No ATM! Sapzurro and Capurganá have no ATMs or banks, so bring enough cash for accommodation, meals, activities and transport.
In brief
Just a few minutes’ walk from Sapzurro, La Playita seems a world away from the hustle and bustle. Close enough for easy access, but discreet enough to remain quiet, it eludes the majority of visitors, who are more attracted to the main beach of Sapzurro or Playa del Ica.
La Playita is characterized by two essential features. Firstly, its size: tiny, almost confidential, it is without doubt the smallest beach in the Sapzurro area. Secondly, its rocky configuration. Large boulders occupy much of the water, and a few are also scattered along the beach. That said, there are still sandy areas large enough to put your towel down on – but you can’t expect to accommodate 30 people. As soon as you enter the water, you’ll have to use your legs to step over the rocks, which are there almost immediately. They become a little rarer as you move further from the shore. Water shoes are clearly an asset for getting around more easily and more peacefully.
When we visited in early October, the beach was clean, with very little plastic waste and no algae. As for the sea, it was absolutely calm, without the slightest ripple, and the water was remarkably clear.
A hundred or two hundred meters back from the beach, a small hut offers food and refreshments if required. And for those who wish to combine a stroll with a swim, it is possible to organize a pleasant twenty-minute hike from Sapzurro to Cabo Tiburón, passing successively through Sapzurro beach, Playa del Ica and La Playita.
The only drawback is that the path runs directly alongside the beach. Even though Sapzurro is considered a safe place – as we were told on the spot – it’s wise to bear in mind that belongings left on the beach are still easily accessible.
How to get to La Playita ?
From Sapzurro
From the center of Sapzurro (church and muelle area), take the path that runs north along the coast. The path follows the sea, crossing a few concrete pontoons, then continues along a small dirt track alongside the boat service station, with Playa del Ica just behind. Then cross the beach and continue on the path, which passes a few hotels slightly inland, before returning to the coast and reaching La Playita, after about an 8-minute walk.
From Capurganá
On foot: from Capurganá, you can walk to Sapzurro via the viewpoint. The route passes through forest and includes a fairly steep climb before the descent to Sapzurro. Once in the village, simply follow the route described above to reach La Playita. Allow 2 to 2 h 30 for the walk.
By boat: if you prefer to avoid walking, simply board the Capurganá muelle to reach Sapzurro by boat, in just 10 minutes. Once you’ve reached the village, just follow the route described above to reach La Playita.
Where to sleep to get to La Playita ?
Sapzurro is obviously the ideal place to stay, located just a few minutes’ walk from La Playita. The village is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. Capurganá, the neighboring village, is the second closest option: it can be reached on foot (about a two-hour walk) or by boat.
Sapzurro
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Hostal Hilltop
Hostal Hilltop in Sapzurro is a youth hostel appreciated for its beachfront location and superb views. Customer reviews are generally positive, highlighting the warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and comfortable rooms. On the other hand, installations remain simple, less suited to those seeking greater comfort.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
La Posada Hostal
Posada Hostal is highly rated for its seafront location, cleanliness and relaxed atmosphere, with friendly hosts who help organize activities and excursions. The camping areas and rooms are considered clean and well-equipped, and the catering is appreciated. A few reviews mention variable interactions with staff, but the overall picture remains very positive.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Casa Hotel La Mariela
Casa Hotel La Mariela is highly appreciated by travelers for its cleanliness, comfort and convenient location, just a short distance from the beach. Reviews praise the warm welcome, clean rooms and good continental breakfast, as well as help in organizing local activities. Some travelers note, however, that access to some beaches is just a short walk away.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Cafe del Mar
Cafe del Mar in Sapzurro is appreciated for its seafront location, the cleanliness of its rooms and the warm welcome of its hosts. Visitors love the home cooking and the tranquil atmosphere overlooking a little-used beach. A few reviews point to minor local power cuts, but overall it’s an excellent option for a quiet, authentic stay.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Hotel Cabañas El Paraíso
Hotel Boutique Cabañas El Paraíso is well noted for its location opposite Ica beach, offering direct access to the turquoise waters of Sapzurro and a peaceful tropical ambience. Reviews highlight the cabañas’ comfort, air conditioning and Starlink Wi-Fi, as well as the on-site restaurant. It’s located next to the Sapzurro military base, where music can sometimes be heard late at night on certain weekends.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
El Fin del Estrés
El Fin del Estrés is a glamping site appreciated for its secluded seaside location outside the village, its clean, comfortable cabañas and the warm welcome offered by the staff. Guests praise the peaceful ambience, Jacuzzi and direct access to the beach. Access may require a short walk from the landing stage, but it’s an excellent option for an authentic, relaxing stay.
Capurganá
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Casa Wago
Casa Wago captivates guests with its exceptional seaside location, clean rooms and warm welcome. The common areas are pleasant and the restaurant popular. On the other hand, Wi-Fi remains limited, and access to the site may require a lancha ride or a short walk, which may come as a surprise to less athletic travelers.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Cabañas Los Almendros
Cabañas Los Almendros is often praised for its cleanliness, peaceful garden and friendly staff, with a top-rated breakfast and very good value for money. The central location provides easy access to the beach. On the other hand, some travelers mention that power cuts or Wi-Fi can be irregular, typical of Capurganá.
$$ – Average budget
Hostal
La Posada del Gecko
Posada del Gecko in Capurganá is rated very highly (~9.1/10) with customers praising its central location, cleanliness, friendly staff and good value for money. Breakfast, spacious rooms and a friendly atmosphere are often mentioned. However, some inconveniences linked to local power cuts were reported.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hostal Capurgana
Hostal Capurgana is highly appreciated for its central location, just a few steps from the beach, and its friendly, helpful staff. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the breakfast often well rated and the garden pleasant. Wi-Fi is decent but can be slow, and street noise is mentioned by some travelers, typical of downtown.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Oleajes Capurganá
Oleajes Capurganá gets excellent ratings (~8.7/10) with many guests praising the cleanliness, the warm welcome from the staff (especially Miguel) and the delicious breakfast. Rooms are generally considered comfortable and conveniently located, close to the muelle and the city center. A few travelers mentioned the noise around them at night.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Hotel Katamaran
Hotel Katamaran receives overall very positive ratings (~8.5/10), with guests appreciating the seaside location, cleanliness, spectacular views and warm welcome from the staff. Many praise the comfortable rooms and free Wi-Fi. Some reviews mention power cuts, no breakfast included.
Notes & tips
No ATM!
Sapzurro and Capurganá have no ATMs, so it’s essential to bring plenty of cash in advance.
Bring a bathing suit
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and towel, essential for enjoying this beautiful beach to the full.
Bring sunscreen
The sun is particularly intense here: don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself effectively from UV rays.
