Punta Islita
Punta Islita is a remote community on a spectacular Nicoya Peninsula Pacific coastline stretch.
Family Time
Romance
Sustainable
Children-friendly
Beachfront
Golf
Remote
Beach
Why Visit Punta Islita?
Wild and remote, dotted with stunning beaches all offering the best sunset you'll ever see, Punta Islita sums up in two words Costa Rica's iconic beach experience.
Here are a few of our favorite reasons to come to Punta Islita:
- The Remote Exclusivity: There's no doubt about it; Hotel Punta Islita is one of the best in Costa Rica. If you're looking for the quiet life on the coast, you're looking in the right place.
- The Beaches: Let's face it, you come to the Nicoya Peninsula for the beaches, and the ones around Punta Islita do not disappoint. The two nearby beaches of Playa Islita and Playa Corozalito offer isolated, calm swimming and killer sunsets. Surfers can head a little further away and find the waves they seek at Playa Camaronal.
Where to Stay
The Hotel Punta Islita Autograph Collection is the only hotel in the community. Luckily, as part of the Marriott's Autograph Collection, it is one of the best and most beautiful boutique hotels in Costa Rica.
Things to Do
Punta Islita is one of those perfect places to live without an itinerary.
Punta Islita: A Secluded Paradise
There's not much of a town here - just a beautiful little village with a whitewashed church, now home to an artisan community. But that makes the place feel all the more Pura Vida, as we say in Costa Rica. You come here to stay in a beautiful hotel on a remote stretch of coastline where you can enjoy the beach and the best sunsets you'll ever see.
Best Time to Travel to Punta Islita
Punta Islita is beautiful year-round but it isn't the most accessible place in the world to get to, which is part of its charm. However, if you are coming here during the rainy season, it can be difficult, especially if you're driving and double-especially if you're not in a 4x4. Let’s put it this way; the roads aren't great. So you're better off flying during the rainy season, although you'll need the hotel to arrange a private flight for you.
To that end, we say the best time to travel to Punta Islita is anytime during the December-April dry season and also the "cusp months" of November and May. November and May can be great times because you get to experience the countryside around here as it turns fresh and green.
The Weather in Punta Islita
Guanacaste is Costa Rica's hottest and sunniest zone. Perfect for beach bums and sunset lovers and the driest and warmest part of Costa Rica. Expect high 80s F (early 30s C) temperatures most of the year and relatively low humidity.
The May-November rainy season freshens things up, and the landscape turns a verdant green. It's a beautiful time to come, although logistically a little more complicated. You'll typically see sunny mornings and rainy afternoons during the Punta Islita rainy season.
Is Punta Islita Safe?
Punta Islita is perfectly safe, crime-wise. There are few people around, and all the locals know each other. Plus, if you're here, you're staying at the Hotel Punta Islita, which is well-guarded and cared for. However, like most Costa Rica beach areas, the most significant danger comes from the ocean. So even though the two nearest local beaches are safe, take care when swimming regardless.
Top Restaurants in Punta Islita
Don Ramiro
Fantastic local dining emphasizes seafood and vegetarian fare in Punta Islita village. Make a reservation, as this place is small and fills up.
Kimbute
Another restaurant in the village's heart will pick you up free of charge from the hotel if you ask them in advance. Or you can walk, no worries. Once at Kimbute, enjoy a range of Latin-fused dishes, especially the outstanding ceviche options.
Aura Beach Club
Formerly Cocos, the beach club connected to the Hotel Punta Islita. Enjoy typical bar food and seafood right on the ocean.
Alma Restaurant
Alma Restuarant is the main restaurant of the Hotel Punta Islita, serving an excellent selection of options, all made with fresh ingredients and a loving, expert eye.
How to get to Punta Islita
Guanacaste Airport (Airport Code LIR) near Liberia, Guanacaste is the closest international airport to Punta Islita.
Distance & Driving Time to Punta Islita
From Liberia: 78 miles (126 kilometers), about 2.5 hours.
The closest airport to Punta Islita is Guanacaste Airport, outside of the city of Liberia. At Costa Rican Vacations, we provide a "meet and greet" service to all our clients, plus a private transfer from the airport to your destination. Most of our clients just sit back and enjoy the ride.
However, if you want to drive to Punta Islita yourself, it’s possible - but only if you rent a 4X4 during the November to April dry season. It’s a challenging drive outside of the dry season, and we recommend flying between May and November.
However, adventurous drivers can come out of Guanacaste Airport and turn right on the main highway to the beach, Ruta 21. Keep on following that road south to Santa Cruz and then to the city of Nicoya.
At the KFC outside of Nicoya, turn right into the city itself (check out one of Costa Rica’s oldest churches here) and head through town, following the signs to Samara. Keep on driving until you hit the beach in Samara and follow the road through to Playa Carillo. After Carillo, the road gets rough, with a river to ford en route. You’ll start seeing signs to Punta Islita and will get there, and you will not be disappointed.