Guanacaste: Things To Do & Where To Stay

Best Things to Do in Guanacaste

Whether exploring the wildlife-filled wetlands of Palo Verde, soaking in natural hot springs near Rincón de la Vieja, or indulging in luxury resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste promises an unforgettable experience. With its warm climate, vibrant local culture, and endless outdoor activities, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and beachgoers alike.

Discover Top Guanacaste Beaches

Just west of Liberia International Airport lies the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo. This region features two of the most luxurious resorts in the country: the Andaz Papagayo and the Four Seasons. The 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course is also situated on the peninsula capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Just south lie the grey sands of Hermosa Beach which translates to “beautiful beach.” The waters here are generally calm making it a great family vacation spot. The nearby brown sands of Matapalo Beach host the guests of the all-inclusive RIU Guanacaste and RIU Palace which has created a more private resort experience for its visitors

Within Guanacaste Costa Rica is the popular town of Tamarindo which offers impressive restaurants and a bustling nightlife. The beaches of Tamarindo are some of the most popular in Costa Rica. Playa Tamarindo is a popular surfing destination, spread out beside the fast-growing beach town that was once a quiet fishing community, while the neighboring white sands of Langosta Beach are quieter and better suited to swimming.

Further south are the unique Flamingo Beach and Conchal Beach. The pinkish-white sand of Flamingo Beach makes up a large section of Potrero Bay. All of the hotels on Flamingo Beach sit on a beautiful cliff overlooking the beach and ocean below. Conchal Beach, as the name suggests, was once composed primarily of crushed seashells, but has since been removed to be utilized in building and construction projects. Nearly all of Conchal Beach backs up to the Westin Playa Conchal Resort complex.

Further south, Mansita Beach hosts the guests of the JW Marriott Guanacaste. Additionally, JW vacationers enjoy the amenities of Hacienda Pinilla, an exclusive resort and residential community featuring golf, tennis, stables, a beach club, and various dining options.

Related Article: Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is famous for Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, it’s active crater, and the active landscape of geysers, mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles surrounding them. Additionally, there are waterfalls, a lake, and wildlife to be found within the park. There are hiking trails within the park. One of the nicest trails within the park is the 1.75-mile Las Pailas loop.  It begins at the park entrance and leads you along some of the bubbling landscape. It’s possible to hike up to the summit, but it takes 7 hours for a total of just over 10 miles. Another hike is the La Cangrejo Waterfall and Blue Lake hike which is about 6 miles.

Tenorio Volcano National Park & Rio Celeste Waterfall

The remote Rio Celeste Waterfall is a naturally occurring brilliant turquoise waterfall within Tenorio Volcano National Park. Minerals in the volcanic soil combine to create the waterfall’s beautiful colors attracting travelers from around the world. The legend of Rio Celeste is a captivating tale deeply rooted in Costa Rican folklore, explaining the stunning blue color of the waterfall and river. According to the legend, the gods gathered to paint the sky after creating the world. They used their brushes and dipped them into the river, mixing colors from the heavens to create the most beautiful blue. When they finished their work, they accidentally dropped their brushes into the river, and the leftover paint turned the water a vibrant blue.

It’s a roughly two-hour hike each way to reach Rio Celeste Waterfall.

Sea Turtle Nesting

Guanacaste is one of the most important regions for sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica, particularly along its Pacific coastline. Every year, endangered species like the Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches, making this a remarkable natural event to witness. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge and Las Baulas National Marine Park are among the top nesting sites in the region. During the green season (especially from October to February), visitors can witness “arribadas” —massive arribadas, or turtle arrivals, where thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest in a single night. This phenomenon is not only an incredible spectacle for nature lovers but also offers opportunities for eco-tourism, with guided tours that allow visitors to observe the turtles in a responsible and sustainable way, ensuring the protection of these ancient creatures. The conservation efforts in Guanacaste are crucial to preserving sea turtle populations, and witnessing this miracle of nature is an unforgettable experience.

Santa Rosa National Park

Established in 1971, Santa Rosa National Park was the first national park in Costa Rica. It was initially founded to preserve La Casona, a ranch house celebrated for its role in Costa Rica’s independence. Today, it’s also known for its dry forest, beautiful beaches, birding, and surf. Sea turtles can also be seen nesting ashore in Naranjo and Nancite Beach within the park. Nancite Beach is one of two locations in Costa Rica where Olive Ridley Sea Turtles come to shore for the annual arribada or mass sea turtle nesting.

Palo Verde National Park Wetlands

Palo Verde National Park is known for its wetlands with a large population of aquatic bird species and its tropical dry forests. This park is remote with over 300 species of tropical birds and alluvial planes from the Tempisque River attracting over 250,000 species of migratory geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. The park also has the only scarlet macaw colony to permanently inhabit a dry forest.