Travel just 20 minutes from Playa Grande, 2 km south of Brasilito, and you will have arrived at Costa Rica’s famed Playa Conchal beach. Locally named for its billions for ‘conchas’, or shells, that wash up on shore then slowly break apart by the mellow waves, Playa Conchal is always on the lists for best beaches of Guanacaste’s. Mixed within fine, white, powdery sand, Playa Conchal’s coast is littered with shells of all shapes, colors, and sizes.

Imagine walking across the sands of Playa Conchal with the rustle of tiny, smooth shells below your feet and a warm breeze on your face. The beach is nestled next to turquoise, clear waters ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, or snorkeling excursions. Several locals bring their grills and coolers out daily to provide an impromptu bite to eat on the beach for tourists and passerbyers. And keep your eye peeled for Howler monkeys, as they are always hanging around.

Access is a little tricky but with a little patience, it’s cake. It’s a short walk south on the adjacent beach of Brasilito, then over a small hill and is also accessible via vehicle (preferably 4-WD), ATV tours, or horseback riding. (Important if driving: note where the tide is to not get stranded or worse, in the surf.)

It is important to note that a luxury resort bonds to the northern portion of Conchal Beach, so tuck back farther south on the beach for more space and tree shade.