Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica Map (Most Up-To-Date)
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is a terraced, bungalow-style adults-only resort on Playa Arenilla in Culebra Bay, just 20–30 minutes from Liberia Airport. The layout splits into an active Hub with main pool and restaurants and a quieter Spa Side around the relaxation pool and spa, connected by steep paths and shuttles, on a calm, swimmable black-sand bay just outside gated Peninsula Papagayo.
| Area / Zone | Best For | Key Tip | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lobby & Hub Plateau | Quick access to main pool, buffet, bars and entertainment | Choose this zone for minimal shuttle dependence and easiest movement between dining and nightlife | Evening shows and music carry here, so noise runs later than in hillside or spa buildings |
| Main Pool & Beachfront Strip | Social travelers who want activity, drinks and fast beach access | Use the main pool as your anchor, with Barefoot Grill and beach just steps away | Higher foot traffic, louder daytime atmosphere and more limited sense of seclusion along walkways |
| Spa Side & Relaxation Pool | Quiet seekers and wellness focused guests wanting low ambient noise | Book near the spa pool for maximum calm and easy access to Aqua restaurant | Farther from the Hub, so expect frequent shuttle use and longer returns after dinner or shows |
| Hillside Panoramic View Bungalows | Guests prioritizing wide bay views over proximity to the beach | Target upper hillside panoramic categories for sweeping Culebra Bay and forest canopy vistas | Steep walks and heavier reliance on carts, especially in heat or for guests with limited mobility |
| Preferred Club Oceanfront Row | Preferred Club guests wanting strongest water connection and fast beach access | Oceanfront bungalows place you closest to Seaside Grill and calm swimming on Playa Arenilla | Less elevation means views can be partly filtered by vegetation and beach activity is closer |
| Arrival Road & Entrance Sector | Smooth airport transfers and organized group logistics | Note the single dedicated access road from Playa Panamá when planning shared or private transfers | Nothing is truly walkable off site, so taxis or tours are needed for towns and external dining |
2025 Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica Map + Printable PDF
The current layout at Secrets Papagayo continues to revolve around its steep, terraced hillside facing Culebra Bay, with 202 bungalow-style suites feeding into two main hubs: the active pool, buffet and entertainment cluster by the lobby, and the quieter spa and relaxation pool zone at the opposite end. Internal circulation still relies heavily on 24/7 shuttles along steep roads, with short, fully paved access from Liberia Airport and calm, swimmable bay waters remaining core advantages.
2025 Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica Map Guide
Use the map by first anchoring yourself on two axes: vertical elevation up and down the hillside and the east west pull between the Hub and the Spa Side. Treat the Hub as the center for dining and activity, and the Spa Side as the quiet pole. Plan movement assuming shuttles for most hillside hops, walking only for short stretches, then match zones to your style, from social main pool energy to secluded plunge pool or spa side bungalows.
How is Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica laid out, including main buildings, pools, restaurants, and Preferred Club areas?
Secrets Papagayo runs along a steep hillside above Playa Arenilla, with an active Hub, quiet Spa Side, and Preferred Club rooms near best views.
The resort sits on a terraced hillside facing Culebra Bay, with low bungalow buildings stepping down toward the black sand beach. The central Hub zone holds the open air lobby, main active pool with Manatees swim up bar, Market Café buffet, Seaside Grill, theater and several bars, forming the social and entertainment core overlooking the bay. Paved roads and walking paths link these facilities to clusters of hillside suites.
On the opposite end, the Spa Side gathers Secrets Spa by Pevonia, the quiet relaxation pool and Aqua restaurant in a denser forest setting. Preferred Club rooms concentrate in premium positions, including an oceanfront bungalow row and higher panoramic spots, with a dedicated lounge and Seaside Grill breakfast and lunch access anchored around the Hub.
Where is Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica located within the country and on the Papagayo Peninsula?
