I have visited Playa Carrillo for more than 20 years and still is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica.

Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Carillo is lined with palm trees and chalk-colored sand. The shore is typically not very crowded, making it the perfect place to relax and escape from stressful days at work.

While Playa Carrillo is not as developed as some of the nearby beaches, this can actually be beneficial for tourists looking to enjoy a number of outdoor recreational activities. Snorkeling and swimming are two of the most popular forms of recreation at the beach, with the spectacular coral reef found beneath the water's surface.

Other popular sports to participate in at Playa Carrillo include kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing and sport fishing. Playa Carrillo in Guanacaste has also received the prestigious Blue Flag award due to its efforts to maintain the site as one of the cleanest beaches in Costa Rica.

Located three kilometers south of Sámara Beach, the town of Carrillo itself boasts an enjoyably laid-back atmosphere on a small, comfortable scale. Distractions and noise in the town are minimal, making it the perfect location to wind down from other exhilarating days spent throughout the country. Playa

Carrillo is a popular destination for both international travelers and Ticos alike, as the locals often spend much of their time on the beach, particularly during some of the major holidays in the country. There are also plenty of restaurants, hotels and nightlife options close by in Sámara. With the construction of the well-paved Road 150, transportation to Playa Carrillo has been tremendously improved. The road runs south from Nicoya to Sámara and Carrillo.

Playa Carrillo is the perfect place to spend a day or two and immerse oneself in the local Tico culture, relax on the beach and take in some of the most spectacular sunsets and views in Costa Rica.