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The best area to stay in Portillo is along the main Portillo Beach stretch, particularly around the eastern end near the El Limón Waterfall road.


This area provides direct access to the beautiful, expansive Portillo Beach, known for its soft sand and calm waters. It's a relatively undeveloped stretch, offering a peaceful setting with a few top hotels and villas dotted along the coastline. You'll find it's easy to walk along the beach for kilometres, and the main road to El Limón Waterfall is nearby, making excursions straightforward.


Couples looking for a tranquil and romantic escape will find this area ideal. The secluded nature of the beach allows for quiet strolls and relaxed days by the sea. Many accommodations here offer private balconies with ocean views, superb for enjoying the sunset.


Families will also appreciate the calm waters for swimming and playing, as well as the sense of space on the beach.

The best time to go to Portillo, Samaná, is during the dry season, which runs from December to May.


During these months, you'll experience consistently sunny days and comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C. This period avoids the heavier rainfall and higher humidity that can occur outside of these months, ensuring your beach days and outdoor activities aren't interrupted.


For those looking to witness the spectacular humpback whale migration, the peak viewing season is from mid-January to mid-March. This is an incredible experience, with thousands of whales returning to the warm waters of Samaná Bay to calve and mate. Many operators offer boat trips from nearby Samaná town, making it an easy day trip from Portillo.


Couples often find the shoulder months of December, January, April, and May particularly appealing. The weather is still excellent, but it's generally a bit less crowded than the peak whale-watching period, offering a more relaxed and intimate experience.

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Portillo.

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Portillo hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Prices for hotels in Portillo often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$112 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.