Playa Herradura, Costa Rica

Playa Herradura, Costa Rica, is a well-known tourist and expat destination celebrated for its magnificent beaches, verdant forests, and diverse wildlife. Its name, meaning “horseshoe” in Spanish, is fittingly derived from its bay that curves into a horseshoe shape, providing placid waters for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The beachfront boasts a plethora of dining options, bars, and stores, making it an ideal place for locals and tourists to unwind and relish the picturesque scenery. The rainforest of the Carara National Park envelops Playa Herradura and is home to a vast variety of fauna and flora, including monkeys, sloths, and rare birds. The world-class Marina Los Sueños is another top destination, one that caters to fishing charters, sailing tours, and yacht rentals, and the Los Sueños Resort is home to golf, spas and specialized tours. Jacó, just to the South, is known for its lively nightlife, surfing, and adventure sports/tours. While Herradura exudes a more laidback ambiance than Jacó, the accommodations are mostly higher end.  Playa Herradura is considered one of the country’s more costly areas, and the amenities, such as grocery stores, are commensurate with the level one would expect in Santa Ana or Escazú.

Where is Playa Herradura?

Map of Costa Rica

What's the climate in Playa Herradura?

Climate Type: Tropical Monsoon

Like the region as a whole, Playa Herradura is characterized by high humidity levels and two distinct seasons, a rainy season, and a shorter, dry ¨summer¨ season.. The relative humidity usually averages 80% +/-, but can increase during the rainy season to nearly 90%. In contrast, during the dry season, temperatures may rise above 35 °C (95 °F) in areas that are farther away from the water. Typically, the temperature ranges from 24–32 °C (75–90 °F) during the day and 24–26 °C (75–79 °F) at night.



How do I buy a house in Playa Herradura?

While Nuevo Arenal has a range of housing options — condos and single-family homes available for rent or purchase at various budgets — we believe you should shift your focus when considering life in Costa Rica: buying real estate in Nuevo Arenal shouldn’t be your first step!

Investing in Nuevo Arenal property can offer fantastic opportunities, especially if you’re seeking residency, however it’s crucial to determine your lifestyle preferences beforehand. Many rush into property purchases only to realize that their decision does not fully meet their real estate needs in Costa Rica once the vacation mentality wears off.

Your Pura Vida operates differently.

We collaborate with a diverse network of trusted realtors in Nuevo Arenal and nationwide. Our approach emphasizes exploration without the pressure often associated with realtor relationships.

Our sole priority? Your contentment and sustained enjoyment in the country. When you’re ready to buy or rent a home in Nuevo Arenal, we’ve got you covered! When you’re ready, let’s talk.

Playa Herradura Weather

loader-image
Jacó, CR
8:42 am
weather icon 26°C | °F
L: 26° H: 26°
moderate rain
Precipitation: 0.04 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 5:51 am
Sunset: 5:25 pm

At a Glance

Popular Expat Neighborhoods: Jacó, Los Sueños, Playa Hermosa, Playa Herradura, Tarcoles

Largest Regional City: Puntarenas

Vibe: beach, ocean, tourist, adventure-seeking, natural beauty

Distance to Nearest International Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport – 85 kilometers (53 miles) – approx. 1 hour, 40 minutes without heavy traffic

Rankings

Ready to make your dreams in Playa Herradura come true?

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City Lead

We won't sell your information to anyone, promise! Pura vida!