Playa La Vaca — Attraction in Quepos

Hidden Treasure – small cove isolated from the crowded beaches. Just down the road from Ronny’s Place in Quepos / Manuel Antonio. Drove down dirt road to a locked gate and parked in the grass (note: really no parking places, don’t do this unless you have 4x4). Hiked ¼ mile down to the cove (note: must ford small stream – your feet will get wet!). Small beach for swimming, rocks for climbing. One other family there (they drove there, so got through the gate somehow), but otherwise deserted. Watched...

We visited around low tide (11am) on a Sunday. We stayed at Magnata at the top of the hill. The walk down took 10 minutes and the walk up took 20 - be prepared for a hard hike in full sun. It is steeper than it looks from atop the hill. There were three other couples at the beach and a small somewhat calm area for swimming, but it still felt very private. Lots of tide...

This place is not easy to find but worth the hunt, if you're in shape and like a good hike. You have to hike down to get there, but then of course the only way out is back up. Very worth it though because the views all along the way are incredible, and once you reach the beach you're the only person anywhere in sight. Definitely wear tennis shoes...