Papagayo

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with a beach, forested hills, and a clear sky.
An aerial view of a lush, green island surrounded by calm waters.
An aerial view of a beach with clear turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and dense forested area.
An aerial view of a coastal residential area with houses, lush greenery, and a clear blue beach.
A coastal area with a beach, clear turquoise waters, and a hillside with multiple buildings.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

4.5 out of 5
Playa Manzanillo Bahia Culebra Nacascolo
$499 nightly
The price is $499 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$499 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Playa Hermosa and The ...
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive

CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Papagayo Gulf, Panama Beach Sardinal Guanacaste
$442 nightly
The price is $500 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$500 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"We had a great time here, everyone was friendly and helpful. Our pool side bartender Ceaser was the best!! The rooms were clean and housekeeping did a great job. They even gave us fun designs with our blankets! Food was delicious and they were very accommodating. Very relaxing and family friendly ..."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive
El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection

El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection

4.5 out of 5
Papagayo Bay Sardinal Guanacaste
$397 nightly
The price is $449 total per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
$449 total
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (522 reviews)
"Great spacious room and nice beach which feels private. Calm fun vibe and great service in the restaurants!"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

El Mangroove Papagayo, Autograph Collection
See all 2,829 properties in Papagayo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Mila Penthouse -concierge+ Peninsula Papagayo!

Villa Mila Penthouse -concierge+ Peninsula Papagayo!

Peninsula Papagayo costa rica
Book a stay at this golf villa in Nacascolo. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"We spent last week at Villa Mila or Terrazas #11. If you have a larger family (read: 3 kids) or are two smaller families who want to share a place, this is a great option.The property has a great, modern feel to it that is comparable to any of the upscale resorts that you could stay at on the peninsula. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026

Villa Mila Penthouse -concierge+ Peninsula Papagayo!
Villa Coral: 5BR Oceanfront Papagayo Estate, Private Pool, Golf & Beach Clubs!

Villa Coral: 5BR Oceanfront Papagayo Estate, Private Pool, Golf & Beach Clubs!

Peninsula Papagayo Guanacaste Provice
Book a stay at this golf villa in Nacascolo. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"The house was amazing. Tons of space and unbelievable views. There were a lot of stairs, so the older people in our group didn’t make it down to the pool area very often. But that was the only drawback. Prieta Beach Club was amazing as well. Five Stars, I will stay here again for sure."

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

Villa Coral: 5BR Oceanfront Papagayo Estate, Private Pool, Golf & Beach Clubs!
Toro Blanco Resort

Toro Blanco Resort

2.5 out of 5
25 Metros Sur de la Iglesia Catolica Sardinal Guanacaste
Book a stay at this beach condo in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (182 reviews)
"Friendly staff, great location, great value for price. Would certainly stay here again"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2026

Toro Blanco Resort
See all properties in Papagayo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Papagayo attractions

Playa Virador

8.8/10 (33 reviews)
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Playa Virador during your trip to Papagayo? Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
See properties

Things to do

Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour

Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour

$115
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour
Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo & Playas del Coco

$157
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo & Playas del Coco
La Leona Waterfall Hike & Canyon Swim – Private Tour

La Leona Waterfall Hike & Canyon Swim – Private Tour

$43
per adult
La Leona Waterfall Hike & Canyon Swim – Private Tour
Rincón de la Vieja: La Leona Waterfall & Tubing Private Tour

Rincón de la Vieja: La Leona Waterfall & Tubing Private Tour

$83
per adult
Rincón de la Vieja: La Leona Waterfall & Tubing Private Tour
Nico - Jaguar at Diamante

Diamante Eco Adventure Park Day Pass with Lunch

$145
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Diamante Eco Adventure Park Day Pass with Lunch
Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica

Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica

$207
per traveler
96% of travellers recommend
Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica
See all activities in Papagayo

Frequently asked questions

Is Papagayo worth visiting?
Papagayo is worth visiting for its beautiful Marina Papagayo, where travelers can enjoy waterfront activities and scenic views. It also offers the serene Playa Nacascolo, perfect for beach relaxation and enjoying the coastal environment.
When is the best time to visit Papagayo?
The best time to visit Papagayo is from October through December, when the weather is typically pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of March through June are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience.
What is Papagayo known for?
Papagayo is known for its beautiful coastline, featuring Marina Papagayo, a hub for boating and water activities. Travelers can also enjoy its scenic beaches, including Playa Nacascolo and Playa Virador. This city in Costa Rica offers a relaxing escape with its pristine shores.
What is a good itinerary length for Papagayo?
A good itinerary length for Papagayo is two to three days to enjoy the beaches like Playa Nacascolo and Playa Virador, visit Marina Papagayo, and try activities such as a jet ski Rental or a Private Zipline Tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows for a longer jet ski Tour with Snorkel Caves Mangrove and more time to relax. See Papagayo Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Papagayo?
Papagayo offers exciting outdoor adventures and beautiful beaches to explore:

  • Visit Marina Papagayo, a prominent landmark.
  • Experience a Private Zipline Tour for Ariel Papagayo Views.
  • Take a jet ski Tour that includes Snorkel Caves Mangrove.
  • Try the Congo Trail Zipline.
  • Relax at Playa Nacascolo, a beautiful natural beach.

How do I plan a trip to Papagayo?
To plan your trip to Papagayo, book flights, hotels, and rental cars in advance. You can enjoy outdoor activities like jet ski tours or ziplining, but plan these for early morning or late afternoon. Explore attractions such as Marina Papagayo and the beautiful beaches like Playa Nacascolo and Playa Virador.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Papagayo?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Papagayo by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Papagayo with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Papagayo trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Papagayo?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Papagayo can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Papagayo trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Papagayo trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Papagayo trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Papagayo trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Papagayo?
If it's your first trip to Papagayo, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Papagayo hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Papagayo hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Papagayo

A large wave with spray and foam, indicating strong ocean currents.

Playa Hermosa

A beach with a palm tree, calm water, and a forested hillside.

Panamá Beach

An aerial view of a lush, green island surrounded by calm waters, with a clear sky above.

Culebra

A coastal landscape with a sunset, calm sea, and scattered boats.

Sardinal

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