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Top Guanacaste Attractions
- Exploring the nightlife scene in Tamarindo.
- Taking a boat to Witches Rock to catch some of the best surfing waves in Costa Rica.
- Hiking up an active volcano in Rincón de la Vieja.
- Birdwatching in the dry forest and marshlands of Palo Verde National Park.
- Snorkeling in the crystal clear waters off Playa Conchal.
Guanacaste Tours & Travel Guide
Guanacaste Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Visiting Guanacaste
The best hotels and resorts in Costa Rica are in this region, so if you are seeking a luxury trip to Costa Rica, this is the best spot for you. The quiet, calm beaches are a great excuse for those looking for some downtown in between the various active and adventure excursions on your trip to Costa Rica.
Called the Golden Coast of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is the country’s prime destination for snorkeling, swimming, and surfing -- everything you would want to do at the beach. So whether you are soaking up the heat at a secluded shoreline, or exploring some of the world class National Parks in the region, Guanacaste is truly a paradise on Earth.
6 Things to Do In Guanacaste
Go to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Although the National Park this volcano is located in may lack some of the animals and birds of a tropical rainforest, the impressive (and active!) volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful.
Visit the beach. In Guanacaste, where the weather is almost always dry, hot, and sunny, it’s never a bad day for the beach. When deciding what beach to visit, just keep reading this article (we list the best 3 beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.)
Go on a horseback riding tour. Guanacaste is known for its stunning and open coastlines, so after taking a swim in the ocean, why not try getting a better view on horseback! Your tour will likely also lead you through the forest, where you will get a chance to observe wildlife.
Visit the Rio Celeste. Located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, a hike along the picturesque and icy blue river will lead you through untouched tropical rainforest and to the stunning Llanos de Cortes waterfall.
Go on a coffee tour. The mountains in Guanacaste are slightly cooler than the lowlands, making them the optimal place to grow coffee beans. Go on a tour of one of these coffee farms to learn about one of Costa Rica’s most famous exports!
Attend a festival. Guanacaste celebrates certain holidays and festival, so check to see what happening during your visit. If you’re lucky, maybe you will be able to witness a crocodile hunt (in April), or help celebrate “Cowboys and Cooks Day” (in November).
The Best Beaches in Guanacaste
Known for its picturesque beaches, Guanacaste is often a top snorkeling and surfing destination in Costa Rica. For your convenience, we’ve compiled the best beaches to visit in the region based on the kind of activity you are interested in.
Best Beaches for Surfing in Guanacaste
- Witches Rock. This beach is located in the Santa Rosa National Park is best reached by a boat. The stronger winds here make the water a little rough for snorkeling, but create some of the best waves around!
- Playa Negra. This beach became famous after its appearance in the surfing movie, Endless Summer II. The waves are consistently great year round, and the beach is a little more quiet than its neighbor, Tamarindo.
- Playa Avellana. This beach, nicknamed “Little Hawaii” because its large waves, it a great beach for more experienced surfers in the area. If not everyone in your party surfs, don’t worry, it is also a well known family spot.
Best Beaches for Bathing in Guanacaste
- Playa Langosta. This beach won the Blue Flag award for its beauty, water purity, and services, but if that doesn’t tempt you another major benefit of this beach is that it remains relatively undiscovered, and is away from the crowds.
- Playa Carrillo. This beach is particularly family friendly, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t a perfect tropical paradise -- the sand is lined with rows of palm trees, and the views don’t get any better.
- Playa Tamarindo. This is the area’s classic tourist beach, and although it isn’t exactly isolated, there is a reason it’s so popular. The sand is glistening white, the water is warm and turquoise, and there are plenty of great restaurants and bars within a short walking distance.
Best Beaches for Snorkeling in Guanacaste
- Gulf of Papagayo. The calm and protected waters of this bay make it the best snorkeling spot in the region. Not only is it one of the few places along the coast with a fully in tact reef, but there is a significant population of dolphins in the area, so don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself swimming among them!
- Playa Conchal. This is the beach where the famous Westin hotel is located, as well some of the most lavish accommodations in Guanacaste. To go snorkeling, walk out to the far south end of the beach, and swim out twenty feet for some amazing snorkeling. If you can get ahold of a kayak, swimming out to the nearby rocks will result even some even better views.
- Playa Hermosa. On the north end of the beach (if you are facing the water, this is on the right), there is a strip of rocks lining the coast. Under the water, you can find a beautiful coral reef and plenty of wildlife.
Guanacaste Reviews & Ratings
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Trudy Hofstede
Dec 2022
Written on
Costa Rica Eco Adventure with Guanacaste Beach
Both German and Mikol were so knowledgeable on all wildlife and forest det...
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Review of Tropical Costa Rica
Service rating : Yes. Everything was organized well and the guide was outstanding. It was a wonderful tour of New York. Product : It was a great tour. The guide w...
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Review of Tropical Costa Rica
Service rating : It was awesome, great tours great food great transportation and Matt was wonderful learned a lot meet great people Product : This was a wonderful tr...
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Review of Tropical Costa Rica
Service rating : Everything was perfect. Very well thought through and well organized. Lots to see. The tour guide was terrific. Very respectful and knowledgeable. P...
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Review of Tropical Costa Rica
Service rating : Great guides. Marc was so efficient and informative. Zora was a lot of fun and told us so much in a short time. Pedro the bus driver was great. Ver...
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