travel guanacaste costa rica

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Updated February 2024

Whether you’re looking to go for a long weekend or adventure for a week, this is the ultimate guide for the best hotels and things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Guanacaste is one of the most popular regions to explore in all of Costa Rica . With incredible resorts and hotels, access to the beach, and outdoor adventure, it’s the ultimate place to escape for a week.

It comes as no surprise that anyone landing at Liberia Airport in Costa Rica is heading to the beach. The crystal turquoise waters beckon travelers from around the world to come for a relaxing escape. Many retreats to Costa Rica’s top hotels perched high above the coastline, offering peaceful, panoramic views. During the day, time is spent leisurely around the pool or exploring Costa Rica’s grand landscape. 

Situated in the northwest region of Costa Rica, the Guanacaste Province is rich with many experiences, whether you’re an adventure seeker or looking for a relaxing escape. The “Pura Vida” mindset sets the tone as easy going, and life is filled with passion, giving visitors a unique vacation.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Guanacaste:

• Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo , for the best overall hotel
• Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo , for the best luxury hotel
• Secrets Papagayo , for the best all-inclusive hotel
• El Mangroove, Autograph Collection , for the best boutique hotel

Things to Do

• Take Sunset Catamaran Tour
• Go on a Safari Boat Adventure in Palo Verde National Park
• Visit Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste Waterfall, and Sloth Sanctuary

For more Costa Rica inspiration and resources, head here !

What to Know Before Visiting Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Getting to Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The region is best reached by direct flights into Liberia from airports like LAX. To reach the popular resort area of the Papagayo Peninsula, expect about a 30-45 minute drive. Be sure to pre-arrange transfers in advance if you do not plan on renting a car yourself. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.

Spanish is Costa Rica’s language. You will find that English is widely spoken.

Currency & Money

Most vendors accept USD and credit cards, though it is advised to keep some local currency on you.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is incredibly easy and a great way to explore the province. I recommend booking with Discover Cars for the best deals and coverage options. Be sure to get full coverage insurance to insure precaution. One thing to be aware of is the trunk not closing properly, as you should keep no valuables in sight. During our trip, our trunk didn’t close properly, and later realized it could have been a huge opportunity of error. 

Bring: Bug Spray

Bug spray is an absolute must, and one with high levels of Deet is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Guanacaste

Is Guanacaste, Costa Rica Safe to Travel To?

Generally speaking, it is safe to visit and the locals are incredibly kind. As with any new destination, take the necessary precautions for safety. One plus is that this region is often spared from natural disasters like hurricanes, so it can be considered a safe place to visit year-round.

What is Guanacaste, Costa Rica Known For?

It is home to some of the best coastlines along the Pacific Ocean, where pristine beaches are available. Inland and nearby, you’ll find other popular areas to explore, like the local mountain ranges and volcanoes in the country’s parks and nature reserves. In the Papagayo area, the top hotels are found here for those looking for luxurious resorts. Many travelers come here for a relaxing vacation in a serene setting. 

What Airport Do You Fly Into for Guanacaste, Costa Rica?

You will fly into Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia (LIR) to access the province of Guanacaste. From the airport to the Papagayo area, expect around a 45-minute drive.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica?

The dry months from December to April are the most ideal if you’re looking for a fewer amount of rainy days. However, off-season may present better price points for hotels.  

What are the Entry Requirements for Costa Rica?

All countries are allowed to enter by air as long as they meet the country’s visa and COVID-19 entry requirements. For more information, please see this link .

The Best Hotels in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Hotels and Resorts in Peninsula Papagayo

Where you choose to stay in the area of Guanacaste is completely up to you and the experience you are looking for. It is good to note that some of the hotels may have more remote locations that require a rental car or hired drive to go explore the local area. You’ll find this a lot with the resorts in the Peninsula Papagayo area. I stayed at the Andaz and found that frequently we had to hire a driver to go visit nearby sights. It would have made more sense to rent a car for the entirety of the time to be able to go explore. 

For those who are looking to be closer to surf towns and beaches, you’ll like the area of Tamarindo. There are several upscale hotels here for couples and great family resorts. You will want to consider booking a rental car as well. 

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Located in the area of Papagayo Peninsula, the Andaz is an incredible hotel for those looking for a relaxing escape with the opportunity for adventure ( Read the full review here ). Its luxurious rooms overlooking the Culebra Bay are memorable, the food is incredible, and the service is truly special. Book the best rates here .

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo

One of the top hotels in Central America, the Four Seasons is a beautiful hotel with its own 18-hole golf course right on site. Book the best rates here .

Secrets Papagayo

One of the only all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, Secrets has a stunning location on the peninsula. Hiking trails are nearby and plenty of areas to relax in. Book the best rates here .

El Mangroove, Autograph Collection

High design and upscale amenities define this intimate boutique hotel. There are two restaurants on location and a beautiful pool area to enjoy. Book the best rates here .

Hotels and Resorts In or Near Tamarindo

Tamarindo bay boutique hotel.

A boutique, adults-only property known for its proximity to shops and the beach of central Tamarindo. Book the best rates here .

Cala Luna Luxury Boutique Hotel & Villas

A zen-focused boutique hotel that is a close walk to the beach. Very popular for romantic getaways for couples and their bungalow suites. Book the best rates here .

JW Marriot Guanacaste Resort & Spa

For the best family resort that has all of the activities and beach access, look no further. Book the best rates here.

Casa Chameleon Hotel Las Catalinas

Not directly in Tamarindo, but just north is Casa Chameleon. It’s a luxury, adults-only boutique hotel that overlooks the ocean. Book the best rates here .

Where to Eat in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

You’ll find that you can enjoy a lot of your meals right at your own hotel if you’re located in Papagayo Peninsula, hence the recommendations. If you venture out or located in Tamarindo, there are several options from casual to fine dining. My suggestion is to always call ahead to be sure whether or not a reservation is mandatory for hotel restaurants. 

Where to Eat in Papagayo Peninsula

Chao pescao at andaz costa rica.

A lively tapas bar, that serves local cuisine with a twist and fresh cocktails. Be sure to try the house drink and order the chicken arepas.

Ostra Restaurant at Andaz Costa Rica

This is where elevated cuisine meets Costa Rican flare. Try the ceviche, indulge in one of the entrees, and save room for dessert!

Rio Bhongo at Andaz Costa Rica

A casual restaurant with a wide variety of options, like tacos, salads, and sandwiches.

Lola’s at Playa Avellana

If you take a drive down the coast, be sure to plan your day around this happening spot on the beach. Try their tacos with freshly made tortillas.

Where to Eat in Tamarindo

Bamboo sushi club.

The fish has never been fresher, and this is the place to eat the local catch. Their sushi is really popular amongst the locals and ex-pats who live here.

Surf Shack Burgers and Wings

Come here for a casual bite for burgers & wings. The atmosphere is really laidback for the region. 

What to Do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Experience santa rosa national park.

One of the most amazing parks and nature reserves, the Santa Rosa National Park is home to several experiences from beaches to natural forest growth. You can explore mangrove swamps, oak forests, marshlands, serene beaches. You can self-tour or hire a local guide to bring you through the highlights of Santa Rosa. 

Go Birdwatching in Palo Verde National Park

One of the densest areas for local birds is in Palo Verde National Park . There are over 280 species of birds here, so you will not be surprised to see species like the scarlet macaw and caracaras. There are a lot of attractions here at Palo Verde, some of the top ones include Sendero La Roca which is a trail that takes you to a lookout over Palo Verde’s lake. There are also some great safari boat tours available that allow you explore more of the park and see more wildlife.

For those looking to be more adventurous, you may enjoy hiking Sendero El Guaycayán or Cerros Calizos. Another popular thing to do in Palo Verde is a boat tour to Isla Pájaros to spot the largest colony of black-crowned night heron. 

Adventure in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste Waterfall, and Sloth Sanctuary

For those looking to chase a beautiful waterfall, you’ll want to head to Tenorio Volcano National Park. Home to Celeste Waterfall, known for its turquoise color, brings in tons of visitors who are looking to marvel at it. Be prepared for a two-hour hike each way, it is a strenuous activity to do but well worth the effort.  This guided private tour from Guanacaste is a good option for those looking for a hosted experience.

Another option for a great waterfall is at La Fortuna .

Have an Epic Beach Day at Lola’s + Playa Avellena 

This happening beach club is the spot to come watch the surf, have a few drinks, and kick back on the beautiful Playa Avellena beach. Lola’s onsite restaurant also means you don’t have to leave for food. I spent an entire day here on my trip relaxing on the powdery sand, sunbathing, and dipping into the ocean. I loved that we could enjoy the food right there and there were fresh coconuts for sale on the beach. 

Go Beach Hopping with a Rental Car

One of the best activities I did while visiting Guanacaste was hopping from one beach to the next on the day we rented a car. We visited a few different beaches like Playa Flamingo, Playa Avellanas, and Playa Conchal. They are all quite easily accessible and some have amenities vs others are more remote. I recommend booking with Discover Cars for the best rental car deals and coverage options.

Visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park

If you’re looking to get a view or experience of the local volcanoes in this part of Costa Rica, then consider visiting Rincon de la Vieja . It is home to the famous Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and other active geothermal sites in the area. In this national park, it is possible to see hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and more. This guided volcano hike, waterfall swim, and hot springs tour is a good option for those looking for a hosted experience.

When you enter the park, there is a great trail that is almost two miles long called Las Pailas Loop and you can see some geothermal activity. Alternatively, you could hike the summit but be prepared for a strenuous full-day hike. 

Explore the Beach Town of Tamarindo and Surfing

One of the coolest beach towns in Costa Rica is in the province of Guanacaste, called Tamarindo . It’s a very laidback destination with plenty of shopping, beach hotels, and surfing. 

It makes for a great day trip if you’re at a resort and are looking to go somewhere for the day. Take a look at the recommended restaurants above as well for your time there. 

Get Out on The Ocean

With premier access to the Pacific Ocean, there are a few ways to experience it. Some of the most popular are scuba diving, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. I would highly recommend having your hotel help you find a reliable guided tour to do so.

The amount of sea life here is incredible and you won’t be disappointed however you choose to experience it. One other epic activity to consider is a sunset catamaran tour . It’s a popular activity at the resorts in the Papagayo Peninsula. 

Go Whitewater Rafting on the Tenorio River

If you’re looking for a real boost of adrenaline, you can certainly go whitewater rafting on the Tenorio River . Along the way, you’ll see lush scenery and pass by wildlife. You will want to book with a reputable company for your time and consider safety precautions for this trip. I would advise again for your hotel concierge to help arrange this kind of tour. 

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Home » Destinations » Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste, Costa Rica and Fun Things to do

Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste, Costa Rica and Fun Things to do

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

If you’re planning a vacation to the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, lucky you! It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Costa Rica because not only is it exceptionally photogenic, but it’s also home to chilled-out surf towns, golden sand beaches, and plenty of bucket-list-worthy activities like ziplining, scuba diving, and horse riding.

There are over 400 miles (249 kilometers) of Pacific Coast here in the Guanacaste, and it’s surrounded by lush mountains, including the active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (one of the best volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica !)

Of course, the surfing here is among the best in Costa Rica , as you’ll learn below. So, if surfing is your sport of choice, consider a vacation to Guanacaste next. 

What makes the region even more appealing is its unique climate – it doesn’t have a ‘rainy’ season, and it is, in fact, the driest part of Costa Rica. So, if you’re looking to vacation somewhere with pretty much guaranteed good weather, then head to the Guanacaste. 

In this blog post, I list 7 of the best towns in the region and detail 15 of the best things to do in Guanacaste (hint – there’s fishing, surfing, and waterfall chasing, to name but a few). There’s pretty much every adventure activity you can imagine available here! 

About Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Guanacaste is one of the provinces situated partly on the beautiful  Nicoya Peninsula , together with the Puntarenas province. This 121-kilometer stretch of the Pacific Coast is easily one of the most naturally beautiful places in Costa Rica, if not the (75.2 miles) world. 

Guanacaste is nestled between Nicaragua in the North and the Nicoya Peninsula to the South. It’s known as Costa Rica’s “gold coast,” thanks to the dozens of golden sand beaches here. As such, it’s a very popular tourist destination, particularly with surfers who visit this region to surf at some of the best surf spots in the world; these include Witch’s Rock near Playa Flamingo and Playa Guiones near Nosara . 

Interestingly, the part of Guanacaste on the Nicoya Peninsula is one of only five Blue Zone areas globally, which means that people here live the longest and are among the healthiest people in the world. This “Pura Vida” lifestyle has attracted people to the area for decades. 

Some noteworthy towns in Guanacaste include Tamarindo, Nosara, and Samara – all large towns with lots of restaurants, hotels, all-inclusive resorts , and activities. Nosara is a more upmarket town with a great surf beach (Playa Guiones), and it’s also known worldwide as a great place to practice yoga.

On the other hand, Tamarindo is a well-known party town that is also home to a very pretty golden-sand beach. While the small town of Samara has a more hippie vibe and is home to gorgeous and secluded Playa Izquierda.

Some smaller towns on the Nicoya Peninsula include Playa Flamingo, which I’ve mentioned earlier as being the gateway to one of the best surf breaks in the world out at Witch’s Rock, and Playa Coco, a small town that also knows how to party!

Regardless of what you want from your vacation, Guanacaste is sure to have just what you need!

Getting Around Guanacaste

Most tourists come to the Guanacaste from   Liberia Guanacaste International Airport , one of only two International Airports in Costa Rica. There are daily flights here from elsewhere in Costa Rica and worldwide destinations (most commonly from North America and Europe). Liberia International Airport is just outside of Liberia and is a short drive to other well-known destinations in the Guanacaste like Playa Coco and Playa Flamingo. 

You can get a short domestic flight from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo Airport; this flight only takes 10 minutes, but there aren’t many flights doing this route weekly, so I don’t recommend this option.

It’s only an hour and 10-minute drive between Liberia Airport and Tamarindo, so I recommend driving it yourself . You can easily rent a car from the airport with Discover Cars . We use them the most because they include mandatory insurance (required in Costa Rica) and don’t have hidden fees.

Towns like Playa Coco (a 30-minute drive) and Playa Flamingo (an hour’s drive) are also an easy drive from the airport. However, Nosara (2.5 hours drive) and Samara (2 hours drive) are further, so that’s important to remember when planning your trip. 

You can get a taxi/ uber for between $70 to $150 USD, depending on your final destination in Guanacaste. Alternatively, a shuttle service operates from Liberia Airport to many towns on the Guanacaste, including Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara, and Playa Flamingo – this starts at only $45 USD per person one-way.

You can catch the public bus with Transportes La Pampa, which stops at both Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo if you’re on a budget. This bus leaves every hour and costs just 1400 colones ($2.64 USD), but you may need to head out to the main road from the airport to flag this down as sometimes it doesn’t turn into the airport!  You can search the route here , and there is a number to call for more info. Personally, I just take the shuttle.

Some tourists come to Guanacaste from   San Jose International Airport , the other International Airport in the country and the largest one. If you land at San Jose International Airport and get a rental car , you can easily drive to the Guanacaste; it’s a 3-hour 25-minute drive without stops and takes you via Route 27 and Interamericana North Route 1. If you don’t have a rental car, you can hire a private driver or catch a cab, but considering the distance, this will be costly! 

Once you’ve arrived in Guanacaste, you will notice that the roads here are not in the best condition – especially to the south near Samara and Nosara. So if you want to drive yourself and explore the area, it is recommended to  rent a 4WD car . With that said, those only visiting Tamarindo or Playa Flamingo won’t need a 4WD. The road along this section from San Jose is in great condition.

For getting around each town, it’s pretty easy to bus around in the north between Tamarindo, Playa Coco, and Playa Flamingo. The same can be said for Nosara and Samara. However, when it comes to connecting towns to the south (Samara and Nosara) with towns to the north, shuttles in Costa Rica are the best way to travel. Although this can be done via bus, the routes require multiple bus changes and can take most of the day.

Related Read: Check out the best free and cheap things to do in Tamarindo !

7 Most Popular Places to Visit in Guanacaste 

1. tamarindo .

Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most visited tourist destinations and the most popular in Guanacaste. Home to beautiful beaches , an electric atmosphere, and all the comforts one could want, Tamarindo shouldn’t be overlooked for a beach getaway.

In fact, Tamarindo Beach is one of the prettiest in the region, with golden sand and backed by lush green mountains. 

For many, Tamarindo is ideal for a short holiday because of the town’s location close to Liberia – home to one of Costa Rica’s international airports. On top of that, Tamarindo is safe – an important factor when choosing a place to visit abroad. Plus, the town here is lined with  lots of great restaurants  and boutique shops. Tamarindo pretty much has everything you need from a vacation town.

Although many come to unwind, don’t miss the chance to get out and explore all the  best things to do in Tamarindo . Some of the best activities available in this vibrant town include relaxing on a sunset catamaran cruise, catching some huge fish on a sports fishing adventure, going scuba diving , and drinking craft beer. In fact, Tamarindo is a well-known party town in the Guanacaste region, and if a good night scene is important to you on vacation, then this is the town for you. 

Popular sights like La Leona waterfall and Rio Celeste are within easy reach of the town. What’s pretty cool, too, is that you can see turtles nesting at Playa Grande, which is next to the main beach in Tamarindo! This phenomenon is seasonal, though. 

As with most of the other beachside towns in Guanacaste, Tamarindo is popular with surfers, although its calm waves attract more beginners than advanced surfers. There are plenty of great surf lessons in Tamarindo to choose from that start around $50 USD!

Where to Stay in Tamarindo

There are so many options for  places to stay in Tamarindo . There are over 100 hotels and hostels in the downtown area catering to all types of travelers and their budgets. 

Selina Tamarindo – $

The Selina  is a good option for budget travelers, and I have personally stayed here. It’s an upper market hostel with a great atmosphere and pool. The location is also near the beach, and the dorm rooms and privates all have AC.

Rates begin at $70 USD/night. You can   book Selina Tamarindo on HostelWorld here ,  Booking.com here , Hotels.com here , or Expedia here .  

Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel – $$

If you’d prefer a little more luxury, the  Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel   comes with gorgeous rooms, a large pool, and a modern and sleek design. However, the location is slightly back from the beach and not for families.

Rates begin at $130 USD/night. You can book Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

2. Samara 

The sleepy coastal town of Sámara is often the go-to choice for a family getaway in Costa Rica. 

Sámara’s rather protected bay means the swells here are much calmer than in nearby towns like Nosara and Playa Flamingo. So, if you want to surf some ‘easy waves’ or are new to surfing, then Samara is the place for you!

Samara beach is exceptionally pretty, with palm trees lining the beach and golden sand. This charming town (it’s more of a village, to be honest) is known for its safe atmosphere, and because of that, it’s an ideal beach destination for both families and couples in Costa Rica. 

On top of that,  Sámara is home to tons of amazing things to see and do . A short 25-minute drive away is Belen Waterfall, which has some gorgeous natural pools for you to cool off in. The marine life in the waters around Samara is fantastic too, especially out at Isla Chora, a small island part of the reef that protects Sámara from heavy ocean swells. On a snorkeling tour , you can see turtles, pufferfish, and lots of small colorful reef fish.  

Along the beach in Samara, you’ll see lots of  fantastic restaurants  that serve unique cuisines, including homemade delicacies, seafood, yummy juices, locally brewed coffee, healthy salads, meats, and plenty of vegan options. There are several beach clubs dotted along the beach, and these are great places to watch the sunset with a drink in hand.

Sámara really is a top choice in Guanacaste! 

Where to Stay in Samara

La mariposas – $.

If you’re on a budget, there are many options, but not many are good.   Las Mariposas   is my top choice, with its location only 100 meters from the beach. The hostel has a great atmosphere for meeting other travelers and is suited for the social backpacker.

Rates begin at $25 USD/night. You can book Las Mariposas here on Hostelworld  or  here on Booking.com . 

Hotel Entre Dos Aguas – $

If you consider yourself a mid-range traveler, I have a great choice for you catering to couples and families). Hotel Entre Dos Aguas is a rustic hotel with simple amenities on a beautiful property, perfect for those who want a true Costa Rican stay. 

Rates begin at $60 USD/night. You can book Hotel Entre Dos Aguas here on Booking.com .

Read our detailed guide about deciding  where to stay in Samara with the best hotels and areas !

3. Nosara/ Playa Guiones

Nosara   was once considered a hidden gem, but today, this slice of paradise is a thriving tourist town attracting people (mainly surfers) worldwide. This small town was put on the tourist map thanks to the epic waves at Guiones Beach (also known as Playa Guiones); there are both left and right breaks to be caught on this 7 km (4.3 mi) stretch of beach.

Playa Guiones is also where I recommend basing yourself during your vacation to Nosara, as it’s where everything happens, and all the  best restaurants  and boutique stores are located here. On the other hand, Nosara town is not near the beach and is quite quiet (it doesn’t have a lot going on!)

I should mention that Nosara is considered an ‘expensive’ destination in Guanacaste, and accommodation and eating out can be costly. However, considering the awesome surf here as well as it being a very safe town , I still recommend it to visitors to Costa Rica. Nosara is popular mostly with families, couples, and surfers! 

As well as being a surf mecca, Nosara is also a well-known yoga destination. So, if you’re into that kind of thing, it should definitely be added to your list. Nearby the town, you can check out the Nosara Biological Reserve. This 90-acre nature reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, and if you want to get your adrenalin pumping, why not check out the 21 ziplines at Miss Sky, which is considered the longest canopy tour in the world!

Where to stay in Nosara/ Playa Guiones

As I mentioned earlier, you  want to stay near Playa Guiones, not in Nosara . The town of Nosara is not near the beach and is also not where all the best restaurants and shops are, and they are all in a small downtown area near the beach. 

Selina Nosara – $

For budget travelers, stay at  Selina Nosara . This hostel is definitely a luxury hostel, and the price reflects that, but, in my opinion, it’s worth spending the extra $$$. Selina boasts a beautiful pool and offers a heap of free activities daily. This is without a doubt the nicest hostel I have ever stayed at!

Rates begin at $68 USD/night for two guests. You can book this hostel on Booking.com here ,   Hostelworld here , Hotels.com here , or Expedia here .

The Sunset Shack – $$$

If you have a bigger budget, you will have more options available to you in Nosara. My top choice is   The Sunset Shack  which averages around $280 USD a night. It’s perfectly located, close to the beach, and has a pool. 

The property is an old-school surf camp, which gives it a fun atmosphere. You can check availability and book a room online here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

4. Ostional 

Playa del Ostional  is home to one of the most amazing wildlife phenomena in Costa Rica . An arribada, as it’s called, is when hundreds of turtles come to shore to dig and lay their eggs on a beach at once.

The event happens in the rainy season, around one week before a new moon. Playa del Ostional is a 20-minute drive (9.9 km) from the town of Nosara. There’s not much happening in Ostional other than the turtles; there are very few accommodations and restaurant options, so not many people spend the night here.

