The Insider’s Guide to Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica

 
 

My family recently vacationed on the beautiful Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica. It is one of Central America’s most coveted destinations, known for its stunning natural beauty, world-class resorts, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends, Papagayo offers the perfect balance of luxury, relaxation, and pura vida spirit. Here’s your insider’s guide to making the most of this remarkable destination.

 
 

1. Getting There

Getting to the Papagayo Peninsula is refreshingly easy. Most visitors arrive through Liberia International Airport (LIR), just a short drive away. We recommend booking a private transfer or resort-arranged pickup for a seamless start to your journey. After being met plane side by our arrival greeter, we were escorted through customs, and our bags were secured for us. Our driver greeted us with a large, comfortable vehicle stocked with cold drinks on ice and local snacks, and Wi-Fi, making the 45-minute ride to the resort completely carefree. We did bring our own car seat for my son, which I would recommend, as not all of the vehicles will have car seats.

 
 

2. Why Visit Papagayo Peninsula

The peninsula’s allure lies in its combination of luxury resorts, gourmet dining, championship golf, outdoor activities, and pristine beaches.

  • Restaurants: Food lovers will appreciate the variety offered at all of the resorts on the peninsula. Chao Pescao (Andaz) offers small plates, craft cocktails, and live music (highly recommend the Baul de Matina!). Ostra Restaurant is a must for those who enjoy Southeast Asian classics or are in the mood for fresh sushi. For a more relaxed and local vibe, The Dive Bar at the marina serves fresh ceviche and Costa Rican favorites.You can get to all of the off-site restaurants via a complimentary shuttle that runs every 30 minutes. 

  • Golf: The Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course is a highlight, with sweeping Pacific views on nearly every hole. It’s both challenging and breathtaking, and you’ll most certainly see some of the amazing wildlife that lives on the Peninsula. We spotted deer, armadillo, lots of lizards, and of course, monkeys! 

  • Activities: One of the best parts of being on vacation is that you can do as much or as little as you. From hydrofoil, sailing, surfing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding to ziplining and spa treatments, there is something for everyone. Nature lovers will spot monkeys (3 of 4 of Costa Rica’s monkey species live on the peninsula), iguanas, and tropical birds throughout the peninsula. And that’s all without leaving your room! 

  • Beaches: Calm, crescent-shaped beaches with turquoise waters invite swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing in the sun. Given the proximity to the equator, the water is warm and pleasant throughout the year (even during the rainy season). The way the beaches are situated, the waves are never too rough, and there is plenty of shallow water to wade in or snorkel. 

 
 

3. Where to Stay

We stayed at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, which blends luxury, friendly Costa Rican service, and authenticity, making it a standout choice. It’s also in the process of undergoing a major refresh, so many of the public spaces will have a fresh, contemporary feel. 

  • Beach Club: Exclusive access to a private beach club with a full service restaurant, beach service, a pool, calm waters, and an abundance of water sports. You can take the boat shuttle or a land shuttle, but I recommend the boat. The captain makes it a fun ride, and even stopped to show us some stingrays on the way to the beach. 

  • Staff: Once you arrive, you’ll be connected to the concierge via a WhatsApp group. I asked so many questions, and the team was always helpful and responsive. Before we left, our pre-arrival concierge, Juan came out to greet us and ensure that we had a wonderful stay. 

  • Wildlife: Spot howler monkeys, white face monkeys,  iguanas, and exotic birds right from your balcony. We did a monkey tour our first full day, and it was the perfect way to get acquainted with the layout of the Peninsula, and learn more about the local wildlife. 

  • Adults-Only Pool: A peaceful retreat for couples, solo travelers, and those parents who are ready for a break! Do not miss the fresh coconuts with a “splash” of rum, it’s the most refreshing poolside drink you’ll ever have. Also, the pool menu is not available at any of the other restaurants, so order the shrimp dumplings, and edamame hummus while there. 

  • Secret Beach: Ask staff about the hidden beach trail—a secluded paradise at sunrise or sunset. It’s ideal for those who are looking for total seclusion. Grab a drink and a towel from the adults’ only pool before you make your way down the trail. You won’t have WiFi when you get there, so it really is the ultimate beach to get away from it all! 

 
 

WHY IT’S PERFECT FOR FAMILIES

The Andaz is also one of the best family-friendly resorts in Costa Rica.

  • Kids Club: While our son was a little too young for the programming (for ages 4 and up), he was able to use the facility as long as he was with an adult (parent, grandparent, or babysitter). The programming for children is inspired by local culture and nature and the staff was super friendly and responsive.

  • Babysitting: These services are provided by the team at the kids club. We used them in the evenings and found our sitter to be fantastic. We got on a WhatApp group, and she touched base with us and even helped troubleshoot a camera glitch that happened as soon as we left the resort. 

  • Zero-entry pool: Safe and fun for little ones. Our 2.5 year-old had an absolute blast splashing about in the shallow areas of this pool. There are lots of loungers around the pool, but we loved that there were also tables and chairs right by the entry, so you could let the kids have some independence while still keeping an eye on them. 

  • Two-bedroom villas: The spacious and thoughtful layout of these newly renovated villas provides a wonderful common area for the entire family, while offering adequate separation of the bedrooms for seclusion when needed. The units also come with enhanced VIP amenities like private check-in, extra comforts, and more space to relax.

  • Getting around: We packed a heavy duty stroller, but it was unnecessary, as you’ll take golf carts all over the resort. There are a lot of stairs to get to and from the beach, so be prepared to carry your child, and give yourself plenty of time to get there, especially if you are catching the beach shuttle. 

  • Kid Friendly Activities: While our son was too young for most of the more kid-friendly activities, the resort has a great programming guide that lists how old you need to be to participate. Many of the activities start at 5, however, we were still able to take him on the monkey tour, on the boat and beach while my husband surfed, and on a jet ski. 

 
 

The Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica is more than just a vacation destination—it’s a sanctuary of luxury, adventure, and connection. From its world-class resorts to its hidden beaches and incredible dining, Papagayo is a place that invites you to slow down, recharge, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or a family, this is a destination you’ll want to return to again and again. I know I do!

Amina Dearmon