Playa Rinconcito was my base for two months, my accommodation just a few steps from the beach, my window a vantage point for watching both the people and the sea.

While Playa Mermejita has better sunset views, Playa Rinconcito has amazing sunrises. Rising to watch the sunrise with the birds was one of the first things I did, and a habit I got used to very quickly.

During the day the beach is hot! Rinconcito des have some of the calmer waves in comparison to neighbouring beaches, but it’s still important to be aware of the strong currents and riptides.

If the tide is right in the morning, a fun couple of hours could be spent on the far side of the beach, clambering rocks with the crabs and exploring the pools with the fish. The cliff walls are threaded with quartz, and the rock pools formed by old coral, both features that make this an extra beautiful spot to explore.

Favourite sighting during my stay: a puffer fish!

Beyond the natural flows and ebbs, Playa Rincocto also hosts the occasional event, such as turtle releases and canival days, and has a few bars and restaurants (mostly on Rincocito street) but it’s quieter than Playa Zipolite where most go for more social vibes, especially in the evening.

As night falls, the beach clears. This was my favourite time to hang out on the beach if I wasn’t out and about.

I even managed to see glowing plankton despite it not being the right season.

Regardless of other evening activities, my nightly ritual always included lying on the beach staring at the stars just before heading to bed. There were multiple sky events in the time I was there, planetary alignments, venus by the moon, full moon high tides.. each with their own magic.