THINGS TO DO IN PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA
Land, Sea & Resort Adventures Curated by Your Private Concierge
At Papagayo Luxury, every vacation is designed around the way you want to experience Costa Rica. Some guests fill their days with ziplining through the tropical dry forest, championship golf, private yacht charters, and snorkeling hidden coves. Others are happiest spending the afternoon at Prieta Beach Club before returning to their villa for sunset cocktails and a private chef dinner overlooking the Pacific.
The beauty of staying inside Peninsula Papagayo is the remarkable variety of experiences available just minutes from your villa. Whether you’re traveling with young children, a group of friends, multiple generations of family, or simply looking for a quiet escape, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular resort communities.
Long before you arrive, we’ll help personalize your stay based on your interests, activity level, and travel style. From selecting the right experiences to sharing insider recommendations and coordinating the details behind the scenes, our goal is to make every day as effortless as it is memorable.
IMAGINE YOUR PERFECT DAY
There isn’t just one perfect day at Peninsula Papagayo—and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Perhaps your morning begins with fresh Costa Rican coffee on the terrace as howler monkeys call from the trees and scarlet macaws glide overhead. After breakfast, you head to Papagayo Park for a friendly pickleball match while others in your group relax by the pool or book a spa treatment.
By late morning, you’re aboard a private boat exploring secluded beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo. You paddleboard through calm turquoise water, snorkel among tropical fish, and stop at Playa Huevos to explore sea caves and enjoy a picnic lunch on a beach that’s difficult to reach any other way.
Back at your villa, there’s time for a swim, an afternoon nap, or cocktails by the infinity pool as the sun begins to dip toward the Pacific. Your private chef arrives to prepare dinner while everyone gathers on the terrace to share stories from the day.
As evening settles in, the pace slows. Some guests linger around the table over dessert and wine, while others take a golf cart ride through the resort in search of monkeys, coatis, deer, and other wildlife before returning beneath a sky filled with stars.
The next day might look completely different—and that’s the beauty of staying at Peninsula Papagayo. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, every itinerary is uniquely your own.
ADVENTURES BY LAND
Explore Costa Rica’s Tropical Dry Forest
One of the unique advantages of staying inside Peninsula Papagayo is how effortlessly adventure fits into your day. Many of the area’s most exciting experiences are only a short golf cart ride from your villa, making it easy to spend an active morning exploring before relaxing by the pool or beach that afternoon.
The resort’s 250-acre Palmares Preserve is home to The Outpost, where guests can soar through the tropical dry forest on zip lines, navigate aerial obstacle courses, explore mountain biking trails, or join guided hikes in search of monkeys, tropical birds, and other native wildlife. Beyond the resort, horseback riding, waterfall excursions, cultural experiences, and off-road adventures offer even more ways to experience the beauty of Guanacaste.
Whether you’re traveling with adventurous teenagers, energetic young children, or adults looking to experience more of Costa Rica, we’ll help you choose the activities that best fit your group.
Popular Land Adventures
- Ziplining & aerial obstacle courses
- Mountain biking
- Guided hiking & wildlife walks
- ATV & off-road tours
- Horseback riding
- Birdwatching
- Waterfall excursions
- Cultural experiences
- Family eco-adventures
ADVENTURES BY SEA
Discover Hidden Beaches & Pacific Waters
Life at Peninsula Papagayo revolves around the ocean, and some of the most memorable days begin by stepping aboard a private boat. Sheltered bays, calm Pacific waters, and secluded beaches create exceptional opportunities for snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and simply exploring a coastline that remains remarkably unspoiled.
Many of our guests choose to spend an entire day cruising the Gulf of Papagayo, stopping at hidden coves that are difficult—or even impossible—to reach by car. It’s a chance to discover a quieter side of Costa Rica while enjoying the flexibility to linger wherever the day takes you.
One of our favorite destinations is Playa Huevos, a secluded beach known for its calm water, excellent paddleboarding and snorkeling, and dramatic sea caves that can sometimes be explored on foot during exceptionally low tides. It’s the kind of place many visitors never discover without local guidance.
