Dream escape: Guanacaste
Sun-kissed beaches, vibrant blue waters and lush landscapes are what you’ll discover in this heavenly oasis
Located on the northwest edge of Costa Rica is the beautiful province of Guanacaste. Named after the country’s national tree, this region is also known as the “Gold Coast,” thanks to its pristine beaches, stunning tropical forests teeming with wildlife and unforgettable views. Whether you seek an adventure on the water, hope to explore one of the nearby national parks or simply want to soak in the sun, Guanacaste has it all.
Begin your getaway by unwinding on Playa Avellana Beach in Tamarindo. “Surfers of all ages come to this beautiful beach, which is fun to watch,” says a reviewer from Illinois. “And the picnic tables, shady palm trees and an on-site restaurant make going to the beach a breeze.”
To see the wonders below the water, book a snorkel tour with Pacific Coast Dive Center ($65 per person) to visit two spots near the Catalina Islands.
Says kevrides on TripAdvisor.com, “Saw manta rays, stingrays, white tip sharks, eel and plenty of beautifully colorful fish too!”
After toweling off, head to Black Stallion Eco Park & Estates in Tamarindo, where you can spend the afternoon on the 33-acre property zip-lining, horseback riding, taking a canopy tour and seeing the animals in their private jungle (activities start at $45). “The zip-lining was incredible,” raves a reviewer from Maine. “The scenery of forest and mountains was breathtaking, plus howler monkeys could be heard in the distance.”
End your day with a stroll down Tamarindo’s Calle Central to shop for local handcrafted souvenirs, dine at laid-back restaurants serving up tasty Costa Rican fare and catch a glimpse of the radiant colors of the sunset reflecting off the Pacific ocean.
Great day trip:
Palo Verde Park
Head two hours east to spend the day in the 45,492-acre Palo Verde National Park. Once there, take a boat tour, rent a mountain bike or simply hike through the sanctuary’s lush landscape. You’ll have a chance to see everything from lagoons to forests during your trek, as well as a number of fascinating animal species like armadillos, iguanas and monkeys.
Don’t miss:
Tio Leo Coffee Tour
Embark on a two-hour cultural walking tour ($25 per person) at Coffee Tio Lio in Liberia. Visitors will learn about the history of the coffee bean in Costa Rica as they help pick some beans, see how they are roasted and even sip fresh coffee beverages.