Secrets Papagayo sits in Guanacaste on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast, on Playa Arenilla in Culebra Bay just outside gated Peninsula Papagayo.
Within Costa Rica, the resort is in Guanacaste Province on the North Pacific coast, on the sheltered Gulf of Papagayo. It fronts Culebra Bay, where the tropical dry forest slopes down to a calm, swimmable black sand shoreline on Playa Arenilla. This bay setting gives the property its calmer water compared with more exposed Pacific beaches.
In the local Papagayo area, the resort occupies a separate headland just outside the main Peninsula Papagayo gated development that holds Four Seasons and Andaz. It sits near the neck of the peninsula, roughly 3 kilometers northwest of the main entrance to Playa Panamá, so it is Papagayo area rather than inside the central peninsula compound.
What is the driving route and travel time from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
From Liberia Airport it is a 20 to 30 minute paved drive, following Route 21 toward Comunidad then local roads via Playa Panamá to the resort.
From LIR, vehicles exit the terminal and join Route 21 heading west toward the town of Comunidad. After passing through this area, the route turns onto the paved connector roads signed for Playa Panamá, typically Route 151 or 254, which run toward the Gulf of Papagayo coast.
Near Playa Panamá, a dedicated access road branches toward Culebra Bay and Playa Arenilla, where the resort entrance sits on its own headland. The entire trip usually takes 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic, on well maintained two lane roads, which keeps transfers short compared with Guanacaste resorts located farther south or near the Nicaraguan border.
Is the beach at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica generally swimmable?
Yes. Secrets Papagayo fronts calm Culebra Bay on Playa Arenilla, so the water is generally swimmable with gentle surf and weak currents.
The resort sits inside the protected Gulf of Papagayo, on Playa Arenilla, where the bay blocks most strong Pacific swells. Conditions are usually calm enough for casual swimming, floating and basic water sports directly off the beach, unlike surf focused areas such as Tamarindo.
Guests should still use basic caution near rocky edges where sea urchins can live, and wear sandals on the black volcanic sand, which heats up quickly in midday sun. Visibility for snorkeling varies with tides and weather but marine life can often be seen close to shore.
What are the best nearby activities, excursions, and wildlife-spotting options around Secrets Papagayo and the Papagayo Peninsula?
From Secrets Papagayo, focus on bay cruises, forest hikes, and nearby parks for the best mix of wildlife viewing and soft adventure.
The surrounding Papagayo area supports varied half day and full day outings.
- Sunset catamaran and snorkeling cruises leave from the gulf, pairing calm water, reef fish and frequent dolphin and seasonal whale sightings.
- Sport fishing charters target the rich Gulf of Papagayo, with chances to see sea turtles and pelagic species on the ride out.
- Rincón de la Vieja National Park combines volcanic hiking, mud baths, hot springs and waterfalls with birdlife and howler monkeys.
- Palo Verde boat safaris focus on crocodiles, dense birdlife and riverine scenery, popular with photographers and naturalists.
- Local operators arrange ATV rides, zip lining and jet ski sessions near the resort, adding light adventure to a beach focused stay.
- On property, paths and balconies regularly reveal howler and capuchin monkeys, coatis, iguanas and colorful birds in the dry forest.
What transportation options are available between Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica and Playas del Coco?
Travel between Secrets Papagayo and Playas del Coco is easiest by 15 to 20 minute taxi, with local buses and occasional water taxis as options.
Road transport dominates movement between the resort and Playas del Coco, with taxis clearly the primary option.
- Taxi rides take about 15 to 20 minutes each way and usually cost roughly 25 to 30 US dollars one way, making them the most efficient.
- Public buses run between the Playa Panamá area and Playas del Coco, but using them means walking to the main road and often making at least one connection.
- Informal water taxis can sometimes be arranged from the beach, yet most travelers still use the faster, more predictable road route.
How do the locations of Secrets Papagayo and Andaz Papagayo differ within the Papagayo Peninsula?
