Playa Junquillal
Costa Rica Tourism Board
Avenida 7, Calle 11-15
San José, Costa Rica
506-2299-5800
Playa Junquillal is a beach located on the Pacific Coast of northwest Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste. It is known for its pristine, uncrowded beaches with golden sand, volcanic black rock, clear blue waters, and stunning sunsets. It’s backed by lush vegetation including mangroves and tropical dry forests which add to the beaches natural appeal. The region is rich in biodiversity with many species of birds – including parrots and toucans and other fauna including howler monkeys, iguanas, and sea turtles during nesting season.
Playa Junquillal offers a range of activities including hiking, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, horseback riding, and kayaking. On our trip, we walked the beach in the area with very few tourists and enjoyed the local vibe and restaurants. This is a small tight-knit community with a mix of locals and expatriates with a relaxed scene when compared to some of the nearby tourist destinations like Tamarindo. It is highly recommended for the outdoor enthusiast that is looking for a laid back Costa Rica experience.
- click for a trip report from this hike to Playa Avellanas: April 6, 2021 (password required)
- click for a map of the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica
- click for a trail map of this hike on the beach at Playa Junquillal
- click for more hikes in Costa Rica at the Rio Negra Hot Springs and Playa Avallanas
- click for more tropical hikes in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic
- click for another tropical hike in the Bahamas and Haiti
- click for more international hikes