Favorite Ocean Experiences
- Private yacht charters
- Sunset catamaran cruises
- Sportfishing
- Paddleboarding
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Jet skiing
- Surf excursions
- Beach picnics
- Whale & dolphin watching (seasonal)
BEYOND THE RESORT
Discover Another Side of Costa Rica
While many guests spend their entire vacation enjoying the beaches, restaurants, golf, and amenities within Peninsula Papagayo, others choose to venture beyond the gates for a day and discover another side of Costa Rica.
One of the greatest advantages of the resort’s location is that many of Guanacaste’s most iconic attractions are within an easy day trip. You can spend the morning hiking near an active volcano, relaxing in natural hot springs, or swimming beneath a waterfall—and still be back at your villa in time for sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific.
These excursions offer a wonderful opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich culture while returning each evening to the comfort, privacy, and personalized service of your Papagayo Luxury villa.
Popular Day Trips
- Explore the volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, hiking trails, hot springs, and wildlife of Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
- Swim beneath the beautiful Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, one of Guanacaste’s most picturesque natural swimming holes.
- Cruise the Tempisque River through Palo Verde National Park, where monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and hundreds of bird species are commonly spotted.
- Visit coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane farms to learn about some of Costa Rica’s most beloved traditions.
- Experience world-class whitewater rafting during the rainy season.
- Browse artisan shops and local markets throughout nearby Guanacaste communities.
- Discover authentic Costa Rican restaurants beyond the resort.
- Enjoy additional ziplining, horseback riding, and eco-adventures throughout the region.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure or simply want to experience more of Costa Rica during your stay, our concierge team can recommend excursions that match your interests, your schedule, and your group’s activity level.
Jane’s Insider Tip
Many guests assume they’ll spend several days exploring beyond the resort. Surprisingly, many end up leaving only once—or not at all. Between the beaches, golf, Papagayo Park, boat charters, beach clubs, restaurants, wildlife, and private villa amenities, there’s often far more to do inside Peninsula Papagayo than visitors expect. We typically recommend choosing one memorable day trip beyond the gates, then spending the rest of your vacation enjoying everything the resort has to offer.
GOLF, TENNIS, PICKLEBALL, PADEL & PAPAGAYO PARK
World-Class Recreation, Minutes from Your Villa
Beyond its beaches and ocean adventures, Peninsula Papagayo has become one of Costa Rica’s premier destinations for active luxury travelers. Whether you’re looking to play one of the country’s most scenic golf courses, enjoy a morning pickleball match, or spend the afternoon with the family at Papagayo Park, everything is conveniently located within the resort.
One of the greatest advantages of staying in a private villa is the flexibility to enjoy these amenities at your own pace. Play golf in the morning, relax by your private pool in the afternoon, and still have plenty of time for sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific.
Golf: The Ocean Course
Designed by Arnold Palmer and thoughtfully renovated in recent years, The Ocean Course is consistently ranked among the finest golf experiences in Central America. Dramatic elevation changes, ocean views from nearly every hole, and abundant wildlife make every round memorable—whether you’re an avid golfer or simply looking to play one unforgettable course during your vacation.
Learn more: Explore Golf at Peninsula Papagayo
Tennis & Racquet Sports
The resort’s tennis facilities offer lessons, clinics, court reservations, and equipment rentals for players of every skill level. Nearby, pickleball continues to grow in popularity, making it easy for families and groups of friends to enjoy a little friendly competition during their stay.
Whether you’re hoping to improve your game or simply enjoy an active morning outdoors, the resort’s racquet facilities are among the finest in Costa Rica.
Learn more: Explore Tennis & Pickleball at Peninsula Papagayo
Papagayo Park
One of the newest additions to the resort, Papagayo Park has quickly become a favorite gathering place for guests of every age. More than just a park, it’s a vibrant recreational hub where families, couples, and friends come together to stay active, relax, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It’s the kind of place where kids race down the water slides while parents play pickleball, grandparents enjoy a leisurely stroll, and everyone gathers afterward for lunch or ice cream. It’s quickly become one of the social centers of the resort.
Highlights include:
- Pickleball and padel courts
- Adult lap pool
- Children’s splash areas and playgrounds
- Hillside water slides
- Basketball court
- Dog park
- Open event lawn
- Walking paths
- Seasonal community events
- Patio Social restaurant and Cono Loco ice cream
Whether you’re traveling with energetic kids, competitive pickleball players, or grandparents who simply enjoy strolling through beautifully landscaped grounds, Papagayo Park offers something for everyone.
