The Journey Is Part of the Experience
Every great destination begins with a journey — and at Playa Los Vivos Beach Experience, that journey is part of the story.
Hidden just beyond the town of Santa Teresa, Playa Los Vivos is only accessible by boat. There’s no traffic, no noise, and no paved road leading in. Instead, guests cross a calm estuary surrounded by mangroves, stepping off the boat into soft sand and ocean breeze.
From the moment you begin your trip — whether driving down from San José or flying into Liberia — the path to Los Vivos feels like an adventure that slows you down, step by step, until you finally arrive in complete peace.
1. Where Is Playa Los Vivos?
Playa Los Vivos sits on the southern tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, just across the small estuary from the town of Santa Teresa in Puntarenas province.
The beach faces the calm waters of the gulf, protected from strong surf, making it one of the most tranquil oceanfront settings in the region. Its location offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility — far enough from the crowds to feel private, but close enough for easy arrival.
2. Arriving From San José
From Costa Rica’s capital city San José, there are three main ways to reach Playa Los Vivos depending on how quickly you want to get there and how much scenery you’d like along the way.
Option 1: Drive and Ferry (Most Scenic)
This is the most popular route for guests who enjoy road trips and local views.
- Drive Time: About 5–6 hours total.
- Route:
- Take Route 27 west from San José toward Puntarenas.
- From Puntarenas, board the ferry to Paquera (about 70 minutes).
- After arriving in Paquera, drive about 1.5 hours through Tambor and Cobano to reach Camping Don Trino — the boat pickup point for Playa Los Vivos.
- Take Route 27 west from San José toward Puntarenas.
The roads are mostly paved and well-marked, with gas stations and cafes along the way. The ferry ride is a highlight, offering ocean views and a chance to stretch your legs before the final drive.
Option 2: Domestic Flight (Fastest and Easiest)
If you prefer to skip the long drive, take a domestic flight from San José to Cobano Airport, located just 25 minutes from Playa Los Vivos.
- Flight Time: Around 25–30 minutes.
- Drive from Cobano to Camping Don Trino: About 25 minutes.
Our team at Playa Los Vivos Beach Experience can arrange a private taxi transfer from Cobano Airport directly to the boat dock at Camping Don Trino. Your driver will meet you at the airport, handle your bags, and bring you comfortably to the launch point where your boat will be waiting.
This is the most seamless and time-efficient way to arrive — you’ll trade hours of driving for a short scenic flight and arrive relaxed, ready to begin your stay.
Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take a shuttle, we can help arrange every step of your journey — including ferry tickets, ground transportation, and the final boat transfer to the beach. Just let us know your travel plans, and we’ll make it easy from start to finish.
Option 3: Private Shuttle
Private door-to-door shuttles run daily between San José and Santa Teresa. They handle the ferry transfer for you, so you can relax the entire way. From Santa Teresa, it’s just a few minutes to Camping Don Trino, where your short boat ride begins.
3. Arriving From Liberia
Coming from Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste is another easy and scenic route.
- Drive Time: About 4.5 to 5 hours.
- Route:
- Take Route 21 south toward Nicoya, then continue toward Naranjo and Paquera.
- Drive through Tambor and Cobano until you reach Camping Don Trino.
- Take Route 21 south toward Nicoya, then continue toward Naranjo and Paquera.
The road is mostly paved and offers views of rural countryside, mountain ridges, and the sparkling Gulf of Nicoya.
Private transfers are also available directly from the airport to Don Trino. Most guests choose to stop for a meal in Nicoya or Cobano, making the trip part of the adventure.
4. The Final Step: The 3-Minute Boat Ride
The last stretch of the journey is what makes Playa Los Vivos unforgettable.
Once you reach Camping Don Trino, you’ll find easy parking and a small dock area. Local boat operators are ready to meet you — friendly faces who’ve been bringing guests across this short stretch of water for years.
From here, it’s just a 3-minute boat ride through calm estuary waters surrounded by mangroves and birds. The crossing is safe, scenic, and surprisingly peaceful.
As the boat glides across the water, you’ll feel the shift — city thoughts and noise left behind, replaced by ocean air and the soft sound of waves. When the boat touches the sand at Los Vivos, you step directly into a different rhythm of life.
5. Why the Journey Matters
Unlike destinations you can reach by car or bus, Playa Los Vivos begins with an intentional moment of separation — the boat ride. It’s not an obstacle; it’s an invitation to slow down.
The short crossing marks the transition from your travel day into something calmer and more grounded. Guests often say that those three minutes across the water are when they feel their vacation truly begin.
And because cars can’t drive in, the beach stays pure — no engines, no noise, just nature and open sky.
6. Once You Arrive
Your first impression will be the silence.
Then, the warmth of the sand underfoot and the view of turquoise water meeting lush green forest.
Staff will greet you and help you settle in, making your arrival smooth and relaxed. From the beach to your room is just a short walk, and within minutes you’ll be sipping a cool drink, shoes off, listening to the sea.
You don’t have to plan anything from that point forward — meals, adventures, and rest all flow naturally once you’re here.
7. What Makes the Journey Worth It
The route to Playa Los Vivos might be longer than a quick drive to a city hotel, but it’s far more rewarding. Every step removes another layer of noise and hurry.
- The road trip shows you Costa Rica’s countryside.
- The ferry or flight immerses you in ocean views.
- The boat ride completes the transition into peace.
By the time you arrive, your mind is already quieter. The destination feels earned, which makes it even more meaningful.
8. Tips for a Smooth Arrival
• Plan your travel during daylight. You’ll enjoy the views and easier navigation.
• Check ferry schedules in advance. Morning and early afternoon crossings are most convenient.
• Pack light. You’ll be walking and boating — sandals and small bags are easiest.
• Bring a camera. The mangroves and reflections during the boat ride are breathtaking.
• Relax your schedule. Travel in Costa Rica is part of the adventure — enjoy each stop along the way.
9. The Reward: Arrival as Transformation
When you finally step onto the beach at Playa Los Vivos, something subtle happens. You breathe differently. The constant buzz of travel fades, replaced by the rhythm of the waves.
You’re not just arriving at a hotel — you’re entering an environment designed for rest, renewal, and reconnection.
Here, the journey’s last three minutes feel symbolic: leaving behind the world of hurry and arriving in one where time expands.
10. Why the Trip Is Always Worth Taking
No matter where you begin — the city streets of San José or the hills of Liberia — every mile toward Playa Los Vivos brings you closer to balance.
It’s more than a route; it’s a reset.
The drive, the ferry, the flight, the boat — each stage slows you down, until what’s left is simplicity and presence.
That’s the essence of Playa Los Vivos. It’s not just a place you reach; it’s a place that changes how you arrive — inside and out.
Once you get here, you’ll understand why everyone says the same thing:
“The journey was beautiful… but I never want to leave.”