Instead, they stay in Nosara and book a tour to come see the turtles here. If you decide to spend the night in Ostional, you will have the place pretty much to yourself!

There are many tours to Playa del Ostional from Nosara to see the turtles, and they start from $60 USD per person. A more in-depth tour can be booked with the Wildlife Conservation Association which is outlined in our things to do in Nosara blog !

Where to Stay in Ostional

Cabinas arribadas – $.

As I’ve said, there are limited accommodation options in Playa Ostional, but Cabinas Arribadas is a great, reasonably-priced option just 700 meters (2,297 feet) from the beach. It also features a restaurant, a large garden, and a shared lounge. The rooms here are shared dorm-style.

Rates begin at $70 USD/night for two guests. You can check availability and book online here on Booking.com .

Villas Punta India – $$

Another option is  Villas Punta India  which is a little further from the beach (a 12-minute walk away), the villas here are spacious and stylish, and there’s also an outdoor pool and restaurant. 

All of the villas have a terrace where you can enjoy the views. Rates begin at $95 USD/night. You can check availability and book online here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

5. Playa Flamingo

With stunning beaches, water activities galore, and the most beautiful sunsets,  Playa Flamingo is an incredible destination in Costa Rica . It’s also only an hour from Liberia International Airport, which is handy! 

There aren’t any flamingos to be found here (despite its name), but the sand on the beach here does have a slightly pink hue, which is where the beach got its name. The mile-long stretch of beach here, combined with the turquoise water and the crescent shape of the curved bay, makes for spectacular views.  

Once you’ve arrived in Playa Flamingo, you’ll notice the layout of the area is different from other towns in Guanacaste. There aren’t any services located directly on the beach, but there are a small number of vendors selling everything from drinks and snacks to small souvenirs or rentals of umbrellas and beach chairs. There are restaurants and stores on both ends of the beach, though, together with some hotels/hostels. 

The town  is just a short walk from the beach and is mostly perched on the hillside looking south to Flamingo Beach or north to Potrero Beach. It’s a small town, but there’s everything needed to comfortably base yourself here for a few days.  

While a beach day is a must, there are many other fun activities to do in and around Playa Flamingo, like witnessing an active volcano at Rincon de la Vieja National Park and horseback riding along the beach here. But the most popular and most famous thing to do here is to surf the iconic Witch’s Rock , just North of Playa Flamingo. It’s only suitable for advanced surfers, and many famous surfers have been spotted here! So, if you’re a keen surfer, you just have to add Playa Flamingo to your must-visit list! 

Where to Stay in Playa Flamingo

Massai apartments – $$.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many options in Playa Flamingo for budget travelers, but thankfully  Massai Apartments  is wallet-friendly and highly recommended. This beautiful hotel has fantastic reviews, a pool, and its apartments come with full kitchens! The hotel is a short walk to Playa Flamingo, and you’re also not far from Playa Potrero. 

Rates begin at $118 USD/night. You can book an apartment here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

Oceanica 827 – $$$

Those that can spend a little more will be able to enjoy places closer to the ocean. Most of the options in this budget range are individual apartments. One of the best is  Oceanica 827 . The apartment’s balcony has sea views, and it’s possible to enjoy dining outdoors.

The apartment provides a luxurious and private place for a reasonable price. Check rates and availability  here on Booking.com ,  here on Hotels.com , or  here on Expedia .

6. Liberia 

In the heart of Guanacaste province is the city of Liberia. It’s nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca (the white city) for the white gravel once used on the city’s roads and the whitewashed buildings around town.

Chances are you may find yourself in this city at some stage during your trip to the Guanacaste as it is home to one of only two international airports in Costa Rica – Liberia International Airport. This is an excellent starting point for your vacation – even if you don’t plan to stay right in the city.

Liberia really is the perfect gateway to the amazing beauty of the Guanacaste region as it’s centrally located with a lot of different easy day trips nearby. There’s loads to do in Liberia , from a tour to see one of  the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica , chocolate tours, a mini-African safari, great craft beer breweries, and exploring Parque Nacional Palo Verde, a 45,000-acre national park that is home to the most migratory birds in the whole of Central America. 

Where to Stay in Liberia

Hostel dodero – $.

For budget travelers,  Hostel Dodero  is arguably the top choice. It’s centrally located, clean, comes with friendly staff, and is well-reviewed! The property also has a beautiful garden and terrace area.

Rooms have shared bathrooms, and some rooms have their own patios. Rates begin at $20 USD per night. You can check availability and book a stay online  here on Booking.com  and  here on Hostelworld .

Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino – $$

For those with a moderate budget,  Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino  is a good option in town. The hotel has a pool, includes breakfast, a fitness center, and modern rooms. The garden is particularly nice, especially if you’re interested in bird watching.

The rooms are modern and comfortable, and some rooms overlook the garden. Rates start at $126 USD for a one-night stay. Check availability and book online  here on Booking.com ,  here on Hotels.com , or  here on Expedia .

7. Playa Coco 

Considered one of the fastest-growing tourist towns in Guanacaste, Playa Coco, or ‘Coco Beach’ as tourists like to call it, is home to a 3 km (1.2 mi) stretch of beach as well as a small town. It’s most well-known for its incredible scuba diving sites like Monkey Head, Bat Islands, and Catalinas Islands and the awesome fishing to be done in the waters here.

It’s also just a 30-minute drive away from the International Airport in Liberia, so it’s where many tourists decide to start their vacation in Guanacaste. 

The town itself is small and consists of one main street with numerous bars, restaurants, stores, and accommodation options . Unlike other towns on this list, you can’t surf at Cocoa Beach; although skimboarding is popular here instead. You will need to head to Witch’s Rock if you’re an advanced surfer or Tamarindo Beach if you’re a beginner. Other activities available here include snorkeling at Marin del Rey or Kuna Vela, kayaking , or simply watching the sunset from the beach. 

Playa Coco is a small town, that’s for sure, so you may be surprised to learn that it’s a lively party town. Yep, the town comes alive at night – there are many bars dotted along the main street, and they often have live music and drink specials. If you’re in town during a holiday (Christmas, New Year, etc.), be prepared to party, as the bars here really put on a show during the holiday season. 

Where to Stay in Playa Coco

Hotel savannah – $.

If you’re on a budget in Playa Coco, consider  Hotel Laura’s House  – just a 2-minute walk from the town’s min street with an outdoor pool and a lovely garden area. The rooms here are basic but comfortable. 

Toro Blanco – $$

For mid-range travelers, consider  Toro Blanco , a lovely hotel just 150 meters (490 feet) from the beach – there’s even a swim-up bar and pool, which is pretty cool! As well as that, each apartment here has its own equipped kitchenette. 

Rates begin at $85 USD/night. You can book Toro Blanco here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

15 Best Things to do in Guanacaste 

1. explore rincón de la vieja national park.

The Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, with the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and the dormant Santa Maria Volcano located within this giant national park. It’s a whopping 35,000 acres in size and is also home to the Rio Negro Hot Springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It’s undoubtedly one of the  best National Parks in Costa Rica .

As well as that, there’s an awesome adventure center here that offers horseback riding, ziplining, and tubing (mentioned below in more detail on the Guachipelin Adventure Volcano tour.)

The Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is 600,000 years old, and its last large eruption was back in 1998. In fact, it still bubbles and produces steam to this day. Directly translated from Spanish, the park means ‘the old woman’s corner’ and is named so by the native tribe who believe a witch at the top of the mountain causes it to bubble and steam (like a cauldron!) While you can explore this park on your own, tours are quite popular here.

There are two entrances to the national park. The most popular is Las Pailas to the west and Santa Maria to the north.

As I mentioned earlier, there are some great hiking trails; I recommend the short 20-minute trail to the Las Pailas (boiling mud pots) – a cool feature of the area where the mud is so hot it bubbles in small pools! Another good hike is the  Catarata La Cangreja trail  (about 3 miles each way) which leads to a beautiful waterfall. There are also guided hiking tours on offer here,  such as this tour . 

The National Park is around an hour drive from Liberia. One of the best ways to get here from Liberia is by booking a full-day adventure tour.   This tour includes transportation and incredible activities  like ziplining through the tree canopy, stunning waterfalls, horseback riding, water sliding, a spa visit complete with a mud bath and hot springs, and even lunch!

While the park is just over two hours from both Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo.   This tour from both towns   is highly recommended and is 8 to 10 hours in duration. This tour is less about adventure activities and more about the national park.

For thrill-seekers, there are a lot of tour companies selling full-day combo tours to Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja. Common inclusions are ziplining, hot springs, tubing, and horseback riding. This  Guachipelin Adventure Volcano tour  is an insanely popular tour choice because on this 10-hour tour; you’re certain to get your adrenaline pumping with ziplining, horseback riding, and tubing.

It also includes a visit to natural hot springs, a volcanic mud bath, and a full buffet lunch. You can drive yourself to the National Park to start this tour, or for an extra fee get transportation included. There are numerous pick-up locations throughout Guanacaste, including Liberia, Playa Flamingo, Playa Coco, and more!

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) and costs $17 USD for adults and $5.60 USD for kids – if you don’t have a tour booked. 

2. La Leona Waterfall

Getting up close to one of   Costa Rica’s spectacular waterfalls  is something you have to do while you’re here and is one of the top Guanacaste activities. La Leona is definitely a place worth visiting. Until now,  La Leona Waterfall  has been a hidden gem, but its beauty has made its popularity rise in recent years. 

This gorgeous waterfall sits within a canyon and the water running through it is turquoise blue. It’s one of the few, if not the only, waterfall in Costa Rica with these characteristics. Its water comes from the “white river” or “Rio Blanco” that finds its source in the skirts of the Volcano Rincon de la Vieja. 

The best time to go to La Leona Waterfall is between December and April in the dry season (also   the best time to visit Costa Rica , in general.) This is because it’s easier to walk through the river and trails at this time of year, outside of these months, the excessive rain can turn the river brown, and the waterfall can lose its blue color. I should also mention that it’s best to visit the waterfall on weekdays and not on weekends since it gets more crowded.

La Leona Waterfall is located in the small town of   Curubandé , 20 minutes from Liberia and two hours from Tamarindo. 

Unfortunately, the only way to visit La Leona Waterfall is on a guided tour. This is because the waterfall’s location within the canyon requires safety gear and an expert guide to access it. Thankfully, tours are very cheap and they are often considered one of the best tours in Costa Rica .

The best way to get to the Leona Waterfall is through Liberia. As mentioned, the waterfall is only 20 minutes from the town, and the road is well maintained.  This three-hour excursion  involves hiking the jungle trails around the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano into the falls. The highlight of this tour is getting to swim right near the waterfall at Poza La Pipa – a secluded swimming area with turquoise-blue waters where the Blanco and the Colorado rivers cross through.

From Tamarindo, there are two companies I know of that offer tours to La Leona. They are  Native’s Way  and Costa Rican Way. The tours aren’t cheap because there is a 2-hour drive to the waterfall each way. If you have your own vehicle, you can save around $100 USD per person – so renting a car for the day is a good option! The cheapest way to visit La Leona Waterfall from Tamarindo, and what I did, is to drive yourself to Curubande. 

You’ll then need to book with a tour office or head to the tour office you booked with (if you booked in advance like me.) There are lots of different tour operators in the region. One of the most popular is  Guanaverde Experiences , which is the one I choose. This budget-friendly tour is 3 to 4 hours in duration. A local guide will take you on a moderate hike through the rainforest, canyons, and rivers on this tour. Once you reach the waterfall, you can dive in for a refreshing swim in the natural swimming pool here. 

3. Drink craft beer

There’s nothing I love more than getting a taste of the area with some excellent craft beer. The craft beer industry in Costa Rica is thriving, and breweries are popping up all over the place. 

Two breweries out near the airport in Liberia are great stops for a cold beverage while you wait for your flight. You might like it so much you’ll grab some cans to take with you while exploring Costa Rica or take them home!  Numu Brewing Company  is one of them, and it’s located in an industrial park very close to the airport. Their full-flavored beers are inspired by the Costa Rican climate and feature tropical fruits. Favorites here include the Chorotega IPA with hints of tropical fruits mixed in with a signature hops flavor or the Liberian Kölsch with a subtle maltiness and fruity notes.

Captain J Match Brewing Company  is also in the Liberia airport area and is a small microbrewery that is gaining popularity. The beer here aims to represent the Guanacaste region of the country with local flavors. Try the Flamingo Mosaic Pale Ale or the refreshing San Juanillo Summer Ale. The owner here is great, too, and will talk you through how all the beers are made.

If you’re staying in Nosara, I urge you to try  Guiones Brew Co. , which recently opened in town. Although they usually only have a few beers on tap, what they do, they do well. Of course, my favorite is the IPA, but they also have a tasty Pale Ale. Guiones Brew Co. is known for its wood-fired pizzas too. They only cost $14 USD and are full of flavor – perfect with a craft beer. It opens at 4 pm, but it’s best to head here after 5 pm for a better atmosphere. 

If you are basing yourself in Samara, then head to  2 Gringos Artisan Brewing . Which is located right in the middle of town , 2 Gringos is one of the best breweries I have visited in Costa Rica . On tap, you’ll find a huge selection of beers, and during my visit, there were over 24 on offer. They ranged from hoppy IPAs, crisp pilsners, and fruity sours. A beer at 2 Gringos costs around 4,000 colones ($7.50 USD) which is pretty expensive for Costa Rica. This brewery is located in Coco’s Mexican Restaurant, so you can eat delicious tacos while you drink beer!

The town of Tamarindo has its own brewery, too; it’s called Volcano Brewing Co. Visiting  Volcano Brewing Co.  is a must for craft beer lovers. Although the actual brewery is now closed to the public, you can drink at their beachside restaurant and pub while enjoying the live music and sunshine. They had four types of beer available the last time I was there, including an IPA and a Pale Ale, and both were delicious. I also had lunch here and highly recommend the pulled pork sandwich!

4. Go on a sunset sailing cruise

Sitting aboard a luxury boat with a drink in hand as the sun sinks into the Pacific Ocean is easily one of the best and most relaxing things to do on the Guanacaste. Truly, the sunsets here are spectacular and amazing to view from the water where nothing is blocking your view. You can enjoy a sunset cruise from most of the towns on the peninsula, including Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Samara. 

From Tamarindo, one of the best tours on offer is   this sunset cruise through Tamarindo Bay . Aboard a catamaran, you’ll sail out into the bay in search of magnificent views, wildlife, and of course, an epic sunset. It includes an open bar, water activities, and a meal for only $85 USD! The best part is that the boat is capped at 35 people – unlike other cruises that have around 50! The tour lasts for 5 hours and finishes just after the sun sets in Tamarindo. 

If you’re staying in the Playa Flamingo area, this   Sunset Catamaran Tour from Flamingo Beach  sets off in the afternoon and then finishes early in the evening. What’s great about this catamaran is that it’s equipped with fun activities like trampolines, a freshwater shower, kayaks, a stairway to the sea, and an open bar! Keep an eye out for marine life like sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and whales as you cruise along the water. Then, get the chance to jump off the boat for a snorkeling stop. All the gear is provided too, which is a nice bonus. 

A sunset cruise from Samara is a great way to spend an afternoon. Most tours depart at 3 pm and head out to Isla Chora, where you can try some snorkeling before sitting down with a drink back on board to enjoy the sunset. You can book this cruise with  Sámara Adventures , and they need a minimum of four people to run the tour. Unfortunately, the tour is 18+ only, so you’ll have to leave the kids at home (bummer!)

5. Learn to surf

The surf in Guanacaste is some of the best in Costa Rica, and thousands of surfers come here every year to conquer the epic waves here. Although it’s mostly known as an area for more experienced surfers, there are some easier waves to catch on Tamarindo Beach and Samara Beach. 

I did a few lessons at Samara Beach when I first started visiting Costa Rica. I learned a lot of the basics and now surf all over the country. Don’t get me wrong, you can certainly learn at the other surf breaks around Guanacaste but you should look to hire an instructor and only surf small days.

If you consider yourself an experienced surfer, you have to try surfing at Witch’s Rock. This well-known reef break is arguably the best surf spot in Costa Rica, and it attracts a lot of famous faces. Witch’s Rock is located just north of Playa Flamingo, and unusually, you need a boat to get out there. The closest beach is called  Naranjo Beach , and keen surfers often camp. Of course, you can book tours from Playa Flamingo that will take you out there for the day. You can also book tours from Tamarindo. These  cost $920 USD for an entire boat  that can take seven surfers.

Another challenging and popular surf spot on the Guanacaste is  Guiones Beach , about a 15-minute drive from the town of Nosara. There are both left and right waves here, and with 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) of beach, there’s plenty of space for everyone. The best time to surf here is from March to November. This also happens to be the low season, so avid surfers enjoy the lower prices and lack of people. 

Agua Tibia Surf School  is a great school for beginners. They have some of the best instructors in town, and the only negative is their location in South Nosara. If you want a good surf school closer to North Nosara,   Nosara CR Surf School   is another top-rated school. 

In comparison, Tamarindo Beach in Tamarindo is perfect for beginners or maybe those who’ve never tried surfing! The calm waters here mean that your chances of standing up on your board are greatly increased. There are surf lessons offered here every day, with an average lesson costing about $50 USD for two hours. The trick is to find a good school that’s highly rated.

This two-hour surf lesson in Tamarindo   is top-rated and has over 1,100 five-star reviews. If you’re a beginner, I don’t recommend renting a board and giving it a go on your own. There are rocks hidden beneath the water in Tamarindo, and the local guides know where to go to avoid them. 

6. Visit Rio Celeste

One of the most beautiful rivers and waterfalls in the country and one of the   best things to do in Costa Rica   is located right here in Guanacaste. Rio Celeste is a natural phenomenon where two rivers meet and cause the water to turn bright blue. This happens because particles in the two rivers mix and become heavy enough to reflect light, causing the blue color. It’s one of the most incredible places I have seen in Costa Rica.

Rio Celeste is quite a drive from most of the towns on this list – Tamarindo (2.5-hour drive); Samara (3-hour drive); Nosara (3.5-hour drive); Playa Flamingo (2 hours and 15 minutes). Therefore, I recommend allowing a full day to visit this natural beauty!

Rio Celeste is located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, and unless you have your own vehicle, you will need to join a tour.   This specific tour   leaves Tamarindo at 6:30 am and includes a guided walk through  Tenorio Volcano National Park , a visit to Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, and a guided tour through Finca Verde Lodge for a sloth and wildlife tour. 

If you do have your own vehicle, I recommend leaving the town you’re staying in really early to arrive at the park around opening time at 8 am. This is the best time to visit without the crowds and be sure to visit the waterfall first. This is the busiest attraction in the park and by 10 am the staircase down is packed. The entrance fee is $12 USD per person. 

7. Go ziplining

Ziplining through the forests of Costa Rica is such a fun way to see the amazing scenery and get an adrenaline rush! This is one of the most popular things to do on the Guanacaste! You can try ziplining at many of the towns on the Guanacaste, including Liberia, Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playa Flamingo. 

Ziplining is also available in Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, where you can zip through the trees, rock climb, swing, and cross over a hanging bridge over the White River Canyon. One of the best ways to go zip lining here is on this  Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Combo . This epic full-day adventure only costs $135 USD for the self-drive option (what we did) or $149 for the included transport; you can get picked up in Liberia, Playa Flamingo, and Playa Coco for this particular tour. 

Just outside of Playa Flamingo,  The Guanacaste Forest Zipline tour  takes place at a large farm that has been in the same family for generations. This zipline course consists of nine different cables suspended at 390 feet (119 meters)! Some of the ziplines stretch as far as 1,800 feet (549 meters) long! As you zip through the forest, you’ll see various birds , families of howler monkeys, iguanas, and horses and cattle from the farm. There are three different times for the tour 8 am, 10 am, and 1:30 pm, with each tour taking about three hours. The morning tour is the best because it’s much cooler and you’re more likely to see wildlife.

The most popular ziplining tour in Nosara is the canopy tour with   Miss Sky . Their canopy tour is the longest in the world at 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). You’ll do 21 ziplines on the tour that are on average 500 meters (1,640 feet) long. The tour also includes a stop at a waterfall and finishes with a zipline into a five-story building. 

In Tamarindo, ziplining is more about being above the canopy with wide-open views that let you know just how high up you are. You’ll go fast, get a little scared, but overall, have a great time. 

There are a few different tour options in Tamarindo, depending on what you want. The first, and what I did, was a ziplining tour on its own.  Tours such as this one  cost only $65 USD and involve a ride out into the mountains and around ten ziplines. It’s a great introduction, and the tours last around 1 hour. Of course, you can see lots of wildlife and enjoy spectacular views. 

8. Go see the turtles at Playa del Ostional

Turtles are one of the most amazing animals in Costa Rica. And the Guanacaste province is so important as a nesting habitat for several species of turtles. Thousands of turtles visit this stretch of the Pacific coast every month for breeding, they lay eggs on the beaches here, and as a result, tourists flock here to see the turtles . In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do on the Guanacaste (in fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s a must-do!).

There are two nesting seasons here in Guanacaste. From September to December, you can see green and black pacific turtles, while olive ridley turtles can be seen from September to April – these are the ones you will witness at Playa del Ostional. 

At Playa del Ostional during these months, this phenomenon occurs a week before a new moon about once or twice a month. It’s known as an arribada, and it’s one of the best things we’ve witnessed during our time in Costa Rica. 

From Nosara, you can book a tour to Playa del Ostional for $60 USD per person. You will leave Nosara early in the morning or just after dark. These tours just include transport and not a tour guide nor food etc. Alternatively, if you’re after a more in-depth tour, book your tour with the   Wildlife Conservation Association . Their tour involves talking with an expert about the phenomena, transport, and a guided tour on the beach. This costs $150 USD per person plus a $35 USD fee. 

From Samara, you can book  this specific tour  which visits one of three beaches – Playa del Ostional, Playa Camaronal, or Playa Corozalito. 

Because the tours take place in the dark, taking photos can be difficult because you can’t use your flash. 

There are other beaches along the Guanacaste to see turtles other than Playa del Ostional, although that is the most popular spot. From Playa Flamingo, this   night nesting tour with Flamingo Adventure s  includes an experienced guide who will take you to a secluded beach. You’ll get a special red light to see them in the dark that won’t disturb the turtles as they lay their eggs. The tour is $59 USD and includes transportation.  

From Tamarindo, you can also see turtles at Playa Grande, which is located next to Tamarindo Beach. Although the beach is separated from Tamarindo by the river, water taxis take you across for only 1,000 Colones ($1.60 USD.) Although you do need to plan ahead to spot the giant leatherback turtles because they can only be seen between November and April.  On this turtle nesting tour , you can see Green Pacific and Olive Ridley turtles pretty much year-round, and it’s 4 hours in duration. 

