Costa Rica
Playa Herradura curves along a sheltered bay on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, a horseshoe-shaped beach whose calm, warm waters and proximity to both rainforest and open ocean embody the pura vida lifestyle. The bay, protected from the strongest Pacific swells by rocky headlands, provides safe swimming year-round and serves as home port for one of the largest sport-fishing fleets on the Pacific coast of Central America.
The setting is quintessential Costa Rica: the beach is backed by tropical forest climbing steeply into coastal mountains, alive with howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, and toucans. The village of Herradura is modest—a small collection of houses, restaurants, and the Los Sueños Resort and Marina with its golf course and 200-slip marina.
The cuisine draws on the coastal fishing tradition and Costa Rica's tropical agriculture. Ceviche is the Pacific coast's signature preparation. Casado, the everyday meal of rice, black beans, fried plantain, salad, and protein, is the lunchtime staple. Fresh tropical fruits and batidos (juices) are daily pleasures. Marina restaurants serve fresh-caught tuna and mahi-mahi.
Carara National Park, ten minutes north, is one of the most accessible birding sites in Costa Rica—over 400 bird species including scarlet macaws. The Tárcoles River hosts one of the largest concentrations of American crocodiles in the wild. Manuel Antonio National Park, an hour south, combines pristine beaches with tropical forest full of monkeys and sloths.
Playa Herradura is accessible from San José (ninety minutes) and serves as a cruise port. The dry season (December–April) offers the best weather. The green season (May–November) brings afternoon showers, lush vegetation, and lower prices. Water is warm year-round.