Brasilito

Most tourists who come to Brasilito stay in Playa Conchal immediately next door to the south or pass by on their way to/from Playa Flamingo and Potrero just to the north. So it's that kind of place.

Brasilito sits on a light-brown-sand beach and is notable for its town park backing directly onto the beach. There are a small variety of restaurants and shops, but it's the beach where most people will hang out. It's certainly not the most beautiful beach, but it's still the heart of the community and the place to check out the sunset with local people while enjoying a cold beer.

If you're staying somewhere more glitzy nearby, like Conchal or Flamingo, it's worth checking out Brasilito to taste local charm and authenticity.

Guanacaste is the hottest, driest part of Costa Rica, so we suggest any time of the year. Expect rain from May to November, with September and October's wettest months. We like May and November in this part of Costa Rica. The weather is perfect at this time - hot and sunny with a splash of rain in the afternoon to cool things off.

Guanacaste is the driest and warmest part of Costa Rica - in our view, the best weather for beach lovers. You can expect mid-to-late 80s F (early 30s C) temperatures for much of the year, with humidity lower than elsewhere.

The rainy season is from May to November, but even then, there's not a great deal compared to elsewhere in Costa Rica. Think hot and sunny most of the day with solid afternoon showers. The rainiest months are September and October.                

Brasilito is a small community where most people know each other. Crime isn't a significant issue here, although travelers should protect themselves from opportunistic theft. Never leave anything of value in your car. Likewise, don't bring anything of value to the beach.

Be aware that the beach at Brasilito can get heavy waves and undertows. If you see locals swimming, you should be okay. You can head to Playa Conchal for a calmer beach, a couple of minutes' walk away.

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but everyone raves about the seafood here.

Great Latin food and a warm welcome are guaranteed at Papaya Restaurant.

This soda shop will show the taste of authentic Costa Rican fare. The best Gallo pinto in the area.

You wouldn't expect to find an Indian restaurant in Brasilito, let alone a decent one. But this one is! Masala is, in fact, way more than worthy. Try the beef vindaloo.

An excellent spot for coffee and cakes to eat in or go. Also, a great line in paninis.

Outside of Liberia, Guanacaste Airport (Airport Code LIR) is the closest international airport to Brasilito.

From LIR Airport: 36 miles (58 kilometers), about 1 hour

If you're driving from Guanacaste Airport to Brasilito, give yourself an hour's driving time. Then, if you're renting a car at the airport, allow yourself an hour or so to sort that out.

Head out of the airport onto the main road, and turn right, heading away from Liberia. Keep following this road through, ignoring traffic, turning off to the right towards other beaches. You want to keep on going through the town of Filadelfia until you reach Belen. It's here, in Belen, that you take your right turn at the gas station. Now you just stay straight on this road, following the Tamarindo-bound traffic to Huacas.

In Huacas, that traffic will take a left at a sizeable v-shaped junction, but you'll keep heading on for half a mile and take a right just after the Bohemia Bar and Grill. Follow the signs to Playa Conchal, and you'll be fine. Keep on past the hospital, and soon, you'll see a turnoff for the Reserva Conchal on your left. Ignore that and keep going until you find yourself in a bit of community by the ocean.