9. Go boutique shopping

I don’t know about you, but I just love picking up some unique souvenirs and clothing when I’m on vacation because it means I’ll have something to take home that nobody else will have. Lucky for me then that the Guanacaste is filled with some fantastic boutique shops; in fact, I spent many hours here shopping, and I picked up some really cool stuff! Some of the best towns to go boutique shopping in this region include Nosara, Samara, and Tamarindo. 

Nosara is filled with small boutique shops that sell clothing you probably wouldn’t expect to see in a small beach town in Costa Rica . I loved shopping at  WLDFLWRS , which is connected to the brewery in town. Some other great places to shop include  Love Nosara   and  MaderArte . These boutique stores are certainly not cheap, but the quality is high. 

Shopping is also excellent in Tamarindo! There’s a variety of great boutique shops to pick up unique clothing or a new bathing suit or explore a local market. Every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, the Tama Market sells everything from fruits and vegetables to locally-made jewelry.  The Tama Market is located behind Plaza Tamarindo   near the skatepark. Another great market in Tamarindo is the  Tamarindo Moonlight Market  which is held on Thursday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm and has delicious Costa Rican food along with live music and performances.  

There are plenty of boutique shops in Sámara too.   Gypsy Boutique Sámara  is a firm favorite of mine and has some really cool woven bags. Another cool place is a jewelry stall located in the small food court next to   Rosa  restaurant. The selection here is mesmerizing, and I could have spent all day looking at their collection. 

10. Visit Belen Waterfall

Belen Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall with some small natural swimming pools at the top that are a refreshing place to cool off on a hot day. The falls look the most magnificent in the rainy season (June to November), but we visited in December, and they were still flowing.  Located around 25 minutes from Sámara by car, this is the closest town to the falls.

I have heard that Belen Waterfall is not overly enjoyable towards the end of the dry season around April. Without the rain, the waterfall becomes stagnant, and algae bloom. Unfortunately, there was some algae during our visit in December, so it’s best to keep your head above the water when swimming here.  

The waterfall does get quite busy on weekends, but you can visit with very few people around during the week. If you don’t have your own car, you’ll need to rent a scooter or ATV, take the bus, or organize a tour/taxi. 

If you’re coming from Samara you can catch the bus from downtown Sámara heading towards Nicoya. Tell the driver you are going to Carretera Belen – he will know where to stop. Once off the bus, you need to walk 2 kilometers from the highway down a country road. Of course, you can always try to hitchhike too! 

Once there, a guy charges everyone 1,000 Colones ($1.88 USD) for “parking” regardless of whether you took the bus or not. 

Finding the waterfall is pretty easy with Google Maps, and you can  find its location here . Just be sure to keep an eye out for the sign on your right as you get really close to the waterfall. We drove too far, thinking the sign was for another waterfall (silly us) and it would be tough to turn around in a car on the narrow road. 

11. Relax at a beach club

Beach clubs are some of my favorite places to relax while on holiday. Great food, cocktails, and service right to your lounge chair on the beach – does it really get any better? There are several great beach clubs in the Guanacaste region, specifically in Tamarindo and Samara – which I will detail below. 

Tamarindo is known for its nightlife! So, if you’re here in the evening, head to one of the beach clubs to enjoy a few drinks and watch the sunset. In my opinion, the beach clubs in Tamarindo really have to be enjoyed at sunset at least once during your stay. We enjoyed the  Ocho Beach Bar  at the southern end of Tamarindo with its live DJs and happy hour specials. You must try their sangria! Another great beach club is  El Be , and they also have great cocktails and a more central location. 

While staying in Samara, we spent a lot of time at two beach clubs there. The first was   Gusto Beach Restaurant Pizzeria Bar . They offer free beach chairs with the purchase of a meal, so this is where I spent most of my days escaping from the sun right on the beach. The second was  La Dolce Vita ! Here is where I spent my sunsets and nights enjoying my first drinks or a light meal. The restaurant often has live music, and it’s so popular that you need to reserve a table during peak season. There are other beach clubs in Sámara, but these are two of the best!

In Playa Flamingo, Cocos Loco is very popular. While you’re here, you HAVE to try their signature drink named after the restaurant. The Coco Loco Cocktail is served frozen in a coconut and is made with coconut water, coconut cream, guaro, rum, and tequila.  

12. Go scuba diving

Scuba diving in Costa Rica is truly a bucket list activity, and in my opinion, one of the best places in the world to dive is right here on the Guanacaste Peninsula, specifically around the Las Catalinas Islands near Playa Flamingo and Bat Island close to Tamarindo. Although expensive, these areas are a great place to learn to dive and get certified if you’re a beginner!

Scuba diving around the Las Catalinas Islands is an amazing way to see incredible wildlife in an underwater paradise. This area is known for its giant manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales. If you’re an experienced scuba diver with your certification,   this specific tour is a great option  that includes two 45-minute dives. You can be picked up from your hotel (most locations in Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Conchal, and Playa Flamingo) and taken to the Playa Flamingo Dive Centre, where you’ll get on a boat and head out.  

If you’ve never been scuba diving before or are looking to get your certification, the Guanacaste is a great place to do it. You can complete your  PADI Open Water Diver Certification as part of this course , including the chance to scuba dive off the coast of Playa Flamingo. The course is completed over multiple days, including diving in a pool and diving in the ocean. The great thing about this certification is that it’s good for a lifetime, so you can scuba dive anywhere in the world!  

You can also do your PADI Open Water dive course in Tamarindo for $800 USD. If you just want to experience diving, you can also do this  half-day dive course  that has you diving in the ocean. Although you won’t get certified, it’s a great introduction with 5 hours of training and a dive to 10 meters (33 feet). 

Similarly, there are some fantastic dive spots near Tamarindo that beginner and advanced divers will really enjoy! As I’ve mentioned earlier, the best dive experience is out to Bat Island to swim with bull sharks. This is a fantastic opportunity for Advanced Open Water certified divers to challenge themselves and swim with large sharks.  The tour includes two dives , one at Bat Island (where the bull sharks are) and the second near Playa del Coco, where you can see manta rays, turtles, and other ocean life. 

I should also note that the small town of Playa Coco is a great spot to base yourself if you love scuba diving; that’s because of its close proximity to some top dive sites, including Monkey Head, Bat Islands, and Catalinas Islands. There are numerous dive shops in the town where you can book yourself a dive tour. 

13. Horseback riding

Horseback riding is without a doubt one of the most popular things to do in Guanacaste; in fact, there are several places you can ride a horse here – from a beach horseback ride in Playa Flamingo to a jungle trek near Nosara, there’s a horseback adventure suitable for every type of traveler in the Guanacaste region. 

Riding a horse along a beautiful beach is really popular in Playa Flamingo. It’s a great way to enjoy the beach and view from a totally different perspective! I recommend booking a tour for this, and  this particular Horseback Riding Jungle and Beach Tour  is excellent as it also includes transportation there and back. Before you start, the team helps you pick out a horse that is suited for your level. The two-hour tour includes rainforest trails where you might spot howler monkeys, iguanas, and parakeets and then a walk (or gallop!) along the beach. My top tip for this tour is to bring long pants, good shoes, and your camera!  

Another beach that is popular for horse riding is Tamarindo beach. All up and down the beach, you’ll find people offering horseback riding tours. A great time to enjoy a ride is at sunset, and you can ride the entire length of the beach. These tours can be negotiated on the beach but expect to pay around $40 USD for an hour ride. If you want more of a tour, you can book horseback riding tours in the mountains too. Tour companies such as   Natives Way Costa Rica  offer a 2-hour tour for only $65 USD. 

Whilst horse riding in Nosara is a little different but equally as awesome. That’s because the entire area here is filled with trails used to navigate the mountains, rivers, and dense jungle.  On this horseback riding tour , you’ll head off with your newfound friend and explore the area for 1 hour. Along the way, you’ll cross rivers, spot monkeys, and even take the horses for a shower afterward. It’s a fun and exciting experience, and they even have ponies for kids as well as all the safety gear required. Most importantly, you’ll ride horses that are really well cared for and groomed. 

If you want the best of both worlds from your horse riding adventure – the beach and the jungle, then  this tour   from Samara is a great choice! The tour encompasses all the terrain around Sámara, including the river, jungle, and beach. This means you get to experience all that Sámara has to offer and have the chance to see monkeys, birds, butterflies, and crocodiles. The tour lasts for 2.5 hours and finishes on Sámara Beach. If you can, I highly recommend doing the sunset ride starting at 4 pm! 

You can also do a horseback riding tour at Ponderosa Adventure Park, 15 minutes from Liberia; the tour takes you along some tropical forest trails. 

14. Go fishing

Costa Rica has some of the best fishing spots in the world! Experiencing the thrill of reeling in a big catch is definitely one of the best Guanacaste activities. You’ll need a tour to fish in the waters here, and you can book a tour from most locations in Guanacaste.

From Playa Flamingo, there are both half-day and full-day options available. The half-day option is this   sportfishing private charter tour   which includes inshore fishing around the islands off the coast of Playa Flamingo. Depending on the season, you’re likely to catch mahi-mahi, red snapper, yellowfin tuna, or jack carvelle. You might even reel in a roosterfish – the crew calls it a “great fighting fish that will leave your arms tired but put a smile on your face.” The cost is $500 for up to five people.  

For a longer trip,   this all-inclusive full-day charter  takes you offshore fishing for $1,500 for a group of up to six. Offshore is where you’re more likely to get some of the big game sportfish like sailfish, marlin, dorado, wahoo, and roosterfish. The captain and crew are all experienced fishermen and will help clean, bag, and ice whatever you catch so you can enjoy it later.  

Fishing charters are also a very popular activity in Tamarindo. There are lots of fishing charter companies based here, and you can choose from inshore and offshore charters. The inshore charters only go a few miles off the coast and tend to fish for small tuna, snapper, wahoo, and dorado. Inshore tours are typically only half days (4 hours.)   This specific tour costs $540 USD for four people .

On an offshore charter, the tour lasts for 9 hours (there are also options for 7), and you can fish for sailfish and marlin. Of course, the tour can also go inshore, so you can mix it up depending on what’s working.

Although there is no “season” for fishing in Tamarindo, there are better times of the month as the quality of the fishing depends on ocean currents, availability of baitfish, and water temperature. However, you can catch fish all year round. 

Please be aware that you need a fishing license in Costa Rica. This costs $17 USD for eight days; however, it’s not policed heavily. 

15. Visit Parque Nacional Palo Verde

Parque Nacional Palo Verde is one of the best spots to see wildlife in Costa Rica – especially birds. Spanning more than 45,000 acres,  Palo Verde  is one of the most densely populated areas of migratory birds in all of Central America. 

The park is easily accessible from Liberia at about an hour’s drive via the main Inter-American highway, but you can also drive here from other towns in Guanacaste if you have a rental car. There is a bus that you can catch into Bagaces town that leaves from Liberia, and then from Bagaces, you would need to get a Uber or taxi 20 km (12.4 mi) down the gravel road which leads to the park. 

During the rainy season, floodwaters from the Tempisque River create huge marshes here that attract all types of birds. Then in the dry season (typically from December to May), the marshes shrink to form smaller pockets of water throughout the park. It’s best to plan a visit here during the dry season as roads can be completely impassable after heavy rains.

To see the most wildlife, find one of the smaller bodies of water and just sit and wait. You’ll likely spot lots of birds and may even be lucky enough to see some howler monkeys or capuchin monkeys. Or head out on the 20-meter (66 feet) boardwalk at Laguna Palo Verde – another great place to see the animals that call this park home. Alternatively, this jungle river cruise which departs from Tamarindo, Playa Coco or Playa Flamingo is a great way to get up close to the wildlife!

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Thanks for reading!

Guanacaste on the Nicoya Peninsula is certainly one of my favorite places for a vacation; I mean, it has great surf, stunning beaches, and perfect weather. What more could you want?!

Thanks so much for visiting Costa Rica Travel life. I hope this guide to the best things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, has helped you better understand this large province. I just know you will love your time there; I, for one, cant wait to return soon!

Please browse around our website; I’m sure you’ll find lots of more useful information! 

Things to do in Alajuela

Fun things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica

Where to stay in La Fortuna

Best day trips from San Jose

Monday 4th of December 2023

Thank you guys for awesome detailed review, story and advice! Keep a good work! I enjoyed reading every line.

Guanacaste Travel Guide – Your Ultimate Resource for Exploring Costa Rica’s Coastal Paradise

If you’ve been tempted to visit Costa Rica by visions of curling Pacific waves, honey-colored beaches, and shores where coconut palms dip low to meet the sands, then chances are you’ve been tempted by Guanacaste province. This most northwestern corner of Costa Rica is one of the most celebrated regions of the country.

The happening surfer mecca of Tamarindo is here, with perfect, cruising point breaks for those who bring the boards. So is the chilled Playas del Coco and the yoga hub of Nosara. These salt-washed relaxation havens are balanced out by an inland of volcanic sierras and smoking volcanos, cloud forests, and eco lodges in the jungles. And if you’re an adventure enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the captivating Rincón de la Vieja National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes.

Check out this customizable Guanacaste tour .

This guide will run through everything you need to know about traveling through the epic region of Guanacaste. It’ll touch on the famous surf towns and the adventure activities in the inland reserves, while also highlighting the best times to visit and the logistics of getting there and around.

If at any point throughout this guide you find yourself with any questions, reach out to The Explorer’s Passage for help building your dream trip. Let’s begin!

My experience in Guanacaste

Guanacaste is the Costa Rica that people dream of while stuck at their office desk or while commuting to and from work. The coastline is where it hits that most quintessentially tropical zenith. There are beaches of all shapes and sizes, few I don’t pine after during those cold winters. I’m talking about the likes of the golden Playa Guiones in Nosara and the glistening Playa Conchal further north.

Travel has not only become my passion but also my profession, as I proudly founded The Explorer’s Passage, an premier industry award-winning adventure travel company. We are a team with over three decades of expertise in Costa Rica, confident in our position as the best tour operator in this remarkable destination.

Should you find yourself with questions while reading this guide, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us . We would be more than happy to assist you in crafting your perfect journey!

What’s in this guide?

Where is guanacaste, how to get to guanacaste, getting around, the best time to visit guanacaste, the top places to visit in guanacaste, where to stay in guanacaste.

• More beaches to visit

Why travel with The Explorer’s Passage?

Guanacaste is as far north and west in Costa Rica as it’s possible to go. The province begins right on the Nicaragua border and rolls south as the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range delineates its eastern end.

Guanacaste also occupies a large chunk of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, too, which is where you’ll find all those lauded beach surf towns, from Tamarindo to Nosara. Guanacaste also creeps up into the famous Central American cloud forests that await northeast of San José – the bucket-list biodiversity hotspot of Monteverde that is no more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the provincial boundary.

That’s easy. The very fact that Guanacaste’s popular national parks host some of the best beaches in the whole of Central America, let alone Costa Rica, means that it’s among the most accessible regions of the country.

For example, you can arrive from the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) (also known as the San José International Airport) which is around a 3-hour drive from the Guanacaste provincial border. So you shouldn’t have any shortage of buses or private shuttle options from the capital after you jet in or pass through while connecting from other major destinations further south and east.

The Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) offers another convenient option as it’s located just about a 35-minute taxi ride from the beaches or about 25 minutes from Guanacaste’s vibrant capital city of Liberia . Now the second-largest airport in the country, the Liberia Guanacaste Airport has a range of long-haul links from Europe and North America, including popular seasonal connections from Zurich, London, and Los Angeles.

Liberia, Costa Rica serves as a gateway to the country’s stunning beaches and national parks. The city of Liberia is a great starting point to tour some of the areas that make Guanacaste truly remarkable. Jetting there gets you into the heart of the Guanacaste province, just over an hour’s drive from the waves of Tamarindo and about the same from the western banks of Lake Arenal. As a bustling urban center, Liberia offers modern amenities and radiates traditional charm. 

So you made it to Guanacaste, now what? Traveling along some of the major highways, whether by private organized transport or public options, will allow you to see some wonderful attractions. There are oodles of beach towns in Guanacaste to explore that are all linked neatly together by Route 21 as it cuts right through the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula. There are also mountain resorts, cloud forests, and national parks that you can reach by traveling along the well-maintained Highway 1 towards San José, a part of the famous Pan-American Highway.

While some choose to rent their own vehicle, we would caution against it. As is the case across Costa Rica, smaller provincial roads in Guanacaste aren’t always paved and can be prone to landslides and mud. That can make travel by a car rental both unpredictable and challenging, particularly during the rainy season (April to September).

It is for these reasons why opting to plan your trip with a travel company, like The Explorer’s Passage, who has strong local knowledge allows you to take advantage of years of expertise and travel with peace of mind. Be sure to choose a trusted travel operator who is familiar with the local region’s intricacies, ensuring that you make the most of your time in Guanacaste without the potential challenges of driving yourself. This is arguably the best approach for hassle-free transportation.

Another option for getting around Guanacaste is tourist shuttles which have a capacity ranging from 6 to 12 passengers. However, even tourist shuttles can’t quite compare to the level of convenience, comfort, and flexibility offered by a travel company who offers private transportation arrangements to and from the airport, as well as throughout your trip.

The dry season is widely seen as the best time to visit the province of Guanacaste. That officially runs from November to late-March, but can actually begin in October and linger on well into the summer months in these parts, since Guanacaste is the hottest and driest of all the regions in Costa Rica. Average daytime temperatures remain steady throughout this time, usually 70-90°F (31-87°C). You can also go weeks without seeing a drop of rain. It’s the best beach weather you could ask for.

There are some exceptions to the rule. Firstly, intermediate- and advanced-level surfers might actually want to come in the wet season months of June, July, and August. The waves are bigger and more consistent then, with big storm systems sending up the swell from deep in the Southern Hemisphere.

Secondly, wildlife lovers could also do better with birdwatching and sloth spotting tours in the cloud forests in the months immediately after the wet season, when the numerous national parks are at their lushest and most vibrant. If wildlife is the inspiration for your trip, check out this full species list of Guanacaste wildlife .

You could spend months and months exploring Guanacaste province on its own and not get bored. But there are some best places that we think all first-time travelers to the Guanacaste region simply must have on the itinerary. They are:

Playa Tamarindo is blessed with a handful of seriously high-quality surf breaks that cater to all levels of board riders. There’s a hollow river mouth wave to the north (beware of the crocs!) that barrels routinely on southerly swells. All that’s transformed the place into something of a chillout hub, with more after-surf clubs and cocktail bars than you can shake your piña colada at.

Even if you aren’t chasing waves, there are plenty of opportunities for other popular beach activities such as kayaking, catamaran tours, fishing tours, and more.

Tamarindo is known for its prime location in eastern Guanacaste that makes it a major draw for visitors. Despite its modest size as a surf town in Costa Rica, this area offers the convenience of being in close proximity to a vibrant nightlife scene with lively bars, delicious restaurants, and diverse shops. Additionally, Tamarindo provides access to a selection of upscale, all-inclusive hotels and resorts to choose from.

Tamarindo is also right beside Playa Grande, a nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles protected as part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. This pristine beach comes with a relaxed atmosphere, best for swimming, sunbathing, and wildlife encounters.

The jungle-covered sierras of central Guanacaste tumble down to the shoreline in gorgeous fashion around the surf-yoga town of Nosara. A bit further from the big resorts of the northern Nicoya, this one’s for those who prefer to be out of the action while in Costa Rica.

Nosara is known for its more laid-back vibes compared to neighboring beach towns in Guanacaste like Tamarindo.  Nosara’s tranquil nature aligns with its famous yoga scene, offering various world-class retreats from both daily classes to week-long immersive experiences.

Nosara itself is a district that has many towns and beaches. Guiones is a town where you’ll find healthy cafes and eco shops strung along the main sands of Playa Guiones, which also happens to host the finest waves in the area (and is great for beginner surfers). There’s also no shortage of locally owned family shops that make up a majority of Nosara’s businesses. 

Just north of Playa Guiones, Playa Nosara offers an authentic Guanacaste experience with top-notch lodging, restaurants, and opportunities for yoga and surfing. Other beach towns include Pelada, a small town popular among both tourists and locals, and Garza, a small local fishing town where you might find boats departing for snorkeling tours and whale watching tours.

Venture to the hills above and you’ll find some of the lushest coastal rainforests in this section of Costa Rica, with hiking trails to waterfall tours and more. Or head to the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge , a protected sanctuary dedicated to preserving the nesting grounds of turtles that use the Ostional beach each month to lay their eggs.

• Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

The Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park straddles the extreme eastern edge of Guanacaste. The national park is a whole world away from the cinnamon-hued beaches that the region is known for. We’re talking 34,000 acres (nearly 13,800 hectares) of rugged highland terrain in Costa Rica that’s carved through by cascading waterfalls and clad in primeval rainforests. There’s even space in the national park for not one, but two volcanic summits!

Rincón de la Vieja National Park also provides access to several marked hiking paths from the Santa María Ranger Station in Guanacaste. Also, don’t miss the chance to get your adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting and canyoning tours.

• The Bat Islands

The Bat Islands, known as the Islas Murciélagos to the locals, are one of the best-kept secrets of Guanacaste. They fragment off the far northern corner of the province, just opposite the forested headlands of the Santa Rosa National Park.

Diving is the top activity here. Avid scuba veterans come to Costa Rica to score visibilities of up to 100 feet (about 30 meters) and dive sites that go down more than 115 feet (about 35 meters) to reveal sea caves and volcanic reefs. Sightings of the formidable bull shark are very common, as are manta rays and big coral sponges, which are a touch safer to be around.

• Lake Arenal

Just under 16 miles (approximately 26 kilometers) of the 17-mile-long (around 27 kilometers) Lake Arenal lies within the borders of Guanacaste province. Though the adventure mecca of the Arenal National Park is mainly in the neighboring Alajuela province.

Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica and a veritable windsurfing haven, offering steady 20-30 mph (32-48 kph) gusts during the dry season months. When the water stills in the wet season, lake kayaking and hiking the surrounding peaks takes over. Get ready for some incredible vistas of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon! If Arenal National Park has caught your interest, check the amazing Arenal Tour we offer.

For more details, check out this  customizable Guanacaste tour .

Naturally, where you stay in Guanacaste will depend on where you choose to go. But there are some eco lodges, all-inclusive resorts, and hotels that we keep going back to because we think they offer something unique and unforgettable.

