Playa Chiquita
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Playa Chiquita Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

4.7
·475 reviews·, Costa Rica

A secluded, tree-lined beach in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, offering tranquil waters, natural tide pools, and a jungle path for a truly enchanting escap...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Calm tide pools for relaxing

CrowdLow
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Playa Chiquita

Playa Chiquita Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Calm tide pools for relaxing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A secluded, tree-lined beach in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, offering tranquil waters, natural tide pools, and a jungle path for a truly enchanting escape. Instagram

4.7
(475 reviews)

"This is a lovely beach, quite secluded, so it almost feels private. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Trail-Ready Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for the jungle path; it can be uneven with roots and holes.

⚠️ Respect the Ocean

Be aware of rip currents and undertows. This is an unsupervised beach.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Jungle Beach

Secluded Jungle Beach

Playa Chiquita

Escape to a tranquil, tree-lined shore that feels like your own private paradise. Perfect for relaxation and soaking up nature.

Instagram
Natural Swimming Pools

Natural Swimming Pools

Playa Chiquita

Discover calm tide pools when the tide is low, offering a safe and serene spot to relax and enjoy the gentle waves.

Reddit
Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Jungle trails to Playa Chiquita

Keep an eye out for toucans and listen for the majestic Great Green Macaws flying overhead near sunset.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Playa Chiquita

Playa Chiquita isn't directly accessible by road; you'll need to navigate a jungle trail. Some visitors note the path can be tricky with holes and roots, so wear appropriate footwear. It's a small price to pay for a secluded feel! Reddit

Ocean Safety First

While beautiful, Playa Chiquita can have strong undertows and rip currents, especially during swell season. Always heed warning signs and flags. This is an unsupervised beach, so swim with caution and be aware of the drop-offs and rocks. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
Calm tide pools for relaxing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Shade from trees, potential macaws
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¡Bienvenidos a Caribbean Courtyard Villas en Playa Chiquita! 🌊🌴☀️🌺 Les muestro esta joya en medio de la selva caribeña que pueden alquilar con @Utopia Caribe para sus próximas vacaciones en Puerto Viejo. 🌿✨ La casa es perfecta para relajarse y disfrutar de la paz del Caribe. Y lo mejor de todo es que con mi código DANI tienen un 20% de descuento en cualquiera de las casas que rentan en www.utopiac...
@danicedenou
25.1K likes • 420.8K views

👟 Trail-Ready Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for the jungle path; it can be uneven with roots and holes. TikTokReddit

⚠️ Respect the Ocean

Be aware of rip currents and undertows. This is an unsupervised beach. InstagramReddit

#puertoviejo #puertoviejocostarica #puertoviejolimón #puertoviejolimón🌴 #puertoviejolimoncostarica #jamvillcostarica #manzanillo #manzanillolimon #puntauva #puntauva🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷 #playapuntauva #playachiquita #playacoclespuertoviejo #playacocles #cocles #cahuita #cahuitacr🇨🇷 #cahuitanationalpark #vidanocturna #caribesurcostarica #caribesur #caribesur💚🇨🇷 #fiestanocturna #puertolimon #puertolimon🍃🍃❤️ #puer...
@jamvillcostarica
10.3K likes • 240.9K views
Si hay que visitar una playa en Limón, es esta 🌊🐚 Playa Chiquita tiene de todo, sombra, aguas tranquilas, naturaleza por todos lados, una vista espectacular y súper cerca de Puerto Viejo y de Manzanillo. Si tenés otra opción para llegar aquí compártela pues a algunas personas se les hace difícil encontrar esta playa a la primera. . . . . . #playachiquita #manzanillo #puertoviejo #puertoviejol...
deviajecostarica
141 likes • 5.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Coastline

Bike from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo, stopping at Chiquita, Punta Uva, and Cocles. Reddit

🌳 Seek Natural Shade

The jungle canopy provides excellent shade, especially from midday onwards. Reddit

🌴🌊 Playa Chiquita - Puerto Viejo, Limón 🏖️✨ Ubicada en el Caribe costarricense, Playa Chiquita es un rincón paradisíaco lleno de tranquilidad y belleza natural 😍🌿. Sus aguas cristalinas y su arena dorada la convierten en el lugar perfecto para relajarse y disfrutar del sol 🌞. Sin embargo, es importante tener en cuenta que, aunque el mar luce calmado, en ocasiones el oleaje puede ser peligroso 🌊⚠...
adondeircostarica
5.8K likes • 307.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Trail-Ready Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for the jungle path; it can be uneven with roots and holes. TikTokReddit

⚠️ Respect the Ocean

Be aware of rip currents and undertows. This is an unsupervised beach. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Coastline

Bike from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo, stopping at Chiquita, Punta Uva, and Cocles. Reddit

🌳 Seek Natural Shade

The jungle canopy provides excellent shade, especially from midday onwards. Reddit

📸 Capture the Macaws

Look and listen for Great Green Macaws flying over the beach before sunset. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(475 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa Chiquita is a secluded gem offering a tranquil escape with its tree-lined shores and natural tide pools. Visitors love its peaceful atmosphere and the chance to spot wildlife, though caution is advised due to strong ocean currents and the rugged jungle access path. InstagramReddit

"This is a lovely beach, quite secluded, so it almost feels private. At least when you walk a little bit along the shore to a quiet area. It's nice to just relax here in the shades, or not, if you like to get tanned. Beware of the rip tides, it was quite intense when we were there. There is no supervision, just warning flags and some rescue materials at certain points. No beach amenities, just one beach club to the north side of the beach."

