Known as the “Gold Coast”, Guanacaste is one of the most popular travel destinations in Costa Rica. The province’s sunny beaches, Pacific surf, and gorgeous national parks attract visitors from all over the world. The region’s landscape is divided between tropical beaches on the coast and to the east, a mountain range filled with impressive rainforests. For this reason, visitors can choose from a variety of outdoor activities and experiences- from paddle boarding and ziplining to birdwatching and horseback riding. Extensive conservation initiatives in the region mean that guests can protect Costa Rica’s wildlife while also enjoying the beauty of exotic plants and animals. 

Many of Guanacaste’s main tourist attractions are located within a short distance from one another. This means that travelers can easily experience the full range of Guanacaste’s geography, climate, and culture in a single trip. Head to a ranch outside of Liberia to learn about Costa Rica’s cowboy culture, spot a jaguar in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, or attend a yoga retreat in Tamarindo. Whether visitors are interested in beachside relaxation or adventure travel, Guanacaste offers every traveler a terrific vacation experience.

Tamarindo

As Guanacaste’s largest coastal town, Tamarindo is a great place to visit for lively nightlife and Pacific surf. The town is known for its large white sand beach and proximity to conservation areas. For this reason, Tamarindo is a great place to experience a variety of outdoor activities- from paddle boarding to snorkeling. Recently, Tamarindo has also become a popular global hub for remote workers from Europe and North America. Boutique shops, delicious restaurants, and an active social scene make Tamarindo an ideal destination for travelers looking to settle down. 

Other Beaches 

A number of other quiet fishing communities exist along Guanacaste’s coastline. These beaches offer visitors a laid back experience away from bustling crowds. Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingos, Playa Langosta, Playa de Coco, Playa Panama, and Playa Grande are all popular destinations among vacationers. Each of these beaches offers a different experience for visitors, ranging from calm turquoise waters to pink sand coastlines.

Guanacaste is also home to a number of beach resorts. As the tourism industry grows in Guanacaste, there are more resort options available than ever before. Luxury developments, all-inclusive packages, eco-conscious lodges, and wellness retreats are located throughout the province. 

National Parks 

In the east part of Guanacaste, lies a series of mountain ranges that are home to the Province’s numerous national parks. The topography of this area is distinctly different from the coast, characterized by dense rainforest, volcanoes, and unique wildlife. Visitors to Guanacaste’s national parks may be able to spot sloths, jaguars, tapirs, and a variety of exotic birds during their visit. For even more fun, Guanacaste’s national parks offer a variety of activities. Visitors are able to soar far above the trees on a zipline, navigate the forest on ATVs, or hike to the top of a volcano. 

Rincón de la Vieja 

The most popular National Park for visitors in Guanacaste is Rincon de la Vieja. This park sits amid 34,800 acres of protected territory and is home to an active cinder volcano. Along the way, guests at the park are able to experience six different life zones, ranging from cloud forests to fresh water lakes. After a long day of hiking, head to a refreshing waterfall for a swim or relax your muscles in a hot spring. 

Parque Santa Rosa 

An important park in Costa Rica’s conservation history, Santa Rosa Park was created in 1966 to protect some of the last remaining tropical dry forests in the world. Santa Rosa National Park is an excellent destination for overnight trips, with nearby eco-lodges and a beachfront campground. One of the park’s unique attractions is the two turtle nesting sites on Naranjo and Nacite beaches. During certain times of the year, sea turtles arrive in massive groups to lay their eggs in the sand. 

Liberia

As Guanacaste’s largest city and home to the region’s international airport, Liberia is a common arrival destination for visitors to the province. Known as the “White City” due to its white painted buildings and colonial architecture, Liberia is also the economic and administrative capital of Guanacaste. Similar to other areas of the province, Liberia has grown quickly and the Costa Rican government has invested heavily in its development. Charming parks, cathedrals, and interesting museums make Liberia an enjoyable place to stay. 

The city’s proximity to Costa Rican ranches and plantations creates interesting opportunities for tourists. The local cowboy culture is seen at various events, including in-town rodeos and festivals. For a fun day trip, head to one of the local ranches to learn about rural Costa Rican life and explore rugged terrain on horseback. Farm tours also offer the opportunity to learn about harvesting and production, as well as sip on a delicious world renowned coffee.