BEACH CLUBS & RELAXED RESORT DAYS
Slow Down & Enjoy the Best of Peninsula Papagayo
Not every memorable vacation day needs an itinerary.
Some mornings begin with coffee on your terrace while monkeys move through the trees outside your villa. Others unfold with a leisurely breakfast before heading to Prieta Beach Club for an afternoon by the ocean. There may be a spa treatment, a long lunch overlooking the water, or simply another chapter in the book you’ve been meaning to finish.
Surprisingly, many guests tell us these quieter moments become the memories they treasure most—slow mornings, long conversations, unforgettable sunsets, and the simple joy of having nowhere else to be.
As a guest of Papagayo Luxury, you’ll enjoy access to Prieta Beach Club, one of the resort’s most sought-after amenities. You can also reserve spa treatments, dine at the restaurants within the Four Seasons, Andaz, and Nekajui, or simply spend the day enjoying the privacy and comfort of your own villa.
Relaxed Resort Experiences
- Prieta Beach Club
- Beachfront dining
- Luxury spa treatments
- Yoga and wellness classes
- Poolside afternoons
- Sunset cocktails
- Morning walks along the beach
- In-villa massages
- Private chef dinners
- Evenings beneath the stars
Luxury isn’t always about doing more. Often, it’s simply about having the time and space to enjoy being together.
PERFECT FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELER
Designed for Families, Friends & Unforgettable Gatherings
One of the reasons Peninsula Papagayo has become one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after luxury destinations is its remarkable ability to bring people together. Whether you’re traveling with young children, celebrating a milestone birthday, reconnecting with lifelong friends, or planning a multi-generational family vacation, the resort offers something for every age and interest.
Unlike a traditional hotel, a private villa gives your group the space to enjoy time together while still allowing everyone to vacation at their own pace. Some guests spend the morning golfing while others relax by the pool, head to the spa, or explore the beach. By evening, everyone comes back together for dinner overlooking the Pacific.
Whether you’re celebrating, reconnecting, or simply escaping everyday life, Peninsula Papagayo is ideal for:
- Multi-generational family vacations
- Groups of friends
- Couples traveling together
- Golf getaways
- Family reunions
- Birthday and anniversary celebrations
- Wellness retreats
- Holiday vacations
- Corporate retreats and incentive trips
No matter the occasion, our goal is simple: to help create the kind of vacation your group will be talking about for years to come.
WHY BOOK THROUGH PAPAGAYO LUXURY
Local Knowledge. Personalized Planning. Exceptional Experiences.
Luxury isn’t just about where you stay—it’s about how effortlessly everything comes together.
At Papagayo Luxury, your experience begins long before your flight lands in Costa Rica. Our concierge team works with you before arrival to understand your group, your interests, and the type of vacation you’re hoping to create. Some guests prefer every dinner reservation and excursion planned in advance, while others simply want a few trusted recommendations and the flexibility to decide as they go.
Having owned homes within Peninsula Papagayo and welcomed guests here for years, we offer the kind of firsthand knowledge that simply can’t be found in guidebooks. From recommending the best beach for your family to helping you choose the right boat charter or private chef, our advice is based on real experience—not online reviews.
Whether you need assistance arranging transportation, reserving a private chef, planning a yacht charter, scheduling spa appointments, organizing golf tee times, or coordinating a special celebration, we’re here to make every detail as seamless as possible.
Our concierge services include:
- Airport transportation
- Golf cart rentals
- Restaurant reservations
- Grocery pre-stocking
- Private chefs
- In-villa spa treatments
- Yacht charters
- Fishing excursions
- Golf tee times
- Tennis and pickleball reservations
- Childcare recommendations
- Celebration planning
- Adventure tours
- Wellness experiences
- And much more
The result is a vacation that’s thoughtfully planned, effortlessly executed, and uniquely tailored to your group.
Ready to Experience Peninsula Papagayo?
Whether your ideal vacation is filled with adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, we’re here to help you experience Peninsula Papagayo in a way that’s effortless, personalized, and unforgettable.
