Las Catalinas
Welcome to Las Catalinas — a hand-crafted, thoughtfully designed, car-free coastal town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast where life moves at a slower, more intentional pace. With its cobblestone streets, Mediterranean-style architecture, and walkable layout, Las Catalinas feels like a hidden town from another world — but it’s right here in the heart of Guanacaste.
Las Catalinas began as a dream in 2006: to create a town that blends intentional design, natural beauty, and a vibrant community. Since then, it has grown into an inviting and charming place, composed of stunning houses and villas, 2 hotels, locally-owned shops, restaurants and bars, and a beach club, all connected by pedestrian-only streets, plazas, and parks.
Las Catalinas Spa
Las Catalinas Villa
Las Catalinas Grocery Store
Playa Danta View
On one side of town lies more than 1,000 acres of preserved tropical forest, filled with scenic trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. On the other side, the Pacific Ocean glimmers, offering two beaches perfect for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding and more.
It has been designed to be environmentally friendly, compact, and only utilize only a small percentage of the land. You won’t be able to find any high-rises or buildings with over four stories here. Inspired by the principles of New Urbanism, the town’s developers have prioritized walkability, sustainability, and preserving the integrity and charm of the community.
Las Catalinas is a community designed for connection, movement, and meaningful experiences.
How to Wander Here
The international airport closest to Las Catalinas is Liberia International Airport (LIR). Las Catalinas is car-free, but the town concierge or hotel can arrange your transfer to and from the airport. If you’d prefer to drive yourself, you can take the adventurous Monkey Trail (four-wheel-drive vehicle required) or the slightly longer, paved route through Belén.
Where to Stay
Hotels
There are 2 hotels available for stay:
- Casa Chameleon – Perched atop a lush hillside Casa Chameleon is an adults-only boutique with 21 private villas, each equipped with a saltwater plunge pool, king-sized bed, and expansive terrace. A private pool and the Sentido Norte are featured to all guests.
- Santarena – A boutique retreat with 45 rooms, including three spacious suites. Guests can enjoy ocean-view rooms, a rooftop pool, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and easy access to hiking trails and Playa Danta.
Airbnbs
There are around 190 local residences of various types available to rent in Las Catalinas:
- Apartments and Condos: Great for individuals or smaller groups, offering amenities like fully equipped kitchens and comfortable living spaces.
- Houses and Villas: You can find spacious homes and villas with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and pools, making them suitable for families or larger groups.
- Beachfront and Waterfront Rentals: Many properties provide direct access to the beach or waterfront views.
Casa Chameleon View
Casa Chameleon Pool View
Santarena Hotel
Airbnb Villa
Wandering Around
Wander Around Town
Stroll through charming passages that lead to vibrant plazas, stunning architecture, and breathtaking ocean views. The center of town features several restaurants and shops, an outdoor gym, a brewhouse, and beachfront access. Here, Pura Vida Ride offers gear, guides, and instruction right on Playa Danta
Sailing
Spend a day at sea in the Guanacaste Bay, where you can sail, snorkel, and paddle through crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush coastline. Spot marine life, soak up the sun, and take in the stunning views before the beautiful Costa Rican sun sets.
Relax by the Pool
There’s nothing better than a day at the pool with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Las Catalinas offers a beach club with pool access for a fee, while both hotels feature stunning infinity pools. Many of the homes and villas also include private pools, perfect for lounging in style.
Explore the Tropical Forest
Guests of Las Catalinas have access to 1,000 acres of lush tropical forest, perfect for walking, running, or biking. A network of scenic trails weaves through the landscape, with multiple access points conveniently located throughout town.
Before You Wander
While Spanish is the native language, most people here speak English, and other languages as this is a popular tourist destination.
The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón, but many places will also accept the US Dollar.
Majority of businesses accept major credit cards and USD cash. If using cash, exchanges rate may vary.
Las Catalinas is a very safe town, built off the idea of a sense of community and social interaction.
Las Catalinas has access to clean drinking, making it safe to drink.
Las Catalinas is a car-free town, but offers golf carts as transportation.
Costa Rica observes central-standard time zone year round.
May 29, 2025