Check out our top picks for best places to stay in Guanacaste by location:

• Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort – Treat yourself to a touch of luxury in the midst of hedonistic Tamarindo by choosing to stay at Tamarindo Diria. This highly rated, 4-star hotel offers you front-row seat views that overlook surf breaks and a huge central pool that’s a few paces from the beach. This resort also has all-inclusive packages to choose from.
• W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal – The W Costa Rica resort hotel is a hidden paradise in Guanacaste nestled amidst lush mangroves and sugar-white sands. Admire panoramic reserve views from your suite’s private plunge pool, unwind at the resort spa, and dance the night away at the electrifying Zona Azul club.
• Westin Reserva Conchal – This is an all-inclusive golf resort and spa. Positioned between Costa Rica’s forests and beaches, this 2,400-acre (971-hectare) retreat offers a lagoon-style pool, championship golf course, and rejuvenating amenities like their Heavenly Spa.
• Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge – Perched on one of the coastal ridges around Nosara, this hotel has suites that open to visions of black-sand beaches and untouched tropical rainforests rolling north along the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s also got a wonderful infinity pool with the very same eye-watering views!
• The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel – The original surfer’s spot in Guanacaste with direct access to Playa Guiones, The Gilded Iguana is a hotel loved by surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and adventure travelers. Experience a relaxing yoga retreat or thrilling mountain biking at a historic landmark that brings together Costa Rica travelers of all kinds.
• Olas Verdes Hotel – This hotel is a small beachfront retreat in Nosara. It offers easy access to sand and surf in a serene atmosphere. Olas Verdes is perfect if you’re looking for surf and yoga lessons, exploring nearby restaurants, and hanging out by your private wave-shaped pool.

RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA

• Borinquen Thermal Resort – Get into the Guanacaste jungles and glimpse at the peaks of the Rincón de la Vieja reserve here. Great hiking trails lay at the doorstep of this resort. Also, the rooms are spacious and comfy and beautiful waterfalls are close by, but the real pull has to be the natural hot springs that offer a relaxing soak on site.
• Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín  – With views of the dry tropical forest and Rincón de la Vieja Volcano , this award-winning eco-hotel offers 79 comfortable ranch-style rooms and suites. It even offers access to natural volcanic hot springs and tours through the nearby Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

THE BAT ISLANDS (In the Santa Rosa National Park)

• Dreams Las Mareas – Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is an emerald sanctuary on the shores of Playa El Jobo. Its all-inclusive family packages include luxuries like limitless dining and drinks, access to tours of the neighboring national park, and chances to explore the pristine beach where mischievous monkeys swing from the Guanacaste trees.
• Nandel Beach Resort – Along the northwest corner of Guanacaste, Nandel Beach Resort has a private beach, two outdoor pools, and a restaurant. Picture yourself still enjoying views of the lush Santa Rosa National Park from the comfort of your air-conditioned hotel room or while lounging on a terrace.

LAKE ARENAL

• Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa – This is the ultimate green-friendly luxury retreat in Costa Rica’s La Fortuna. Get ready to unwind in spacious suites, complete with Juliet balconies and volcano views. Access to rejuvenating thermal water spas more than make up for the lack of a beach.
• Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs – A paradise for both adventure enthusiasts and relaxation seekers. Take a dip in Arenal Manoa’s mineral-rich hot springs or satisfy your taste buds at the resort’s Alambique Bistro, and get a chance to see the day-to-day workings of a typical Costa Rican farm.
• Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – A five-star resort nestled amidst the lush rainforest and at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano and near its national park. This resort has it all – nature, adventure, and pure relaxation. Indulge in luxurious rooms, soak in the healing thermal mineral spring river, and explore the exclusive Shangri-La Gardens.

More Guanacaste beaches to visit

While we’ve already delved into some of the most famous hotspots of Guanacaste province, it’s time to uncover more of the beautiful beaches we can’t leave off the list.

Here are some of the other best beaches to visit during your trip to Guanacaste:

• Playa Conchal – Just north of Tamarindo and nearby the town of Brasilito, Playa Conchal in Costa Rica is known for its exceptional sand made up of finely crushed seashells. Surrounded by abundant foliage and pristine, azure waters, this beach is ideal to tour for snorkelers and sunbathers.
• Playa Hermosa – Playa Hermosa has a striking shoreline and powerful surf breaks. It’s a favored destination for seasoned surfers and is known for hosting many international surfing events. Playa Hermosa overlooks the Papagayo Peninsula in northern Guanacaste and is relatively uncrowded, providing a serene environment for those seeking a calm paradise.
• Playa Rajada – Also known as Playa El Jobo, Playa Rajada is a stunning beach that can be found in Guanacaste near the Costa Rica border by Nicaragua near the Guanacaste National Park. This Costa Rican beach offers a remote and secluded coastal experience.
• Playa Sámara – On the Nicoya Peninsula near a small town called Galilea lies Playa Sámara, a beautiful beach adored by Costa Rica visitors. Its captivating landscape, tranquil waters, and laid-back ambiance have made it a beloved destination for those seeking beauty and serenity.
• Playas del Coco – Playas del Coco is a fishing village and a popular beach with a 1.8-mile (3-kilometer) stretch of dark sand beach in the Gulf of Papagayo, near the previously mentioned Playa Hermosa. It is known for its easy access to shops, tours, and restaurants, making it an ideal family-friendly destination.

If you’ve enjoyed these travel tips and are seeking more, The Explorer’s Passage has plenty more hidden-gem attractions, beaches, and more in Guanacaste that we can recommend based on your preferences.

At The Explorer’s Passage, we organize many exciting tours to all corners of Costa Rica,  creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. We are experts in tailoring trips to fit your budget, offering many options from tours that can include only the essentials to indulgent trips with all-inclusive hotel stays.

Our dedicated team is here to assist you with whatever you may need from arranging international flights and in-country transfers to planning special excursions, finding authentic restaurants, and much more. Just let our team know what you need!  

Experience Guanacaste with the best tour operator in Costa Rica. With over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, our team has extensive local knowledge and networks that you can trust.

We pride ourselves on delivering extraordinary tours based on travelers’ needs and are humbled by our guests’ testimonials . In fact, our dedication has earned us a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor , and awards by Travel+Leisure Magazine and Newsweek. Check us out and discover why so many travelers worldwide choose us . My team and I would love for you to join us on a trip to Manuel Antonio or any of our many other adventure trips !

If you liked this post, be sure to check out The Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica . You’ll also find more of this kind of adventure content on our blog page !

Cheers, Jeff

Jeff Bonaldi Founder & CEO The Explorer’s Passage

About Jeff Bonaldi

Jeff Bonaldi is the Founder and CEO of The Explorer’s Passage, a premier adventure travel company. His mission is to provide travelers with the opportunity to transform their lives and the planet through the power of adventure.

Learn more about Jeff’s story and his company HERE .

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• Knowing Costa Rica

Guanacaste Province

A generous and warm province, Guanacaste is known for its cattle ranches and spectacular beaches. It is the driest region of Costa Rica.

Guanacaste is well known for its beaches and the sun, which is exactly what visitors find along its coastline, with an abundance of hotels, cabins and restaurants. Some of the best beach hotels in the world are found on the beaches of Guanacaste, from luxury to boutique hotels.

• Panama Beach, in the northern area of the province, is a quiet place with white sand and gentle surf, inviting care-free visits.
• Coco Beach is one of the most popular spots, due to its nightlife and great number of visitors.
• Flamingo Beach is an ideal place for those preferring a mix of good hotels and a quiet atmosphere. There are also Ocotal and Hermosa beaches, among the favorites of Guanacaste’s coast. Grande Beach is located further south, and along with Las Baulas National Park, is a sanctuary for thousands of leatherback turtles (baula) arriving to spawn in its coasts each year.
• Tamarindo offers a blend of white-sand beaches and mangroves, sea birds and iguanas, making it a paradisial and perfect spot for those wishing to live in harmony with nature
• Other beaches such as Ostional, Manzanillo and Coyote, are more destinations which give the greatest province of Costa Rica its reputation.

Santa Rosa National Park is located to the north of the province. It is a jewel of the tropical dry forest with a remarkable biological inventory.

Embedded in the Guanacaste Mountain Range are the Tenorio, Orosi, Miravalles, and Rincon de La Vieja volcanoes, the latter surrounded by the national park of the same name.

Guanacaste is undoubtedly a privileged land. Possessing a mixture of forests, warm beaches, extensive plains and an impressive volcanic range, it is a natural world waiting to be explored.

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Visit Guanacaste Costa Rica – Your Ultimate 2024 Travel Guide

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on Last updated: November 26, 2023

Categories Travel

My family and I love to travel all across Costa Rica. We especially love to visit Guanacaste Costa Rica.

Guanacaste Province in Costa Rica in a state on the Pacific side of the country in the northern half. The capital is Liberia, which is also the best airport to fly into. Guanacaste has pristine beaches, jungles, mountains, volcanos, and 7 of the country’s national parks. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north.

I think we can all agree there is nothing better than a vacation where everyone, from kids to parents, has an amazing time, every time. To connect with one another in such a beautiful setting is an amazing and transformative thing.

So in this ultimate travel guide, we’re diving deep into the northwestern province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica.

We’ll look at the best beaches, national parks, wildlife, activities and the best ways to travel through this amazing place.

Ultimately, you’ll fully understand why I think you should visit Guanacaste Costa Rica for the vacation of a lifetime.

Make sure to check out my Costa Rica Travel Resource List with links to everything you need!

Is Costa Rica a good place to visit?

Good is probably an understatement.

Personally, I have been there 4 times. My oldest daughter Astrid’s first beach and ocean experience were along the Pacific coast of Guanacaste Costa Rica.

We love the ease of traveling there. It’s amazingly easy (but not quick) to get around the country (driving in the Capital of San José being the main exception).  We love the people, the food, the wildlife, the beaches, and so much more.

To say it’s beautiful, peaceful, tranquil or amazing doesn’t really justify it.  After all, you could probably think of a lot of places you could describe that way.

No; to visit Guanacaste Costa Rica, or anywhere in Costa Rica, is just something altogether different.

Costa Rica is as beautiful as they say ? and the ‘Ticos’ are very friendly people. Pura Vida! ?: Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica ?? pic.twitter.com/IJXAXg1dkU — MotoLara (@MotoLaraRides) February 12, 2017

What is Guanacaste Costa Rica known for?

Guanacaste is one of the most popular states (what they call provinces) in Costa Rica.

Guanacaste is known as a tropical paradise with breathtaking beaches, amazing mountains, and multiple volcanoes. Tourists seek out beautiful weather and abundant wildlife.

Guanacaste is in the northwest area of Costa Rica just under Nicaragua (which it was once a part of).

Costa Rica’s slogan is Pura Vida which translates into English as “pure life”. Nothing sums up what it means to visit Guanacaste Costa Rica (or any part of Costa Rica) more than that phrase.

Guanacaste’s unique culture stems, in part, from once being part of Nicaragua during the pre-Columbian era.

Certain Guanacaste has been part of Costa Rica for some time now,  but you can still see Nicaragua’s influence there in the people, food, and culture. But history aside, there are hundreds of reasons to visit Guanacaste Costa Rica.

What ocean is Guanacaste Costa Rica?

Guanacaste runs up and down a large part the Pacific side of Costa Rica.

So the Pacific ocean is what you will see and play in. The other side of Costa Rica is the Caribbean.

As you would expect, this amazing area features some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Tamarindo is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica.

It stays sunny all year, and the weather with temperatures varying between 73°-81° and low humidity. Lots of activities are available from this awesome touristy town from zip-lining, hiking, snorkeling, surfing, and more.

That being said, EVERYONE loves Tamarindo and thus it is a bustling tourist town.

Personally, my favorite beach in Costa Rica is Playa Conchal, north of Tamarindo near the town of Brasilito.

Those are our daughters (before the arrival of daughter #3) playing on the mostly deserted beach of Playa Conchal!

While there is a nearby Westin Resort with its own private beach access, there’s still plenty of amazing beach to explore (see my picture above). We have been to at least 10 beaches in Costa Rica, far from all, but this has been our favorite hands down.

We’ve never seen more than 20 or 30 people when we’ve been, and while that could be an anomaly, it definitely is one of the less crowded beaches.  Just drive down a dirt road past the howler monkey-lined trees and pull right up onto the sand, 30 feet from the water’s edge.

Playa Hermosa is another great beach for visitors looking to avoid popular tourist areas. It’s also very close to a number of amazing areas like Santa Rosa National Park and Rincon de la Vieja National Park, among others, and you will see amazing wildlife and scenery there.

Some beaches are rockier than others and some are more black sand than white sand.

So explore all of them while you visit Guanacaste Costa Rica! Some other ones to visit would include Playas del Coco (our original beach experience), Playa Ocotal, Playa Panama, Playa Flamingo, Playa Brasilito and many others.

What is the average temperature in Costa Rica?

The average highs fluctuate between 75 and 80 degrees.  The average lows fluctuate between 58 and 62 degrees.  Basically, it’s a paradise all year; not too hot, not too cold.

The summer and early fall are considered the rainy season in most parts of the country, but in my experience has been twice at different points during this time, you get a little (sometimes no) rain in the early afternoon; the perfect time to return home for a nap.  Travel during this time can be considerably cheaper and for us, there’s almost no difference.

Want heat? spend time on the coast.

Want cooler days and almost chilly nights? Head inland.

What is the rainy season in Guanacaste Costa Rica?

The rainy season is from May to mid-November except for the Caribbean coast.

I have been to Costa Rica in August, July, December, and January and always had a great time and great weather, even in the rainy season . In fact, I kind of prefer to go during the so-called rainy season, because it’s less touristy.

As I said, Costa Rica varies between 75 and 80 degrees for the highs (on average) and lows around 60.

The Caribbean coast is generally humid and rainy all year. It’s also a bit of a trek to get there, so I’ve never been. But for the rest of the country, we’re talking about 5 months out of the year.

BUT, when I have been there in the rainy season if it rained at all (which it didn’t every day), it rained for about an hour around 1 pm. So it was really perfect to go out and do stuff, grab some lunch, and then come back to the house for a nap, or just sit and listen to the rain.

Is Guanacaste safe?

Yes is the short answer, but always use the same precautions you would normally follow when visiting a new place.

I have ALWAYS felt safe in Guanacaste.

In fact, in terms of safety, that is the main reason I haven’t been back to Mexico in 14 years and never taken my kids there (aside from the crossing in Big Bend). By comparison, Costa Rica is amazingly safe, peaceful and tranquil.

For starters, unlike Mexico where Federales armed with assault rifles abound, Costa Rica abandoned its military in 1948. I’m sure crime exists there as it does anywhere; especially in San José which is the only real large city.

But when we visit Guanacaste Costa Rica, we don’t go there for the big city experience so we prefer the quiet countryside and beach settings.  Take the same precautions you would traveling anywhere, but we find visiting Costa Rica to be perfectly safe.

We’ve traveled all over the Pacific side as far south as Jaco (a popular surf town) to almost as far north as the border to Nicaragua.  We have also traveled inland to mountains, volcanos, and hot springs. In doing so, we’ve met some great people and befriended more than a few.

Crime is probably the highest in the capital of San José, which is to be expected as it’s a big, bustling city with a similar vibe to New York.

The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory gives Costa Rica a Level 1 for crime and safety. 1 is the lowest rating on a scale of 1 to 4 and comes with the recommendation “exercise normal precautions”.

What vaccinations do I need for Costa Rica?

In short, unless you are traveling from a country known for being at high risk of yellow fever outbreaks, no vaccines are required to visit Costa Rica.

That being said, the CDC and WHO do recommend the following vaccinations if you are planning to visit:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Yellow fever
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)

That’s a long and scary-sounding list, and no place on Earth is completely safe in terms of infectious diseases.

But I can tell you as a frequent traveler to Costa Rica and one who took his one-year-old daughter there, we have NEVER done anything out of the ordinary in terms of vaccines when preparing for a trip.

Costa Rica Culture

Locals refer to themselves as “Ticos” and we have found nothing but peaceful, friendly & warm folks who love the land, love their country and are happy to share it.

Unlike some other predominantly Spanish speaking countries, Costa Rica has a literacy rate of 96%; they value the education of their over 4 million citizens!

Also over 70% of the population falls into the middle class, making it distinctly different from some other countries too. Statistics courtesy of The Real Costa Rica  and Tropical Daily .

Costa Rica values life.  The country also values its natural resources. I noted this a little bit in the passage above.

About 25% of the total land in Costa Rica is dedicated to national parks or other protected lands; 26 national parks in total; amazing for a country of Costa Rica’s size! Even in small remote villages, you see recycling stations; that speaks volumes about the country’s dedication to the land and preserving their natural beauty.

Costa Rica is also a melting pot with people both visiting and living there from all over the world. Upwards of 9% of the population moved to Costa Rica from other countries.

Nicaragua accounts for the largest number of immigrants, but Colombia, Spain and the USA are 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.

So while the country’s native tongue is certainly Spanish, it’s not uncommon to find plenty of other languages there too and lots of folks speak English (but knowing a little bit of Spanish is definitely helpful!)

Costa Rica habitats

Costa Rica has the rainforests, it has the beaches (both Pacific and Caribbean) as well as volcanos and general tropical areas. It also has islands, such as Isla Tortuga which we have visited.

We’ve driven to the mountains, hiked through a forest to find natural hot springs.  We’ve driven up volcanos, we’ve lounged on beaches near troops of howler monkeys.

Natural beauty of all kinds abounds in Costa Rica.  Breathtaking views, amazing landscapes and a wide variety of scenery make up Costa Rica.

Aside from snow, there’s not much you can’t find here.

Are there sloths in Guanacaste?

For the most part, no. You are not likely to see sloths (in the wild) in Guanacaste. They tend to be a little more inland in forested areas with medium elevation.

There are two types of sloths in Costa Rica:

• Brown-throated sloth – the smaller of the 2 sloths, more active, and more of them
• Hoffman’s two-toed sloth – larger, fewer of them, and nocturnal

Hoffman’s two-toed sloth is primarily nocturnal. So most likely if you do see a sloth it will be the brown-throated sloth. But you may sometimes see a sleeping 2 toed sloth.

Brown-throated sloths are not found in high-elevation colder areas, but in general, you’re most likely to see either species in one of these areas:

• Vara Blanca

Manuel Antonio

• Nuevo Arenal
• Osa Peninsula

Having said that, you will see an abundance of wildlife in Guanacaste.

On our trips, we have seen the following in the wild:

• Macaws (a little south of Guanacaste)
• Howler Monkeys
• Magpie Jays (a really cool bird that apparently is viewed as a pigeon there, but looks like a blue jay with a parrot tail and a huge black plume sticking up on its head)

Of course, we’ve seen tons of other animals and lizards too; those are just the well-known ones. Depending on what part of the country you’re in, you may see all of those or none of those.

To me, that’s the beauty of nature; we’re at its mercy.  It’s not on display for our amusement, so we have to learn to live with it and appreciate it on its terms.

A1: Costa Rica, such wildlife diversity (Howler monkeys). Q1: The best destination on #TRLT for wildlife? via @BradtGuides @FuninFairfax pic.twitter.com/9fi64w0Y8i — John Roberts (@InTheLoopTravel) November 22, 2016

Costa Rica National Parks

Costa Rica features an amazing 27 National parks. 7 of those are in Guanacaste.

In fact, over 25% of Costa Rica is reserved for national parks (and other wildlife conservation areas). Thus, perhaps more than any other country in the world, Costa Rica is dedicated to protecting its amazing wildlife and preserving their environment.

Here are some of the best National Parks to see when you visit Guanacaste Costa Rica:

• Santa Rosa National Park – One of the country’s 1st National Parks, Santa Rosa features heavily forested areas but also pristine white sand beaches. The famous Hacienda Santa Rosa monument (known as La Casona) stands to commemorate fallen heroes from old battles. Camp here to experience everything Costa Rica wildlife and nature have to offer.
• Guanacaste National Park – Guanacaste National Park was founded in 1989.  It connects Santa Rosa National Park with the Caribbean rainforest of Northern Costa Rica, stretching across cloud forests and volcanos as it goes. Cross the continental divide and see rainforests that make up much of the Caribbean sideAs you hike, you’ll no doubt see javelina (similar to wild boar), howler monkeys, bats, and capuchin monkeys. Being in the northern part of Guanacaste, you’ll also see white-throated magpie jays which are some of our favorite birds (although many locals think of them as we do pigeons. Picture a blue jay with a parrot-like tail and a black feathery mohawk.
• Rincon de la Vieja National Park – A true one-of-a-kind destination containing volcanos, breathtaking waterfalls, cloud forests and amazing wildlife such as sloths, jaguars, pumas, tapirs and more. There are 9 volcanic craters in the park and you can hike up on trails that up for a bird’s eye view. This park alone encompasses almost 35,000 acres!

Travel Tips When You Visit Guanacaste Costa Rica

Visiting Guanacaste, or any part of Costa Rica is going to be an amazing time.

But there are some good tips I’ve learned in my 5 visits, so I just want to review them now, so you can make the most of your next (or first) visit.

Renting a car in Guanacaste

I strongly recommend a rental car as it’s simply the best way to get around.

Driving in San José was not unlike driving in NYC, but aside from that, as long as you’re not in a hurry, driving is a piece of cake in all the areas I’ve been to.  I have rented from a number of companies and all the major car rental companies you are used to have offices there.

That being said, I like a local company called Vamos .

If you check out online reviews, you’ll see many with terrible reviews (many for good reason).  Vamos is just about the only one with consistently good reviews and in my experience, they earn it!

Don’t be surprised that most car rental companies want a deposit (on credit card) of between $700-$1,000.  That is standard here.  Most don’t actually charge that; they just put a hold for it.

Vamos doesn’t do it, but some companies actually want you to sign a blank credit card carbon-copy imprint form with no amount specified!  I also like that Vamos allows me to use a debit card (we don’t have any credit cards and some places insist on it).

I don’t get the extra insurance coverage when I rent in the US, as my insurance typically already covers that, but here most insurance companies don’t cover it. Thus between the potholes and occasional dirt and gravel roads, it’s not a bad idea to go ahead and get it.

Thus when you’re done; you just drop it off no questions asked and no inspection needed.

Will my cell phone GPS work in Costa Rica?

I have always had my smartphone work in Costa Rica and never had an issue getting around using my phone’s map apps. Thus an old-fashioned paper map probably isn’t necessary. Do check with your provider and verify if you will get service in Costa Rica but on the Tmobile network, I’ve never had a problem.

How do you get to Guanacaste Costa Rica?

If you’re wondering what airport do you fly into for Guanacaste Costa Rica,  the Liberia airport in Guanacaste is the one you want.

In fact, I have only ever flown into Liberia, the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, which is far north of the Capital of San José. Liberia is a far easier city to drive in and it’s close to many of our favorite destinations.

They rebuilt the airport a few years back and now it’s just as modern as any mid-sized airport in the US.

Do be aware the food at the airport is more expensive than airport food in the US. So unless you want to pay $15 for a Quiznos sandwich, plan to bring snacks with you while waiting or eat before you get there.  The restaurants close to the airport are a little pricey too.

There are a million ways to book airfare, but I almost always use Travelocity and have for over a decade.

All the major airlines fly to Costa Rica including Southwest Airlines.

Can you fly direct to Costa Rica?

Yes, is the short answer. From many US cities, direct flights are about 3 hours.

You can have your 10 hour, multi-leg flights to Hawaii; I’ll be lounging in Costa Rica long before you get off the plane (no offense to Hawaiians; it’s just a trek for most of us to get there, and far costlier too!)

