Thinking of Costa Rica in December? Here's what the weather is really like in Playa Potrero, when the holiday crowds arrive, how Ticos celebrate Christmas, and how early to book.
Is Playa Potrero safe? Yes, it's a quiet family beach town. Here's our honest take on what crime looks like here, how our houses are set up, and the simple habits that keep a trip trouble-free.
Swimming, sailing, sunsets, snorkeling tours, surf beaches, ziplines and volcano country: our quick guide to the best things to do in and around Playa Potrero, with links to every full guide.
When you want several activities in one day, Costa Rica's parques de aventura pack them in — Diamante Eco Adventure Park's ocean-view zipline, the closer Congo Trail combo, and the volcano country of Rincón de la Vieja with Hacienda Guachipelín's canyon zipline and hot springs. Part 3 of our things-to-do series.
There are plenty of fun activities beyond the beach — horseback riding to Playa Conchal, trail running and mountain biking at Las Catalinas, ATV tours, zip lining and wildlife encounters at Africa Mía and Palo Verde National Park.
Everything to do in the water around Playa Potrero — sailing and eFoils a short walk from our houses, catamaran snorkel trips, scuba diving at the Catalina Islands, sportfishing charters, and a mangrove kayak tour. Part 1 of our things-to-do series.
From the three markets a golf-cart ride from the house to the roadside coconut stand and the fish shack in Brasilito — our honest, local's guide to grocery shopping near Playa Potrero.
The Monkey Trail shaves 20 minutes off the drive to Playa Potrero — but it crosses a river that isn't always passable. Here's when to take it, when to skip it, and how to check conditions before you go.
Landing at Liberia? Here's our honest guide to the drive to Playa Potrero — the regular route, the real reasons that hour-twenty can run long, and a pointer to the shortcut everyone asks about.
Practical, locally-tested advice for once you land in Costa Rica — ATMs, cards, Apple Pay, medications, and where to get help in Playa Potrero if you need it. Part 3 of our trip-prep series.
A local's packing list for Costa Rica — what to bring for adults and kids, airline baggage limits, what customs will and won't allow, and the stuff you can safely leave at home.
Getting the paperwork right before you book — passport rules, Costa Rica visa requirements by nationality, proof of onward travel, and whether you need travel insurance. Part 1 of our Costa Rica trip-prep series.
Playa Potrero weather explained: when to visit, what to expect month by month, and why locals love July and August's little summer, Veranillo.
From sunset drinks and live music near Playa Potrero to a real night out in Tamarindo, here's our honest guide to nightlife on this stretch of Guanacaste — plus the Monday and Thursday night markets worth planning your evening around.
From beachfront sodas to hilltop fine dining, here's our honest, local's guide to the best restaurants near Playa Potrero — organized town by town.
Worth the drive: our guide to the Papagayo Gulf beach towns near Playa Potrero — Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal, and Playa Panama. Part 3 of our 3-part Guanacaste beach guide.
From beginner-friendly breaks to the reef at Playa Negra, here's our local's guide to the best surf beaches near Playa Potrero — and which wave suits your level. Part 2 of our 3-part Guanacaste beach guide.
The calm-water beaches an easy walk or short drive from Playa Potrero — where to go, how to get there, and what to expect. Part 1 of our 3-part Guanacaste beach guide.
Parents often ask the same three questions we did before booking their vacation: Is Costa Rica safe for kids? Can they drink the water? What if we get separated and don't speak the language? After years of bringing our own two kids to Guanacaste — and eventually buying a house here because of them — we can answer from experience. Short version: this might be the easiest country in the world to travel with children. Here's some important things we've learned.