Punta Islita is beautiful year-round but it isn't the most accessible place in the world to get to, which is part of its charm. However, if you are coming here during the rainy season, it can be difficult, especially if you're driving and double-especially if you're not in a 4x4. Let’s put it this way; the roads aren't great. So you're better off flying during the rainy season, although you'll need the hotel to arrange a private flight for you.

To that end, we say the best time to travel to Punta Islita is anytime during the December-April dry season and also the "cusp months" of November and May. November and May can be great times because you get to experience the countryside around here as it turns fresh and green.

Guanacaste is Costa Rica's hottest and sunniest zone. Perfect for beach bums and sunset lovers and the driest and warmest part of Costa Rica. Expect high 80s F (early 30s C) temperatures most of the year and relatively low humidity.

The May-November rainy season freshens things up, and the landscape turns a verdant green. It's a beautiful time to come, although logistically a little more complicated. You'll typically see sunny mornings and rainy afternoons during the Punta Islita rainy season.

Punta Islita is perfectly safe, crime-wise. There are few people around, and all the locals know each other. Plus, if you're here, you're staying at the Hotel Punta Islita, which is well-guarded and cared for. However, like most Costa Rica beach areas, the most significant danger comes from the ocean. So even though the two nearest local beaches are safe, take care when swimming regardless.

Don Ramiro

Fantastic local dining emphasizes seafood and vegetarian fare in Punta Islita village. Make a reservation, as this place is small and fills up.

Kimbute

Another restaurant in the village's heart will pick you up free of charge from the hotel if you ask them in advance. Or you can walk, no worries. Once at Kimbute, enjoy a range of Latin-fused dishes, especially the outstanding ceviche options.

Aura Beach Club

Formerly Cocos, the beach club connected to the Hotel Punta Islita. Enjoy typical bar food and seafood right on the ocean.

Alma Restaurant

Alma Restuarant is the main restaurant of the Hotel Punta Islita, serving an excellent selection of options, all made with fresh ingredients and a loving, expert eye.

From Liberia: 78 miles (126 kilometers), about 2.5 hours.

The closest airport to Punta Islita is Guanacaste Airport, outside of the city of Liberia. At Costa Rican Vacations, we provide a "meet and greet" service to all our clients, plus a private transfer from the airport to your destination. Most of our clients just sit back and enjoy the ride.

However, if you want to drive to Punta Islita yourself, it’s possible - but only if you rent a 4X4 during the November to April dry season. It’s a challenging drive outside of the dry season, and we recommend flying between May and November.

However, adventurous drivers can come out of Guanacaste Airport and turn right on the main highway to the beach, Ruta 21. Keep on following that road south to Santa Cruz and then to the city of Nicoya.

At the KFC outside Nicoya, turn right into the city itself (check out one of Costa Rica’s oldest churches here) and head through town, following the signs to Samara. Keep on driving until you hit the beach in Samara and follow the road through to Playa Carillo. After Carillo, the road gets rough, with a river to ford en route. You’ll start seeing signs to Punta Islita; follow these and you'll get there soon enough.