Playa La Macha Manuel Antonio
Playa La Macha, Manuel Antonio
Featuring one of the most secluded beach coves in the Manuel Antonio area, it is easy to see why Playa La Macha is one of Manuel Antonio’s most valued beaches and best-kept secrets. The Beach isn’t easy to get to and requires a small to a fair amount of hiking to reach, but once you arrive at this small and rocky oasis, you come to understand why it is so special. This beach is located in the Manuel Antonio Jungle so be on the lookout for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Capuchin and Howler monkeys are some of the most commonly seen animals on this trail.
The Trail
The trail consists of steep hills in the beginning, followed by rainforest pathways full of wildlife and beautiful scenery for you to enjoy. After hiking the main road for around 1.5km you will eventually get to a point where you need to choose between going right or left. Continue on the trail that is on your right side. At this point the trail becomes more of a traditional hiking trail and you will need to go down a steep hill. This part of the trail is not properly paved, so make sure to watch where you are stepping to avoid any accidents. Be aware that during the rainy season, this trail can be very washed out, making it more dangerous or inaccessible.
What to bring?
- Water and food
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Hat/Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Swimming shoes
If you are an experienced hiker, you can also choose to do the Reto Mae trail. This coastal trail takes about 3 hours and passes through 5 amazing beaches, including Playa La Macha and finishes at playa Biesanz. For more information, check out our Reto Mae Hike blog post.
How to get there
By public transport:
To get to Playa La Macha by public transport you can take the bus (390 Colones) from central Quepos. The ride takes about 10 minutes and there are a total of 5 stops before you get off. You will know your stop is next when you pass Hotel Mono Azul on the right-hand side of the bus. If you're new to the area, it may be helpful to let the bus driver know you need to get off near Hotel Mono Azul. From Mono Azul, you will walk 5 minutes towards Bongo Hotel. The trail to Playa La Macha officially starts there and you should see a painted sign with Playa La Macha written on it.
By car
If you are planning on going to Playa la Macha by car, you can drive straight to Bongo Hotel. The drive takes around 5 minutes from Quepos and is on all well-paved roads. Arriving at Bongo Hostel means that you have found the start of the trail. You can park in that area but try not to park in the bongo Hotel parking lot as their parking spots are for guests only. Once parked, look for a painted sign that has Playa La Macha written on it (see photo below). This is the start of your short hike to Playa La Macha.
By 4x4
If you are traveling by 4x4, you can skip hiking the steep hills of the trail. It is allowed and possible to drive with a 4X4 further on the trail until you reach the spot where you need to choose between going right or left on the trail. You will also encounter a sign that says that this is where you should park your car.
Writer’s tips:
- Readers beware, this secluded beach is Manuel Antonio’s only known nude beach. While most visitors will sport some kind of bathing suit or clothes, many will not. Few people use this beach so running into naked people is not as common as one may think.
- Make sure to visit Playa La Macha during the low tide, when the waves are lower and calmer to swim in, thus making it safer. There is also a lot more beach real estate during low tide.
- Caution: It is not advised for women to hike alone. This is to prevent any unwanted situations which women are more vulnerable to face.
- Be aware that during the rainy season, this trail can be very washed out, making it more dangerous or inaccessible.