Benjamin P

"Beach has a strong undertow. There is a warning sign when you get there. When the tide is in there is drop off and rocks to be aware of. This is an unsupervised beach. We had to walk down a path to get to the beach. The path has tons of holes with crabs. 🦀 At points we had to take a path cut through the jungle to stroll at length down the beach. Note this is not a “groomed” beachfront. It is lovely tho."

vani edwardson

"A hidden gem in Costa Rica. Inaccessible by road, you have to walk a trail through the rainforest to get to this beach which makes it all the more enchanting. I spent time over Christmas 2023 and New Year in this very area, and visited this secluded beach every day to soak up the tranquillity. The jungle lines the sand which provides shade from around lunchtime onwards. As it's hidden away it seems nobody visits here and you become quite attached to your own private beach. The Caribbean Sea is so clear here, so ideal for swimming and snorkelling. We carried body boards through the jungle on our 1st day, but the waves were too small for that, so I wouldn't bother. During swell season, the rip tides are no joke so be very careful. Every day, around a half an hour before sunset, a handful of Great Green Macaws fly over the beach, heading homewards for the evening. You could set your watch to it. What an amazing sight, although you will definitely hear them before you see them. This sight also makes the locals very happy, as only 10 years ago there was none of these magnificent birds left in the wild in this area. Conservation and a reintroduction program in the Puerto Viejo area have successfully brought these back from the dead and it is a joy to hear their calls over the sound of the waves while sitting on this beach. You can also see lots of other wildlife activity on the jungle walk to here - namely 3 different types of toucans which seem plentiful. Another world! This is the perfect place to escape the corporate grind and clear your mind."

Alan Egan

What People Like

Secluded and peaceful atmosphere
Natural tide pools
Jungle setting and wildlife

What People Dislike

Strong undertows/rip currents
Tricky jungle access path
Lack of amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa Chiquita is located a short distance south of Puerto Viejo. The most popular way to get there is by biking along the coastal road, which takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also take a taxi or local bus. Remember, the beach itself is accessed via a jungle trail, not directly from the road. InstagramReddit

While you can drive to the general area of Playa Chiquita, direct car access to the beach is limited. You'll need to park and walk a short jungle path to reach the sand. This adds to its secluded charm. Reddit

Finding the exact entrance can be a bit tricky for first-timers. Look for small signs or paths leading off the main road between Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva. Some locals might point you in the right direction. Instagram

Yes, Playa Chiquita is part of a beautiful stretch of coastline. You can easily bike or walk to it from neighboring beaches like Cocles Beach, Punta Uva, and even Manzanillo if you're up for a longer excursion. Reddit

The path is generally a jungle trail, which can be uneven with roots and occasional holes. It's not a paved walkway. Wearing appropriate footwear like sneakers or sturdy sandals is recommended, especially if you plan to explore further. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa Chiquita is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its natural beauty for free. Instagram

Playa Chiquita is largely undeveloped. You won't find public restrooms, showers, or extensive facilities. There might be a beach club or restaurant nearby, but it's best to come prepared with your own water and essentials. Reddit

As a natural beach, Playa Chiquita is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate its beauty. Instagram

Yes, there are several charming villas and guesthouses located very close to Playa Chiquita, some offering jungle settings and easy beach access. TikTokInstagram+1

While the tide pools can be great for kids when the tide is low, the ocean can have strong currents. Parents should exercise extreme caution and supervise children closely. Some reviews mention the beach access not being ideal for very young children. InstagramReddit

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Playa Chiquita's calm waters and reefs make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling when the conditions are right. However, be very cautious of rip currents and undertows, especially during high tide or swell season. Always check local conditions and heed warning signs. InstagramReddit

The jungle surrounding Playa Chiquita is teeming with life. You might spot various types of toucans and, if you're lucky, Great Green Macaws flying overhead, especially near sunset. Keep an eye out for monkeys and other creatures on the jungle trails. Reddit

Yes, the clear waters and reefs at Playa Chiquita make it a good spot for snorkeling, particularly when the sea is calm. You can explore the underwater world right off the shore. Reddit

Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a towel. Since amenities are scarce, packing a small first-aid kit is also a good idea. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery! TikTok

