Playa Arco: A Hidden Beach in Uvita, Costa Rica

Staying at a hostel in Uvita for almost two weeks, we managed to make some new friends. One fine afternoon, some of us, a diverse group of people from Germany, Italy, Argentina, Finland, USA, Costa Rica and India, planned to visit Playa Arco in Uvita.

Part of the Marino Ballena National Park, Arco beach is somewhat hidden and not always easy to access. In fact, despite several trips to Uvita in the years gone by, this was the first time the stars (rather, the tides) aligned and we could check out Arco in person. And may I say, it was well worth the wait!

In this article, we will share all the details about what to expect, how to reach, things to do and everything else that you may need to know to plan your own visit to Playa Arco.

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Read our complete Costa Ballena travel guide about Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal, and refer to these articles for planning your Costa Rica trip:

• Costa Rica Packing List
• Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
• Costa Rica Activities: Things to Do
• Costa Rica Itinerary (from San Jose airport)

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What to Expect at Playa Arco

Soon after we stepped on the sand of Playa Arco, we noticed a cave. Our friend Micha had put some directions on the sand (see photo) suggesting to enter the cave. So we did. Wading the ocean water stuck inside the caves, we reached the other end of the cave that revealed a beautiful frame of the Arco Beach.

We picked a spot on the beach next to the rocky walls. Sitting next to the caves, I gazed at the ocean. Howler monkeys hung out up in the trees next to us, and scarlet macaws flew over our heads.

With views of the islands, Tres Hermanas and Isla Ballena, in the distance, white waves crashing on the sandy shore and the lush jungle hovering all around us, the environment felt serene.

Things to Do at Arco Beach

When it comes to beaches, surfing is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica. But unlike the neighboring beaches of Playa Uvita, Playa Colonia, Playa Hermosa, Playa Dominicalito and Playa Dominical, Arco is not much of a surfing beach.

If you are looking for activities at Playa Arco, the best is to entertain yourself. Walk on the beach, explore the caves, swim in the ocean, spot the birds, watch the monkeys and in general, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Our Arco Visit with Sand Artist

During our visit to Playa Arco, Micha, the Costa Rican guy in our group happened to be a talented sand artist. So, much of our afternoon was spent admiring the art he was creating at the beach. Using a rake, he swept soft strokes on the sand and in almost no time, a huge mandala was adorning the Arco beach. Take a glimpse of the process here and check out more of Micha’s sand mandalas on his Instagram page.

We found it interesting that as his art form, Micha chose something that is always going to be temporary, because the sand mandalas, however magnificent they may be, are eventually washed off by the waves. He lets nature triumph over …..

Check out this YouTube video of our Playa Arco visit with sand artist Micha.

How to Reach Playa Arco

This is the Google Maps location of Playa Arco. However, the access to the beach is not simple. There are a few ways to get there, but whichever way you choose, it requires hiking on jungle trails. Moreover, Arco beach is accessible only during the low tides.

Option 1: Enter the Ballena sector of Marino Ballena National Park, and walk northwards towards Playa Arco.

Option 2: Use the private trail of La Cusinga Lodge to get to Arco Beach. If you are not a resident guest of the lodge, you can still use their trails either by buying a day pass, or paying a trail access entry fee or by dining at their Aracari Restaurant. Find more details on our Costa Ballena travel guide.

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Word of caution: Avail the third option to get to Playa Arco ONLY IF you are accompanied by a trustworthy local who knows the area and the trail well. In our case, our sand artist friend Micha led the way.

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Option 3: (Use caution) Follow the Google Maps driving instruction from Uvita to Playa Arco. When Maps app tells you that you have arrived, but you still find yourself on the highway, with no beach or trail in sight, pull over and find a spot to park your vehicle. Do not leave valuables inside. Enter the jungle on the west side of the highway and start walking down the hill on dirt path through the jungle. It is a steep downhill that will lead you to Playa Arco.

Playa Arco: Entrance Fees and Hours

Since Playa Arco is part of the Marino Ballena National Park, the entrance fees apply. It costs 6 USD for foreigners and 1000 CRC for Costa Rican citizen and residents.

If you access Playa Arco through the Ballena sector of the national park, you can buy the tickets at the entrance. On the other hand, if you use one of the other trails to reach Arco beach, a national park guard trolling the beach may come up to you and collect the entrance fees. In our case, nobody approached us for the fees, neither did we see anyone on the beach.

Marino Ballena National Park is open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, in different sectors of the park, we have seen people stay at the beach beyond 4:00 pm, usually till after sunset. But, for Playa Arco, irrespective of those hours, you need to plan your visit during the low tide hours.

Facilities at Playa Arco

Playa Arco is wild and secluded. There are no facilities as such at the beach, that is, no bathrooms and no options for buying something to eat or drink. Depending on which way you are using to get to Arco beach, you will probably need to leave your car somewhere unmanned.

If you want a shower though, there is an interesting option. A natural stream from up the hill flows on to the Arco beach. During rainy season, it is big enough to be considered as a waterfall, whereas during the drier months, it’s a narrow trickle. But either way, this cool fresh water flow works great for taking a refreshing shower at the end of a hot day at the beach.

Tips for Visiting Arco Beach

You are likely to have a great time at Playa Arco, like we did. But, to make the best out of your visit to this hidden beach in Uvita, there are few things to keep in mind:

• Check the tide timings beforehand and plan your Playa Arco visit during the low tide hours.
• Lock your vehicle and do not leave any valuables inside.
• Use footwear suitable for walking downhill and uphill on dirt paths through the jungle.
• Carry water and beverages to stay hydrated. Alcohol is prohibited, as the beach is part of the national park.
• Bring snacks if you plan to stay long at the beach. Remember to take your trash back.
• Be ready to pay the national park entrance fees, either at entry or on the beach.
• Do not forget reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat or cap.
• Bring camera or phone camera. The place is beautiful!

Also, check our article on what to pack for Costa Rica. It also includes a FREE checklist for you!

Want to know what is in our camera bag?

What Next?

Since Playa Arco is hidden and the access requires bit of a hike, a good and complementary next stop after the beach visit can be to grab a bite. There are several awesome restaurants to choose from in the Costa Ballena area.

If you visit Arco beach in the afternoon, why not get a sunset drink later with the view of the Whale’s Tail in the distance? Else, if you go to Arco in the morning, you can spend the afternoon chilling at the refreshing natural pool of this free access waterfall near Ojochal.

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For ideas on other things to do in Uvita and around, check these out:

• Things to do in Uvita
• Uvita Waterfall
• Nauyaca Waterfalls
• Cascada El Pavon
• Pinuelas Beach
• Ventanas Beach
• Dominicalito Beach
• Whale watching in Uvita
• Marino Ballena National Park
• Best Restaurants in Uvita and Dominical
• Oxygen Jungle Villas

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