Best hidden beach in Mal Pais, Costa Rica
Playa Suecos, Mal Pais
I have mentioned in other posts that I lived in Costa Rica for 17 years! And even though you can clearly see on the map how small the country is, it never stops to amaze me at the amount of beautiful places you can find in it. This one in particular holds a special place in my heart: I got married here!
I will not make this post about my wedding, but here’s a sneak peak at how the sunset looked like that day at this beach:
Playa Los Suecos is also known as Playa Cuevas, and that is how you’ll find it in Google Maps. As soon as we saw this beach, we knew it had to be the place of our wedding ceremony. It’s one of those places that make you feel in peace, and you get to think no one else has been there before.
The beach is located in the coast of the Cabo Blanco reserve, which means you have the jungle right in front of you. This is something I love about Costa Rican beaches. The sand is gold, and there is a big rock at the entrance. This gives the perfect shadow to your stay – if you visit at the right time of the day!
Plan your visit to Playa Los Suecos
Getting here is an adventure on its own! That is why some people refer to this beach as a secret spot in the area. So, I want to share with you my experience and tips:
1) I recommend a 4×4 car 100%. The roads are not paved, and there are big rocks all over the way to the entrance.
2) Exact location of the place is as follows in Google Maps. It takes approximately 20 minutes to get here from Santa Teresa. Remember this is already located in the town called Mal Pais:
3) Don’t leave anything valuable in the car, or at least not visible!
4) Once you park, there is a little trail you can walk that will take you directly to the beach:
5) Now, be careful with the rocks on the beach, the waves tend to be very big. You want to avoid an accident!
6) Want to avoid the last part of the driving? Then walk from the Fish Shop you’ll see at the entrance of the road (Pescaderia Mal Pais). This will take you about 5 minutes.
7) If you’re up for a swim, I do recommend water shoes.
Have you been to Playa Los Suecos?
Costa Rica is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and I can tell you this one is one of the prettiest of them all. Go if you have a chance! I will always be bound to Playa Los Suecos. It’s a place I hope to return soon.
I do recommend spending at least 3 days in the area, so that you have time to explore a bit more the Cabo Blanco reserve. After relaxing at the beach – and if you feel adventurous – go for a walk at the reserve. Get lost in the trails, and go on a mission to explore its wildlife & waterfalls.
Whatever you end up doing, have a great time, and let me know your experience!