Secrets sits on a headland just outside gated Peninsula Papagayo, while Andaz is deeper inside the peninsula on twin sheltered bays.
The two resorts share the Gulf of Papagayo but occupy different map positions and levels of seclusion.
| Resort | Position on map | Access and connectivity | Water setting | Location vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secrets Papagayo | On Playa Arenilla headland just outside main Peninsula Papagayo gate | Short road back to Playa Panamá and easier taxi reach to Playas del Coco | Faces calm Culebra Bay on a single black sand beach | Feels Papagayo area but less sealed off, good for mixing resort time with town visits |
| Andaz Papagayo | Inside gated Peninsula Papagayo, farther along internal roads | Deeper inside a controlled compound, longer internal drive to leave the peninsula | Sits above two small coves with marina access nearby | More exclusive and self contained, oriented to on site experiences and marina based outings |
What are the main location-related pros and cons of staying on the Papagayo Peninsula versus Tamarindo?
Papagayo suits travelers wanting quiet, calm water and short transfers, while Tamarindo favors nightlife, surf culture and a walkable beach hub.
| Aspect | Papagayo (Secrets area) | Tamarindo |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer from LIR | About 20–30 minutes on good roads | Often 60+ minutes, more time in transit |
| Overall vibe | Quiet, upscale, secure, resort oriented | Bustling, youthful, strongly tourist driven |
| Beach conditions | Calm, swimmable bay, little surf | Stronger waves, better for surfing than floating |
| Access to town life | Little is walkable, taxis needed for towns | Compact, walkable grid of bars, shops, restaurants |
| Nightlife & dining | Mostly on site bars and shows | Lively bar scene and varied local dining options |
| Crowds & noise | Low density, generally tranquil | Busier streets, more noise and vendor presence |
Papagayo works best for all inclusive relaxation, calm water and minimal logistics, while Tamarindo fits guests who prioritize a lively town, surfing and independent dining even at the cost of more noise and longer transfers.
Where is the Papagayo Peninsula and Gulf of Papagayo within Guanacaste, and what is the area known for?
Papagayo Peninsula sits on Guanacaste’s north Pacific coast along the Gulf of Papagayo, known for calm bays, upscale resorts and dry forest wildlife.
Papagayo Peninsula lies on Costa Rica’s North Pacific shore in Guanacaste, where the tropical dry forest meets the Gulf of Papagayo. The gulf includes Culebra Bay, the protected inlet where Secrets Papagayo and nearby resorts line black sand and golden headland beaches. The region is recognized for calm, swimmable waters shielded from strong Pacific swell, upscale and secure resort infrastructure, and easy access from Liberia Airport that makes it a strategic base for high end leisure and marine excursions.
Where are Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts located within Costa Rica, including Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Hyatt Inclusive Collection in Costa Rica centers on Guanacaste, with Secrets Papagayo on Culebra Bay and Dreams Las Mareas near the Nicaragua border.
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection currently concentrates its Costa Rica beach resorts in the northwest, anchored in Guanacaste Province.
- Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica sits on Playa Arenilla in Culebra Bay on the Gulf of Papagayo, about 20 to 30 minutes from Liberia Airport, serving the Papagayo region.
- Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica lies much farther north on the Pacific coast near the Nicaraguan border, about 90 minutes from Liberia, trading quick access for a more remote jungle beach setting.
Which building or room locations at Secrets Papagayo offer the best ocean views?
Best ocean views come from upper hillside Panoramic and Preferred Club Ocean Front or Ocean View bungalows, especially on second floor levels.
Secrets Papagayo uses its steep hillside to lift many rooms above the tree line, so elevation matters more than raw distance to the water. Panoramic View categories sit higher on the slopes and usually clear the canopy for wide Culebra Bay vistas. Preferred Club Ocean Front and Ocean View bungalows in the front rows or higher tiers combine direct water sightlines with fewer obstructions, with second floor units generally seeing over nearby roofs, paths and vegetation.
