Guanacaste Tours
Nearly year-round dry hot weather makes Guanacaste a prime destination for beach and water sports!
Nearly every activity is possible from Guanacaste in the north-west region of Costa Rica. Coastal exploration and water sports of every sort are available along the long and varied stretch of beaches. An array of national parks and waterfalls can be found within its borders. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, and its beloved natural hot springs are only a day tour away.
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Canopy Zipline on Dry Forest
What better way to enjoy the tropical dry forest of Guanacaste than gliding through it? Feel like the birds do when they fly over this beautiful environment, or like the…
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Snorkeling Tour of Catalina Islands
Head out by boat to the Catalina Islands, a group of volcanic rock formations in the Pacific Ocean. Your snorkeling adventure includes 2 sessions of snorkeling at 2 different locations,…
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Buena Vista Mega Adventure Combo
This full-day tour includes a canopy zip-line, hot springs, a thrilling waterslide, and horseback riding. Transfer by ground about 1 – 1.5 hours to the Buena Vista adventure park. Glide through…
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Class III – IV Whitewater Rafting
Beautiful wildlife and exuberant vegetation serve as the backdrop while you paddle across these exciting rapids! Transfer 1 – 1.5 hours inland for a day of whitewater rafting. You’ll receive…
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Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach
Your tour begins with a trip to world-famous Tamarindo Beach, the perfect spot for beginners and experts alike. Your surf guides will give you some pre-surfing instruction on how to…
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Rincon de la Vieja National Park Hike
Hiking through Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a great experience for the entire family. This morning, transfer about 1.5 hours to the Rincon de la Vieja area. The…
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Rincon de la Vieja Waterfalls Hike
Start your adventure with a scenic hike to impressive Victoria Waterfall, which drops dramatically 35 meters to the Rio Negro. Transfer by ground about 1 – 1 .5 hours to…
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Morning or Sunset Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
The tour starts aboard a luxury catamaran in the Flamingo Marina area. The crew will set the sail (depending on the wind) and navigate for about 5 miles to some…
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Diving Tour of Catalina Islands
Start the boat ride with briefings from your guides regarding the boat and dive safety and procedures. Keep your eyes open for signs of dolphins, whales (in season), mating turtles…
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Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour
The Palo Verde National Park is one of Costa Rica’s important wetland ecosystems and best explored by boat. The wetlands of Palo Verde National Park are a great destination for…
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Horseback Riding at Hacienda El Roble
Hacienda El Roble has been raising their own horses to work the farm for over 100 years. They are strong, gentle-natured, well cared for, and eager to show their playful…
Within this region is the popular beach town of Tamarindo, a hot spot for surfers, and the exclusive Papagayo Peninsula, a newly developed, secluded leg of land less than an hour from Liberia International Airport that features some of the region’s top resorts and a luxurious 18-hole oceanfront golf course.
What kind of activities can I access in Guanacaste?
Guanacaste is primarily a beach destination, so the water tours are highly recommended! Sunset catamaran cruises, snorkeling, SCUBA, surfing, mangrove kayaking, and fishing are some of the most popular choices. Inland tours are also available, though they often require a drive of 1 hour or more. Still, the options are worth exploring! Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park, and Santa Rosa National Park will give you a dose of nature in this dry forest region. For some adventure, try zip-lining, canyoning, or whitewater rafting!
Can I see wildlife in Guanacaste?
Guanacaste is a beach destination in a dry forest climate; the wildlife won’t be as abundant as some other areas in Costa Rica, but that doesn’t mean you won’t spot some local animal residents! Guests have spotted monkeys in areas like Papagayo and Tamarindo. The Diamante Adventure Park is home to a wildlife sanctuary that allows you to observe recused wildlife in a controlled setting.
If I’m staying in Guanacaste, can I visit Arenal or Montevede just for the day?
Yes, it is possible to take a day trip to either Arenal or Monteverde in a single day. However, these trips are long. It takes about 3 hours to get to both Arenal and Monteverde; this means you’ll spend at least 6 hours of your day on the road. In many cases, we recommend spending at least 2 or 3 nights in either Arenal or Monteverde to get the best experience without feeling rushed. A typical Arenal + Guanacaste itinerary looks something like this.
What is the best way get to Guanacaste? Do I need to fly into a certain airport?
The Guanacaste area (which includes areas like Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, and Papagayo) is about 1 hour away from the Liberia international airport. This is the best option. The San Jose airport is about 5.5 hours away, so we typically suggest Liberia airport for travelers beginning or ending their trip in Guanacaste. The beaches of Guanacaste can also be reached by car from places like Arenal, Monteverde, and Nosara with great ease.
Visit our Guanacaste page for a more in-depth exploration of Costa Rica’s adventure capital and all the best hotels in Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, Papagayo, and beyond.