In fact, all of the times we have been to Costa Rica have been direct flights out of either Dallas or Houston. We live (now) in the Austin, TX area so if we were to fly out of the Austin airport, I don’t believe there is a direct flight.

But if you live close to a major metropolitan area, chances are you have a direct flight into the Liberia airport in Guanacaste.

Unlike getting to places like Hawaii, a direct flight to Costa Rica from the US is about 3 hours!

How far is Liberia from Guanacaste Costa Rica?

Liberia is IN Guanacaste. It’s actually the Capital of Guanacaste.

In fact, Liberia is just north of being in the center of the Guanacaste province.  Think of a province as a state in the US. Guanacaste is just under 4,000 square miles.

By comparison, Texas (where I live) is 268,581 square miles. So you could fit Guanacaste into Texas 67 times!

So Guanacaste, like all provinces in Costa Rica is not that big. It does, however, take longer to drive places due to mostly 2 lane roads, occasional dirt or gravel roads, and much slower speed limits (which are in kilometers, not miles).

What is the best city to stay in Costa Rica?

Best is a very subjective term.

Much of Guanacaste Costa Rica is similar. You have the beaches on the coast and the inland areas are both dry and rain forests, tropical jungles, and a few volcanos. The Capital of Costa Rica is San José, which is far south of Guanacaste.

San José is a bustling metropolitan city similar to New York.

While I love the energy of New York, when I go to Costa Rica, it’s to get away from that kind of energy. So we usually steer way clear of San José.

Here are some of the most popular cities in Costa Rica, both in, and outside of Guanacaste:

It’s a touristy surf town in Guanacaste south of Liberia right on the beach.

It’s touristy, but I still love it, despite it being crowded, a little pricey, and hard to park in. Great restaurants, nice beaches, nightlife, good-sized waves are just a few of the reasons to go. Aside from surfing, it’s also a favorite for eco-travelers too.

Manuel Antonio is located in the province of Puntarenas, south of Guanacaste.

It’s south of Quepos on the Pacific side and is one of the top tourist destinations. It features rain forests, pristine beaches, and amazing coral reefs.

Considered the most beautiful place in all of Costa Rica (which is saying something given how beautiful the country is as a whole), it also features Manuel Antonio National Park.

Jacó

Another surfing village similar to Tamarindo, also located in Puntarenas, south of Guanacaste.

This is the only place I’ve ever seen macaws in the wild and apparently they are pretty abundant here. Whether you’re into surfing, fishing, hiking, or lounging at top resorts, you’ll find what you want in Jacó.

Puerto Viejo

Located on the Caribbean side which can be hard to get to.

Only a few roads go across Costa Rica from Pacific to the Caribbean, so do be prepared to drive for a few hours, but Puerto Viejo and the nearby Cahuita National Park provide a rare opportunity to see amazing wildlife.

Compared to the rest of Costa Rica, the Caribbean side also sees a unique blend of Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and Bribri cultures. The Bribri are an indigenous people of Costa Rica.

Arenal & La Fortuna

Arenal volcano is Costa Rica’s most well-known volcano, although it has been dormant for 43 years.

The small village La Fortuna sits at the foot of the volcano. Breathtaking views, amazing waterfalls, natural volcanic hot springs set in the lush tropical surroundings.

Perfect for adventure-lovers, honeymooners, families, backpackers, or those who just want to lounge in a beautiful setting.

Monteverde is a small village in the Puntarenas province south of Guanacaste.  It is also considered a major tourist destination because of the abundance of both rain and cloud forests.

It was recently picked as one of Costa Rica’s Seven Wonders.

But our favorite town to stay in and use as a jumping off point to the rest of Guanacaste is Potrero which isn’t likely to show up in the guide books.

Potrero is basically a small fishing village. But it has nice beaches, friendly people, inexpensive houses to rent, some great fruit and vegetable stands, and some nice restaurants and shops. But what it doesn’t have are mobs of tourists overwhelming it.

While Costa Rica does have your typical resorts like Westin or Four Seasons, you may prefer to do what we do and rent a house.

We have used a variety of travel sites to find the places we have stayed, most often AirBnB and FlipKey (similar site owned by Trip Advisor).

We prefer to stay in houses.  That way we can prepare meals rather than eat out every meal. The last place we stayed had 2 bedrooms, outdoor kitchen & living room adjacent to a pool and it was only $90/night!

What can you do in Costa Rica?

Here is my oldest daughter Astrid and I snorkeling off Isla Tortuga.

There is actually a ton of stuff to do in Costa Rica if lounging on world-class beaches, picking fresh tropical fruit from a tree in your front yard, or swimming in your private house’s swimming pool isn’t enough.

We have hiked in nature preserves, visited animal sanctuaries, trekked to natural volcanic hot springs in the middle of a forest, just to name a few things.

But 2 of our favorite things are:

ZIP LINING – To visit Costa Rica at some point, for many, means zip lining (often referred to as a canopy tour).

We’ve only done it once and there are hundreds of places offering it, but we loved Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park (also south of Guanacaste, but there’s plenty of zip lining in Guanacaste too).

Great zip lining, nature hikes, wildlife, and good food too!

ISLAND TOURS – We have only done this once as for us and our budget, it’s a little extravagant, but it was SO worth it! And of course, I have to say this is a little south of the state of Guanacaste in the state of Puntarenas.

We used the amazing Calypso Cruises to go from Puntarenas to Isla Tortuga (turtle island).

The boat was amazing (2 small swimming pools, fresh fruit, full bar), but the island was breathtaking and almost no one else was there.  We dined on the island, pet the wild pigs and went snorkeling too.

We couldn’t recommend them more highly.  If you go, I sure hope Charlie is on your boat!

While it’s always been a family destination for us, Costa Rica is also an amazing honeymoon destination or romantic getaway, so if you’re in need of one of those, check out my very popular post on the  Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica for Couples .

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do you plan to visit Guanacaste Costa Rica?

In this ultimate travel guide to Guanacaste Costa Rica, I walked you through exactly why my family loves to visit Guanacaste Costa Rica.

We examined specific travel recommendations, weather, wildlife, national parks and of course the best beaches to see when you visit Guanacaste Costa Rica.

If you have been, what was your favorite part of your visit to Guanacaste Costa Rica?

Not ready to plan your visit yet? Why not save this pin to your favorite Pinterest boards so it will be there when you need it? I update it frequently too!

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Thursday 24th of October 2019

Great read! Thank you for sharing. I am trying to plan our first trip to Guanacaste in January. This is very helpful.

Jeff Campbell

Friday 25th of October 2019

Hi Courtney

Awesome! Everywhere we've been in Costa Rica has been great, but we especially love Guanacaste. Let me know how the planning goes or if you have any questions!

Thanks for being here!

• Destinations

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

With sun-splashed beaches and great Pacific surf, Costa Rica's northwestern province of Guanacaste teems with visitors from around the globe. The region's dry tropical climate encompasses a varied landscape. Popular white-sand beaches line the coast, and to the east, the Guanacaste Mountains feature fascinating national parks and caldera volcanoes. Travelers of every type can enjoy Guanacaste's myriad of activities, and Liberia's international airport (LIR) provides excellent regional access.

Guanacaste's hot, dry climate makes the region a popular escape for those suffering cold winter months in the northern latitudes. Its white-sand coast is often regarded as one of Costa Rica's most beautiful, and the beaches offer many accommodations. Visitors to the region can take surf lessons and enjoy an active nightlife at the regional hub of Tamarindo; embark on an arduous volcano hike and explore refreshing waterfalls at Rincon de la Vieja National Park; or enjoy a day of relaxation and reading on the glamorous Playa Conchal . These activities are among many fantastic options in the Guanacaste area.

Guanacaste Province contains diverse geographical features. Separating the sandy coastal land from mountainous terrain along Guanacaste's border, the Tempisque River flows from north to south and bisects the Province. In the Guanacaste Mountains to the east, a range of jagged peaks and volcanoes span 70 miles (113 km) northwest to southeast. These mountains house a collection of national parks: Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja , Parque Nacional Guanacaste , and Parque Nacional Volcano Tenorio. The Tilaran Mountains enclose Guanacaste along the southeast. Beginning at the south end of Lake Arenal, the Tilaran Mountains extend toward the Pacific coast, leaving only a small bottleneck of coastal lowland. At this bottleneck, the Inter-American Highway runs north of Puntarenas and into Guanacaste. It provides seamless travel to most of Guanacaste's attractions. Side roads from the Inter-American explore the tropical forest as it ascends into surrounding highlands. The forest gives refuge to exotic flora and fauna including an abundance of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and toucans.

Historically, Guanacaste has been estranged from the rest of Costa Rica . During early pre-Columbian times, the indigenous Chorotega dominated the province; this fact is reflected in the dark skin and round faces of many modern Guanacatecans. The province has also been the focus of much politicking; it was once annexed by Nicaragua. Although Costa Rica won the dispute and claimed the province, Guanacaste retains a distinct identity to this day.

The region is a huge hit with visitors in search of internationally famed beaches. As a result, many of its sleepy fishing towns have continued to undergo rapid transition. New resort developments extend south from the Gulf of Papagayo in a seemingly endless expanse of beachside accommodations. Some accommodations offer unrivaled luxury, and while such high-end development may seem paradoxical in the developing world, this has been the fate for much of Guanacaste's coastline. The massive Gulf of Papagayo Project, for example, aims to develop 2,300 coastal acres (930 ha), and it has catalyzed construction of large resort complexes, hotels, condos, and exclusive villas from Culebra Bay to the beaches of Panama and Coco. With a huge influx of foreign residents and tourists, the wide-ranging affluence can at times bear more resemblance to Cancun than typical Costa Rica.

Recent decades of development have also transformed the once sleepy hamlet of Tamarindo into a thriving regional hub well known for its bustling nightlife. As Guanacaste's largest coastal town, Tamarindo is frequented by foreigners from North America and Europe. With a large white-sand beach and nearby conservation areas (National Wildlife Refuge of Tamarindo and Marino Las Baulas National Park ,) Tamarindo is a favorite among tourists who want to observe the local wildlife and beach-goers who seek to enjoy Costa Rica's surf.

Guanacaste's largest town, Liberia , serves as the regional economic and administrative capital. Home to the nation's second international airport, Liberia is a main access point for many incoming visitors from abroad. Accordingly, Liberia continues to undergo major transformations, similar to those of the Guanacaste coast. Due to its close proximity to Pacific beaches and surrounding national parks, Liberia provides an ideal stopover point for visitors who want to experience every facet of the Guanacaste region.

Personalized Trips for Guanacaste , Costa Rica

Customer Reviewed   Beautiful country and culture. We would like to return and go to the East side.

Customer Reviewed   Great. What a beautiful country. Very impressive on how clean it is and the way of life.

Customer Reviewed   I would (and already have) recommend visiting Costa Rica to friends. I hope to go back someday myself. I think Costa Rica is doing a great job with sustainability.

Customer Reviewed   We had a wonderful trip. All arrangements were handled promptly and on time. With howler monkeys outside our windows and being able to walk right onto the beach, it doesn’t get better than this.

Customer Reviewed   We wanted to take the kids to Costa Rica to appreciate the ecotourism. Monteverde region blew us away with the Twilight Walk, Children's Eternal Rainforest and the cabins and greenhouse at Los Pinos, including the cabins designed to profit from natural light in the washrooms. ...

Where to go in Guanacaste , Costa Rica

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Travel information and maps, guanacaste beaches, rainforests and cowboys.

Guanacaste is the northernmost region of Costa Rica encompassing much of the border with Nicaragua and expresses its frontier character in everyday life as well as during celebrations.

The hot relatively dry rolling hills that rise up from the unspoiled Pacific beaches climb steeply to lush green cloud forest heights on the shoulders of the string of volcanoes that make up the Cordillera Guanacaste.  The range drops equally precipitously to the east giving way first to agricultural and grass lands and then the swamps and marshes referred to as llanuras stretching along the Ríos Sarapiquí, San Juan and Colorado.

Guanacaste Beaches

Most of the Pacific region north of the Nicoya Peninsula is protected by Santa Rosa and Guanacaste National Parks, where some tiny patches of the original tropical dry forest remain, large regions of maturing secondary forests are easily explored and deserted beaches rim it all.

The breaks at Playa Naranjo (Witch’s Rock) and the river-mouth at Bahía Potrero Grande offer the best remote surfing in the country and excellent dive locations ring the small islands off the Península de Santa Elena.  Because of the relatively dry climate the north Pacific is also one of the best choices for camping, trekking and day hikes.  Travelers who prefer not to jolt along 4WD tracks and/or walk miles of rugged trails can visit the northern shores in small boats called lanchas that depart from the resorts and hotels to the south.

The Golfo de Papagayo is what many people think of when they hear “Guanacaste.”  World class beach resorts, planned communities and smaller distinctive boutique hotels line the beaches of the gulf where the water is relatively calm.  Many visitors choose to spend their entire vacation in the northern quadrant of Costa Rica – flying into Liberia international airport (LIR) which was expanded in 2012 to accommodate sun seekers headed towards this driest region of the country.

Volcanoes of Guanacaste

In the north volcáns Orosi, Cacao, Rincón de la Vieja, Santa Maria, Miravales and Tenorio ( printable map of Tenorio region ) literally scrape the sky pulling out moisture and cloaking their upper slopes in some of the least visited cloud forests in Costa Rica.

In southern Guanacaste, the volcanoes give way to the mountain peaks of the Cordillera de Tilarán where the shrouds of mist create the most famous and easily accessed cloud forests in Costa Rica – Monteverde and Santa Elena (Click for details or free printable map for Monteverde).

Ranches, Rodeos and Sabaneros

The ranching lifestyle is apparent wherever you look and you’re still likely to see sabanero ’s horses tethered in front of the local ferreteria (hardware store).  Around Christmas the small communities celebrate ‘Festivals de Patron’ or ‘Festejos Populares’ highlighting horsemen and the ranching culture.  Special foods like tamales are prepared in community kitchens and ice cream, fruit juice, pastry, and savory snack vendors line the streets for day long fairs that include dancing, traditionally costumed children, and El Tope – a parade of decorated horses with their high-stepping staccato gait and traditionally dressed riders.

Finally mounted cowboys ride in steering their mounts with their knees, hands free working a lariat to lasso the tired animal and lead it out.  Sometimes a particularly deft horseman will forgo the rope and work the bull to the gate with nothing but his horse’s footwork.

In the past couple of decades cattle have partially given way to citrus orchards and other crops, and of course tourism has become an important part of life in Guanacaste.  Many families welcome visitors who want to experience the sabanero lifestyle riding the range of a working cattle ranch.  Cattle hands that have spent their entire life in the area now double as naturalist guides on the still forested slopes of the volcanoes.  They know the best spots to see birds and other wildlife, and which hiking trails lead to the waterfalls, natural hot springs, boiling mud pots, volcanic calderas and scenic canyons.

Day-to-day life for cowboys is sedate compared to the excitement of el tope and las corridas . We once delivered supplies to a ranching outpost on the slopes of volcán Miravalles where two young Nicaraguans stood watch.  The cattle were content with the new green shoots and the boys offered to take time out from watching the grass grow to show us some of the mountainside where the forests remained.

We moved almost like monkeys, clutching lianas, vines and branches to keep from sliding down the steep slope, literally swinging when our feet lost contact with the incline.  The waterfall at the head of the valley cascaded rope-like looping and swirling as it dropped 25 meters, sometimes breaking into droplets and mist, the main stream disappearing altogether.  The water was surprisingly frigid when we stood under it to rinse off the grime of the trail before we headed back down to the ramshackle shed that served as storage for tools and equipment as well as sleeping quarters.

Best Things to Do in Guanacaste

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The province of Guanacaste is situated on Costa Rica’s northwest shoulder, bordered by Nicaragua in the north and the Nicoya Peninsula in the south. Growing in popularity, the region’s “Gold Coast” boasts a variety of beautiful beaches and rich culture.

Santa Rosa National Park

Guanacaste Costa Rica’s dry, flat plains merge with tropical dry forests to create landscapes akin to the American “wild west” and African savannas. This region supports Costa Rica’s beef and sugarcane production, and has several national parks and wildlife reserves.

Guanacaste cacti

Costa Rica’s national tree, the Guanacaste, naturally thrives in the region’s arid climate. Cowboys and Campesinos of the cattle-country celebrate the Guanacaste for its abundant shade and the comfort it represents. The region of Guanacaste hasn’t yet forgotten its roots as a ranching area –  topes , or rodeos, can be found nearly every weekend night during the summer months (between February and April).

Liberia International Airport

The Daniel Oduber International Airport – one of two international airports in Costa Rica – is located in Guanacaste’s capital city of Liberia. The region’s best resorts and beaches are just an hour away by car.

Discover Top Guanacaste Beaches

Just west of Liberia lies the exclusive  Peninsula Papagayo . This region features two of the most luxurious resorts in the country: the Andaz Papagayo and the Four Seasons . The 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course is also situated on the peninsula capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Playa Hermosa

Just south lie the grey-sands of  Hermosa Beach  which translates to “beautiful beach.” The waters here are generally calm making it a great family vacation spot. The nearby brown sands of  Matapalo Beach  host the guests of the all-inclusive RIU Guanacaste and RIU Palace which has created a more private resort experience for its visitors

Within Guanacaste Costa Rica is the popular town of Tamarindo which offers impressive restaurants and a bustling nightlife. The beaches of  Tamarindo are some of the most popular in Costa Rica. Playa Tamarindo is a popular surfing destination, spread out beside the fast-growing beach town that was once a quiet fishing community, while the neighboring white sands of  Langosta Beach  are quieter and better suited to swimming.

Conchal Beach

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Further south are the unique  Flamingo Beach  and  Conchal Beach.  The pinkish white sand of Flamingo Beach makes up a large section of Potrero Bay. All of the hotels on Flamingo Beach sit on a beautiful cliff overlooking the beach and ocean below. Conchal Beach, as the name suggests, was once composed primarily of crushed seashells, but have since been removed to be utilized in building and construction projects. Nearly all of Conchal Beach backs up to the Westin Playa Conchal Resort complex.

Playa Mansita

Further south,  Mansita Beach  hosts the guests of the JW Marriott Guanacaste . Additionally, JW vacationers enjoy the amenities of  Hacienda Pinilla,  an exclusive resort and residential community featuring golf, tennis, stables, a beach club, and various dining options.

Related Article: Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is famous for Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, it’s active crater, and the active landscape of geysers, mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles surrounding them. Additionally, there are waterfalls, a lake, and wildlife to be found within the park. There are hiking trails within the park. One of the nicest trails within the park is the 1.75-mile  Las Pailas loop.  It begins at the park entrance and leads you along some of the bubbling landscape. It’s possible to hike up to the  summit , but it takes 7 hours for a total of just over 10 miles. Another hike is the  La Cangrejo Waterfall  and Blue Lake hike which is about 6 miles.

Tenorio Volcano National Park & Rio Celeste Waterfall

The remote Rio Celeste Waterfall is a naturally occurring brilliant turquoise waterfall within Tenorio Volcano National Park. Minerals in the volcanic soil combine to create the waterfall’s beautiful colors attracting travelers from around the world. It’s a roughly tw0-hour hike each way to reach Rio Celeste Waterfall.

Sea Turtle Nesting

The leatherback sea turtle, the largest in the world, returns to Playa Grande each year to bury its eggs in the sand. Sea turtle nesting times can be difficult to predict. Tours generally occur at night and must be organized with a guide to preserve these fragile ecosystems and keep the turtles coming back each year.

Established in 1971, Santa Rosa National Park was the first national park in Costa Rica. It was initially founded to preserve  La Casona , a ranch house celebrated for its role in Costa Rica’s independence. Today, it’s also known for its dry forest, beautiful beaches, birding, and surf. Sea turtles can also be seen nesting ashore Naranjo and Nancite Beach within the park. Nancite Beach is one of two locations in Costa Rica where Olive Ridley Sea Turtles come to shore for the annual  arribada or mass sea turtle nesting.

Palo Verde National Park Wetlands

Palo Verde National Park is known for its wetlands with a large population of aquatic bird species and its tropical dry forests. This park is remote with over 300 species of tropical birds and alluvial planes from the Tempisque River attracting over 250,000 species of migratory geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. The park also has the only scarlet macaw colony to permanently inhabit a dry forest.

More Guanacaste Attractions & Things To Do:

• White Sand Beaches
• SCUBA Diving

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Costa Rica Travel Information

Things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica – How to Best Enjoy the Golden Coast

March 13, 2024 By Sammi 32 Comments

Guanacaste, Costa Rica offers tourists an unforgettable vacation with its year round sunny weather, amazing beaches and spectacular natural attractions. With some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica , the “Golden Coast” of Costa Rica is a top destination for beach goers.

Plan your trip to Guanacaste, Costa Rica with our guide. Also remember to check our Guanacaste day tours discount!

This post has affiliate links.

The Guanacaste province is located in the Northwest corner of Costa Rica and the capital city of Guanacaste is Liberia .

Guanacaste, Costa Rica Airport to Fly Into

Fly into Guanacaste Airport , the hub for Guanacaste. This airport is about a 25 minute drive to the Papagayo Peninsula, a little over an 1 hour to Tamarindo/Conchal and 2 hours to Samara. Airport code is LIR.

From San Jose International Airport , it is about a 3 hour drive to Liberia city. Airport code is SJO.

Where to Stay in Guanacaste

Most people visit Guanacaste for a beach vacation. However, Guanacaste is not just the beach. Mountain towns like Tilaran and Nuevo Arenal are in part of the Guanacaste province. You can click here to see an interactive map with recommended places to stay .

Hotels and Resorts in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Guanacaste has the most all-inclusive resorts and luxury hotels in Costa Rica. Popular resorts and luxury hotels in Guanacaste are the Riu Guanacaste , Riu Palace , Four Seasons , Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo, Villas Playa Samara , Secrets Papagayo , Westin Playa Conchal , W Costa Rica , Occidental Langosta , Occidental Papagayo , Dreams Las Mareas , JW Marriott and Planet Hollywood .

For luxury boutique hotels, check Villa Buena Onda , Kasiiya , Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas , Cala Luna , Andaz Papagayo , Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel , El Mangroove Autograph Collection and Los Altos de Eros .

How to Get Around Guanacaste

Ultimately, the best way to get around Guanacaste is by car. As this province is very big and still quite rural, direct bus routes are not common between beaches and points of interest. Majority of natural attractions, beaches and places of interest are only accessible by car.

Read our tips for renting a car in Costa Rica and also get our Costa Rica car rental discount!

If your trip is very short and you are staying at a resort or right in town, you don’t necessarily need a car. You can book tours with transportation included and stay the rest of your time in the resort. But for those who want to explore, a car is the best and only way to see more of Guanacaste.

And for those with an extra adventurous side, make sure to rent a 4×4 to really go off the beaten path!

