan your tours in Playa Flamingo

Looking for the best tours in Playa Flamingo? We’ve put together a dedicated guide with our favorite experiences, from snorkeling and diving to fishing charters and sunset sails.

👉 Explore Roam With Colibri to plan your activities, and we’ll help you book with local guides we trust.

Don’t miss restaurants

Playa Flamingo

• Coco Loco – A fantastic beach cafe near the waters of beautiful Playa Flamingo. It’s our go-to spot for a quick beach snack or full dinner, and it’s only 2 minutes walking from our condo at Villas Flamingo. Drive time: 2 minute walk
• Gracia at Mar Vista – Our favorite place for a sunset dining experience. It’s located in the Mar Vista residential community but is still open to the public. Their infinity pool is open to use during dinner so swimsuits are encouraged. Drive time: 10 minutes
• Gracia La Vid – Yes, another Gracia, so don’t confuse them. La Vid offers the best Italian cuisine in the area and should not be missed. We recommend ordering a pizza to go and heading down to Brasilito Beach or Flamingo Beach to enjoy while watching the sunset. Drive time: 10 minutes
• Surf Box – Located at the new Flamingo Marina, Surf Box offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We miss the old location, but congratulations to owners Dan and Natasha for expanding to this amazing new spot. Don’t miss their French Toast for breakfast and poke bowl for lunch! Drive time: 5 minutes
• Hibiscus (formerly NALU Bagel & Café) – Hibiscus is another must-try spot for breakfast or lunch in Playa Flamingo. This is our place for smoothies, wraps, and more health-forward food options. Drive time: 5 minutes
• JP’s (formerly Marie’s) – Located behind the Flamingo Marina, JP’s is a newly opened sports bar. After a handful of visits, we’d call the food so-so, but the main draw here is drinks and sports. Drive time: 5 minutes
• El Tiki – A great little street food inspired restaurant with Tiki Vibes! Cash only but there is an ATM across the street. Drive time: 5 minutes
• a’lo Nico – Rated one of the best restaurants in the Playa Flamingo area, a’lo Nico is the place to go for a rustic Costa Rican breakfast. It’s simple, so don’t expect an extensive menu. Drive time: 5 minutes
• Beach House Restaurant – A casual beachfront restaurant/bar between Flamingo and Potrero. The food is average but we love their daily 2×1 happy hour. Drive time: 5 minutes

Potrero

• Hemmingways – A high energy beachfront restaurant / bar in Potrero. Great for sunsets with live music. It can get busy at sunset so get there early. Drive time: 10 minutes
• Mengue Tapas – A relaxing beachfront tapas restaurant. Grab some snacks and watch the sunset colors over the ocean. They are on a grassy field, so bring the bug spray. Drive time: 10 minutes
• La Forketta – A popular Italian restaurant in Playa Potrero with an excellent wine selection and a fun atmosphere. We’ve had hit or miss experiences with the food but still a good spot for Italian. Drive time: 10 minutes
• Gracia at Potrero Brewing Food Court – The little sibling of the Gracia at Mar Vista Restaurant. Located in a small food court at Potrero Brewing, they offer various sliders and small bites. Pairs well with the local craft beer! Drive time: 10 minutes
• Gritanga at Potrero Brewing Food Court – Another small eatery in the food court at Potrero Brewing. They dish up delicious tacos and small plates. Drive time: 10 minutes
• La Pizzetteria Da Oreste – A gem for Italian-style pizza in the area. Owner-operated, and their wine list is limited but very good. Drive time: 15 minutes

Brasilito

• Patagonia Del Mar – A fusion restaurant with all types of food. We love the Tico California Roll, but it’s all good. High end wine selection. Drive time: 10 minutes
• Brothers of Ale Brewing – Really, this is located at the edge of Huacas town, but it is one of our favorite breweries in the region. Not only do they have great beer… the food is fantastic. Drive time: 12 minutes
• New Shogun – This is the spot for a variety of Asian cuisine in the area. Probably not for most visitors, but it’s there if you need it.

Breweries

We love craft beer. There are only a few in the region, so they all make our cut as our favorites.

• Potrero Brewing – Under new ownership as of late 2025, this is a killer spot for a chill brew after a day in the water. They play many of the sports games and are family friendly. Don’t miss if you’re searching for craft beer. Drive time: 10 minutes
• Brothers of Ale – One of our favorite breweries in all of Costa Rica. Owner / brewer Alaks is a blast and has crafted some delicious food and beer. They also have misters to cool you down after a day at the beach. Drive time: 12 minutes
• Las Olas Brewing – This brewery is just outside the scope of this post, but worth mentioning. The sleepy surf town Playa Grande is a great spot for a day at the beach, and Las Olas is the perfect spot for a beer afterwards. Drive time: 23ish minutes
• Papagayo Brewing – Located in Las Catalinas, this Papagayo tasting room is worth a visit if you’re in the area. Otherwise I’d check out any of the breweries above first. Drive time: 25 minutes + expensive parking
• Monkey Head Brewing – So technically not in the area, Monkey Head Brewing is our go-to brewery by the Liberia Airport. We stop here on the way to and from LIR so it makes the cut here. Drive time: 50-80 minutes

Check out Our Guide to Craft Beer in Costa Rica if you’re on the hunt for a good brew.

Our itinerary

Time needed – 4 days

Don’t get us wrong… we could stay here forever. But for the average 10-14 day itinerary, 4 days in the Playa Flamingo area is enough time to see the sights when you’re bouncing around the country. Below is our sample itinerary. Send us a message if there’s something you think we should add.

