Escape to Del Sol guidebook
Beaches
This perfect unspoiled beach is right in our backyard!
Calm waves with a gradually increasing depth make this the perfect place to play in the clear, warm water. Many shaded spots to relax and the perfect place to watch the sunset.
A tree-dappled trail at the north end takes you to Playa Prieta.
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Playa Penca
Playa PrietaThis perfect unspoiled beach is right in our backyard!
Calm waves with a gradually increasing depth make this the perfect place to play in the clear, warm water. Many shaded spots to relax and the perfect place to watch the sunset.
A tree-dappled trail at the north end takes you to Playa Prieta.
Playa Prieta
Privacy in paradise
Walk all the way to Portrero or Flamingo from our condo if you want some exercise! If youre feeling hungry along the way, The Beach house restaurant (right on the sand) has amazing food and cold drinks. Enter the beach access next to Las Brisas waterfront restaurant, down the street from us towards town. Once in Potrero or Flamingo, it is easy to find a taxi back home.
Located between Playa Flamingo (and Marina) and Playa Penca, Playa Potrero used to be a small fishing village. Today it is home to a friendly community of Ticos and Ex-pats who enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful location of this adorable little town. The town offers everything you need including shops, restaurants, and bars. If you want a quiet peaceful Costa Rica vacation, come to Playa Potrero. Other more lively towns like Tamarindo, Brasilito, and Flamingo, are just around the corner if you’re looking to experience Costa Rica nightlife! Guanacaste Costa Rica is known for having the most amount of sun and the least amount of rain all year round!
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Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
Walk all the way to Portrero or Flamingo from our condo if you want some exercise! If youre feeling hungry along the way, The Beach house restaurant (right on the sand) has amazing food and cold drinks. Enter the beach access next to Las Brisas waterfront restaurant, down the street from us towards town. Once in Potrero or Flamingo, it is easy to find a taxi back home.
Located between Playa Flamingo (and Marina) and Playa Penca, Playa Potrero used to be a small fishing village. Today it is home to a friendly community of Ticos and Ex-pats who enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful location of this adorable little town. The town offers everything you need including shops, restaurants, and bars. If you want a quiet peaceful Costa Rica vacation, come to Playa Potrero. Other more lively towns like Tamarindo, Brasilito, and Flamingo, are just around the corner if you’re looking to experience Costa Rica nightlife! Guanacaste Costa Rica is known for having the most amount of sun and the least amount of rain all year round!
The main road in front of our condo will take you right to Danta Beach if you turn left. About 45 min drive with scenic spots high above the water. The road is fairly well maintained.
Grab lunch at a Los Catalinas beachfront restaurant if you're hungry.
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Danta Beach
The main road in front of our condo will take you right to Danta Beach if you turn left. About 45 min drive with scenic spots high above the water. The road is fairly well maintained.
Grab lunch at a Los Catalinas beachfront restaurant if you're hungry.
Playa Flamingo has a different setup than other towns in Costa Rica. Most destinations are either set back from a main beach or centered around a downtown square or soccer field. But Flamingo has no real town center and the land behind its beach is sheltered from development because of a large mangrove forest.
Instead, each hilly end of this beach has been built up with condos, hotels, vacation rental homes, shops, and restaurants. The central area remains just a pristine beach. On the northern corner of town, a large marina sits protected behind a rocky point. Check out the Flamingo night market on Mondays, full of local artisans and goods.
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Playa Flamingo
Flamingo Beach RoadPlaya Flamingo has a different setup than other towns in Costa Rica. Most destinations are either set back from a main beach or centered around a downtown square or soccer field. But Flamingo has no real town center and the land behind its beach is sheltered from development because of a large mangrove forest.
Instead, each hilly end of this beach has been built up with condos, hotels, vacation rental homes, shops, and restaurants. The central area remains just a pristine beach. On the northern corner of town, a large marina sits protected behind a rocky point. Check out the Flamingo night market on Mondays, full of local artisans and goods.
Just a short walk south of Playa Brasilito is Playa Conchal. Conchal isn’t a town per se but has been built up with luxury accommodations because of its famed beach.
