Puntarenas

The province of Guanacaste is considered a precious treasure in the northern Pacific of Costa Rica. Here, you will find unforgettable national parks and protected areas, stunning beaches, majestic volcanoes, and fascinating folklore.

The renowned Rincón de la Vieja Volcano belongs to the Guanacaste Volcanic Range and is located approximately an hour away from Liberia and two hours from the main beaches of Guanacaste. Rincón de la Vieja National Park is ideal for hiking. Trails lead to romantic waterfalls, and beyond to exciting live volcanic activity such as bubbling mud pots, steaming sulfur pools, and refreshing streams. Natural hot springs in the area create an incredible spa-like experience under the open sky. Another unforgettable experience is horseback riding in the Guanacaste cowboy style through the savannas, at the foot of the mountain range.

Palo Verde National Park, which comprises a vast area of wetlands at the mouths of the Tempisque and Bebedero rivers, is a paradise for bird lovers. In these thick mangroves, you can see countless types of exotic birds, including many species of migratory birds, mainly during the months from December to April. This water oasis in Guanacaste is also home to huge crocodiles and iguanas.

The Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve, located north of Palo Verde in Guanacaste, is particularly known for its high number of insect species, making it a special place for entomological research. The reserve includes diverse habitats such as savannas, riparian forests, primary forests, and deciduous forests. There are rivers with calm pools suitable for swimming. A notable feature of the landscape is the golden trumpet trees (“Corteza Amarilla”) that bloom with bright golden yellow flowers during the dry season, especially in March. Howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, deer, and numerous bird species are examples of the fauna found in Barbudal.

Part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, Junquillal Bay Wildlife Refuge protects a wide area of tropical dry forest and coastal mangroves. Wildlife that can be seen here includes spider monkeys, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, white-tailed deer, iguanas, and many types of seabirds. Additionally, four species of sea turtles come to the coast to nest here during the breeding season. There are trails, camping and picnic areas, restrooms, a public phone, and other services. Junquillal Bay is the main attraction; its calm waters are splendid for swimming, snorkeling, and boating. The refuge also includes other bays: Jicote, Cuajiniquil, and the Los Muñecos islands.

Tenorio Volcano National Park shelters plant species such as orchids, bromeliads, and ferns, along with a variety of trees and natural hot springs. One of its attractions is the famous Rio Celeste, acclaimed for its sky-blue coloration resulting from the mixing of various minerals in its waters.

The watersheds, basins, waterfalls, and about 1,500 hectares of tropical forests are the main features of Diriá National Park. Elevations range from 140 to 960 meters; above 700 meters is considered cloud forest with its moss and bromeliad-covered trees.

Santa Rosa National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Costa Rica, was founded to commemorate the Battle of Santa Rosa in 1856, where Costa Rican heroes defeated invading forces. It is the only park of its kind in the world where 10 distinctive habitats can be found, including one of the largest remaining tropical dry forests on the planet. It is home to white-tailed deer, howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, peccaries, olive ridley sea turtles, coatis, and jaguarundis. The park covers most of the Santa Elena Peninsula, with winding trails offering breathtaking viewpoints, excellent camping facilities, and spectacular beaches such as Hachal, Intereses, Coquito, Santa Elena, Blanca, Nancite, and Naranjo. Nancite Beach is where olive ridley sea turtles nest, and Playa Naranjo is the location of the famous surf spot, Roca Bruja.

Located in the northern part of the region, Guanacaste National Park spans an impressive 84,000 hectares and connects with Santa Rosa National Park to form one of the largest biological reserves in the world. It includes the Orosí and Cacao volcanoes. Park highlights include lowland tropical dry forest, savannas, tropical cloud forests, Caribbean wet forests, and the headwaters of several major rivers. There is a large population of wild pigs, as well as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, deer, armadillos, monkeys, and a variety of birds.

The main attraction of Barra Honda National Park is the limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites. An important geological resource, the caves range in depth from a few meters to 240 meters below the surface. A guided tour is the best way to see this cave system, as you have to descend vertically using a rope and harness. There is also an extensive network of trails to explore the tropical dry forest.

Flamingo Beach is ideal for an unforgettable vacation, with its stunning white sand, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear blue waters. Flamingo offers visitors some of the best deep-sea fishing spots in the world, and a plethora of water sports like diving and snorkeling. Additionally, Flamingo is close to the incredible natural reserves of Santa Rosa and Palo Verde.