Day 0 – The travel day

Whether it’s a red-eye flight or an all-day commute from the Caribbean Coast, this is your day to get to Playa Flamingo. Decompress, grab a brew and enjoy your first night watching the sky light up during a fiery sunset.

Day 1 – Snorkeling and ocean activities

Want to start it off right with a private snorkel tour? We recommend GoBrianTours or Life Is Better At Sea. Both companies provide a 5-star experience, and this is a must-do activity if you’re visiting Playa Flamingo. Your bags should stay dry but we still suggest bringing a waterproof phone case like this to prevent your device from taking a swim with you. Finish off the first real day with dinner at Gracia at Mar Vista. It’s probably our favorite dinner spot in all of Costa Rica. It can get crowded, so reservations are highly recommended during the busy season.

Day 2 – Relax in paradise

This is the day to actually hit the beach at Playa Flamingo. You may have stopped by before, but this is the lounge day. Grab an umbrella or sun shade or you’ll melt in the sun. There are beach vendors who rent canopy tents and chairs for a fair price, but why not stay at a rental that provides those items? (Hint: ours does.) We’re not trying to shamelessly self-promote our rental, but we do provide those items and have 99% 5-star Reviews on Airbnb. It’s a win-win-win. Grab dinner at Coco Loco and watch another fiery sunset from sea level.

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 Flamingo Day Trips post here.

After a day in the sun, grab a local craft beer at Potrero Brewing, recharge, and then treat yourself to dinner and live music at Hemmingway’s.

Day 4 – La Leona Waterfall

You may want to swap days 3 and 4 depending on your travel schedule. The La Leona Waterfall is located in Liberia, about 90 minutes driving from the Playa Flamingo area. It’s an adventure and you should plan on getting completely soaked. So fun. Take another day trip if you’re not feeling the waterfall commute.

This last dinner may take you to Patagonia Del Mar in Brasilito. Great for sunset colors and good vibes in Brasilito.

Markets

• Super Massai Market (Flamingo) – This is the main market in Playa Flamingo. It’s not cheap like the Pali Markets in bigger towns, but it’s very convenient and has all of the essentials. Drive time: 5 minutes
• Hyper Mercado – Just opened in 2026, this is a standard market with some room for improvement. The Super Massai is still the place to go if you’re in Playa Flamingo. Drive time: 5 minutes
• MerKdo (Potrero) – Almost as good as Super Massai in Flamingo. It’s not cheap like the Pali Markets in bigger towns, but it’s very convenient and has many of the essentials. Drive time: 10 minutes
• Super Wendy (Potrero) – Just okay compared to Super Massai in Flamingo. It’s not cheap like the Pali Markets in bigger towns, but it’s very convenient and has many of the essentials. Drive time: 12 minutes
• Pali (Huacas) – Cheaper than the smaller local markets in Flamingo and Potrero. They have the essentials at reasonable prices. Drive time: 20 minutes
• Monday Night Market – A fun seasonal pop-up market near the Flamingo Marina. Check the open times before heading over. Drive time: 5 minutes

Medical

Hopefully, you won’t need anything from this section during your trip to Costa Rica, but it’s always good to be prepared. Depending on your travel plans, trip insurance can provide extra peace of mind. We’ve used SafetyWing Travel Insurance in the past and, luckily, never had to make a claim. While it’s an affordable option that covers most activities, we now recommend World Nomad Travel Insurance, which offers more comprehensive coverage for the average traveler. Check their coverage here to see if it’s the right fit for your trip.

Below, we’ve highlighted essential medical offices specific to this destination in case you need it. Always check before traveling for the most current information.

Hospital

• Hospital Metropolitano – A small regional hospital nearby. It’s okay for minor injuries, breaks, etc. Anything major may require transportation to a larger hospital in San José. Drive time: 12 minutes

Dental

• Dentico Flamingo – Near the Flamingo Marina. Drive time: 2 minutes
• Cabo Vellas Dental Group – Past the Reserva Conchal entrance in Brasilito town. Drive time: 10 minutes

Pharmacy

• Farmacia Guanacasteca Express Flamingo Drive time: 2 minutes
• Farmacia Bohemia Drive time: 5 minutes

Don’t forget

You can buy almost anything you need in the area, but the prices of some items may surprise you. Sunscreen can cost upwards of $20 USD for a normal size tube at the local market. Some of our don’t forget items are listed below.

Sunscreen – Reapply all day when you’re outside. This is the stuff we use. The sun is no joke in Costa Rica!
Bug Spray—Bugs are minimal during the day, but mosquitoes often come out in the evening. We don’t like DEET sprays, so this is our pick.
Quick-dry towel – These quick-dry towels pack down small and are also sand-free.
Waterproof hat – I like this floating hat, but anything works.
Polarized sunglasses – They don’t have to break the bank. Check out these polarized sunglasses by Blenders.
Waterproof phone case – Great if you’re going to be on the ocean. We use these for any water activities.

Let’s go

You’re going on vacation and it’s a lot to take in. Hopefully, this list is a helpful resource in planning your epic trip to Playa Flamingo and the surrounding beach areas. Send us a message if you have any questions!

Headed to Flamingo?

If your Costa Rica plans include the beaches of northern Guanacaste, we’d love to help. We run a small vacation rental company called Colibri Hospitality, based in Playa Flamingo. The name is inspired by Costa Rica’s hummingbirds and reflects how we approach hosting. Thoughtful, local, and detail focused.

If you’re looking for a comfortable home base near Playa Flamingo, Potrero, or Brasilito, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to share local insight and help point you in the right direction. Pura Vida 🤙