Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5km west of El Coco; turn right at the Castrol Oil sign and follow the signs for
Congo
Trail Canopy Tour
( 2666-4422; US$65; 8am-5pm)
. At the 'T' intersection in Nuevo
Colón, turn left, bear left at the fork and continue for 5km until you reach Congo Trail
Canopy. From there, it's a hair-raising 6km drive to Bahía Potrero.
To avoid the rough roads, return to the main peninsular highway from El Coco, then
head south through Filadelfia and on to Belén (a distance of 18km), from where a paved
road heads 25km west to Huacas. Take the road leading north until you hit the ocean in
Brasilito. If you turn right and head north, you'll pass Playa Flamingo and Bahía Potrero
before reaching Playa Pan de Azúcar. If you make a left instead and head south, you will
end up at Playa Conchal. If you're into sea kayaking, the proximity of the beaches to one
another makes for some great day trips.
WORTH A TRIP
PLAYA PAN DE AZÚCAR
Although buses stop at Potrero, travelers with their own ride can head 3km north on a
paved road to 'Sugar-Bread Beach,' which derives its name from the strip of white sand
that's protected at both ends by rocky headlands. This is one of the most scenic
stretches of road in all of northern Costa Rica, as dry rugged cliffs sheer down into aqua-
marine coves sheltered by offshore islets. Difficult access and the lack of cheap accom-
modations create an atmosphere of total seclusion, and the ocean here is calm, clear and
perfect for snorkeling.
US$155; ) is simple and understated. The 22 lovely rooms are entered via
elaborately hand-carved wooden doors. Deluxe rooms are slightly larger and have stun-
ning ocean views. But the real reason you're here is to slow down and linger on an isolated
beach. Overheard in the lobby: 'Now this is vacation.'
Bahía Potrero
Several undeveloped beaches are strung along this low-key bay. The black-sand beach is
Playa Prieta, while the gorgeous white-sand beach is Playa Penca, where stand-up paddle
(SUP) boarders ply the sheltered turquoise bay toward gleaming offshore islets. Further
south is the more developed 'town' beach, Playa Potrero.