In the Gulf of Papagayo, Playa Nacascolo boasts clear water and gentle waves, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Many tourists visit this beach by boat from nearby hotels. Its undeniable beauty makes Nacascolo a perfect spot in the North Pacific for strolling by the sea and enjoying the small stream found at its southern end.

The aptly named Playa Hermosa, or “Beautiful Beach,” is just 20 minutes from Liberia International Airport. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, watching beautiful sunsets, walking, horseback riding, and water sports such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing.

Located just 40 km from Liberia International Airport, Playas del Coco is one of the most well-known and popular beaches in Costa Rica. Situated in a small bay with gentle waves, the beach is ideal for swimming. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and sport fishing are the main activities here. Playas del Coco is also the gateway to surfing at the renowned breaks of Ollie’s Point and Witches Rock. Walking and horseback riding are also popular. Being one of the largest beach towns in Guanacaste means there is very good infrastructure, with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, and resorts.

These beaches are two coves less than a kilometer long, surrounded by hills where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Potrero Bay and Brasilito. Sugar Beach is very secluded and rich in flora and fauna; it has been named one of the best beaches in Costa Rica.

There is a stream and a mangrove, which along with Chocoyas Islet at its northern end, give Playa Penca a special natural appeal for relaxation and contemplation.

Playa Flamingo is ideal for an unforgettable vacation, with its stunning white sand, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear blue waters. Flamingo offers visitors some of the best deep-sea fishing spots in the world, as well as plenty of water sports like diving and snorkeling. Additionally, Flamingo is close to the incredible natural reserves of Santa Rosa and Palo Verde.

With its white crushed shell sand and clear, calm waters, Conchal is one of the most beautiful beaches on the northern Nicoya Peninsula. There are several resorts here with world-class golf courses.

This beach is part of Las Baulas Marine National Park, a protected area for leatherback turtles that come to nest between October and March.

Tamarindo is one of the most easily accessible beach towns on the North Pacific coast. It’s a lively surf town with shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, round-the-clock centers, and water sports rentals. Surfing is one of the main activities in Tamarindo.

Just 10 km south of Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas is a surfer’s paradise dream. This is a beach for experienced surfers due to the big waves.

This dark sand beach has a rocky reef offshore that creates excellent waves for surfing. It is located just south of Playa Avellanas.

This beach is part of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, the setting for massive arrivals of sea turtles to nest and lay their eggs – the peak season is from June to December. There are a few nice boutique hotels, but the beach is wild and not suitable for swimming.

The relaxed, international community of Nosara, in the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, is known for its beautiful beaches, natural surroundings, surfing, and yoga. The village is simple and charming with restaurants, bars, and shops. Most hotels in the village are simple and comfortable; there are several luxury hotels outside of town along the beach. This area is also part of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

In Garza, a small fishing village south of Playa Guiones, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, hiking, surfing, and sport fishing trips.

Near Playa Garza, this beach known as “Playa Barco Quebrado” (Broken Ship Beach) is a beautiful cove with moderate waves. It is surrounded by high rocky cliffs that give it a special appeal. This beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing. South of Playa Barco Quebrado is another attractive beach called Barrigona.

Considered a hidden treasure, Playa Caletas is a beautiful sandy beach with a nearly constant onshore breeze keeping a pleasant temperature. The secluded area is south of Playa Coyote and is known as one of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica for experienced surfers. Five kilometers south is the mouth of the Bongo River and the estuary; the channel marks the border between the provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas. About 4 kilometers south of the river is Playa Manzanillo, which is beautiful and features abundant vegetation. At Playa Caletas, you can rent horses, hike, enjoy the sea, walk, kayak, sail, camp, and enjoy sport fishing excursions.

A beautiful and remote beach along the Nicoya Peninsula, south of Samara and Carrillo, Playa Coyote is tranquil and relaxing. The beach faces Isla Bolaños, which can be visited by boat or kayak. During windier months, it’s a great spot for windsurfing. Other fun activities include hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the surrounding area on mountain bikes.

On the Nicoya Peninsula, secluded Playa Islita is a hotspot for honeymoons and romantic getaways. It’s a crescent-shaped cove with gentle waves. Hotel Punta Islita is a renowned luxury resort here. The most popular activities in the area include hiking, horseback riding, 4×4 tours, ATV tours, mountain biking, and sailing for fishing and diving trips.