Playa Esterillos, Costa Rica: Where horses (and people) run free

The first time we stumbled upon beautiful Playa Esterillos while driving south from Jaco in 2008, I felt like we'd found a little slice of heaven. We've made a handful of repeat visits there since (all photos in this post are from 2010).

This secluded and undeveloped stretch of beach is a 20-minute drive south of Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province, and is marked by signs on the main Highway 34 (Costanera Sur). From there, a short road leads to the beach.



It's the kind of secluded and undeveloped beach that will change your mind about whether such a place is too good to be true.



A soft and pristine blanket of coffee-colored sand shimmers where it meets surf, stretching on for miles. People are few and seem intent only on relaxing in the natural surroundings.



Tropical trees line the edge of the beach, their leafy branches offering ample shade to those who seek it.





And then there are the horses...




At first, Scotty and I wondered whether they were wild, but evidence of horseshoes in their hoof-prints told us otherwise. The horses are obviously well taken care of and allowed to peacefully range free while enjoying the beach alongside people.

They didn't seem to mind our presence as they migrated from sand to shade.



One even stopped to get a good back-rub against one of the trees.



The horse graciously ignored a curious gawker...



If you were a horse, you probably couldn't ask for a better set-up than this.






There is also a rock jetty with a statue of a mermaid at the end, so we scrambled out there to take a closer look.

Looking back yields an interesting perspective of the beautiful beach.



Despite signs offering condos for sale, in January 2010 there was still little development and a very local feel to the area. Establishments consisted of a single convenience store, a bakery out of someone's home, and one bar/ restaurant, the Low Tide Lounge.





Which was a very good thing because after a hot afternoon in the sun, a Ron Centenario y Coca con limon (Costa Rican rum and Coke with lime) is definitely in order.

Oceanfront at the Low Tide Lounge

Next time we make it to Costa Rica, a day at Playa Esterillos will be at the very top of my list.



Scotty and I are both never happier than when we're enjoying Costa Rica's natural beauty.

Hope you've enjoyed reading, fellow travelers. More arrivals and departures- in Costa Rica and elsewhere- are soon to come!