Guanacaste, Costa Rica Weather

Guanacaste’s favorable weather is one of the reasons why it’s a popular vacation spot for locals and foreigners.

On the coasts, average day time temperatures throughout the year vary little, between 85 f to 100 F (29 to 38 C). You can expect sunny skies and high temperatures for nearly 365 days of the year, even in the rainy season.

Guanacaste’s dry season (December through April) is typically a bit longer than the rest of the country and the coast doesn’t rain as much as other areas in Costa Rica. March is the hottest and driest month.

One downside to the dry season is that everything turns very yellow, sparse, dusty and dry. This is one of the reasons why there is not as much wildlife such as sloths, toucans, and other monkeys in Guanacaste as the coast is dry tropical forest, not tropical rainforest.

Likewise, rainy season in Guanacaste can get very intense (May through November). The rainiest months are September and October, where rainstorms commonly occur in the evenings and night time. Morning are generally cloudy but dry. Tropical storms can happen in October.

An upside to visiting during rainy season is that everything turns a lush green, which is more pleasing to the eye.

May, June and November are shoulder months, with intermittent rains in afternoons and nights but mostly clear and dry days.

You can read more about Costa Rica weather in this post.

Best Beach Towns in Guanacaste

If you’re coming for a beach vacation, you’re in luck. With a car, all these beach towns are great for short term and long term stays in Costa Rica.

Playas del Coco

As the main beach town in the Gulf of Papagayo , Playas del Coco has grown from a quiet fishing village to a popular tourist town and North American retiree community. Only 25 minutes from Guanacaste Airport and the best beach town to stay in the Papagayo Peninsula.

As one of the most popular beach towns in Guanacaste, Tamarindo attracts visitors looking for a fun nightlife, great surfing and beautiful sunsets. About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Guanacaste Airport.

Playa Flamingo has an upscale, luxury community and marina being a top fishing destination. If you’re looking for an ocean view mansion or condo, this is the place to go! Good base for fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling.

For those looking for something a little less touristic and expensive, check Potrero , the quiet local town by Flamingo.

This beach town further south in Guanacaste is one of the best places to go for families. Samara boasts beginner surf waves, stunning sunsets and a more mellow laid back beach atmosphere than Tamarindo.

Largely known as the first “expat town” in Costa Rica, Nosara is a beautiful surf town that attracts luxury travelers, well off surfers and happy go lucky yogis.

As one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, Conchal is a must see. Not only does it have clear turquoise waters, but the shore is made up of sparkling white shells instead of sand! The main beach town by Conchal is Brasilito . The all-inclusive Westin Conchal resort , W Costa Rica and Reserva Conchal have their own private beach access to Playa Conchal.

You can read about other beaches in Guanacaste here.

Things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

With 200 kilometers (124 miles) of coastline, this province has some of the best surfing in the Central America.

For beginners and first timers, the best spots are Nosara , Tamarindo , Avellanas, Samara and Playa Grande for classes. For those wanting to improve or get more into surfing, there are many week long camps.

For the ultimate surf trip, jump on a boat to Witch’s Rock , one of the best spots in Latin America. When a swell hits, prepare for barrels, tubes and overhead waves. In normal conditions, it’s perfect for long open waves, perfect for longboarding.

Visit Different Beaches

There are so many beautiful beaches in Guanacaste, it’s an absolute must to spend at least one full day visiting different beaches. It’s also the best free thing to do in Guanacaste!

Check out our post to the best beaches in Guanacaste and 5 hidden beaches in Guanacaste!

Ziplining is one of the best things to do in Guanacaste and is a must for every trip to Costa Rica.

A few of our favorite ziplining tours are the one at Guachipelin in Rincon de la Vieja, Diamante Eco Adventure Park and Black Stallion in Tamarindo.

Get 10% off your ziplining tour at Diamante Eco Adventure Park here!

National Parks

The Guanacaste province is home to many national parks and wildlife refuges. Among them is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Costa Rica: the Guanacaste National Park since it contains one of the most endangered ecosystems: the dry tropical forest.

Here is a quick overview of the popular national parks in Guanacaste.

Palo Verde National Park

This national park protects the Tempisque River and Valley, which is home to thousands of migratory birds and other animals. Palo Verde is an excellent place to see birds, crocodiles and wildlife. You can read more about visiting Palo Verde National Park in this post.

Santa Rosa National Park

Although this park is not easily accessible, it is popular among surfers because it is home to the famous Witch’s Rock . Santa Rosa also has two important turtle nesting beaches but is mostly off limits to the public. If people visit Santa Rosa, it is usually for Witch’s Rock surfing. Scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts can go to the Islas Murcielagos (Bat Islands) marine sector of the park.

Las Baulas National Park

This park was created to protect the leatherback turtles that nest on Playa Grande , a popular surfing beach. Although the number of nesting leatherbacks have sadly decreased the past few years, it’s still very important. Visitors can take a boat ride through the mangroves to see wildlife in the national park. There aren’t really turtle tours anymore, due to the greatly diminished number of nesting turtles on Playa Grande.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

As the most popular national park in Guanacaste, Rincon de la Vieja is the most tourist friendly with hiking trails, a park office, picnic area and bathrooms. Tourists can hike the trails to see the volcanic mud pots, waterfalls and rivers.

Since it protects the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, one of five in the Guanacaste mountain range, mud baths and hot springs are also a popular activity with several hot spring resorts in the area. This area is home to several adventure parks and lodges such as Borinquen , Vandara (get our 10% Vandara discount here), Rio Perdido , Sensoria, Guachipelin and Buena Vista .

Barra Honda National Park

This national park in Nicoya protects caves and dry forest. Visitors can hike the trails through the dry forest for nice views of the Nicoya Peninsula or take a caving tour to explore the world underneath. Read more about Barra Honda National Park here.

Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Ostional is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see turtles , as it is a very important nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles. By Nosara.

Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge

This is another wildlife refuge that protects turtles. Near Samara.

Llanos de Cortes Waterfall

Although Guanacaste is very dry, you can still find some beautiful waterfalls. Our favorite is the Llanos de Cortes waterfall near Liberia. This tall, gushing waterfall is like an oasis in the desert!

You can visit the Cortes waterfall in the morning and schedule another activity in the afternoon, such as ziplining. The Llanos de Cortes waterfall is one of the best cheap things to do in Guanacaste for families.

Scuba dive/snorkel/snuba

Scuba diving is one of the must do things in Guanacaste for ocean lovers. The Gulf of Papagayo has great diving with amazing spots such as Bat Islands (Islas Murcielagos) and Catalina Islands . Swim with eagle rays, turtles, sharks and other creatures of the sea.

Flamingo, Tamarindo, Playas del Coco and Playa Ocotal are excellent launch points for scuba diving in Guanacaste.

Likewise, the Catalinas Islands off of Playa Flamingo are great for scuba diving and this is where I did my PADI open water certification.

And if you don’t have your certification, you do a discovery dive or go snorkeling!

Fishing lovers will have a blast fishing in Guanacaste. Many of the popular beach towns started out as fishing villages and is how many locals still make their living today.

You can book inshore or offshore fishing trips up and down the Guanacaste coast. You can catch snappers, mahi mahi, groupers and wahoo on inshore fishing trips. There are many sport fishing charters in Flamingo, Coco, Samara and Tamarindo. Flamingo has a beautiful new marina that has slips for many luxury fishing charters for half or full day off shore and inshore trips.

If you catch fish like snapper or mahi mahi, you can take it with you. Many restaurants will cook it for you if you bring it to them.

Boating Tours

The best way to explore the beautiful coasts of Guanacaste is by boat. Go on a sunset cruise on a catamaran or take a private boating tour. Many tours take you to nearby beaches to swim and snorkel. Sunset tours are super fun since you sail back under the setting sun.

For a more exclusive experience, book a private boating tour. Our friend runs private boat tours in Coco and it is our favorite tour in Guanacaste!

Hot Springs and Mud Baths

Up in the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano area, you can relax in the natural hot springs. Many of the hotels like Guachipelin, Vandara , Rio Perdido, Borinquen and Buena Vista have their own.

For our favorites, Rio Perdido, Borinquen and Guachipelin are some of our favorites. Borinquen and Rio Perdido are also excellent places to stay for a night or two in the mountains of Rincon de la Vieja. If you don’t mind to drive a little bit more, we loved Vandara. It was a lot more chill and it wasn’t very crowded when we went. Their hot springs were lovely! Get our Vandara discount here!

Sample Itineraries

Many people spend their entire vacation in one town in Guanacaste and book day trips. That is perfectly fine and it’ll be a really easy to plan trip.

Here is a sample 5 day Guanacaste itinerary we’ve written. You can add more days or switch destinations. We also have a 5 day Tamarindo itinerary .

Then, some people want to experience different places in Costa Rica. So they’ll stay a few nights in one beach town and then move to another area of the country. We wrote another itinerary that does just this: our 1 week Costa Rica itinerary with 3 nights in Guanacaste, 3 nights in La Fortuna . That itinerary lets you experience beach, volcano and rainforest.

Don’t forget to get our Guanacaste day tours discount to save money on your excursions!

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 05.04.2023

Bordered on the north by  Nicaragua , edged by the Cordillera de Guanacaste mountains to the east, with the Pacific to the west, Guanacaste delivers some of Costa Rica’s most stunning landscapes. Arguably best known for its beaches, Guanacaste is also a paradise for hikers and wildlife-watchers, with exceptional national parks and natural attractions lying within the province. Ready? These are the best tours in Guanacaste.

12 best Guanacaste tours

• #1 Surf, party and see turtles in Tamarindo

#2 Relax and watch wildlife rafting Rîo Corobici

#3 explore arenal volcano.

• #4 See secret waterfalls in Rincón de la Vieja
• #5 Surf and see turtles in Santa Rosa National Park

#6 Ramble along Rio Celeste near Tenorio volcano

#7 tour heliconias rain forest and hanging bridges.

• #8 Be wowed by birds in Palo Verde National Park

#9 Discover underground caves

• #10 Visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park

#11 Take a trip to Nicaragua

• #12 Be thrilled by a Buena Vista Mega Combo Tour

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica, created by local experts

12 days  / from 2980 USD

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

From paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways and magical rainforests, Costa Rica has much to offer. Head east and discover the tranquil Caribbean Sea, head west for the tumultuous Pacific Ocean and surfer’s paradise.

10 days  / from 1825 USD

Discover Northern Costa Rica

This self drive itinerary allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!

10 days  / from 1440 USD

A self drive Caribbean adventure

It's time to discover Costa Rica's Caribbean coast in your own rental car: From Boca Pacuare, where the turtles come to lay their eggs, to the unique culture of Cahuita and the beaches of Puerto Viejo! Your trip will finish in Turrialba, home of the main archaeological monument in our country.

It’s true to say that Guanacaste province has undergone big changes in recent years. The airport has been expanded, and a huge number of hotels continue to pop up along the Pacific coast. 

That said,  Liberia , the region’s main hub, remains one of the most charming cities in Costa Rica. In addition, there are plenty of places to get off the beaten track to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

From catching epic waves on world-class surf beaches , to hiking and wildlife-watching in awe-inspiring national parks, it’s fair to say that tours in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, are nothing but diverse. If that wasn’t enough, you can also explore Arenal volcano from Guanacaste, and visit Nicaragua .

To help plan your trip, read on to find out about the best (day) tours in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

For more pre-trip intel and inspiration, read our full guide to Guanacaste , and talk to our local experts to kick-start your Costa Rican adventure.

Tamarindo beach and town, Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

#1 Surf, party and see turtles in Tamarindo 

Once a sleepy fishing village, these days Playa Tamarindo delivers a lively beach culture, and even livelier nightlife.

But fear not if you also fancy some R&R. This stretch of coast is known for its stunning scenery. The sight of the sun slipping into the Pacific beyond the headland at the southern end of the beach is undeniably soul stirring.

Tamarindo is also a beauty spot beloved by beginner surfers, with reliable, relatively gentle waves breaking on Playa Tamarindo itself, along with neighbouring Playa Grande and Playa Langosta. 

If that wasn’t enough reason to visit, between November and mid-February leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in Marino Las Baulas National Park.

Located on the Río Mata estuary between Conchal and Tamarindo, this is one of the few remaining nesting sites of its kind in the world.  

Intrigued? Get the lowdown on Tamarindo in our guide .   

Travel tip: if you love beaches and plan to spend longer in Costa Rica, read up on the best beaches in Costa Rica .

Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica — one of the best Guanacaste tours for surfers and sunset-lovers © Shutterstock

Five kilometres west of Cañas, the long-established  Safaris Corobicí  (t2669 6191) specialises in gentle floating trips on the Río Corobicí.  

While these usually last from two hours, half-day trips are also available, with snacks included.  

Knowledgeable guides row while you observe the local mammals and reptiles, including howler and spider monkeys, surprisingly large crocodiles, iguanas and caimans.  

The trip also provides a prime opportunity for birdwatching, as several species — including motmots, cuckoos, falcons, ospreys, herons and the endangered jabiru stork — can be spotted along the river.

Keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys while rafting Rîo Corobici © Kit Korzun/Shutterstock

Located in Arenal Volcano National Park, 14km west of  La Fortuna,   Arenal volcano is one of Costa Rica’s top natural attractions, with its majestic conical peak looming large over the region. 

As such, taking a trip to Arenal volcano is one of the most rewarding tours to enjoy from Guanacaste, with a huge range of activities available.

On land, there's a host of hiking trails for all abilities , with expansive Arenal Lake offering fishing, kayaking and windsurfing trips. Or how about ziplining through the jungle, or going canyoning?

In addition, the area around Arenal volcano is a hotbed of stunning hot springs — take your pick from glitzy spa experiences in sublime tropical surroundings, and secret hot spots beloved by locals.

Taking of sublime surroundings, Arenal’s La Fortuna waterfall is a must-visit — it’s clear to see why it features in our run-down of the  best waterfalls in Costa Rica .

Interested in visiting Arenal from Guanacaste? Read up on Arenal volcano and discover the best Arenal volcano tours .

Awe-inspiring Arenal volcano, Costa Rica © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

#4 See secret waterfalls in Rincón de la Vieja

Nature lovers visiting Guanacaste will want to push  Rincón de la Vieja National Park  to the top of their trip plans.

Sitting pretty 25km northeast of Liberia, the park’s varied landscapes and elevations delivers big on several fronts. 

First up, there’s the volcano the park is named after. With a perfectly proportioned conical peak, this is one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes, as testified by the sulphur pools, bubbling mud pots and hot springs you’ll find in the park. 

Several trails run from the ranger station, with the westwards route to the  cataratas escondidas  (hidden waterfalls) coming especially recommended.  

With over 200 resident species — among them the three-wattled bellbird, the Montezuma oropendola, the trogon, and the spectacled owl — Rincón de la Vieja National Park is seventh heaven for bird-watchers.  

In addition to birds, keep an eye out for tapir, red deer, collared peccary, the two-toed sloth, and howler, white-faced and spider monkeys. Be sure to set off early and allow a full day to see as much as possible.

You’ll also want to set off early if you’re planning to hike to the summit of Rincón de la Vieja volcano. The trailhead is accessed via the Las Pailas entrance, with a marked route traversing lower montane rainforest that's lushly covered with epiphytes and mosses.  

At the summit (7.7 km away), Rincón de la Vieja presents a barren lunar landscape. There’s a smoking hole surrounded by black ash, with a pretty freshwater lake, Lago los Jilgueros, to the south. 

Secret waterfalls await in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

#5 Surf and see turtles in Santa Rosa National Park 

With top trails and turtle-spotting opportunities, and excellent surfing, it’s little wonder that Santa Rosa National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most visited national parks. It’s also the country’s oldest. 

Home to home to 115 species of mammal, 250 species of bird, 100 amphibian and reptile species, and 3800 species of moth, Santa Rosa showcases Costa Rica’s biodiversity in staggering style. 

Visit between July and November to witness hundreds of olive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Nancite. Though too rough for swimming, the picturesque beaches of Naranjo and Nancite are popular with serious surfers.   

Note that many of Santa Rosa’s trails are intended for scientific researchers rather than tourists, so they’re not well signed. As a result, it’s a good idea to hire a guide. 

If you walk only one trail in park, make it the very short (1km) and undemanding  sendero natural, which provides an introduction to the unique features of the tropical dry forest. 

This curves around from the road just before La Casona — a formidable wooden and red-tiled homestead that’s one of Costa Rica’s most famous historic sites. Top tip: at one side of La Casona, a stair path leads to a viewpoint offering a magnificent perspective of the twin volcanoes of Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

Along the trail, look out for monster iguanas hiding on branches, and for the ubiquitous bats.

Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is known for its turtles © Shutterstock

Designated a national park in 1995, Tenorio (1916m) is an active volcano, and the area is incredibly geothermically active. 

For example, within Tenorio Volcano National Park  you may well encounter mud pots and fumaroles — little columns of hot vapour escaping from the ground. 

Beginning at the park’s ranger station at the park entrance, a 6km trail takes you into the forest, where it eventually splits into a few well-marked loops. Just be aware that one false move could see you stepping into superheated volcanic soil — don’t step off the path.

The main trail is a steady climb that opens up to a spectacular view of Volcán Miravalles before leading to the striking waterfall of Río Celeste, where you can take a refreshing dip. 

The highlights of the park, though, are a stunningly bright blue lagoon, the Laguna Azul, and similarly coloured sections of the river that flow alongside the trail.

Though most people come to the park to glimpse the surreal turquoise waters of the Río Celeste, wildlife also thrives within the park’s borders. You may well see tapirs, agoutis, armadillos, long-tailed manakins and howler monkeys.  

The Rough Guides to Costa Rica and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel tip : read up on the best hikes in Costa Rica — Rio Celeste is among them.

Rambling Rio Celeste is one of the best excursions in Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

If you love the tropical rainforest in all its lush, biodiverse beauty, you’ll want to devote a whole day to  Heliconia’s Rain Forest and Hanging Bridges.  

Merging with Tenorio Volcano National Park, this privately-owned forest with a boutique lodge boasts over 70 hectares of pristine forest.  

Non-guests are very welcome to walk the 2.5 km wooded trail for a modest fee — expect to see a flurry of dancing butterflies, monkeys, tapirs and sloths along the way.

The walk also presents an impressive array of flora, with bromeliads and orchids dazzling at every turn.  

The highlight here is a series of suspension bridges that extend through the forest canopy. There are four bridges in total, three of them 30-metres high and 95-metres long.  

The forest’s centrepiece is the fourth bridge — over 100 metres long and a heady 40 metres above ground.

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the rainforest, with epic views awaiting those with a head for heights.  

Expect to see sloths on your tour of Heliconias Rain Forest and Hanging bridges © Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock

#8 Be wowed by birds in Palo Verde National Park  

Created to preserve the habitat of migratory birds, Palo Verde National Park is a must-visit for avian aficionados.

Located on the northern bank of the Río Tempisque, it’s home to one of the largest concentrations of waterfowl in the whole of Central America, which is really saying something. 

Among the 300+ species of bird regularly seen here, you’ll find the endangered jabiru stork and the black-crowned night heron. Away from the riverbank, it’s likely you’ll see toucans and increasingly rare scarlet macaws.   

To maximise your experience, visit during the height of the dry season — between January and March — when most of the 250 or so migratory species are in residence. Come evening, birds, monkeys, coatis and deer gather around the precious waterholes.  

Alongside there being fewer birds during the wet season, it’s worth noting that parts of Palo Verde National Park are inaccessible during the wet season. This is because flooding creates saltwater and freshwater lakes and swamps.  

Time it right, though, and birders will be rewarded with an unforgettable excursion of a lifetime.

Travel tip: read our guide to the  best national parks in Costa Rica .

Scarlet macaws, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Unveiling an eerie underground world of stalagmites and stalactites in a network of around forty interconnected caves, Barra Honda National Park is a Guanacaste tours you won’t forget in a hurry.  

While this trip isn’t for claustrophobes or acrophobes (some of the caves are over 200m deep), those with a sense of adventure will find the experience utterly exhilarating.

After being kitted out with a rope harness and a helmet, a guide will lead you into the otherworldly subterranean world. At times the formations resemble a crumbling cathedral complex. 

While most people visit the enormous stalagmites and stalactites in Terciopelo cave, those interested in culture should ask about exploring Nicoa. The remains of pre-Columbian people were recently found here, along with burial ornaments that are thought to be over two thousand years old.   

Love wildlife? Ask about taking a guided bat tour. These usually leave the ranger station at 4pm, returning by 8pm after you’ve witnessed thousands of bats leaving the Pozo Hediondo cave. It’s another experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Barra Honda cave, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

#10 Visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park 

With an attractive oceanfront location, and one of Costa Rica's top wildlife education centres,  Diamante Eco Adventure Park comes highly recommended for all ages. 

Most folk are drawn here by the reputation of the park’s ziplines. These include the 30-foot free fall Quick Jump, and the ocean-view Superman experience. Running for almost a mile, this is Costa Rica’s longest dual-zipline.

Then there’s the hanging bridge to walk — watch out for crocodiles below while keeping your eyes peeled for parrots and toucans in the forest canopy. 

Meanwhile, Diamante’s Animal Sanctuary offers up-close viewing opportunities, with biologists on hand to answer any questions. The sanctuary’s residents include sloths, monkeys, jaguars and pumas, plus plenty of birds, frogs, and reptiles.  

There’s also a butterfly observatory, a glorious botanical garden, and a hands-on coffee, chocolate and sugar cane cultural experience in the park’s replica of a traditional house.

When you’re done on land (ATV tours and horse-riding are also available), head to Hammock Beach to kayak or paddle-board.

Visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park for some of the best zipline experiences in Costa Rica © Shutterstock

If you're looking to maximise your experience of Central America, visiting Nicaragua  is a top tour to take from Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

You can cover a surprising array of experiences in a single day. Better still, consider booking a weekend break to explore  Lake Nicaragua  and its largest island —  Isla de Ometepe . 

Blessed with lush scenery, the island’s name comes courtesy of Nicaragua’s original inhabitants, the Chorotegans, who named it after its twin volcanoes — Ome Tepetl, meaning “the place of two hills”. 

Alongside viewing the volcano, with trails leading to craters and waterfalls, Isla de Ometepe has much to offer travellers who are interested in indigenous culture.

For example, guides at Finca Magdalena (an agricultural cooperative and lodge) lead tours to view some of the island's petroglyphs. They also offer volcano hikes, and trips to the cloud forest and volcano lagoon.

For a very different experience, you could take a trip to San Juan Del Sur  in Nicaragua. Only thirty minutes from the border crossing at Penas Blancas, it's known for its crescent-shaped beach and excellent surf breaks. 

No longer the sleepy fishing village it was some ten years ago, San Juan del Sur has a reputation for being something of a party town. That said, its vibe remains laidback, with candy-coloured buildings hosting small hostels and hotels, microbreweries and bars.

Want to explore more of the region? Read up on the best things to do in Nicaragua , and find inspiration in the Insight Guide to Central America .

