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Most travelers to Costa Rica say “No way San Jose!”, opting for crystal clear paradise beaches, lush jungles teeming with wildlife, and simply the Pura Vida lifestyle we all strive for.
Costa Rica may be establishing itself in Mexico’s shadow as a vacation destination, but if we were neighbors, you can bet things would be different.
Despite being only a handful of countries away, Costa Rica couldn’t be easier to get to with an abundance of flights.
Spending a holiday here is a dream. So much so that many of the country’s hidden gems have already been revealed, leaving little to no surprises when you arrive.
But there is at least one left: a place full of all-inclusive resorts where locals can enjoy a “staycation.”
Deep in Guanacaste lies Playa Panama, a relaxing beach town along the beautiful coastline of the Gulf of Papagayo.
It’s far from a mainstream outing, but it’s time to take advantage before the secret gets out!
Best of all, it’s a great escape for all seasons, so as the autumn leaves gradually turn to bare trees, Playa Panama should be your next vacation spot to avoid the crowds in pure tranquility.
Costa Rica’s hidden luxury paradise
Most travelers arrive in San Jose or Guanacaste, but the gem of Central America’s pristine coastline is where the majority of travelers base their residence.
As cool as it is to venture inland, where you’ll discover lush jungles and cultural villages, it’s the picture-perfect blue waters that you’ll remember most.
There are plenty of beaches to visit so you can relax in the sun, or you can leave the stresses of life at home and enjoy an all-inclusive package.
Off the beaten path of Costa Rica’s unofficial tourist trail lie some of the country’s best stays: the secret stretch of coastline that locals hold dear.
Your best choice is the CC on the beach Papagayo for all-inclusive benefits like endless food and drinks in one of Costa Rica’s most idyllic settings, nestled in a seemingly endless canopy of greenery.
Recent guests have noted the immaculately spotless grounds and two on-site pools that feel like a hidden oasis among the singing sounds of the surrounding jungle.
Not to mention, you get a lot of bang for your buck during Costa Rica’s off-season, so take advantage of the right time to pamper yourself along the scenic shores of Playa Panama.
Why the locals ‘staycation’ in Playa Panama
It seems that there are always places near and dear to the locals that they want to keep in the background, but ‘secrets, secrets are no fun’…
Sorry to play spoiler, but many vacationers in Costa Rica still tend to discover the best hidden gems.
Playa Panama is the ultimate place to completely relax – literally. A travel trend that has been doing the rounds in recent years is ‘digital detoxing’, an amazing concept where we put our phone away and enjoy real life!
While that’s certainly not necessary here, and is probably a hard sell if you’re glued to screens like me, this blissful side of Costa Rica is for those who enjoy pure peace and quiet, away from the much livelier beaches of the country.
That said, there’s more than enough to keep you busy than scrolling through TikTok with a cold drink in hand.
Water adventures range from snorkeling to parasailing, or you can hop aboard a delightful boat tour and let the captain do the work.
And what better way to enjoy a beautiful sunset than on open water?
But most More importantly, this region is relatively unknown to the average tourist, so locals love to come here to enjoy their own piece of paradise, especially with beautiful weather from late November to April as the rainy season comes to an end.
How do you get here?
If Playa Panama is at the top of your list, you’ll want to fly to Liberia (LIR) versus San Jose, which honestly isn’t the welcome you’d expect from such a place chock full of natural wonder.
Many travelers choose to rent a car when exploring Costa Rica, and if that’s the case for you, you can expect to drive about 20 minutes to Costa Rica’s hidden paradise.
Otherwise, public transportation is your best bet, but this will add at least an hour to your day, although at a price of $1, who can be picky?
Travelers must transfer to the small town of Sardinal, after which they go directly to the “Playa Panamà” bus stop.
Taxis are another option with estimates ranging from $27-$33, according to Rome2Rio.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
