At Coastal Realty & Property Management, we’ve been providing Playa Brasilito real estate services since 2006, so we thought we’d share some advice for friends looking to visit for the first time.
Second and third-time visitors might enjoy these thoughts as well because there’s so much going on that is easy to miss.
Getting to Our Brasilito Vacation Rentals
Brasilito Costa Rica, our town of “Pescadores” (local fisherman), is located on the northwest coast of Guanacaste.
This small town includes a 2 km stretch of beach and a small number of hotels and cabins, leaving much of the area in its natural state.
With tons of direct flights from both North America and Europe, you have two choices to fly into the country:
Daniel Oduber International Airport – Liberia
This airport is located a 70km drive to Brasilito. The drive is picturesque, with many Guanacaste sugar cane plantations visible as well as local town squares and soccer fields along the way.
Buses and taxis, or our shuttle service can reach Playa Brasilito as well.
Juan Santamaria International Airport – San Jose
This airport is about a 4-hour drive from Playa Brasilito. The drive will take you through the mountain range that runs the length of Central America and then you’ll make your way up the coast, and cross over the Río Tempisque. It’s also quite scenic and there are plenty of restaurants and pitstops along the way.
If you’re flying to San José and don’t intend to rent a car, you can catch a commuter flight (propeller plane) from San José to the local Tamarindo airport on https://www.flysansa.com/en and then take a shuttle to Playa Brasilito or pick up a rental car in Tamarindo. Also, private and shared shuttles are available from San José to Brasilito on a daily basis.
Do I Need a Visa if I’m Choosing Brasilito Vacation Rentals?
For quick stays, you don’t need a visa prior to arrival. You’ll be issued a tourist visa by the immigration desk at either airport. You’ll need:
- Your passport (and be sure it isn’t about to expire)
- A return ticket (print a copy of your e-ticket that clearly shows your return flight date)
- The name of your accommodations. For us, either the name of the house or the name of the Brasilito condo complex will suffice.
Do I Need to Rent a Car to Get to My Brasilito Vacation Rental?
We do recommend a rental car if heading to Brasilito. Our Playa Brasilito vacation rentals are all walkable to the beach, tiny grocery stores, restaurants, shops, etc. For additional guests, we’re happy to help you reserve an airport shuttle from either airport that will take you directly to your property and return you as well.
That said, there are lots of national parks and other fun day trips where you might want a car.
If you are renting a car and cannot drive a manual transmission, be sure to consult with your rental car company. Many vehicles in Costa Rica have manual transmissions.
What Are Some Top Activities While at a Brasilito Vacation Rental?
You’ve probably heard amazing things about Costa Rica and Playa Brasilito is one of the top destinations in the country. Why do so many people choose to vacation in Brasilito?
If you are going to Playa Brasilito, you can expect what we documented in our Tamarindo Costa Rica weather guide.
Brasilito Beach
A fantastic beach located in the middle of the Gold Coast, adorning the northwest coast with its neighboring beaches Flamingo and Conchal, where you will find plenty of white sand and calm waves to enjoy with your family and friends.
Here on this local beach you can bring your own towel and sunbathe anywhere. All Costa Rican beaches are public.
Nature
Amazing animals are all over the place in Playa Brasilito and may even be on the property at your vacation rental.
- Iguanas – Gorgeous iguanas of many colors can be found on the ground and in the trees throughout the area.
- Howler Monkeys – They migrate in packs throughout the area. It’s easy to know when they’re near due to their distinctive howl.
- Leatherback Turtles – During the season, the endangered Leatherback nests at Playa Flamingo. You must be on a guided tour to be on Playa Flamingo at night during the season.
- Tropical Birds – You’ll find all kinds of birds in the area including Hummingbirds, Mot Mots, which have distinctive tails, and various parrot species. The local equivalent of a Blue Jay is also ever-present and may beg for crackers if you’re eating outside.
- Whales & Dolphins – You’ll see Dolphins in the surf and larger whale species may spout further out in Flamingo Bay when they’re around.
- Crocodiles – Further up the Flamingo Estuary, you’ll find Crocodiles. You’ll find them at a number of the nearby national parks as well.
Dining
If you’re visiting Playa Brasilito, you can either try the local cuisine at the sodas or some more refined dining in some of the nearby restaurants in Brasilito downtown.
Do you love seafood? Brasilito has the freshest you’ll find and many restaurants offer Ceviche You can also purchase directly from the local seafood trucks if you want to make a seafood meal in your Brasilito vacation rental’s kitchen.
Fresh seafood options include:
- Red Snapper (Pargo)
- Shrimp (Gambas)
- Corvina (Seabass)
- Mahi Mahi
- Tuna (Atun)
- Marlin
- Clams (Almejas)
- Calamari
- Octopus (Pulpo)
- Mussels (Mejillones)
Here we will mention some of the best options to taste the local flavor that characterizes our beautiful town.
- Patagonia del Mar: Located in the center of Brasilito is the best seafood restaurant, where you will find everything from a delicious mahi mahi ceviche to a delicious lobster.
- La Casita Del Pescado: in front of the beach you will find a very homemade sodita, ideal for feeling the sea breeze and tasting a good fresh fish.
- Soda el Coco: another local restaurant where you will find delicious “casados” or why not have a good “horchata” drink, the little taste of homemade food that identifies our local town in Brasilito.
- Camaron Dorado: An excellent option to enjoy fresh shrimp and an extensive menu for everyone’s taste.
Similar to restaurants, Brasilito & Conchal are home to artists and clothing designers from around the world.
You’ll find interesting swimsuits and dresses.
Multiple art galleries offer both local and international paintings and sculptures.
You’ll also find street vendors selling clay pottery from nearby Guatil.
What’s Included in Our Brasilito Vacation Rentals?
Vacation rentals are a great option for visitors looking for more space, privacy, relaxation, and the ability to cook and eat.
Pools
Most of our single-family homes have private swimming pools.
Condominiums have access to shared swimming pools.
Grills & BBQs
Most of our single-family home vacation rentals have outdoor grills and outdoor dining areas. Larger homes have full outdoor kitchens.
Condominiums generally have access to a shared outdoor grill.
Linens & Towels
All properties come with ample linens and towels. Sheets and towels will be swapped and beds made during maid service.
We ask that you bring your beach towels.
Full Kitchens & Dining Areas
Our Brasilito vacation rentals generally have full kitchens. Ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators are found in all rentals. Dishwashers are present in most units. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
You’ll find simpler setups in smaller condominiums and our larger homes have some amazing kitchens.
We keep kitchens stocked with cookware, utensils, and serving ware, and keep all appliances working.
Washers & Dryers
All homes and most condos have private washers and dryers. Where an in-unit washer/dryer is not available, the condo complex has shared units or there is a walkable laundromat. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
Toilet Paper, Cleaning Supplies, etc.
Our properties are stocked with ample paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, dishwasher soap, and laundry detergent if applicable.
TV, Cable & Internet
Brasilito internet is generally plenty fast for routine work and streaming Netflix, etc. Keep in mind that the entire area has one central line bringing both internet and power into the area, so outages occur more frequently than at your home.
Our properties have cable, TV, and private wifi. You’ll be given the password as part of check-in.
Concierge Service
Our management includes our concierge desk. We’re happy to help you with reservations, delivered groceries, arranging tours, arranging massages, in-unit cooking, Spanish lessons, and many other amenities and activities. Just ask.
We also offer: