Guanacaste
With its 125 miles of gorgeous beaches, unspoiled National Parks and luminous volcanoes, Guanacaste has it all. Boasting a wide range of activities, a warm and sunny climate, paired with luxurious accommodation to suit, it’s one of the most popular areas to visit in the country.
With a long and sandy coastline, Guanacaste’s diverse and exotic beaches are the main attraction. From luxury resorts to secluded bays, surfing meccas and coconut palms, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For those wanting ultimate luxury, the shoreline along the Papagayo Gulf houses some of the most luxurious hotels in Costa Rica; it's Guanacaste’s most developed and congregated area. It offers a breath-taking setting with sapphire blue waters and sought after beaches all enclosed in a lush tropical setting. Playa Hermosa, translating in to beautiful beach lives up to its name, sprinkled with coconut palms and epic waves -it’s a beach worthy of mention. Further south and more remote is Playa Conchal, gleaming with white sand and turquoise coloured waters; it’s widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in Costa Rica and is perfect for those looking for their own slice of paradise.
Continuing south lays the vibrant coastal town of Tamarindo which suits those seeking a laid-back vibe and adventure playground. With its central location it serves as a great base to explore the Guanacaste province, from secluded beaches, excellent surf and legendary deep-sea fishing, there is plenty on offer. Just north of Tamarindo is the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, an ecosystem made up of swampy mangroves and rugged coastline that refuges a large array of wildlife such as monkeys, caiman, numerous bird species and most importantly the critically endangered leatherback turtle. Between the months of October and March, leatherbacks, as well as green and black turtles come to shore to lay copious amounts of shiny eggs on the gorgeous beach of Playa Grande. Taking an evening tour to glimpse at these magnetic creatures and witness such a phenomenon is a magical experience.
Stepping away from the coastline, Rincon de La Vieja National Park is an adventure wonderland. Teeming with smoking volcanoes, steamy thermal pools and crashing waterfalls, the national park has a wide array of natural attractions. Day hikes, horseback riding, swimming in natural pools and soaking up the therapeutic properties of the hot springs are just a few of the highlights this less visited national park has to offer.