Playa Herradura is smaller than Jaco, enjoys gentler surf, and has more shade trees. At the moment Herradura offers economical tourist hotels and weekend homes for highland residents, both Ticos and gringos. But the town extends a promise of better things to come. . For a beachfront community Playa Herradura boasts property that is reasonable at least compared with prices at Jaco or Manuel Antonio. Many building lots can be found within walking distance of the beach, and construction is booming. An upscale development known as Los Suenos is under way at Playa Herradura. With its large-scale marina, luxury homes, and condos, Los Suenos will raise the general tone o Herradura and bring in more development. At the time of my last visit spring 2000, the golf course was almost complete.
About 10 kilometers north of Herradura (about 30 kilometers north o Jaco), Punta Leona has an attractive private club (with day admission for nonmembers) with a complex of condos and cottages owned by retirees and weekenders from the Meseta Central. Like Los Suenos in Herradura, there is a very safe feeling about these gated communities, but prices reflect the additional costs of privacy and luxury.

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