Concepcion volcano, Ometepe island, Nicaragua © Shutterstock

#12 Be thrilled by a Buena Vista Mega Combo Tour 

If you fancy experiencing a stack of Guanacaste’s glorious adventure experiences on one gratifying tour, it doesn’t get better than booking a  Buena Vista Mega Combo Tour . 

As its name suggests, this trip combines a range of activities to form one big experience in the grounds of Buena Vista Lodge.

Located near Rincon de la Vieja volcano, this beautiful site offers everything from ziplining and hanging bridge walks, to horse-riding and hiking. Then there’s the epic jungle slide that zooms you down through the rainforest.

It goes without saying that you can expect to see a lot of wildlife here, too (this is Costa Rica, after all). And, as a result of its location near Rincon de la Vieja volcano, Buena Vista is blessed with a bounty of mineral-rich mud baths and hot springs — perfect for chilling out in after all that hiking, riding, zipping and zooming.

Take a Buena Vista Mega Combo Tour to enjoy adventure activities in wildlife-rich surroundings © Shutterstock

For more inspiration, read up on the  best things to do in Costa Rica , and get yourself a copy of  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica . Our  Costa Rica travel tips  will also help you plan your trip.

Not keen on planning? You'll love our  customisable Costa Rica itineraries . Talk to our Costa Rica experts to take the first steps to enjoying an unforgettable trip.

Travel tip: want to make the most of your time in Costa Rica? Our epic Coast to Coast trip takes in a host of top attractions and activities, including Tortuguero National Park , Arenal volcano , and Tamarindo , Guanacaste.

Header image: Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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The Best Time To Visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 1st February 2024

The beautiful province of Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica is one of the best-known provinces in the country, thanks to its diverse geography and smattering of picture-perfect beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula.

While Guanacaste might not be along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, the province’s beaches still rank among some of the most alluring in Central America. 

With an endless variety of nature-based and cultural activities available, Costa Rica is one of the best places to visit in Latin America – and Guanacaste is likely to be a highlight of any Costa Rica trip.

So, when is the best time to visit Guanacaste? Read on to find out – but first, here’s a summary of the conditions you can expect throughout the year.

Click to navigate this article:

• January:  The first month of the year is part of Costa Rica’s peak season – many North Americans head to Costa Rica to escape the cold temperatures in their home countries. It’s a popular time to visit because you can expect clear skies and hardly any rainfall, making January one of the driest months in Guanacaste. With average temperatures of around 80°F (26°C), January is a great time for wildlife viewing, as humpback whales can be spotted throughout the area. 
• February:  The second month of the year continues the high season but is less busy than January. Temperatures hover around 86°F (30°C); with warm temperatures and reduced tourist numbers, it’s a great time to hit the beach – particularly as Guanacaste is home to some of the best beach towns in Costa Rica .  
• March:  Travelers head to Guanacaste in March for spring break, marking another surge in visitors. If Easter falls during March, Guanacaste becomes very busy and filled with tourists. Temperatures are still hot, with little rain and little to no humidity.
• April:  This month sees the end of the dry season and also marks the end of the peak travel season. It’s the hottest month of the year: temperatures soar to 95°F (35°C), making it the perfect time to enjoy a day out at one of Guanacaste’s gorgeous beaches. If Easter (Semana Santa) falls in April, Guanacaste’s tourist numbers will once again peak. April is a good month to catch humpback whales and olive ridley sea turtles. 

• May:  This is considered a transition month as it leads up to Costa Rica’s wet month, which is also called the green season. Temperatures remain relatively high during this time, but there is a dramatic increase in rainfall, with heavy rains on the cards. It’s officially Costa Rica’s low season, making it an excellent time to visit the beach and explore some of Guanacaste’s national parks where fewer crowds are the norm at this time of the year.
• June:  This is the official start of the wet season, with around 15 days of rain throughout the month. Temperatures start to drop slightly, but it remains fairly warm. 
• July:  The wet season is in full swing from July; you can expect about 13 days of rainfall, with high humidity levels. There are a few days in the month with brief pockets of sunshine and no rain – Costa Ricans call these Veranillo, or “Little Summer.”
• August:  Generally, August is a good month to visit Guanacaste because the weather is reasonably good. There’s a slight increase in tourist numbers, as it’s the school holidays for families in the northern hemisphere – but some people are deterred by the rain, so you can expect lower prices for hotels and flights. This is a good month for exploring Guanacaste’s gorgeous national parks.
• September:  This is the wettest month of the year, with 17 days of rain. As a result, this is one of the quieter months in Guanacaste. Temperatures in September drop to the 70°F (20°C) mark, with the average temperature being around 77°F (25°C). This is a good time to visit if you want to escape the extreme heat and tourists, but you’ll have to brave the rain.
• October:  October marks the end of the wet season – and, like September, also sees about 17 days of rain. Temperatures remain in the 70°F (20°C) range. You’ll see few other tourists at this time, and you might even have the beach to yourself. It’s a good time for bird-watching and turtle spotting.
• November:  Like May, November is another transition month, when locals start preparing for the large number of visitors that arrive in December. Rain is minimal during November, with only around eight rainy days. You have a good chance of seeing leatherback turtles, hawksbills, and green sea turtles. 
• December:  December marks the start of Costa Rica’s dry season. The weather is unpredictable at the start of the month – but, come mid-month, the skies are clear of any clouds. As rainfall decreases, parts of the green tropical forests start turning light brown. There’s a good chance you’ll see humpback whales along the Pacific Coast around this time.

What you need to know about visiting Guanacaste: 

While climate is an important factor when planning your trip, there are other essentials you’ll need to know:

• As of 13 January 2023, there are no special COVID-19-related requirements for travelers to Costa Rica.

• As of 2007, Costa Rica requires that travelers entering Costa Rica from any of the following countries produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Venezuela.
• You will need a return flight or bus ticket when entering Costa Rica. An immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival into the country. 
• The best way to get to Guanacaste is through a direct flight to the capital of the region – Liberia.  Guanacaste Airport  is the second busiest in Costa Rica and receives many domestic and international flights.
• The dry season in Costa Rica is also peak season and the most popular time to visit the country, with many visitors coming from the northern hemisphere to escape the cold temperatures. Accommodation and ticket prices increase considerably during this time, so be sure to book your trip well in advance.

Guanacaste’s climate

Guanacaste is the driest and hottest part of Costa Rica and experiences a tropical savannah climate. Guanacaste’s climate is seasonal and is shaped by wind patterns, temperature, and precipitation. Due to its lack of humidity, this province sees the least rainfall in the county. 

Guanacaste is divided into two regions: the highlands and the lowlands. The highlands consist mainly of mountains and tropical forests. This area typically sees more rainfall and slightly higher humidity than the lowlands – perfect conditions for growing Costa Rica’s famous coffee.

As a result of Guanacaste’s climate, the highlands are home to unique  tropical dry forests . This means that the vegetation is much less green than in the lowlands, especially during the dry season.

However, this changes when the wet season hits and the area becomes more green. Along the upper Pacific Coast, however, the Guanacaste Cordillera remains green all year round. 

The lowlands experience less humidity and cooler temperatures than the highlands and remain lush and green throughout the year.

Which seasons offer the best weather conditions for visiting Guanacaste?

Here’s a quick breakdown of Guanacaste’s seasons and what to expect: 

Dry season (December – April) 

The dry season in Guanacaste lasts from December to April. There is almost no rainfall during these months; expect clear skies and long, sunny days.

Mornings during the dry season have clear skies and relatively moderate temperatures, starting at about 71°F (22°C). By midday, temperatures reach 95°F (35°C). Evenings in Guanacaste are slightly cooler. April is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures of up to 95°F (35°C).

Like the rest of Costa Rica, Guanacaste experiences around 12 hours of daylight regardless of the season. In the dry season, the sun rises at around 05:30 and sets at around 17:50.

This is the best season to visit Costa Rica if you want an idyllic beach vacation. However, the dry season is Guanacaste’s busiest season, with tourists flocking to the region from the northern hemisphere.

This is the best time of the year to see turtles hatching, though this can be unpredictable as there are different breeds of turtles, and hatching locations and times are non-specific. From January to March, in the coastal areas of Guanacaste you also stand a good chance of spotting humpback whales.

Shoulder season (May, June, November) 

May is considered a transition month: it follows the end of the dry season in April and is just before the wet season. You’ll start to see an increase in rainfall, with a dramatic jump from almost no rain to about 12 days of scattered showers.

Temperatures are still moderately warm and tourist numbers drop considerably. This means that you can still enjoy a day at the beach or visit Guanacaste’s national parks. You can enjoy activities such as bird-watching, hiking, and swimming.

June, on the other hand, marks the start of the wet season – though it doesn’t get into full swing until mid-June. There are about 15 days of rain in June, making it the third-rainiest month. Temperatures are still pleasant, ranging from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C).

November is another transition month because it marks the end of the wet season, with a sharp decline in the number of rainy days; there are about eight days of rain in Guanacaste in November. This is the last quiet month of the year as locals start prepping for the vast numbers of tourists that begin arriving in December.

As a result, you can go to the beach or visit the national parks in Guanacaste without the crowds. Remember that the weather can be unpredictable in the shoulder months. 

Wet season (July – October) 

The wet season in Costa Rica typically starts in May and ends in October. In Guanacaste, however, the unique climate means that the rainy season here runs from July through to September. This is when the area is at its greenest. 

Costa Ricans consider the wet season their “winter,” even though temperatures average around 80°F (26°C). During the wet season, Guanacaste receives around 17 inches (450 mm) of rain per month.

Despite this, July and August are popular months for tourists because of the school vacation in the northern hemisphere. This is also when you’re most likely to see humpback whales coming from Alaska and California.

September and October see the most rain, with each month having about 20 rainy days or more. There are few tourists in Guanacaste in September and October, so if you’re traveling on a budget, this is an ideal time to visit. Hotel and flight prices are extremely reasonable around this time.

Which months are better for avoiding crowds in Guanacaste? 

The best times to avoid crowds in Guanacaste are the shoulder seasons, which cover the months of May, June, and November.

November falls just before the dry season and is the last quiet month for the year, as locals start preparing for the high numbers of tourists that will arrive in December. You’re more likely to find great deals on accommodations and tours during these months.

How to get to Guanacaste 

Here are the main ways to get to Guanacaste.

Plane 

Guanacaste Airport is in the region’s capital city, Liberia. It’s the second-busiest airport in Costa Rica and receives several domestic, regional, and international flights. From here, you can easily rent a car and start exploring.

Guanacaste is part of the Pan-American Highway, which spans 19,000 miles (30,000 km) across the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The road extends further into Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. So, if you’re planning an epic road trip or traveling by bus from one of these countries, it’s easy to reach Guanacaste.

Alternatively, Guanacaste is a three-and-a-half-hour drive by car or bus from Costa Rica’s capital, San José.

Things to do in Guanacaste

Here are some of the top things that you can do on your visit to Guanacaste:

• Hit the beach: One of Guanacaste’s biggest draws is its beaches. Some beaches worth visiting include Flamingo Beach, Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa, and Matapalo Beach.

• Explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park:  This park is home to the impressive Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. It also has many beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs.
• Discover Tenorio Volcano National Park:  This park is home to the world-famous Río Celeste Waterfall, known for its exquisite turquoise pool. It also has the eponymous volcano and a hiking trail.
• Go bird-watching in Palo Verde National Park:  There are hundreds of species of birds in Guanacaste. The Palo Verde National Park is a great place to find most of them, including the scarlet macaw. The Sendero La Roca hiking trail takes you to a lookout point over Palo Verde Lake.
• See nesting sea turtles: Costa Rica is known for its leatherback turtle hatching. October through April is generally the best time to see them, but the exact timing can be unpredictable. 
• Head out whale watching:  If you plan on visiting between October and April, you’ll have the unique opportunity to spot humpback whales arriving in Costa Rica’s warmer waters.

So, when is the best time to visit Guanacaste? 

There isn’t a “perfect time” to visit Guanacaste. The weather is enjoyable all year round, so it depends on the type of vacation you want. If you plan to visit the beach, the dry season is your best bet: temperatures are warm, and there’s almost no rainfall. Remember that the dry season is also Guanacaste’s busiest season. 

If you’d like to dodge the crowds, are traveling on a budget, or want to experience Guanacaste’s lush greenery, then it’s best to visit in the shoulder or wet seasons. However, the weather in the shoulder season is highly unpredictable and you’re likely to see a lot of rain. No matter when you choose to go, you’re bound to have a unique experience.

Check out our  South America packing list  to see what you’ll need for your adventure to Costa Rica.

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Laid-back beaches, soaring volcanoes, dense jungle forests, and incredible wildlife are just a few sights waiting for you in Guanacaste. Here you can spend the day hanging with sloths, macaws, and monkeys, white-water rafting the river, riding the hills on an ATV adventure, and still catch the breathtaking sunsets. Your vacation can be as action-packed or carefree as you wish. How you choose to explore Guanacaste is up to you.

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More About Guanacaste

Stretching more than 400-miles along the Pacific Coast is the Guanacaste providence of Costa Rica. The beauty of this region lies in the landscape. Soaring mountain ranges, active volcanoes, coastal beaches, and national parks are just some of the area highlights worthy of exploring. Adding to the allure of Guanacaste is the considerable amount of dry weather that brings tourists to the region every winter.

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Before You Go

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
• December through February: 78° to 80° (Winter)
• March through May: 82° to 82° (Spring)
• June through August: 81° to 81° (Summer)
• September through November: 80° to 79° (Autumn)

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Beaches : With more than 400-miles of coastline, there are beaches of every shape, size, and color ready to explore.

Wildlife : The region's national parks and sanctuaries feature local wildlife that will delight guests worldwide.

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Ultimate Guide to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste is located just 15 minutes from the popular beach town of Playas del Coco and less than 30 minutes from the Liberia International Airport. A small town with a long expansive beach and calm waters, Playa Hermosa is a fantastic alternative to Coco for travelers who want to be near all the action but want a bit more of a slower pace.

For those who choose to stay in Coco, a visit to Playa Hermosa is worth it! It’s a quick taxi ride away and the beach is calm, clear and much less crowded than Coco. There are a few restaurants worth a visit too!

Table of Contents

How to Get to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

There are a few ways to get to Playa Hermosa.

If you’re flying into the Liberia International Airport, your best bet is to take a taxi. This can cost between $30 and $40. Shuttles are also an option but usually cost over $50.

If you’ll be flying into the San Jose airport, you have several options – public busses, shuttles, a private transfer, or renting a car. You can follow the guidelines in this post on how to get to Playas del Coco. If you arrive on the bus, you can easily take a $10 taxi to Playa Hermosa or the other options will likely include drop-off in Hermosa as well.

Anona Guesthouse in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Where to Stay in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

As a small beach town, Playa Hermosa has limited hotel options. However, vacation rentals are plentiful, including many beach-front and ocean-view properties. Here are a few of our recommendations.

• Budget Friendly:  Anona Guesthouse is our go-to here. For one, rooms are well under $100 a night and second, they can accommodate up to 6 guests. All while being steps from the beach!
• Mid-range:   Hotel El Velero , and  Villa del Sueno  are both beach-front (or very close) and provide comfortable accommodation. Both hotels also have a restaurant on-site.
• Luxury : For a most upscale stay, check out  Club y Hotel Condovac La Cost a  and  Hotel Bosque del Mar Playa Hermosa . Bosque del Mar is an upscale beach-front propery while Condovac gives you that resort vibe,.
• Vacation rentals:  For the best vacation rentals in the area, check out  Zindis . They have many quality vacation rentals, including some luxurious beachfront properties.

Where to Eat in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

While many may head to Playas del Coco for dinner, there are a handful of restaurants in Playa Hermosa worthy of a visit.

• Best lunch spot:  Aquasport Bar & Restaurant  is a super-fun beach restaurant, with swings and an over-sized chair perfect for taking photos. The restaurant is famous for its mango chiliguaros (if you don’t know what that is, you need to try one!) and makes a mean frozen mojito as well. They’re a little pricy but the location is worth it!
• Best seafood:  Cassa del Mariscos is arguably one of the best seafood restaurants in the entire Coco area, not just in Playa Hermosa. It’s a small restaurant located on the beach and if you’re visiting during high season, reservations are recomended.
• Best breakfast:  Roberto’s is another beach-front restaurant in a hotel, with ample outdoor seating. Enjoy your breakfast under the shade of the palm trees then hit the beach!
• Best dinner:  Ginger’s  is the highest-rated restaurant in Playa Hermosa and it’s the place to go if you’re looking for a nicer meal out, tapas style.They’re well known for their martinis too.

Sunset on the Kuna Vela Sailboat

What to do in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste is filled with quite a few fun things to do, especially because it’s right on the beach. It’s most often used as a base for visiting Playas del Coco and other nearby areas. Any tour that you’ll find online that leaves from Playas del Coco will often include a pickup location in Playa Hermosa as well!

Here are some of the best things to do in Playa Hermosa Guanacaste.

• Sunset sail or morning snorkeling with Kuna Vela.  Kuna Vela Sailing Tours is based out of Coco but will pick up on the beach in Playa Hermosa as well! For a beautiful, relaxing morning or afternoon on the water, you can’t beat Kuna Vela. Great for families and couples alike!
• Go fishing with  Gonzalez Sport Fishing Charters!  It’s a locally owned sports fishing company that will pick you up right in Playa Hermosa. With several different boat options, they can accommodate both families and those who are serious about fishing. If you don’t want to fish, they can also put together custom sunset, snorkeling, and beach BBQ tours.
• Beach hop to nearby beaches!  Obviously no trip to Playa Hermosa Guanacaste is complete without a trip to the beach. Beach hopping is the best way to explore them! Within just 15 minutes, you have a handful of options. Playa Penca and Calzon de Pobre are located between Coco and Hermosa. With just a ten miinute drive to Playa Panama, you can visit both Playa Bonita and Playa Buena too. For a further drive, head to Playa Iguanita and Playa Cabuyal, both on our list of best beaches in the area.

What’s the beach like in Playa Hermosa?

Playa Hermosa is a long beach that’s usually not too crowded, but keep in mind there is not a lot of shade. The water here is usually very clear and calm, which is why it’s a perfect beach for families. Most of the time it’s perfect for swimming with little to no waves. It’s one of the best swimming beaches in the area.

What’s the weather like in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste?

Playa Hermosa Guanacaste weather is actually one of the hottest and driest areas in Costa Rica which is something to consider when planning your trip. Between December and May, there isn’t much rain and temperatures are around 70° to 80° F.

During the rainy season, usually with an exception of maybe two weeks tops in October, you can enjoy sunny mornings and an occasional rain shower in the late afternoon or evening. During this time, the temperature is around the same, between 70° to 80° F on average.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Costa Rica

Best hotels, best things to do, best restaurants, best time to visit.

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Costa Rica literally translates to "rich coast,” and it’s easy to see how it got its name. In addition to world-class beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific, this peaceful paradise boasts some of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth. In fact, scientists say five percent of the world's species are found here. For reference, the country is only as big as West Virginia. 

The unparalleled wildlife watching includes encounters with slumbering sloths, majestic scarlet macaws, tree frogs as pretty as they are poisonous, and endangered nesting sea turtles. With dogged determination, they survive, symbiotically, in the shadow of some of the world's most active volcanoes. 

Whether you want to hike in a cloud forest at 10,000 feet above sea level or you dream of riding horses on a white sand beach, it’s never been easier to reach the rich coast. There are nonstop flights to Costa Rica from more than a dozen U.S. cities. Come in winter; the country is one of the best places to visit in January . Or, plan a trip for the summer months when hotel rates drop as temperatures rise. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Nayara Springs: Soak in your villa’s private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs.  
• Zip lining: Feel the cloud forest come alive as you soar through the canopy. 
• National Parks: These 28 protected areas are Mother Nature at her finest. 
• Restaurant Silvestre: Taste an award-winning chef’s contemporary interpretation of Costa Rican cuisine.
• Limón: Experience the country’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. 

W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal 

With its audacious architecture and cheeky decor, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal stands out on a coast filled with cookie cutter beach resorts. Rooms run the gamut from traditional queens with balconies and ocean views to treehouse suites with private plunge pools. The property has a spa, 18-hole golf course, beach club, adults' and kids' pools, and five restaurants.

Nayara Springs 

This adults-only oasis was voted one of Central America’s best resort hotels by T+L readers. “From the moment you arrive you feel pampered,” Erica Linares, a Latin America specialist at Kensington Tours told Travel & Leisure. She’s a fan of the welcome drink, Costa Rica’s answer to the Bloody Mary. Meanwhile Emmanuel Burgio , a T+L Top Travel Advisor specializing in Central America, praises the private plunge pools.

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Located four miles from San José's airport, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the capital. That said, it feels a world away from all things urban thanks to its valley views and meticulously manicured gardens and outdoor spaces, including several pools and a coffee plantation.

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo

This family-friendly resort is one of Travel + Leisure' s top 500 hotels in the world . “It commands one of the best locations in Costa Rica and offers easy access to the country’s most beautiful beaches,” James Kaiser, author of “ Costa Rica: The Complete Guide ” told Travel & Leisure. His pro tip is to bring binoculars to spot the humpback whales migrating offshore in winter.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve

Also voted one of the best resorts in Central America by T+L readers, this luxurious ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula is the perfect place to immerse oneself in nature. In addition to proximity to wildlife, Burgio loves the waterfront location. “The bungalows boast terraces with ocean views and outdoor showers, and the shared outdoor pool overlooks the Pacific.” 

National Parks

Between its diverse flora, fauna, and geothermal features, Costa Rica is a nature-lover's paradise . A quarter of the country is set aside for conservation, and there are 28 National Parks to choose from. “Plus, unlike Colombia or Brazil, you can visit multiple ecosystems in one day,” said Kaiser. 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Between Costa Rica's 300 beaches there are waves for diehards, beginners, and everyone in between. One of the best places to practice is Tamarindo, where Iguana Surf's instructors are as passionate about teaching as they are pipelines. As you improve, try the Nicoya Peninsula. According to Linares, “It’s known for its powerful waves and the town of Santa Teresa has a very relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.” 

Wellness is a way of life in Costa Rica – it's home to one of the world's five blue zones – so it seems sacrilegious to not get a spa treatment while in town. Vida Mía Healing Center & Spa sits atop a "high vibrational crystal mountain" and was named "Best Spa in the Americas."

Often considered to be the birthplace of ziplining, Costa Rica offers canopy tours almost everywhere there are trees. Hanging bridges are usually an option, too. At Selvatura Park in the Monteverde cloud forest, there are nearly two miles of treetop walkways.

The Pacuare Region

If you ask Burgio, one of the most under-the-radar experiences you can have is a private hike through the Talamanca Mountains with a guide from the indigenous Cabécar community. According to Burgio the Pacuare River is also the best place in Central America for whitewater rafting. 

