Think you know Costa Rica?
Why Potrero is a true escape
By: Nicole Mount
Tucked away in the rural northwest region of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, you’ll find Potrero. You may be familiar with popular Tamarindo or other larger towns close by, which lets Potrero fly under the radar.
I got to know Potrero when I worked as the Director of Global Education at a private high school. I visited for the first time in 2016 to get a feel for the town and meet with leadership team members of Abriendo Mentes, an education nonprofit organization that would become a partner to the school I worked at.
I visited again in 2019 with colleagues and students, and it was such a treat watching them experience the beauty of Potrero and its people. We all know the feeling of visiting a hidden gem to then return later and see it discovered by (many) other tourists, but in my three-year-visit gap, I think there was only one new cafe that popped up. Overall, the vibe remained the same — days truly slow down while you’re there, and an emphasis on the important things in life shine through.
Here’s where I give a necessary warning: If you’re looking for a bustling city, Potrero is not the place for you! However, if you’re looking for a small town where you can interact with locals, find some great food, and enjoy quiet beaches, then you’ll love it.
Editing: Natalie Filkoski and