Punta Islita is located in a secluded corner of Guanacaste on the Nicoya Peninsula. This romantic hideaway offers spectacular scenery and remote beaches, a perfect destination for those who desire luxury and tranquility. Hardly crowded, the little town is amazingly picturesque and bustling with an artistic community, greatly supported by foreigners and wealthy Costa Ricans.

A romantic hot spot for honeymooners and newlyweds alike, Hotel Punta Islita is a place of quiet contemplation and pristine beauty. It is basically made up of two small beaches, Punta Islita and Playa Corozalito. Both the beaches are separated by volcanic rock formations. The beach of Islita stretches a mile long and lies in a cove, watered by two streams that form little estuaries. The famous Hotel Punta Islita is located in an intimate setting, right above the ocean. The hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and even has its own airstrip.

Things to do in Punta Islita

Islita Art Museum and Local Artists
Guanacaste is famous for its passion for color and artistic expression. The Islita Art Museum has supported local artists to create the village of Islita into a living expression of the joy that exists in this area. Also, colorful murals and unique sculptures found throughout the village, and community art projects continue the local tradition of vibrant art appreciation. The Islita Art Museum offers a place where guests to the area can visit local studios, enjoy the local culture of the area and purchase unique, signature pieces to remind them of their time in sunny Costa Rica after they return home!

Blue Zone Circuit
You will explore the picturesque towns, landscapes, and beaches surrounding Punta Islita. Shop and sample regional dishes while you learn about Guanacaste's traditional rural lifestyle and what makes it a Blue Zone region.

Islita Beach
Playa Islita is the ideal destination for a serene escape to beautiful scenery. The small beach is hidden in a cove that connects with another little beach called Corozalito, which is also considered part of Playa Islita. Explore these beautiful beaches at sunset. You can aslo go swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.

Punta Islita Wild Macaw Reserve
The Punta Islita Wild Macaw Reserve is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of the area and see truly remarkable charismatic birds up close. Visits aim to inform guests of the project's work, the plight of these birds in the wild and what we can all do to help them.

Punta Islita Tours to other destinations nearby

Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour
Board either an artisan panga or a catamaran for a scenic tour of the Playa Samara coast. As you cruise along, look for sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and even whales during migration season. You go snorkeling the waters near Isla Chora National Wildlife Refuge or the reef of Samara.

Ocean Kayak and snorkeling to Chora Island
Traveling by kayak allows you to reach parts of the coastline that are usually inaccessible and increases your chances of spotting marine life and land creatures. You will see different types of fish such as puffer fish, rainbow fish, and if you have good luck you can observe turtles.

Turtle nesting near Samara
A guided tour ups your chances of seeing turtles nesting and hatching along the Costa Rica coast. Not only does your guide know the best spots for seeing turtle activity during its season, but also provides tons of insight into the turtle life cycle that you might otherwise miss.

Safari and Buena Vista beach horseback riding
Enjoy this adventure between jungle, river and beach to the calm rhythm of the horses path. You will cross the Buenavista river followed by the observation of animals and flora in the Guanacaste forest (typical from the region). At the end of the track, visit Buenavista Beach, a long beach of gray sand.

Mangrove Kayak
Starting at Samara, enjoy kayaking along the River Ora. This is an exciting tropical jungle experience, a perfect excursion for nature lovers and all ages. You'll be surrounded by wonderful birds such as herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills. As well as monkeys, iguanas and luxuriant vegetation.

Location and Map

Depending on the weather and road conditions, the journey by car or private transportation can take around 4 hours and 30 minutes from the San Jose International Airport (239 kms /149 miles) and from Liberia International Airport is a 2 hours and 40 minutes (126 kms / 78 miles). Driving by a car allows you to take in the beauty of the area and enjoy the enticing landscape along the way.