Guanacaste Travel Guide
Discover the beauty and culture of Guanacaste with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Guanacaste
- List of Places to Visit in Guanacaste
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Guanacaste
- Best Things to Do in Guanacaste: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Guanacaste
- Food and Drink Scene of Guanacaste
- Where to Stay in Guanacaste: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Guanacaste: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Guanacaste
- Best Time to Visit Guanacaste
- Do’s and Don’ts of Guanacaste
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Guanacaste: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Guanacaste
- Where to Go Next from Guanacaste: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Guanacaste
Guanacaste is a beautiful province located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west and Nicaragua to the north. Its unique geography and diverse ecosystems offer tourists a range of activities, from beach bumming and surfing to exploring volcanoes and wildlife reserves. Moreover, the rich cultural heritage of Guanacaste allows visitors to experience the local customs, traditions, arts, and cuisine, making for a well-rounded and authentic Costa Rican vacation. In this guide, we will highlight the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and other useful information about Guanacaste.
List of Places to Visit in Guanacaste
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Nicoya Colonial Church: A historic church located in Nicoya that dates back to the 16th century.
- Guanacaste Museum: A museum located in the city of Liberia that showcases the history and culture of Guanacaste and Costa Rica.
- Guaitil Pottery Village: A traditional pottery village located near Santa Cruz that preserves the Chorotega Indian style of pottery making.
- Casa de la Cultura: A cultural center in Liberia that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
Natural Attractions of Guanacaste: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Rincon de la Vieja National Park: A national park that features a volcanic range, waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails.
- Palo Verde National Park: A birdwatching paradise that has one of the most extensive wetlands in Central America.
- Playa Grande: One of the best beaches in Guanacaste for surfing and turtle watching during nesting season.
- Las Baulas National Marine Park: A protected area that harbors the largest nesting site of leatherback sea turtles.
- Arenal Volcano: Technically outside of Guanacaste, but worth the visit to see one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Guanacaste
- Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Trails of varying lengths that take you past volcanic formations, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Miravalles Volcano National Park: Hike up to the summit of an active volcano, and bathe in the hot springs.
- Santa Rosa National Park: Explore dry tropical forests and historical sites on foot or mountain bike.
Best Things to Do in Guanacaste: Activities and Tours
- Surfing: Tamarindo, Playa Grande, and Nosara have some of the best surf breaks in Costa Rica.
- Canopy Tours: Experience the rainforest from a bird’s eye view by zip lining through the treetops.
- Horseback Riding: Take a leisurely ride on the beach or through the countryside.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has an abundance of marine life and coral reefs.
- White Water Rafting: Experience the adrenaline of navigating rapids on the Tenorio River.
Week-Long Itinerary for Guanacaste
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Liberia and relax at your hotel or explore the city. |
| 2 | Visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park, hike to the waterfalls, and soak in the hot springs. |
| 3 | Explore the beaches of Tamarindo and Playa Grande, surf, and enjoy the nightlife. |
| 4 | Take a day trip to Palo Verde National Park for birdwatching and a riverboat cruise. |
| 5 | Learn about Guanacaste’s colonial history by visiting Nicoya and Guaitil Pottery Village. |
| 6 | Go on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour to explore the underwater world of the Pacific. |
| 7 | Depart for your next destination or stay longer to continue exploring. |
Food and Drink Scene of Guanacaste
Must-Try Dishes
- Gallo Pinto: A traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish made with rice, beans, and spices.
- Arroz con Pollo: Rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and Costa Rican spices.
- Casado: A typical Costa Rican lunch dish that consists of rice, beans, meat or fish, salad, and plantains.
- Chifrijo: A snack or appetizer made with rice, beans, pork, avocado, and pico de gallo.
- Ceviche: A seafood dish made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spices.
Local Beverages
- Guaro: A sugarcane-based alcoholic drink that is popular in Costa Rica.
- Imperial Beer: A crisp and refreshing lager that is the most popular beer in Costa Rica.
- Fresh Fruit Juices: Costa Rica has an abundance of tropical fruits, and you can find fresh fruit juices everywhere.
Where to Stay in Guanacaste: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Tamarindo: A beach town with a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget hostels.
- Papagayo Peninsula: An exclusive area with high-end resorts and villas.
- Liberia: A good base for exploring the region, with a mix of chain hotels and independent guesthouses.
- Nosara: A laid-back surf town with a focus on eco-tourism and holistic wellness.