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Playa Conchal
Just a short walk south of Playa Brasilito is Playa Conchal. Conchal isn’t a town per se but has been built up with luxury accommodations because of its famed beach.
Tamarindo has established itself as the leading surf town in Costa Rica. We can see why. It’s got all sorts of breaks, many of them right on the doorstep of the town itself. Most beginners won’t need to stray more than 10 minutes from their hostel beds. All the whitewash they could want is a mere 20 meters’ walk through the palm trees. More advanced surfers might want to stray a little further, but there are A-frame wedges and rivermouth barrels even if you’re willing to go 20 minutes by foot.
Tamarindo also has a cracking surf infrastructure – we’d say the best in the country. That’s mainly down to the excellent surf camps but also due to the abundance of locally and internationally owned surf schools. On top of that, this is a party town. You can hit the waves and look forward to wild nights in tropical bars blaring out the reggae.
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Tamarindo
Tamarindo has established itself as the leading surf town in Costa Rica. We can see why. It’s got all sorts of breaks, many of them right on the doorstep of the town itself. Most beginners won’t need to stray more than 10 minutes from their hostel beds. All the whitewash they could want is a mere 20 meters’ walk through the palm trees. More advanced surfers might want to stray a little further, but there are A-frame wedges and rivermouth barrels even if you’re willing to go 20 minutes by foot.
Tamarindo also has a cracking surf infrastructure – we’d say the best in the country. That’s mainly down to the excellent surf camps but also due to the abundance of locally and internationally owned surf schools. On top of that, this is a party town. You can hit the waves and look forward to wild nights in tropical bars blaring out the reggae.
The beach is best at low tide, stroll through the unique bario towards the north end to snorkel. Enjoy lunch or a sunset dinner at Patagonia, a wonderful culinary experience!
Brasilito
The beach is best at low tide, stroll through the unique bario towards the north end to snorkel. Enjoy lunch or a sunset dinner at Patagonia, a wonderful culinary experience!
It is a unique area to spend some time exploring. This place has a quaint, mediterranean vibe you should check out!
Las Catalinas
It is a unique area to spend some time exploring. This place has a quaint, mediterranean vibe you should check out!
Potrero Central and Surfside
Potrero Central is our area with a wonderful, quaint vibe
Potrero "Surfside" is a busier area with multiple restaurants, bars and additional amenities
Just outside our front door, you will find the quaint area of Central Potrero consisting of markets, restaurants, and Tico homes surrounding a soccer field. The local bus stops here heading to several destinations near and far. This area is safe to walk day or night. A 5 min drive will take you to a busier street of Surfside with even more shopping and eating options. The pharmacy and clinic on the strip is top-notch service.
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Potrero
Just outside our front door, you will find the quaint area of Central Potrero consisting of markets, restaurants, and Tico homes surrounding a soccer field. The local bus stops here heading to several destinations near and far. This area is safe to walk day or night. A 5 min drive will take you to a busier street of Surfside with even more shopping and eating options. The pharmacy and clinic on the strip is top-notch service.
City/town information
This little town has everything from hardware to fishing equipment and is a 20 min drive away. You will pass through on your way to Tamarindo or Playa Grande. Check out the food options on the main corner where 180 meets 155.
Huacas
This little town has everything from hardware to fishing equipment and is a 20 min drive away. You will pass through on your way to Tamarindo or Playa Grande. Check out the food options on the main corner where 180 meets 155.
Food scene
La Jama Playa Potrero
Great food with good prices
Pricing $
A 3 min walk from our condo. Great food, wonderful service.
Situated on Playa Potrero
Pricing $ - $$
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Las Brisas Potrero Restaurante Bar
A 3 min walk from our condo. Great food, wonderful service.
Situated on Playa Potrero
Pricing $ - $$
Authentic Italian food, wines, coffee and desserts Pricing $$ - $$$
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La Forketta
Calle NaranjaAuthentic Italian food, wines, coffee and desserts Pricing $$ - $$$
A luxurious dining experience with an unparalleled view. Beach attire is not allowed.
Pricing $$$ - $$$$
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Sentido Norte
A luxurious dining experience with an unparalleled view. Beach attire is not allowed.
