For planning a trip to Punta Islita, two main attractions stand out: public art in the village and Playa Islita along the coast. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo al Aire Libre displays works at several locations; Casa Museo complements the art experience with exhibitions, interpretation, sales, and workshops. The beach offers a focus of its own. If you’re looking for a hotel in Punta Islita, choosing between art, the coast, or a combination of both can help you get a sense of the destination based on its specific offerings.

The village’s open-air museum

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo al Aire Libre was created in 2003, following an initial gathering of artists in 2002. It features more than 15 public artworks at homes, the community center, in the forest, in the village square, and at Hotel Punta Islita. The locations therefore range from buildings to the forest and village square. The art is spread across different areas rather than concentrated in a single one of these places.

Walking tour and Casa Museo

The tour of Museo Islita takes you through the village center to artworks at the school, the pulpería, and various shared community spaces. A 2021 description also includes a visit to the local art shop, Casa Museo. Unlike the open-air museum as a whole, whose works are also located in the forest and at Hotel Punta Islita, the tour names stops in the village center. If you’d like to include the art shop, check in advance for the current itinerary.

Casa Museo and the amphitheater in Islita are used for the ongoing exhibition of local art. A guided interpretation presents how people in rural communities have developed and embraced art; art is also sold there. Art workshops are held at Casa Museo. The exhibition, guided interpretation, and workshops offer different ways to engage: from viewing local art, to learning about its development, to taking part in another form of artistic activity. If you’re planning to attend a workshop, check the date in advance.

Playa Islita and Route 160

Playa Islita is a sandy beach about 600 meters long, with grayish, dark sand and basic services. Its approximate length and sand color give this stretch of coast a distinct character, setting it apart from the cultural attractions in the village. The availability of basic services may change, so check what is offered locally when planning your trip.

Playa Islita provides access nearby to Route 160, which connects, among other places, the beaches of Corozalito and Refugio Camaronal. The road connection answers a different planning question than the description of Playa Islita: Route 160 connects other named beach destinations, while the beach’s length, sand color, and basic services characterize Playa Islita.

Discover more destinations: Marbella, Potrero, Villareal, Zapotal, Playa Hermosa, Garza, San Lázaro, La Cruz.

For an overview of the wider region, see: Guanacaste.