Restaurante Celajes (Organic)

With its insect hotel, working farm, coffee plantation, and sugar cane fields, Hotel Belmar takes farm-to-table to a whole new level. As a result, its pride and joy – Restaurant Celajes – is so well-respected diners drive from as far away as San José just for dinner.

Lidia’s Place (Caribbean) 

According to Kaiser, the country’s best food is found on the Caribbean coast where “ the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture spices things up.” Lidia’s Place is where he goes for the best Caribbean chicken. A small, family-owned establishment, don’t be surprised if Lidia stops by to say hola. 

Sano Banano (Healthy)

Translating to healthy banana, Sano Banano serves feel-good food – breakfast, lunch and dinner – in an open-air restaurant. Enjoy seating on the back patio or front porch overlooking Montezuma's lively main street and don’t miss the artisanal chocolates for sale by the cash register.

Don Rufino (Costa Rican) 

Choose from prix-fixe menus, a la carte, or a five-course tasting tour at this Arenal landmark where Linares says the dishes are delicious and the ambiance is just as memorable. Grandma’s roasted chicken, served wrapped in banana leaves, has a cult-like following, so order it before it sells out. 

Restaurante Silvestre (Experiential) 

This San José institution is famous for its edible experiences derived from “unorthodox and avant-garde culinary techniques.” Since it’s deemed one of the best restaurants in Central America, reservations are a must. And because the chef-driven tasting menu knows no bounds, it’s not ideal for picky eaters. 

The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your goals. If you're looking to snorkel in clear Caribbean waters, opt for the dry season which on the Caribbean side, is mid-May through mid-December. Meanwhile, in the rest of the country, the dry season is the opposite. It runs from December to May. This is when everything is open and roads are passable. If you want to take advantage of low season rates and avoid crowds, visit during the wet season (which is marketed as the green season). 

For the best cultural events , visit during January for Palmares (basically Carnival) or Easter week. As a Catholic country, many of Costa Rica's biggest holidays correspond with the Church's. Regardless of when you visit, you can always watch sea turtles nest and hatch, go zip lining (they do it rain or shine), and learn how to surf.

Related : The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

How to Get There 

Costa Rica has two main airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. SJO is your best bet if you’re visiting Manuel Antonio, Limón, Arenal, or the Osa Peninsula. It also tends to have the cheapest flights. For trips to Guanacaste and Alajuela, you’ll probably want to fly into Liberia. Both airports offer rental cars. 

Of course, it’s possible to fly into one airport and out of the other. And transferring between the two is easy thanks to public buses and shared shuttles. The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Driving to Costa Rica is not recommended as you’ll have to pass through countries with civil unrest and border crossings can be complicated.

There are seven provinces in Costa Rica, and each has its own distinct vibe. Here are three we recommend starting with. 

San José : The capital boasts the best souvenir shopping and has many cultural institutions including the Museum of Costa Rican Art, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the National Museum of Costa Rica. It’s also where you’ll find the country’s best culinary offerings.

Alajuela : Alajuela is popular with adrenaline junkies as it’s home to Arenal Volcano National Park where you can zipline, hot springs hop, and hike in a cloud forest all in 24 hours. The province is also where you’ll find one of the world’s largest craters in Poas Volcano National Park (reservations required). 

Limón : Limón is located on the Caribbean side and highlights include Tortuguero National Park and the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. This province is also where you can experience the country’s incredible Afro-Caribbean culture . Approximately eight percent of Costa Ricans are of African descent.

Trains and Buses: Costa Rica is rebuilding its train infrastructure, damaged during the 1991 earthquake. For now, buses are the best public transportation. While most are privately owned, fares are low. For example, a four-hour ride might cost $10. "Directo" buses offer nonstop service. "Colectivos” stop pretty much everywhere.

Taxis and Shuttles: Costa Rica's official taxis are red or orange (the only cabs licensed for airport pickups) and all have a yellow triangle emblem. It's also easy to pre-book private car services or shuttles online. 

Rideshare: Although it’s technically not legal, Uber has been operating in Costa Rica since 2015. However, it's limited to major cities and tourist hotspots. DiDi is also an option, but it’s also not that reliable in remote areas.

Car Rentals: Car rentals are cheap and plentiful, but keep in mind that most cars are manual, and Costa Rica’s roads don’t have the best reputation (during the wet season, many roads turn into rivers). Try to get a high-clearance SUV with AWD, and if you need extras like a roof rack for surfboards, carseat for kids, cell phone for navigation, or additional drivers, book with Vamos . It’s the only company that offers all of the above for no fee.

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Best Beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

T here are an endless number of beaches in Guanacaste, and it can be hard to pick the best one for your family. This list will give you an overview of each of the beaches we think are best for families in Guanacaste.

For most of the beaches on this list, you’ll want to fly into the Liberia International Airport and find a place to stay in Liberia for the first night.

No matter which beach on this list you visit, you’ll find outstanding beauty, clear warm waters, amazing weather, awesome beach resorts, and friendly locals.

If this is your preferred vacation destination, here’s a list of some of the best beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Looking for a Caribbean vibe? Check out our list of the best Caribbean beaches in Costa Rica. Have young children? This is the list of best Costa Rican beaches for young families .

Playa Flamingo

With crystal clear blue waters, shade-lined coasts, an array of unspoiled beaches, stunning sunsets, and gorgeous white sand that sometimes acquires a slight shade of pink in certain weather conditions, Flamingo beach is truly a paradise.

Fishing enthusiasts can delight in the wide range of marine life both near the shore and deeper in the waters. Water sports lovers can enjoy snorkeling, surfing , swimming, and scuba diving. And those who are just looking to relax can lounge under the shaded coast and soak in the views of the ocean.

But gratifying beach days are just a drop in the bucket of all the fun you’ll have here. There’s a lot more to do nearby too including wildlife sightings, ATV tours, horseback riding, ziplining , whitewater rafting, and turtle nesting tours, all of which would be fun for the whole family. We love to stay at Margaritaville when we visit Playa Flamingo.

Playa Conchal

Named after the millions of tiny pinkish seashells that make up the sand, Playa Conchal is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.

However, admiring the pristine natural beauty of Conchal is not the only reason people come here; the sparkling turquoise waters are also calm, warm, and great for swimming, and the lush palm trees and mangrove forest near the shore provide the perfect shade for a relaxing beach day, making this a popular destination for families.

Visitors who can pull themselves from the charming sand can indulge in various activities such as fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and horse riding.

The more adventurous ones can book an ATV tour or make arrangements for a day trip to Diamante Eco Adventure Park and test the country’s longest Superman Zip Line!

Playa Hermosa

Another spectacular destination for people looking for a calm and relaxing day in the sun is Playa Hermosa. With stunning gray sands, pearly blue waters, and verdant green vegetation, Hermosa truly lives to its name, welcoming watersports lovers of all ages every year.

After you have taken a swim, snorkeled, or scuba-dived in the dazzling waters, why not lay on the warm sand and get some tan while you savor the beautiful scenery around you or take an evening stroll on a horse and watch the magnificent sunset?

Additionally, you can visit the nearby Catalinas Islands and spot some marine life; it’s the perfect place for watching stingrays, sea turtles, and sharks. The calm waters are also great for jet skiing, water biking, and windsurfing.

Playa Grande

Want to catch the waves all day? Playa Grande has got you covered! Here, you will find different wave breaks for different surfing needs, from the beginner-friendly low tides to the more challenging high tides to perfect your skill. Plus it’s not too crowded, which makes it a great place for those looking for a peaceful surf day.

Another special feature that keeps visitors coming back to Grande is the marine park that’s incorporated into the beach where thousands of rays, tropical fish, howler monkeys , snakes, lizards, and exotic birds dwell. The park is also a popular nesting site for sea turtles; if you visit any time between October and May, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the giant Leatherbacks who come out onto the shore at night to lay their eggs. It’s such a sight to behold!

Playas del Coco

If you walk along the black sand beach at Playas del Coco, you’ll notice that the majority of visitors are families with children just relaxing and having a good time. Why, you may ask?

Well, unlike many popular destinations in Guanacaste and the Pacific Coast, Coco is quiet, laid back, and has calm, mellow waves, making it one of the best beaches for people with kids (or even pets) who love to play with water. Nightlife here can be a bit crazy, so we generally have accommodations here where we stay out until about 8, and then head home to unwind. Don’t miss the traditional Costa Rican food at El Ancla.

Swimming, snorkeling, boating, and scuba diving are among the activities you can enjoy here, and if you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll be happy to know that Coco boasts the longest and most unique Superman Zip Line in Costa Rica. Not only will you enjoy the thrill of height and speed; the remarkable views of the ocean from up there will be an unforgettable feast for the eyes.

Playa Tamarindo

The Tamarindo beach is one of the destinations that receive Vitamin Sea lovers in huge numbers and for good reason – the beach itself is clean, the crystal blue waters stay warm all year round, and the sparkling white sands dotted with beautiful palm trees are absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect place to tan and delight in the clear, warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

You can swim, surf, snorkel, scuba dive, fish, and watch nesting sea turtles, all while enjoying a chilled-out atmosphere. But don’t let the low-key vibe fool you; days in Tamarindo may be calm and slow, but the nights are a different story. With an array of bars and restaurants to choose from, there’s no shortage of live music. You will, without a doubt, experience some of the best nightlife in Guanacaste! We love to visit the Volcano Brewery here.

Playa Langosta

If you’re looking for a much calmer and quieter vacation, Playa Langosta would be excellent. Tucked away near the larger and livelier Tamarindo, Langosta is one of the hidden gems in Costa Rica that offer high-quality surf breaks and fewer crowds, making it a top destination for advanced surfers. Just be sure to keep an eye out for coral and rock outcroppings!

For non-surfers, there are many other fun activities available such as kayaking, ATV tours, ziplining, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Also, Las Baulas Marine National Park is only a hike away for those who would like to spot some wildlife including witnessing the phenomenal turtle nesting.

Playa Ocotal

Just a hop, skip, and jump from Playa del Coco is a little hidden gem called Playa Ocotal. Surrounded by cliffs that turn gorgeously green in the wintertime, the best part about this beach is the tidepools to explore at low tide. Oh, and the women who come to do massages on the beach. Don’t miss eating some amazing Costa Rican nachos or sipping a cocktail at the Father Rooster restaurant.

Playa Nacazcolo

This beach isn’t easy to get to, but it’s so worth it when you do. A private beach on the Four Seasons property, you’ll take a shuttle down to the beach entrance. Just about 50 steps down again, past some gorgeous white-faced monkeys chattering away, you’ll find a little slice of paradise.

Clear water and calm waves make this a perfect beach for littles, or a romantic getaway for couples looking for a bit of privacy. Easily accessible from Planet Hollywood All-Inclusive resort .

Playa Cabuyal

If you are looking for a great hidden beach you can just drive up to, Cabuyal is your place. It’s secluded enough to be private and boasts some of the best sunsets in the country. We love. to go during the dry season to see the sting rays dancing in the water. Be careful here though, there are strong currents and it can be dangerous at high tide.

Playa Avellanas

We first visited this beach with my oldest back in 2013 and fell in love- it’s on our top 5 best beaches for families list . It’s a great surfing beach, and accommodations are just a short walk through the tropical forest. We love the restaurant Lola’s right on the beach- you’ll find everything from ice-cold beer to fresh fish ceviche.

Playa Junquillal

I first visited this beach when I was looking for a different beach and got turned around on the roads. (People, navigating Costa Rica is no joke!) Junquillal is a long beach (more than a mile long) with fabulous tide pools at the north end and a great Costa Rican restaurant to the south. This beach is just on the top side of the Nicoya Peninsula and is truly one of my favorite Guanacaste beaches. I’d recommend staying for at least a few days!

Playa Panama

Panama beach is a gorgeous soft white sand beach perfect for families. We love to go here on a day trip from Playa Hermosa. I just love the thin palm trees whose bases are painted like the Costa Rican flag. This is one of the best places to spend the day relaxing with an ice-cold beer, a perfect breeze, and calm waves. Note there isn’t much shade at Playa Panama and we usually bring a large umbrella and really good sunscreen.

The post Best Beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica appeared first on Pura Vida Moms .

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Exciting options for deep-sea fishing in costa rica, live the adventure of going on a one day trek coast to coasta ricast in costa rica, costa rica tries to attract visitors from qatar with ecotourism options, costa rica conquers europe through tourist promotion, arnoldo andré: from a coffee farm to the costa rican ministry of foreign affairs and worship, pura vida revealed: the secrets behind costa rica’s happy lifestyle, music, theater and dance show ‘lights will guide you’ returns, based on coldplay repertoire, san josé marathon will attract more than 5 thousand runners, four cantons and one district begin the path to becoming compassionate cities, adventure reality show will be recorded in guanacaste.the project is valued at $10 million.

This is the first film project that arrives in the country after the law was approved to attract them

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A new audiovisual project will be recorded in Costa Rica and the production cost is estimated at $10 million. This is an adventure reality show that will take place in Guanacaste. For now there are no more details about the program.This was announced on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 4 th , by the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer) and the Film Commission.

This is the first project to arrive in Costa Rica thanks to the benefits provided by the Film Investment Attraction Law, in force since November 2021.This law provides benefits such as exemptions from all temporary import taxes on equipment.The Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, pointed out that this production will generate direct work and economic chains in the province.

Bringing many opportunities

“This new project that comes to the country is the fruit of the work that we have been doing in these areas and that, without a doubt, will bring many opportunities outside the Greater Metropolitan Area, in this case for Guanacaste and its surroundings,” said the general manager by Procomer, Laura López.

Costa Rica creates Film Friendly Zones

Comex reported this Wednesday that the film industry generates more than $40 billion annually in the world. Cosa Rica’s efforts are aimed at capturing more and more of that amount.That is why since 2021, when the law came into force, Film Friendly Zones began to be created, which translates as attractive zones for the film industry.

According to Comex, it can be defined as “an economic, geographic or social area that promotes and helps the sector through a collaborative relationship between different sectors that manage to attract audiovisual investment.”

Data from Procomer indicates that from 2018 to 2022, productions worth more than $27 million have been received, including films, documentaries, series, reality shows, commercials and others.

Movie on the Hallmark Channel

It was also announced that next August a film shot 100% in national territory will premiere on the international Hallmark channel, specifically in the town of Punta Leona, in the Central Pacific of the country.

The international film crew spent 15 days in the area last March.Americans were there – with the support of 20 Costa Ricans – for this film that will be a romantic comedy, commented Sergio Miranda, producer and owner of Costa Rica Production Services.

The producer explained that the choice of the location for filming was made due to the ease of logistical issues such as the variety of locations and proximity to the capital. However, he added, the main reason was the combination of beach and jungle.Specifically for the production of this film, locations on Mantas Beach and a private reserve of the tourist complex were used.

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• A Bevy of Luxury Resorts Is About to Transform This Quiet Costa Rica Province

A Waldorf, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a Six Senses, and more than a dozen others are transforming the nation's once sleepy Gold Coast into a scene out of St. Tropez.

Melinda fulmer.

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When Chris Ingham Brooke, a digital publishing entrepreneur, first came to Nosara, Costa Rica in 2016 it was just a sleepy little surf town, with one main drag and jungle stretching to the sand.  

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“It had become really vibrant and interesting,” he said. Still, there weren’t many options when it came to luxury family-friendly accommodations.  

He bought a commercial lot and three years later, in March, opened Silvestre—a boutique resort with nine, 1,000-square-foot residences, a rooftop bar, a yoga studio, and a surf “concierge.” Located steps from the beach path to Playa Guiones, Silvestre sits on one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world. 

International visitors to Costa Rica jumped 17 percent last year from 2022, and the number of visitors this January was up 59 percent from January 2023 with new direct flights being added from Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, and Houston, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Board.    

While Costa Rica’s draw is not its amenities or nightlife (although they are improving), the year-round warm weather makes it a polestar for outdoors addicts, with perfect conditions for surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and mountain biking. The jet set here are more likely to gather to watch sunsets than disco. It’s much-touted Blue Zone wellness culture and unspoiled beaches and forests are bait for chakras that are better aligned. 

What’s coming to Guanacaste

An incredible 18 properties are slated to open by 2025, including two new luxury properties that will hit the market at the end of this year: Nekajui, a Ritz Carlton Reserve Hotel and Residences and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. A Six Senses Resort and Spa Papagayo is expected to open in late 2025. 

The Waldorf Astoria, located 30 minutes from the Liberia Airport, will have 188 guest rooms and suites and 41 residences built into the hillside with its own sandy beach, signature restaurants, cenote-themed spa, teen center, and kids club, including eco-tourism experiences in the surrounding área. 

“We won’t just take care of the kids at the club, we will help them experience different things about the country,” said Valeria Nowotny, vice president of operations for Hilton’s resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. “Visitors here are looking for a nature experience, mixed with a little local culture.”

For luxury travelers that have struggled to find a resort in the right location with the right amenities and polish, these properties will provide new reasons to return to Guanacaste, with expanding infrastructure and more paved roads making it easier to get from place to place. 

And, despite the construction boom in the Papagayo Peninsula, the área is unlikely to be overbuilt anytime soon, thanks to the vast Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) , a UNESCO World Heritage site protecting wildlife on 400,000 acres from the shore of the Pacific surrounding these hotels to the lowland rainforests in the Caribbean basin. And while many locals complain that the nearby city of Tamarindo is becoming more like Cancun, there are limits to access on water rights to restrict development here and across Costa Rica, said Wagner Loria, an agent with Keller Williams Tamarindo.

Further south, in Nosara there are also protections that keep developers from building directly on the beach, leaving views pristine. 

“There’s a very powerful community here that’s very protective of the town,” said Brooke. “When you look back from the beach, all you can see is jungle. That makes it a very special place.”

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Which beach town: Samara, Flamingo, or Hermosa? - Province of Guanacaste Forum

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Which beach town: Samara, Flamingo, or Hermosa?

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Wants: A mid-sized, walkable downtown with a mix of authentic CR & typical tourist places (ex. beach bars/restaurants, surf rentals), beautiful sandy beach with smaller waves (ex. swimmable, beginner surfing), restaurants & bars that will be open in the evenings of November. Think Tamarindo about 10 years ago! We will have a rental car & plan to beach hop on some days.

If you have any small hotel or AirBnB suggestions that are within a 10 minute walk to the beach, that would be great too. We'd like to find something with a tropical CR feel rather than a large resort, ideally under $250/couple/night.

For reference, my husband and I previously stayed in Tamarindo at Hotel Luamey & Hotel Pasatiempo. Although both room accommodations were rather simple, the we loved the unique vibe of the public spaces (ex. lush vegetation, wildlife, pool, tiki building, people). They were also very walkable to the beach & downtown.

3 replies to this topic

We stayed in Samara last November and are booked to come back this November. It has a nice long beach with a mix of locals and tourists. Waves are smaller, but they did have a surf school if I recall. Lots of restaurants. I did find the downtown busy, but we didn’t spend much time there. We stayed at a great condo, Alta Vista Condominiums, which is only a few blocks from the beach, with a really nice view of the ocean. I love the vibe of the town with dogs playing on the beach, some free roaming horses, and even saw some howler monkeys a few times.

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Costa rica, uae sign economic partnership agreement, why costa rica farmers are going out of business, netflix spends $1.2m on security for costa rica filming, costa rica denies receiving asylum seekers from the uk, costa rican hotels shine in travel+leisure’s best 100 list.

According to Travel+Leisure’s most recent publication, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo and Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, located in Guanacaste, are among the best 100 hotels in the world.

These are the only ones in Central America and one of the few in Latin America featured on the list. Both ranked 9th and 19th, respectively, in the category “Best International Resorts of 2023.”

About the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Travel + Leisure details that this resort underwent heavy investment that concluded last year with the remodeling of its facilities. These improvements included an expanded children’s club, an adults-only infinity-edge pool with cabanas and rental chairs, and a beach club.

Magazine contributor Samantha Leal was in charge of visiting the Four Seasons hotel, where a night’s stay costs $1,200, as she noted in the text. She noted she liked the Virador Beach Club, with delicious Mediterranean cuisine and a neutral palette.

Leal highlighted the “wellness shala,” which is a serene tree house that looms over the resort and overlooks the water. The writer also enjoyed the spa, with its relaxing sounds of nature, massages, and hydrotherapy pools.

She was never bored as the hotel offers countless activities such as golf on the Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole green, local rum tastings, biking, and surf lessons.

Meanwhile, Dobrina Zhekova recalled her experience at the Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences . Each night costs $960, and the minimum stay consists of three nights. Zhekova felt the warmth and hospitality provided by the owners, who have created a place perfectly designed to offer comfort and privacy to families.

The writer loved the spacious apartments, with two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, as well as lush private gardens with a sauna and whirlpool tub.

“Guests can have breakfast on the two-level rooftop terrace, which is also home to the hotel’s infinity pool and cabanas, surrounded by a canopy of trees that provide shade from the ground,” she noted.

 The journalist also underscored the hotel’s proximity to the beach and its “jungle trails,” leading to Playa Guiones, promising a wonderful day relaxing in the sun and catching waves.

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About this trip

Dive the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and visit the rain forest surrounding the awesome Arenal Volcano with the Scubabros. 

What’s included

• Private Transfers To and from all destinations on trip roster
• Hotel 5 nights at Occidental Grand / 3 nights at Arenal Manoa
• Hotel 3 nights at Arenal Manoa with daily breakfast
• All meals Group meals included
• ATV tour Rainforest tour around the Arenal Volcano area
• Waterfall lunch / hike La Fortuna lunch plus optional hike from viewing deck to the waterfall base
• Private Guide Guide plus tour bus to stay with the group
• Diving Package 3 days / 2 tank dives

What’s not included

• Arenal Manoa beverages All meals are covered and soft drinks. Alcohol is not included at Arenal Manoa
• Gratuites Please account for gratuities for private tour guide and dive staff
• Dive Equipment Rental gear is available

Available Packages

Available options.

Sit back and relax all the way to Costa Rica. Upon arrival we will meet our private guide and travel to Occidental Grand Papagayo. After check in we will complete a group check in with the dive operators. 

Current flight plan *subject to change 

American 3679 26Sept OKC - MIAMI

American 1383 26Sept MIAMI - Liberia 

American 594 04Oct Liberia - Miami 

American 3680 04Oct Miami - OKC

Diving will commence approximately 8:30am each day leaving from the beach. 

The group will make 2 dives per day. 

The rest of the day will enjoyed at the resort or the nearby town.

Day 5 is a free day to enjoy the resort or surrounding area. Pack your bags because the next day we head from the beach to the rain forest. 

Day 6 - 8 will begin with private transportation to the Arenal Manoa. 

Rain forest activities will include:

Hot springs 

Zip line canopy tour 

La Fortuna Waterfall hike 

Some awesome Costa Rican dining 

All good trips must come to an end. Sit back and relax all the way home. What a blast! 

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

• As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
• Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
• Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options. 

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

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