Pricing $$$ - $$$$
Gelato, simply delicious! Right across the street
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Italian Ice Cream/ Gelato Shop
Camino Las CatalinasGelato, simply delicious! Right across the street
A short 10 min stroll. Here you will find an ATM, an amazing bakery, a salon, an Italian restaurant, and a homemade sausage company. Don't miss checking out the fresh fish market! Easily the best in the area! Tucked away behind security gates, this little gem is easily overlooked. Anyone can enter the compound.
Villaggio Flor De Pacifico
A short 10 min stroll. Here you will find an ATM, an amazing bakery, a salon, an Italian restaurant, and a homemade sausage company. Don't miss checking out the fresh fish market! Easily the best in the area! Tucked away behind security gates, this little gem is easily overlooked. Anyone can enter the compound.
Halfway between Flamingo and Brasilito, you will notice an entrance to the gated community of Mar Vista. |Tell security you are dining at Gracia and he will wave you through.
A wonderful tapas-style menu with the option to swim while eating is a definite experience! Sunsets here seem to go on forever.
Mar Vista
Halfway between Flamingo and Brasilito, you will notice an entrance to the gated community of Mar Vista. |Tell security you are dining at Gracia and he will wave you through.
A wonderful tapas-style menu with the option to swim while eating is a definite experience! Sunsets here seem to go on forever.
Fantastic food and specialty drinks right on the beach! Try their signature Coco Loco served in a coconut shell!
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Restaurante Coco Loco
Flamingo Beach RoadFantastic food and specialty drinks right on the beach! Try their signature Coco Loco served in a coconut shell!
Surfside is an area very close with multiple wonderful restaurants, grocers, pharmacies, etc Check out Hemmingways for dining on the waterfront, with specialties such as Tomahawk steaks and seafood. Their 1/2 lb Angus burgers are big enough for two!
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The Restaurant at the Sailing Center
Surfside is an area very close with multiple wonderful restaurants, grocers, pharmacies, etc Check out Hemmingways for dining on the waterfront, with specialties such as Tomahawk steaks and seafood. Their 1/2 lb Angus burgers are big enough for two!
Reparito House
Just outside our condo gate you will find this little authentic Mexican gem.
This is a true "Hidden Gem" that is easily overlooked. If you want to eat right in front of the sands of Flamingo Beach and experience local cuisine, this is the spot! Meals are priced quite low and portions are huge. The view is remarkable!
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Estero Azul
Flamingo ResortThis is a true "Hidden Gem" that is easily overlooked. If you want to eat right in front of the sands of Flamingo Beach and experience local cuisine, this is the spot! Meals are priced quite low and portions are huge. The view is remarkable!
This lovely authentic Italian restaurant is literally in our back yard. The pasta is fantastic and they offer take out.
La Pizzetteria Da Oreste
This lovely authentic Italian restaurant is literally in our back yard. The pasta is fantastic and they offer take out.
This wonderful restaurant is my go-to place when I want a great meal, but don't feel like driving. The menu is varied and interesting and priced reasonably.
Lorito Restaurante
This wonderful restaurant is my go-to place when I want a great meal, but don't feel like driving. The menu is varied and interesting and priced reasonably.
If you have a hankering for sushi and/or Asian-fusion, its well worth a drive to Brasilito. Just over the bridge, you will find this unassuming place with a wonderful, friendly Philipino family running the show. Portions are huge, ingredients are top-notch, and prices are very fair. They also deliver.
New Shogun Restaurant
If you have a hankering for sushi and/or Asian-fusion, its well worth a drive to Brasilito. Just over the bridge, you will find this unassuming place with a wonderful, friendly Philipino family running the show. Portions are huge, ingredients are top-notch, and prices are very fair. They also deliver.
I love this spot for lunch or dinner. If you go , take along your bathing suit and towel to enjoy pool-side meal service in a comfortable cabana. Linger until sunset, you have front-row seats for the beautiful sky drama. If you want to dress up (or not) dining inside is very comfortable with top-notch service.
Breakfast here is fantastic (coffee refils are not free)
*Local's tip...when asked if you want water, keep in mind they will bring you bottled water at an extra fee unless you as for tap water.
