Los Pargos is a small and peaceful fishing village (better known as Playa Negra) located in the north of Costa Rica´s Pacific coast. It’s a timeless almost unknown place. A town where houses hide behind trees and monkeys wonder about. As of yet, roads aren’t paved and most people get around on bikes, motorcycles, and even horses.

The beach is enchanting with trees sharing their shade with you and tide pools to play in at low tide.

The town is small, and initially it may seem that there is nothing and nobody here, especially if you walk around during ‘siesta’ time. But, believe it or not, there is most everything that you need in the area and a community of friendly people from all parts of the world.

We have some small stores where you will be surprised about what you’ll find, from gifts, sun block, and BBQ sauce to good wine and more necessities. There are also a couple of art galleries and surf shops, other cafes and restaurants to suit your taste. That’s about all the commerce around town. If you need a drugstore, gasoline, bank or an ATM, the nearest ones are in Tamarindo or Santa Cruz, about a 30-minute drive away.

In a place like this, nature and the sun set the pace of life. Many live for surfing and for waking up hypnotized by the sound of the ocean, to enjoy the warm, clear water and great waves before the sun reaches its zenith .

The surf spot of Playa Negra is considered one of the best in Costa Rica.

When the tide is low, in front of Playa Negra, between sand and reef, delicious tide pools are formed, perfect for lazing around. When the tide rises, bathing becomes harder, this is why some may prefer Sandy Beach, a short walk away, perfect for family fun.

Trees provide natural shade and good places to hang hammocks, and you can also boogie board or body surf to refresh yourself. Sandy beach is the best place for learning to surf.

After an intense day on the beach and frolicking in the waves, a good meal and a cold beer, the town surrenders to the arms of Morpheus. Most inhabitants go to bed early and arise early, but for those wishing to enjoy the nightlife and/or on the weekends, you can find local bars and other fun spots in the area. Besides surfing, snorkeling and spending the day at the beach, you can also take surf and yoga classes/lessons, horseback rides, mountain bike tours, and guided hikes to the local waterfall. For parents: you can take your children to a day care center while you get some professional massages at the beach or other locations, or to spend private time with your significant other.

When to come to Playa Negra

The summer season starts in November. It rains less, and offshore winds start blowing sporadically.

From December to May there is no rain and offshore winds generally blow until the end of March. Waves are usually smaller in summer, but longer and perfectly shaped due to the effects of the wind .

In March more waves start coming in due to storm activity off of South America. Maybe this is the best season for waves, as well as October, although this time of year can be interrupted because of stormy conditions. Towards the end of June, for around 3 weeks, a natural phenomena called the ‘Veranillo de San Juan’ tends to appear, where the offshore winds may blow again. The combination of winds, the lush green rain forests and the waves result in magical moments.

The only month we don’t recommend is October. It rains a lot and conditions in the ocean are predominately stormy. It is the season where local surfers wait for better conditions in order to surf alone.

To the east

Rincon de la Vieja National Park. It’s about a 2 hour drive.
We recommend you spend the night there. You can hike around the active volcano, dip into the medicinal mud, or relax in the hot springs, steam baths or get a massage.
You can also horseback ride to the waterfalls, do canopy tours, ride on the quadricycle, visit the serpentarium, or go down a 500 meter long water slide.

To the south

Two hours south from Negra, there’s a beautiful beach called San Juanillo.
The road there is surrounded by giant trees and native species of birds and other wildlife.
Playa Ostinal: for turtle-watching.

To the North

Playa Conchal: ideal for a dip in the ocean.
Playa Grande: fun surf, turtle-watching, great beach.

Things to Avoid

Parking your car on the beach with valuable items left inside
Don't eat from street vendors
Don’t walk around with your passport, carry a copy instead and leave your valuable in a safe box.
Don’t drive fast in towns, you can hit a child or cow and this is not a good way to show respect for the locals.