Playa Hermosa has been added to the list of World Surfing Reserves in recognition its world-class waves, rich biodiversity, strong community support and a clear conservation vision.
World Surfing Reserves (WSR) is a programme created by Save The Waves.
This is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems.
The programme is a model for preserving wave breaks and their surrounding areas.
It also looks to recognise and protect the environmental, cultural and economic attributes of surfing areas.
Every year, communities can apply to receive the WSR title, which is awarded to just one.
Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific.
Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity.
Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.
Surfing in Costa Rica is on the Caribbean coast and the Northern, Southern, and Central Pacific coasts.
The Pacific coast offers the most surfing locations, with the majority found in the north western province of Guanacaste.
This is where Playa Hermosa is located.