Playa Chiquita is known for its secluded feel, especially if you walk a bit along the shore. It's generally less crowded than some of the more popular beaches in Puerto Viejo, offering a more peaceful experience. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Directly on Playa Chiquita, options are limited. There's a mention of a beach club on the north side. For more variety, you'll find restaurants and cafes in nearby Puerto Viejo or along the coastal road. InstagramReddit

Just a short bike ride away in Puerto Viejo, you'll find a wide array of restaurants offering local Caribbean cuisine, international dishes, and Italian options like pizza. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Playa Chiquita is a perfect spot for a picnic. Pack your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst the natural beauty. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the beach pristine. TikTok

Yes, El Nido e' Pulecenella in Playa Chiquita is highly recommended for authentic Neapolitan pizza, offering a taste of Italy in Costa Rica. Instagram

Don't miss out on traditional Caribbean dishes like 'rice and beans' cooked in coconut milk, 'patí' (spicy meat pastry), and fresh seafood. Many local sodas (small eateries) offer these authentic flavors. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the lush jungle meeting the sea, the tranquil waters, and the unique tide pools. The secluded nature of the beach offers a sense of untouched beauty. Don't miss the chance to photograph the Great Green Macaws if you spot them! InstagramReddit

While the beach faces west, offering potential for beautiful sunsets, the dense jungle canopy might obscure direct views. The golden hour light filtering through the trees can create magical shots. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive jungle and beach scenery. If you're hoping to photograph wildlife, a telephoto lens would be beneficial. Waterproof protection for your gear is advisable due to the humidity and potential for rain. Reddit

The jungle trails themselves offer unique perspectives, with glimpses of the ocean through the trees. Walking along the shoreline also provides various angles of the beach and its surroundings. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary in Costa Rica. It's best to check the latest rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas before flying. Respecting wildlife and privacy is paramount. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa Chiquita can be a lovely spot for families, especially during low tide when calm tide pools form, offering a safe place for younger children to splash around. Reddit However, parents must be extremely vigilant due to the potential for strong undertows and rip currents, as the beach is unsupervised and can have drop-offs. Instagram The jungle path to the beach might also be a bit challenging for very small children or strollers, so consider this when planning your visit. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Playa Chiquita is a fantastic free destination! As a public beach, there's no entrance fee, making it an ideal spot for budget-conscious travelers. Instagram Pack your own snacks and water to save money, as amenities are minimal. TikTok The real value here is the natural beauty and tranquility, which are priceless. Consider renting a bike in Puerto Viejo to explore the coastline, which is an affordable and scenic way to reach Playa Chiquita and other nearby beaches. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace

For solo travelers looking for tranquility and a chance to reconnect with nature, Playa Chiquita is a dream. Its secluded nature means you can often find a quiet spot to yourself, perfect for reading, meditating, or simply enjoying the sounds of the ocean. InstagramReddit The jungle trails offer a sense of adventure and immersion, while the beach provides a peaceful backdrop to clear your mind and escape the everyday hustle. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Jungle Trails

Reaching Playa Chiquita is an adventure in itself, as it's not directly accessible by road. Visitors often describe walking a path through the rainforest to get to the beach. This trail can be a bit rugged, with roots and occasional holes, so wearing sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Reddit Some travelers even mention needing to cut through the jungle at points to stroll along the shore. This slightly challenging access is precisely what contributes to the beach's secluded and enchanting atmosphere, making it feel like a hidden gem. Instagram

Keep your eyes peeled during your walk, as the jungle is alive with activity. You might encounter various types of toucans, and if you're lucky, you could spot other wildlife. The journey through the lush greenery is as much a part of the experience as the beach itself, offering a true immersion into Costa Rica's natural beauty. Reddit

Understanding Ocean Safety

While Playa Chiquita's clear waters and reefs are inviting, it's crucial to be aware of the ocean's power. Reviews frequently mention strong undertows and rip currents, particularly during the swell season. Warning signs are posted, and there are some rescue materials available, but it's important to remember that this is an unsupervised beach. InstagramReddit

When the tide is high, there can be a significant drop-off and submerged rocks to be mindful of. Visitors are advised to swim with caution and stay within safe limits. If you're looking for a calmer experience, visiting during low tide can reveal natural tide pools that offer a more serene place to relax and enjoy the water. Reddit Always prioritize safety and be aware of the conditions before entering the water.

Wildlife Wonders of Playa Chiquita

Playa Chiquita offers more than just beautiful scenery; it's a haven for wildlife. The surrounding jungle is a vibrant ecosystem, and visitors often report sightings of various bird species. Reddit One of the most magical experiences mentioned is the daily flight of Great Green Macaws just before sunset. These magnificent birds, brought back from near extinction through conservation efforts, can be heard before they are seen as they head home for the evening. Reddit

Beyond the macaws, keep an eye out for different types of toucans on the jungle trails leading to the beach. The sounds of the rainforest and the occasional flash of color from a bird's plumage add an extra layer of enchantment to your visit. It's a reminder of the rich biodiversity that makes Costa Rica so special. Reddit

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