Where are accessible rooms and step-free pathways located at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Accessible rooms cluster in ground floor bungalows near main paths, with step free routes focused around the lobby, restaurants and main pool.
The resort designates about seven accessible rooms, typically placed on ground floors in areas that avoid interior stairs. Exact building numbers are not public, but these units sit close to primary paved roads and shuttle pickup points, since most bungalows lack elevators and hills are steep. Ramps and smooth paths link the lobby, main pool, Market Café and core restaurants, giving the most continuous step free circulation in the central Hub zone.
Beyond the Hub, gradients increase noticeably toward hillside and spa side buildings. Guests using wheelchairs or with limited mobility will usually rely on shuttles for moves between room clusters, the spa and the quiet pool. The main active pool includes an ADA style chair lift, which helps offset some of the terrain limitations by making at least one pool fully accessible once guests reach that level.
Which areas or buildings at Secrets Papagayo are generally considered the quietest?
Quietest areas sit near the spa and relaxation pool on the Spa Side, plus higher hillside bungalows away from the main pool and theater.
The most consistently quiet locations cluster at the edges of activity zones rather than beside the Hub.
- Buildings around the Spa Side relaxation pool stay calm, since this zone is explicitly set up for silence and wellness.
- Bungalows tucked in the forest near the spa, but not backing the internal roads, limit both music and cart noise.
- Higher hillside units away from the Market Café and amphitheater avoid most evening entertainment sound.
- Any room well removed from the main pool bar triangle will usually have softer daytime noise, especially midday.
Which parts of Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica feel most private or romantic for honeymooners?
Most romantic zones are plunge pool and oceanfront Preferred Club bungalows, plus secluded Spa Side hillside units away from main Hub traffic.
For couples, focus on areas that trade convenience for seclusion.
- Preferred Club Junior Suites with plunge pools give private soaking, limited foot traffic and strong visual separation from neighbors.
- Preferred Club Ocean Front bungalows on quieter stretches of the shoreline feel intimate yet still close to calm bay water.
- Hillside units on the Spa Side, near but not directly beside the relaxation pool or spa paths, wrap you in forest and bird noise instead of bar music.
- Upper level panoramic view rooms facing open bay rather than internal paths feel more cocooned.
What is the nearest town to Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
The nearest real town is Playas del Coco, about a 15 to 20 minute drive, with Playa Panamá as a closer but smaller beach community.
Secrets Papagayo sits just northwest of Playa Panamá, which functions as the closest local beach village rather than a full service town. For restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, shopping and a proper main street, Playas del Coco is the primary hub, reached by taxi in roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Coco offers a stronger contrast to the resort bubble, with a livelier nightlife scene and more everyday services than the quiet beachfront around the property.
What are the key property details and specifications for Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Secrets Papagayo has 202 adults only suites, 2 pools, 7 dining venues, calm black sand beach and sits 20 to 30 minutes from LIR.
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is an adults only (18+) all inclusive resort in the Hyatt Inclusive Collection with 202 bungalow style suites on a terraced hillside above Playa Arenilla in Culebra Bay. The beach is volcanic black sand with generally calm, swimmable water. The property sits about 20 to 30 minutes by paved road from Liberia Airport, with Playas del Coco around 15 to 20 minutes away by taxi.
Facilities include 2 pools, one active with a swim up bar and one quiet spa pool, plus 4 à la carte restaurants, 1 buffet, 1 café, 1 grill and 5 bars under a no reservations dining model. There are roughly 7 accessible rooms but internal movement relies heavily on shuttles because of steep terrain. Meeting capacity centers on about 6,180 square feet in the Papagayo amphitheater, and connectivity includes free Wi Fi and free international calling to the US and Canada.
Archive Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica Maps
Below are all official map versions released for Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica between 2024 and 2016.
2024 Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica Map
2016 Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica Map
