Not long ago, Playa Herradura, 7km north of Jaco, was little more than a quiet fishing village. Now that it is home to one of Costa Rica's largest and most luxurious resorts, the beach's local feel is showing slight sighs of corporatism. Nevertheless, the secluded beach remains charming in a rural sort of way that is becoming increasingly rare in the country. The easiest way to get to Playa Herradura is to take a taxi from Jaco (¢1500). Buses running to San Jose, Puntarenas, or Orotina can drop you off at the turn off to the beach; it's a 3km walk along a paved road. When you're ready to come back, call a taxi. Anyone seeking a drastic contrast from gringo-filled Jaco will enjoy a quiet daytrip here or a night camping on the calm, palm-lined, black sand shore. You can set up your tent for free along the beach or use the campground 100m past the entrance to the beach. (¢1500 per tent. Bathrooms, lights, and electric outlets available.) During the day, keep busy exploring the abandoned crescent-shaped bay, or, during low tide, wade out to nearby Isla Herradura, an uninhabited patch of land just a few hundred meters off shore, and take a nap under the shady trees.