Arío Beach Costa Rica
Explore Playa Ario in Costa Rica
| Location: | Puntarenas, Costa Rica, among Manzanillo and Caletas Beaches |
| GPS Coordinates: | 9.729647, -85.208097 |
| Canton: | Puntarenas |
| District: | Cóbano |
| Zone postal code: | 60111 |
Arío Beach in Costa Rica is a secluded beach that has been a part of the Playa Caletas-Ario National Wildlife Refuge since 2006 because it is a breeding place for Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles. It also has a large population of one of the world's most endangered sea turtle species, the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). The Olive Ridley nesting season is from September to October, while the Leatherback nesting season runs from December to January. Nesting Pacific Green (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles visit the beach on occasion.
To get to Ario Beach in Puntarenas, take the Ferri to Tambor or Paquera from San José. (Because the Tambor Ferri is the largest and most comfortable, we recommend arriving in Puntarenas at least an hour before the boat departs.) Proceed to Cobano via Tambor.
After going through Carmen, Santa Teresa, and Manzanillo towns, cross the village and turn right into Manzanillo Beach after about 8 miles, just before the beach. You may proceed from Manzanillo to Ario Beach along a stretch of beach that you can only pass over if the tide is low and you have a 4WD car. As you travel along the coast (this route represents rural Costa Rica), the scenery is breathtaking.
Taking a bus:
Take a 5-hour local bus ride from San Jose to Malpais and Montezuma (Transportes Rodriguez, 2642-0219).
Traveling by airplane:
Flights from Juan Santamaria Airport to Tambor Airport are available with Sansa Airlines or Nature Air. You can rent a car or take a bus or taxi from here to Cobano and then to Manzanillo Beach, which takes around 40 minutes and passes via Carmen, Santa Teresa, and Manzanillo towns..