Dream escape: Guanacaste
Sun-kissed beaches, bright blue waters and lush landscapes are what await you in this heavenly oasis
Nestled in the northwest corner of Costa Rica is the picturesque province of Guanacaste. Named after the country’s national tree, locals happily refer to the region as the “Gold Coast,” thanks to its stunning beaches, beautiful tropical forests and unforgettable views. So whether you crave adventure on the water, a chance to unwind on the beach or a day exploring a nearby national park, Guanacaste has it all.
Start your day by soaking up the sun on Playa Avellana beach in Tamarindo. “We loved everything about this beach: warm water, excellent restaurant and nice people,” says Nancy46648 on TripAdvisor.com. “It’s a great way to mingle with locals and worth the trip down the rocky road!”
To see local marine life, book a tour with the Pacific Coast Dive Center ($65 per person) to snorkel in spots near the Catalina Islands.
Says a reviewer from Ohio, “We saw lots of fish, sharks, eels and rays!”
After you towel off, pay a visit to Black Stallion Eco Park & Estates in Tamarindo, a 33-acre property offering a number of fun activities (starting at $55) and delicious local cuisine. “The kids zip-lined, we all went horseback riding, then enjoyed a wonderful lunch made on-site and relaxed in the piano-shaped pool for hours,” says a reviewer from Arizona. “We also had the most breathtaking views from the top of the mountain. The best part? Listening to howler monkeys off in the distance.”
End your day with a stroll down Calle Central in Tamarindo, where you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs, dine at cozy restaurants serving Costa Rican fare and admire the colors of the spectacular sunset reflecting off the Pacific Ocean.
Great day trip:
Palo Verde Park
Make the 2-hour drive east to spend a day in the 45,492-acre Palo Verde National Park. You’ll have a chance to rent a mountain bike, hop on a boat tour or hike through the sanctuary’s lush landscape. The park also features a number of beautiful lagoons and forests, plus fascinating animal species like iguanas, monkeys and armadillos that you can see on your trek.
Don’t miss:
Tio Leo Coffee Tour
Enjoy a 2-hour cultural walking tour ($25 per person) at Coffee Tio Lio in Liberia. Guests get to learn about the history of the coffee bean in Costa Rica as they help pick some beans, watch them get roasted and even sip fresh coffee beverages.