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Guanacaste Hotels, Things to Do & Travel Guide

Pace: relaxed Beachy Adventurous Tropical Relaxed
Ideal trip length
5 - 10 days
Busiest
Dec-Apr
Guanacaste
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Guanacaste

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At a glance

Climate
Tropical
Languages
Spanish and English
Local currency
CRC (CRC)
Local time
(GMT-6)
Ideal trip length
5–10 days
Cost level
4 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Tamarindo
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% expected

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 85 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Gallo Pinto Casado Ceviche Arroz con Pollo

When to visit Guanacaste

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, February, March Busiest: Dec-Apr
  1. Jan
    90

    Dry, sunny, warm.

  2. Feb
    90

    Dry, sunny, warm.

  3. Mar
    90

    Dry, sunny, warm.

  4. Apr
    80

    Hot, dry, start rains.

  5. May
    70

    Green season starts.

  6. Jun
    70

    Intermittent rain, green.

  7. Jul
    75

    Mini-dry season.

  8. Aug
    70

    Intermittent rain, green.

  9. Sept
    60

    Wettest month.

  10. Oct
    60

    Wet, lush.

  11. Nov
    70

    Rains lessen, green.

  12. Dec
    85

    Dry season begins.

Things to do in Guanacaste

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

4 places

Surf in Tamarindo

Tamarindo 3 hrs

Catch waves at one of Costa Rica's most famous surf spots.

Outdoors Good for children

Zip-lining Canopy Tour

Various 2 hrs

Soar through the treetops on an exhilarating zip-line adventure.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Liberia 5 hrs

Hike volcanic trails, see mud pots, and enjoy waterfalls.

Outdoors Good for children

Wildlife Spotting

Coastal Forests 3 hrs

Discover monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds in their natural habitat.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Catamaran Sunset Cruise

Tamarindo 4 hrs

Sail along the coast, snorkel, and witness a breathtaking Pacific sunset.

Outdoors Good for children

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Various 2 hrs

Enjoy a scenic ride along the pristine Guanacaste coastline.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Relax on Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal 4 hrs

Unwind on a unique beach made of crushed seashells.

Outdoors Good for children

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Gallo Pinto 95 · Outstanding
Casado 87 · Outstanding
Ceviche 78 · Very good
Arroz Con Pollo 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Surf In Tamarindo 95 · Outstanding
Zip-lining Canopy Tour 91 · Outstanding
Explore Rincon De La Vieja National Park 87 · Outstanding
Catamaran Sunset Cruise 83 · Very good
Horseback Riding On The Beach 78 · Very good
Wildlife Spotting 74 · Good
Relax On Playa Conchal 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
Couples 90 · Outstanding
Adventure 85 · Outstanding
Nature 80 · Very good
Luxury 75 · Very good
Friends 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Rent a 4x4 for exploring off-the-beaten-path beaches. 95 · Outstanding
Stay hydrated and use strong sunscreen, especially near the equator. 83 · Very good
Learn basic Spanish phrases; it enhances local interactions. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Guanacaste

Straight-line distance from the centre of Guanacaste.

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