POTRERO, PROVINCIA DE GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA

Untouched Beach Beauty

Potrero’s first introduction is its radiant coastline, and the beaches here are nothing short of nature’s masterpieces. Playa Penca, with its delicate balance of seclusion and splendor, is a place where golden sands embrace the shimmering blue waves, offering a canvas for sun seekers and snorkelers alike. Neighboring beaches, Playa Flamingo and Playa Prieta, expand the coastal tapestry. Flamingo, with its energetic vibe, teems with water activities, while Prieta is a serene spot, perfect for tranquil moments as the sun bids adieu.

Savoring the Seas

The vast Pacific Ocean that graces Potrero’s boundaries isn’t just a visual delight; it’s the source of exhilarating marine adventures. Deep-sea fishing here becomes a dance between determination and luck, as marlins and sailfish challenge even the most experienced anglers. And for those seeking a gentle embrace of the sea, sailing at dusk, with dolphins playfully chasing the bow wave, offers an ethereal experience.

A Culinary Paradise

Potrero boasts an impressive array of restaurants, each a testament to the town’s cosmopolitan essence. With a significant Italian expatriate influence, you can easily find yourself in a rustic trattoria, savoring handcrafted pastas, pizzas kissed by wood-fired ovens, and desserts that melt in your mouth. Traditional Costa Rican “sodas” dot the town, serving dishes infused with local flavors – think gallo pinto, casado, and freshly grilled seafood plucked straight from the Pacific. From upscale gourmet restaurants offering international cuisines to quaint cafes with fresh bakes and aromatic coffees, the town caters to every palate. 

Welcome to Paradise

Nature’s Symphony

Moving away from the coast, Potrero’s interiors sing songs of verdant landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Whether you’re trekking through its dry tropical forests, watching the playful antics of howler monkeys, or capturing the iridescent beauty of local birds, the town promises to satiate the nature enthusiast in you.

Arts, Crafts, and Traditions

Potrero’s soul lies in its traditions, and there’s no better way to experience it than through its arts and crafts. Local markets brim with creativity, where artisans showcase pottery, textiles, and woodworks that echo Costa Rica’s rich cultural narrative. As night falls, traditional dance and music events take center stage, allowing visitors a glimpse into the rhythmic heart of the community.

Sustainable Explorations

Amidst all its offerings, Potrero stands proud as an advocate for eco-conscious travel. From engaging in beach cleanups to learning about local conservation initiatives, visitors get opportunities to not just witness, but contribute to the town’s sustainability efforts.

From the sun-kissed shores to the bustling eateries that dot its streets, Potrero is a banquet of experiences waiting to be relished. It’s where natural beauty meets culinary excellence, ensuring every traveler leaves with a heart full of memories and a palate longing for more.

Notes from The Villa Hosts

The neighborhood exudes tranquility and serenity. Wide sidewalks border each villa, ensuring vehicles cannot drive up to them directly. However, grocery carts are conveniently placed near the parking area to assist residents with transporting their purchases. Evening walks are lit by ambient lighting along the pathways, guiding residents back to their villas. The locale is adorned with mature mango trees of various kinds, flowering shrubs, and an array of exquisite birds to admire. The pool, accompanied by a spa jetted tub, is meticulously maintained. Residents can relax on pool chairs or seek shade under the palapas.

Flor De Pacifica’s front square echoes the charm of a quaint Italian plaza with its faux stone flooring and assorted shops. Highlights of the square include an Italian restaurant, renowned for its delightful pizzas and pasta, and a bakery celebrated for its delectable cinnamon rolls and kolaches. Additionally, one can find a barber, fish market, sausage shop, and travel agency in this bustling space.

Adjacent to the guard office is a secure ATM. A few blocks away lies Potrero’s picturesque square encircling their soccer field. Evenings often feature locals playing soccer, with elders looking on, reminiscent of simpler times or scenes from Mayberry RFD.

Beside the Potrero square is a well-stocked grocery store. Just beyond it, turning left, stands the exceptional seaside restaurant, Las Brisas, which boasts an in-house souvenir shop right on Potrero beach.

The square is also home to an Italian pizzeria, several Tico eateries, a delightful gelato store, and a leather shop within the strip mall. Potrero hosts a charming farmers’ market every Thursday from 9 AM to 1 PM in the blue-striped building. Opposite the soccer field’s narrow end, a dirt path beckons, leading to the stunning Playa Penca with its white sands, serene waters, and breathtaking sunsets.

Further along the road from the Potrero square, signs point to Playa Azugar, or Sugar Beach in English. This pristine beach, although small, is worth a visit. The adjacent hotel is gated, but mentioning your intention to visit their bar or restaurant grants you entry. Flanked by immense rock mountains, the beach provides an idyllic backdrop for photographs. Up the road lies Casa Chameleon, a premium dining venue perched atop the Sea-Side Mountain, offering arguably the best views in all of Costa Rica. Sunset celebrations here involve ringing a grand bong. While the views are unmatched, the prices match the luxury, making it a venue for special occasions. Further along is Las Catalinas, a seaside city 14 years in the making. With pedestrian-friendly pathways, parks, eateries, an upscale grocery, bakery, and an elegant hotel and restaurant, it’s a must-visit.

Parking is available in a spacious lot across the road or along the street, as vehicles are prohibited inside.

A visit promises an unforgettable experience of coastal urban beauty.

-SCOTT LAWLIS