Guanacaste

Guanacaste province in north-western Costa Rica encompasses the sparkling Pacific Ocean to the west and lush emerald forests to the east. One day you can be trekking up the side of a volcano or observing colourful birdlife in a rainforest, the next, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches and enjoying waterfront dining as the sun sets.

It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers with a whole host of activities to suit all ages. Whether you wish to zip-line through the rainforest, dive with whale sharks and manta rays or white-water raft along the river, you can do it all in Guanacaste. If that sounds like too much hard work, you can still enjoy horseback riding, play a round of golf or take a guided tour to cascading jungle waterfalls!

Liberia is the largest town in the province with its own airport, historic museums, churches and parks with live music. Spend a few days here while exploring the forests and national parks before venturing to palm-fringed golden beaches where you can dine, drink cocktails and dance till dawn.

Why should you go to Guanacaste?

Guanacaste province has everything a tourist visiting Costa Rica desires. Abundant wildlife and birdlife, pristine soft sandy beaches, historic colonial towns, and even local rodeos! It’s a place where you have choices - to be at one with nature, or head for lively beach resorts for first-class restaurants, bars and shopping.  It’s a great place to begin or end your Costa Rican adventure, the only problem is, you won’t want to leave!

What is the best time to visit Guanacaste?

You can visit Guanacaste throughout the year, but which season you choose depends on what you plan to do during your stay. If you are thinking about spending time on the beaches of Costa Rica, travel during dry season between December and late April. Alternatively, wet season May through October/November are great times to visit the lush rainforests and jungles of the province.

How do I reach Guanacaste?

You can fly directly to Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport on the outskirts of Liberia, or if preferred, drive from the capital San José approximately 132 miles away. Public buses operate throughout the region, for example from San José to Liberia or from Guanacaste’s beaches to a variety of inland destinations. Alternatively, hire a car and take time exploring verdant countryside, immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture as you pass through remote towns and villages

Guanacaste province in north-western Costa Rica encompasses the sparkling Pacific Ocean to the west and lush emerald forests to the east. One day you can be trekking up the side of a volcano or observing colourful birdlife in a rainforest, the next, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches and enjoying waterfront dining as the sun sets.

It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers with a whole host of activities to suit all ages. Whether you wish to zip-line through the rainforest, dive with whale sharks and manta rays or white-water raft along the river, you can do it all in Guanacaste. If that sounds like too much hard work, you can still enjoy horseback riding, play a round of golf or take a guided tour to cascading jungle waterfalls!

Liberia is the largest town in the province with its own airport, historic museums, churches and parks with live music. Spend a few days here while exploring the forests and national parks before venturing to palm-fringed golden beaches where you can dine, drink cocktails and dance till dawn.

Why should you go to Guanacaste?

Guanacaste province has everything a tourist visiting Costa Rica desires. Abundant wildlife and birdlife, pristine soft sandy beaches, historic colonial towns, and even local rodeos! It’s a place where you have choices - to be at one with nature, or head for lively beach resorts for first-class restaurants, bars and shopping.  It’s a great place to begin or end your Costa Rican adventure, the only problem is, you won’t want to leave!

What is the best time to visit Guanacaste?

You can visit Guanacaste throughout the year, but which season you choose depends on what you plan to do during your stay. If you are thinking about spending time on the beaches of Costa Rica, travel during dry season between December and late April. Alternatively, wet season May through October/November are great times to visit the lush rainforests and jungles of the province.

How do I reach Guanacaste?

You can fly directly to Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport on the outskirts of Liberia, or if preferred, drive from the capital San José approximately 132 miles away. Public buses operate throughout the region, for example from San José to Liberia or from Guanacaste’s beaches to a variety of inland destinations. Alternatively, hire a car and take time exploring verdant countryside, immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture as you pass through remote towns and villages.

Things to do in Liberia

Liberia is the perfect base from which to explore Guanacaste. It’s a central point where you can access all attractions of the province. If you plan to stay in the city a while, visit Museum Guanacaste set in historic barracks showcasing a range of Costa Rican art and cultural exhibits. However, if you really wish to integrate yourself with the local community head for Central Park. On warm summer days street vendors line pathways selling snow cones and coconuts, and on weekends, live Latin music fills the air as locals dance beneath starry skies.

Things to do in Tamarindo

Once an old fishing village on the coast of Guanacaste province, Tamarindo has blossomed into a superb holiday destination with myriad activities, hotels and restaurants. It’s the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking beach fun and water sports. Here, you can spend time snorkelling, kayaking, surfing and diving, and for keen anglers, marlin and tuna fishing is available. During the day, relax on golden beaches or shop for souvenirs in markets and craft shops in the town. After dark, there are more than 40 restaurants, bars and nightclubs where you can enjoy delicious food or dancing.

Things to do in Santa Rosa National Park

There are many national parks in Guanacaste province, but Santa Rosa is unique. The park stretches along the seafront, jutting into the Gulf of Papagayo, connecting with Guanacaste National Park to the rear. Both parks together create a biological corridor for species such as mountain lions, jaguar, Capuchin and Howler monkeys and myriad birdlife. You can enjoy leisurely strolls crossing several eco-systems ranging from dry forests to cloud forests. The parks are mainly frequented by scientists and naturalists, therefore, it’s possible to trek and enjoy this slice of Costa Rican paradise in peace.