Hey there! As a teenager who grew up in Costa Rica and spent a lot of time visiting Peninsula Papagayo, I can tell you that it’s a stunning destination. There are so many hidden gems to discover, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites and insider tips.
Mango smoothie or “choco-mono’:
The mango smoothie at the Prieta Beach Club is my go-to drink and is both refreshing and delicious. But in the evenings, when we come to the Beach Club to watch the sunset, I recommend the “choco-mono,” which is a peanut butter, chocolate, banana smoothie combo with extra chocolate drizzles – for the chocolate lovers, like myself.
Shelling at Nacascolo Beach:
Nacascolo Beach is a perfect spot for shell hunting, and it’s a hidden gem that’s worth exploring. You can find all sorts of small, unique, and beautiful shells, including sea urchin shells, aka sea biscuits, which are unique and awesome.
Additionally, the beach itself has very calm waters and a shallow bay, making it a great place for swimming and relaxing.
Sunset on the golf course (hole #3):
If you’re looking for the most breathtaking sunset you have ever seen, then you will be amazed by the sunset on hole #3 of the Four Seasons golf course. Situated atop a hill, this hole looks out over the Pacific Ocean, the bay, and the golf course, where you can see the gorgeous, where you can see the gorgeous, vibrant colors that come with the sunset.
Hermit crab races at Prieta Beach:
One of my all-time favorite activities to do at Peninsula Papagayo is doing hermit crab races with my family. It’s a hilarious, exciting, and competitive activity that everyone loves!
I have been playing this since I was very young, and the trick is to play at sunset when the hermit crabs come out from hiding. To play, we simply each choose a hermit crab and draw a big circle with a little circle inside on the sand. We then place our hermit crabs in the little circle, and the first crab to get out of the big circle wins!
Nighttime golf cart trips:
Every day in Peninsula Papagayo you are bound to find a variety of animals, including pizotes, monkeys, and even anteaters if you’re lucky. However, one thing my family does to find these wild animals is to take golf cart trips at night.
In the past on our nighttime rides, we have spotted foxes, deer, and even wild boars. It’s a unique way to view the wildlife at Peninsula Papagayo and I recommend doing these mini nighttime golf-cart expeditions.
Morning howler monkeys:
A characteristic unique to Peninsula Papagayo, is the very large howler monkey population, named after the distinctive sounds they make for one another. Each morning, you can hear the howler monkeys calling out to each other from miles apart, and you may even spot a group of them sitting in the trees.
If you’re an early bird- like me, or even if you’re not, one of the most unforgettable experiences is going outside in the mornings for breakfast and simply listening to the monkeys.
Dive Bar at the marina:
The marina is one of my top spots to visit, especially after a long day at the beach. They have some impressive boats that are definitely worth checking out and the Dive Bar is located there, too, which I highly recommend. The brownie sundae is a must, and the tostones with bean dip are a delicious appetizer. They also have a shuffleboard, swing chairs, and a sophisticated low-key ambiance.
I hope I have convinced you to spend the best vacation of your life in Papagayo. We are waiting for you with your whole family!
By Samira Moore.
