Las Catalinas – Travel Guide
Las Catalinas is a car-free, walkable beach town located in Costa Rica`s Guanacaste province. It is intentionally designed with pedestrian streets, allowing visitors to easily walk to restaurants, shops, and beaches. The town is surrounded by a nature reserve with over 42 kilometers of mountain biking and hiking trails that offer stunning ocean views. Its calm waters are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and other water activities.
All about Las Catalinas
Getting around Las Catalinas
On Foot
The best way to explore the city is on foot, as motorized vehicles are not allowed in the city center.Houses, hotels, restaurants, shops and squares are within walking distance.
Free Shuttle
Visitors must leave their vehicles in a large parking lot at the entrance to the city. From there, they can walk or take a free shuttle to get around the area.
To explore outside the city:
If you want to take day trips to other beaches or attractions in the area, you’ll need a car, shuttle service, or taxi.
Car Rental
A rental car is a great option to give you the freedom to explore other parts of Guanacaste province.
Shuttle Services
Private transportation companies offer direct, air-conditioned service that can take you to other destinations such as Liberia Airport (LIR) or nearby Tamarindo.
Taxis
Taxis can be arranged for trips to nearby locations.For example, a taxi from Las Catalinas to Liberia could cost between $80 and $100.
Las Catalinas FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Renting a car is often the fastest and cheapest way to get there, with the drive taking approximately 54 minutes and costing around $6-$9 for fuel. However, it’s important to note that Las Catalinas is a car-free town. You will need to leave your car in a designated parking lot at the entrance. Shuttle and taxis are also available.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Officially licensed taxis are colored red or orange; if a taxi is any other color or lacks the inverted yellow triangle on the doors, it’s a `pirate taxi` operating illegally. When boarding the taxi ask the taxi driver `Puede poner la maria, por favor?` (Could you please turn the meter on?), otherwise, you will pay a higher price. For a taxi, call Penas Blancas Shuttle Service (tel. 506-8313-1419), Costa Rica Airport Shuttle (tel. 506- 8313-1419), or Riu Palace Guanacaste Shuttle (506- 8313-1419).
Should I rent a car in Las Catalinas?
Las Catalinas is designed as a car-free, walkable beach town, so a car is not needed for getting around within the community itself. The town has pedestrian streets and stone walkways that connect all the shops, restaurants, and homes. All essential amenities are within walking distance. Visitors arriving by car must leave their vehicles in a parking lot at the entrance, and from there, they can travel around the town on foot or by a free shuttle service.
However, if you plan to take day trips to other destinations or explore the wider Guanacaste province, a rental car is a good option for the freedom and flexibility it provides. You can rent a car from companies like Enterprise that have locations in the area. Alternatively, you can book a private shuttle or taxi for travel to and from the nearest airport (LIR) or to other locations.
Is Las Catalinas a walking city?
Yes, Las Catalinas is intentionally designed as a car-free and fully walkable beach town. Its layout consists of pedestrian streets and stone walkways that connect all the homes, hotels, restaurants, shops, and public plazas.
Because of this design, all amenities within the town are within easy walking distance. Visitors who arrive by car are required to leave their vehicles in a designated parking lot at the town’s entrance. From there, they can travel throughout the town on foot or by a free shuttle service.
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Is the Las Catalinas area dangerous? Are there any areas I should avoid?
Las Catalinas is widely regarded as a very safe destination, with a strong focus on security and a low crime rate that is almost non-existent within the town itself. The community is designed as a secure, walkable village where cars are prohibited, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere.
However, as with any travel destination, it’s essential to be mindful of your surroundings, especially regarding a few key areas of concern: crime, water safety, night safety.
What are the customs for tipping in Costa Rica? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for colones upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
I do not speak Spanish. Will many people speak English in Costa Rica?
No, about 90 percent of Costa Ricans speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest that you purchase a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays of less than 90 days. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or to go to another country).
Are Vaccinations required to visit Costa Rica? Are there any other precautions I should take?
No, there are currently no vaccination requirements to visit Costa Rica. There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US.
Zika is a risk in Costa Rica. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For the latest updates visit the CDC page https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.
What kind of food is available in Costa Rica?
A typical breakfast is hearty and consists of Gallo Pinto (rice and beans – sometimes served with scrambled eggs). Lunch is solid too, the typical dishes are Casado (rice and beans, served with meat or fish, fried plantains, cheese and corn tortilla), Ceviche (fish marinated and cooked in lime juice, coriander, and pepper). There is not a dinner culture in Costa Rica. An afternoon snack consists of bread and coffee.
Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?
No, the water is not drinkable in Costa Rica. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase.
What should I do if I need medical attention?
For any life-threatening emergency, the national emergency number in Costa Rica is 911. Bilingual operators are available to assist tourists. You can also call the Red Cross directly for an ambulance by dialing 128.
For air ambulance or medical evacuation services, a number for a Medi-Vac service is 8835-6096.
Local Clinics: There are local clinics in nearby towns like Huacas and Playas del Coco, which are a short drive from Las Catalinas. These include the Beachside Clinic in Huacas, which offers 24-hour emergency services and has a lab and ambulances. Coco Medical Center, located in Playas del Coco, also offers urgent medical care and a reliable ambulance service.
Top Attractions
Playa Dantita
It`s a small beach, approximately 400 m long. To reach the beach, you must walk along a long, steep path.
Pura Vida Ride
Experience adventure at Pura Vida Ride! Rent or join tours for mountain biking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Danta Beach
Snorkeling and paddle boarding off a sandy shoreline with views of offshore islands and vivid sunsets.
Center of Joy
Center of Joy is a sanctuary to release stress, unblock your energy, and awaken your vitality.
Unique Experiences
Snorkel & Catamaran Tours: Take a boat trip from Playa Flamingo or Tamarindo to snorkel around the Las Catalinas Islands. Sunset catamaran tours are also available, often with a meal included.
Hiking & Biking: Las Catalinas features a comprehensive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking, offering various difficulty levels. Perfect for adventurous people.
What to expect while traveling
