Need a memorable beach escape? Playa Matapalo is your answer! Located amid the long, beautiful, and varied shoreline of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste “Gold Coast”, secluded Playa Matapalo is as close to paradise as one can get!
The long sandy beach of Matapalo hugs the shoreline of a half moon bay that is surrounded by gently rolling hills and lush green mountains. This compelling paradise is only a 30 minute drive from the Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)!
It is true that most Costa Rican beaches are public; but in reality, Matapalo is basically a private beach used exclusively by the guests of the RIU Guanacaste and the RIU Palace Costa Rica, the two major resort style sea front hotels located there.
Both exceptionally equipped and staffed hotels offer a wealth of activities that will delight any visitor! Culinary appetites are whetted at the hotels’ many choices of restaurants; both buffet and fine dining along with specialty tropical drinks at the numerous bars. On-site activities for all family members include numerous pools with varying vibes, a gym, table tennis, volleyball, tennis, sumptuous spa, live entertainment, and provisions for numerous water activities.
Playa Matapalo is home to some of the most desirable adventure destinations in Guanacaste!
The Diamante Eco Adventure Park “takes the best part of nature and active adventure in Guanacaste and puts it all in one accessible park.” It serves as a habitat to all four of Costa Rica’s monkey species, the 6,000 sq ft butterfly garden highlights over 8,000 native species, native hummingbirds, of which there are 50 species, can be seen in addition to the park’s aviary which protects exotic birds such as toucans and scarlet macaws. Both species of Costa Rican sloths are in residence! They are the most requested animal to see as many consider them to be “the cutest animal in Costa Rica.” Not all of Costa Rica’s wildlife is so tame! You can also visit the reptile lagoon and observe crocodiles up to 16 feet long! Costa Rican vegetation can be seen by meandering through one of the botanical gardens’ walking trails or a challenging hike up the mountain. Guided tours are offered to observe and learn how crops such as cacao, coffee, and sugarcane contributed to the country’s history.
Diamante is not just about nature! Want some excitement? Try these: a thrilling ATV tour past waterfalls and rivers and lookouts over the Pacific Ocean, a brisk horseback ride that follows trails to the beach or inland through dry tropical forest to view backcountry wildlife, or a super-exhilarating zip-line that is rated one of the very best in the country!
Water sports are a specialty at Playa Matapalo! The international PADI 5 Star Dive and Water Sports Center, ScubaCaribe, is represented within the hotels’ grounds. A wealth of aquatic activates can be planned including rich marine life scuba trips, snorkeling excursions, sunset tours, Jet Ski rentals/tours, stand up paddle, kayaking, paddle boats, and more. All ages and abilities can be accommodated.
The nearby 445 hectare Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most important sea turtle nesting sites. Its goal is to protect the endangered 1000 lb Leatherback Turtles who make the yearly journey here during November to April to mate and lay their eggs. They travel around 3,700 miles from their feeding grounds making them the furthest migrating sea turtle! Two mangrove estuaries of swamps and coastline house and protect 174 species of birds and many different water birds and indigenous animals.
Want more fun? A quick water taxi ride to the nearby lively beach town of Playas del Coco provides opportunities for shopping and a wealth of diverse dining and entertainment experiences! Playa Matapalo is your destination for a most memorable vacation! Come and enjoy!