What to Buy in Guanacaste: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Guaitil Pottery: Take home a piece of traditional Chorotega Indian-style pottery from Guaitil Pottery Village.
- Coffee: Costa Rican coffee is world-renowned for its quality and flavor.
- Craft Beer: Costa Rica is experiencing a craft beer revolution, and you can find unique and delicious beers throughout the country.
- Salsa Lizano: A tangy and spicy sauce that is a staple of Costa Rican cuisine.
- Handmade Hammocks: Hammocks are a quintessential souvenir from the tropics, and you can find high-quality handmade versions throughout Guanacaste.
Local Culture and Customs of Guanacaste
Guanacaste has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the indigenous, colonial, and modern influences that have shaped it. The province is named after the Guanacaste tree, which is considered a national symbol of Costa Rica. The people of Guanacaste are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and the region is home to several Costa Rican folk traditions, such as bull riding, marimba music, and traditional dances. The local cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, indigenous, and African influences, with rice, beans, plantains, and fresh seafood as staples.
Best Time to Visit Guanacaste
The dry season, from mid-November to April, is the best time to visit Guanacaste, as the weather is sunny and warm, with little to no rain. The high season, from December to April, is the busiest and most expensive time to visit, with more crowds and higher prices. The rainy season, from May to November, may deter some visitors, but it is also when the landscape is at its greenest, and wildlife is most active. The best time for surfing is from May to October when the waves are bigger and better.
Do’s and Don’ts of Guanacaste
Do:
- Try the local cuisine and drinks.
- Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
- Speak some Spanish, and learn about the local culture and customs.
- Practice safe and responsible tourism.
Don’t:
- Leave valuables unattended or walk alone at night in urban areas.
- Feed or harass the wildlife.
- Disrespect the local culture or traditions.
- Contribute to irresponsible tourism practices, such as irresponsible waste disposal or overuse of natural resources.
Safety and Health
Safety in Guanacaste
Guanacaste is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, but like in any other places, visitors should take some precautions. Petty crime, such as theft, can occur, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots. It is also advisable to stay away from the beaches during strong rip currents and obey the warnings of park rangers while hiking or exploring the natural areas. The tap water in Guanacaste is safe to drink, but it is better to stick to bottled water to avoid any discomfort.
Health in Guanacaste
Guanacaste has a good standard of health care, with several hospitals and clinics that cater to both locals and tourists. However, visitors should take some precautions to stay healthy during their trip. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and Zika virus, are present in some parts of Guanacaste, especially during the rainy season. The best way to prevent these diseases is to wear mosquito repellent, cover exposed skin, and sleep under mosquito nets. Travellers should also make sure they are up to date with routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
Getting to Guanacaste: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Guanacaste
- Liberia International Airport (LIR): Located in the capital city of Guanacaste, Liberia, and served by several major airlines offering international and domestic flights.
- San Jose International Airport (SJO): The largest airport in Costa Rica, located in the capital city of San Jose, and served by major airlines offering international and domestic flights.
Bus Stations Near Guanacaste
- Liberia Terminal de Buses: The main bus station in Liberia that offers connections to major cities in Costa Rica.
- Nicoya Terminal de Buses: A major bus terminal in Nicoya that offers connections to other parts of Guanacaste and Costa Rica.
Other Options
- Private Shuttle: Private shuttle services are available from both Liberia and San Jose airports to Guanacaste destinations.
- Rental Car: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Guanacaste, with several international car rental companies operating in the region.
How to Get Around in Guanacaste
The best way to get around Guanacaste depends on your itinerary and budget. Taxis are widely available in major cities and towns, but they can be expensive for longer distances. Public buses are a cheaper option, with frequent services between major cities and towns, but they can be slow and crowded. Renting a car gives you more freedom to explore Guanacaste at your own pace, but it can also be more expensive and require a valid driver’s license.
Where to Go Next from Guanacaste: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Monteverde Cloud Forest: A famous eco-tourism destination with an abundance of wildlife, hiking trails, and zipline tours.
- Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge: A protected area that is home to several species of marine turtles and other aquatic life.
- La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano: One of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and adventure activities.
- San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: A charming beach town across the border with a relaxed atmosphere and good surfing spots.
Conclusion
Guanacaste is a must-visit destination for everyone looking for an authentic Costa Rican experience. From its natural wonders to its rich culture and local dining, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure you plan your trip well, respect the local traditions and customs, and go back home with unforgettable memories.
