At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- 35–40 minutes' drive to Montezuma, then about 45 minutes on foot north (3–5 km)
- From the airports
- Cóbano airport (ACO): 10–15 minutes to Montezuma. San José airport (SJO): about 5–6 hours via the Paquera ferry. Liberia airport (LIR): about 4½–5½ hours
- Swimming
- An open beach with waves and no lifeguard to count on: wade and swim only in calm conditions
- Best for
- Couples who like a walk; families with older kids who can manage 45 minutes each way
- Facilities
- None on the beach: bring water, snacks and sun protection from Montezuma
- Getting there
- On foot from Montezuma, along the beach and a forest trail heading north
- Surf
- Montezuma's beginner lesson beach, and one of the better surf beaches around
How do you get to Playa Grande?
Start at the main beach in Montezuma and walk north, following the trail on and off the sand. It's 3 to 5 km, about 45 minutes. The trail runs through jungle, so watch for monkeys and birds, and wear proper sandals or shoes rather than flip-flops. Go early to beat the midday heat, and carry water: there's nothing to buy once you leave town.
What is the beach like?
Long and backed by forest. It's the kind of beach where you walk for a while, find a patch of shade and stay. Because you arrive on foot, with nothing to buy on the way, it feels far wilder than the beach in town.
Can you swim at Playa Grande?
Treat it as open ocean. Playa Grande gets surf, and as on most Costa Rican beaches, you shouldn't count on a lifeguard. Wade and swim only when the sea is calm, stay close to shore and keep children within reach. For calm-water swimming, the Gulf beaches at Tambor and Curú are the easier choice.
Insider tip: Make it a morning: walk out early, swim if the sea is flat, and be back in Montezuma for lunch. In the afternoon, cool off in the pools at the Montezuma waterfalls.
Who is it for?
Couples who like to earn their beach, and families with older kids who can do 45 minutes each way. With little ones, stick to Montezuma's tide pools or the calm Gulf side. And if you'd like a first surf lesson, this is where Montezuma's schools teach; see surfing near Santa Teresa.
Nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
How long is the walk to Playa Grande from Montezuma?
About 45 minutes each way, heading north from the main beach along the sand and a jungle trail. It's 3 to 5 km. Wear sturdy sandals and bring water.
Can you swim at Playa Grande de Montezuma?
On calm days, close to shore. It's an open beach with waves and no lifeguard to count on, so skip the water when the surf is up. For gentle swimming, head to Tambor or Curú on the Gulf side.
Is Playa Grande worth the walk?
If you like quiet beaches, yes. It's long, quiet and backed by forest, and the walk itself, with the chance of monkeys and birds, is half the fun. Go in the morning, before the heat.
How far is Playa Grande from Santa Teresa?
Drive 35 to 40 minutes to Montezuma via Cóbano, then walk about 45 minutes north. Allow half a day with time on the sand.