Patagonia del Mar
I love this spot for lunch or dinner. If you go , take along your bathing suit and towel to enjoy pool-side meal service in a comfortable cabana. Linger until sunset, you have front-row seats for the beautiful sky drama. If you want to dress up (or not) dining inside is very comfortable with top-notch service.
Breakfast here is fantastic (coffee refils are not free)
*Local's tip...when asked if you want water, keep in mind they will bring you bottled water at an extra fee unless you as for tap water.
A short drive, or 30 min walk down the beach you will find this cute waterfront eatery. Live music on some nights and a great sunset view!
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The Beach House
A short drive, or 30 min walk down the beach you will find this cute waterfront eatery. Live music on some nights and a great sunset view!
If you are out exploring, you will find this spot just past the Flamingo Marina. It is an all-inclusive, but the restaurant is open to the public.
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo
If you are out exploring, you will find this spot just past the Flamingo Marina. It is an all-inclusive, but the restaurant is open to the public.
You're missing out if you don't check out this amazing bakery for savory and sweet treats! The coffee is top-notch and it's just down the road! 10 min walk or 2 min drive.
El Patio Panadería
You're missing out if you don't check out this amazing bakery for savory and sweet treats! The coffee is top-notch and it's just down the road! 10 min walk or 2 min drive.
Bottega Ristorante Don Miguel
So close to home, and such great Italian food!
If you feel like tossing some fresh fish, lobster or shrimp in a frying pan at home, this is the best seafood market in the area!
Marcosta Seafood Pescaderia
If you feel like tossing some fresh fish, lobster or shrimp in a frying pan at home, this is the best seafood market in the area!
A wonderful buffet-style soda with low prices and huge portions in Villa Real.
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Soda Las Palmas
A wonderful buffet-style soda with low prices and huge portions in Villa Real.
The best seafood soda I have ever seen! Great selection and prices, in Villa Real.
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Soda y Marisquería Marcela
Avenida InfantesThe best seafood soda I have ever seen! Great selection and prices, in Villa Real.
Located just past Villa Real as you turn towards Tamarindo, this is the best butcher for hundreds of miles!
Centro de Carnes Villa Mar
Avenida de las PalmasLocated just past Villa Real as you turn towards Tamarindo, this is the best butcher for hundreds of miles!
This cool spot is an amazing place for lunch or take-out food and bakery items. Easily missed, but well worth your time. If you want sour dough or other items, order the day before.
Breaking Bread
This cool spot is an amazing place for lunch or take-out food and bakery items. Easily missed, but well worth your time. If you want sour dough or other items, order the day before.
Amigos Tacos y Beer
The best burritos in the area, in Play Flamingo
Lovely breakfast and lunch in a casual cafe setting, in Playa Flamingo. I love their bagels and lox!
NALU bagel & café flamingo
Lovely breakfast and lunch in a casual cafe setting, in Playa Flamingo. I love their bagels and lox!
Sightseeing
Many amenities, huge grocery stores 30 min away. The best butcher for 100 miles! Check out the two sodas: Soda y Marisquería Marcela for seafood and Soda Las Palmas for a quick buffet-style meal
Tamarindo Villa Real
Many amenities, huge grocery stores 30 min away. The best butcher for 100 miles! Check out the two sodas: Soda y Marisquería Marcela for seafood and Soda Las Palmas for a quick buffet-style meal
Medical
Ocean Clinical Laboratory
Clinic/Lab close to home with a pharmacy next door
Flamingo Urgent Care
Medical care 20 min away with ambulance service
Farmacia Drugstore Playa Potrero
Basic pharmacy medications and suppies
Farmacia Bohemia
Conveniently located on the Flamingo strip
Spet.medical
Ambulance service
Groceries
Super Massai Grocery
Brasilito to PotreroA nice selection of food/alcohol/bread. A bit pricey.
A good place to shop if the smaller grocers don't have what you need.
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MerKdo
A good place to shop if the smaller grocers don't have what you need.
Super La Muralla #3
A hge, brand-new grocery store with housewares, hardware and tools.
Super Ceymi
A block away for food, alcohol and misc items
Super
A block away for basic items and misc stuff