Esterillos, Costa Rica

Playa Esterillos, Costa Rica, located just south of Jacó, is a breathtaking 7-kilometer (3.75 mile) stretch of grey sand beach. The beach is not one town, but rather several, each with its own unique personality, and together they offer an abundance of natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. Palm trees, almond trees, and tropical forests are all prevalent in the area, and extensive mangrove zones serve as critical ecosystems. The Bejuco River runs through the region and separates Esterillos Este and Centro. While this extensive stretch of beach is well known for its great surfing, we advise caution against swimming here as the currents can be dangerous. The area is off the beaten path for tourists, creating a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere. Those who do come to the area are often there to experience the exciting turtle spawning and hatching seasons. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the entire region provides incredible views of the Gulf of Nicoya and some of Puntarenas’ most stunning sunsets. With Playa Hermosa to the north and Playa Bejuco to the south, Playa Esterillos is truly a hidden gem that visitors to Costa Rica should not miss.

Esterillos Oeste

This segment of the beach is known for rocky promontories and waterways, and is habitat for iguanas, crocodiles and birds alike.  The famous Mermaid sculpture (whose base is covered by high tide) is a tourist attraction.  Another attraction are the natural swimming pools within the rocks.  This town is the most developed of the three.

Esterillos Este

Esterillos Este is known for high end housing and beachfront hotels.  The area is well known for cattle ranches and you’re just as likely to meet cowboys in town as you are tourists.

Esterillos Centro

Centro is another small fishing village, and is touted as a great jumping off point to many adventure activities and tours of nearby Carara National Park. It is popular with Ticos on weekends.

Where is Esterillos?

Map of Costa Rica

What's the climate in Esterillos?

Climate Type: Tropical Monsoon

Esterillos experiences a monsoonal climate, which entails frequent rainfall during most days when it is rainy. However, for the majority of the year, the weather is warm, pleasant, and not overly humid. The ideal time to visit Esterillos for pleasant weather is from December through mid-April. Late March is usually the warmest time of the year, with regular highs of around 31.1 °C (88 °F), and nighttime temperatures rarely falling below 18.3 °C (65 °F). Throughout the year, temperatures in Esterillos remain relatively consistent.

How do I buy a house in Esterillos?

While Esterillos has a range of housing options — condos and single-family homes available for rent or purchase at various budgets — we believe you should shift your focus when considering life in Costa Rica: buying real estate in Esterillos shouldn’t be your first step!

Investing in Esterillos property can offer fantastic opportunities, especially if you’re seeking residency, however it’s crucial to determine your lifestyle preferences beforehand. Many rush into property purchases only to realize that their decision does not fully meet their real estate needs in Costa Rica once the vacation mentality wears off.

Your Pura Vida operates differently.

We collaborate with a diverse network of trusted realtors in Esterillos and nationwide. Our approach emphasizes exploration without the pressure often associated with realtor relationships.

Our sole priority? Your contentment and sustained enjoyment in the country. When you’re ready to buy or rent a home in Esterillos, we’ve got you covered! When you’re ready, let’s talk.

Esterillos Weather

loader-image
Jacó, CR
4:52 pm
weather icon 27°C | °F
L: 27° H: 27°
clear sky
Precipitation: 0 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 5:43 am
Sunset: 5:18 pm

At a Glance

Popular Expat Neighborhoods: Esterillos Centro, Esterillos Este, Esterillos Oeste, Garabito, Jacó, Parrita, Playa Bejuco, Playa Hermosa

Largest Regional City: Puntarenas

Vibe: beach, ocean, mountain, city, rural, agricultural, resort, tourist, blue zone, adventure-seeking, natural beauty, meditative, locals town, urban, shopping hub, commercial

Distance to Nearest International Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport – 110 kilometers (68 miles) – approx. 2 hours without heavy traffic

Rankings

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City Lead

We won't sell your information to anyone, promise! Pura vida!