From picture-perfect beaches to stunning rainforests to outdoor excursions, Guanacaste is a gem in northwest Costa Rica. Book your choice of Guanacaste vacation rentals inland or on the beach, and plan your ideal Costa Rica adventure.
Climate
In Guanacaste, you'll find warm, tropical weather year-round. Winter and early spring tend to be the hottest seasons in Guanacaste, where temperatures often reach 90 degrees. Since this is also the dry season, however, it's also the most popular time to visit Guanacaste and other parts of Costa Rica.
The rainy season in Costa Rica spans from May through November, but in Guanacaste, rain showers typically last just a few hours. If you opt to visit during the rainy season, consider July or August, when the rain tends to let up a little.
Areas within Guanacaste
Guanacaste’s 11 cities each have attractions for families to enjoy. Popular cities include Nicoya, Peninsula, Liberia, Papagayo Gulf, Tamarindo, and La Cruz. Guanacaste has more than 65 beaches, making it easy to find beachfront vacation rentals in Costa Rica.
How to Get Around Guanacaste
To get to Guanacaste, land at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, only an hour away from the heart of Guanacaste, or fly into Juan Santamaria Airport, about four hours away from the area. Once you're in the region, keep it simple by relying on the local bus service or hiring a car and driver service. If you want the freedom to visit the beaches and parks on your own schedule, rent a car to travel from Guanacaste villas to area attractions.
Things to Do
With countless beaches to choose from, Guanacaste offers unparalleled relaxation. Visit the popular Playa Conchal for seashell gathering, sunbathing, and swimming. Relax with swimming, boating, and horseback riding at Samara Beach, a popular spot for expats. Escape the crowds at Playa Avellana, which offers warm water and great waves. Go to the secluded Playa Guiones for surfing, swimming, and sunset views.
Don't miss your chance to explore the rainforests and cloud forests of Guanacaste. Start with a trip to Santa Rosa National Park, which includes 120,000 acres of white sand beaches and tropical forests. Here you can see the famous Hacienda Santa Rosa monument, surf at Naranjo Beach, and spot both wildlife and waterfalls along scenic hiking trails.
Next, head to Tenorio Volcano National Park, which features stunning waterfalls, a cloud forest, and miles of hiking trails. To access some of the private craters and the more hidden areas of the park, consider hiring a guide for a tour on foot or on horseback. Finally, explore Palo Verde National Park. It’s Costa Rica’s most diverse and is home to wildlife, including monkeys and crocodiles. It’s a wonderful place for bird-watching, photography, and guided tours.
Add a hint of adventure to your trip with a surfing class, windsurfing lesson, or sightseeing tour. Companies like Pura Aventura offer ziplining, horseback riding, biking, and much more in some of the most scenic areas of Guanacaste.
Events
February brings one of the year's best events to Guanacaste, as the Nicoya Rodeo and Fiesta Patronal comes to town. This festival includes bullfighting, rodeos, street fairs, live music, and local food, along with fireworks to top it all off.
In July, Día de Guanacaste is one of the region's biggest celebrations. This festival commemorates the day that Costa Rica annexed Guanacaste from Nicaragua in 1824 and features folk dancing, horse shows, bull fighting, and street parties.
Whether you're planning a relaxing trip to the beach or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Guanacaste has it all. Stay at Guanacaste vacation rentals on the waterfront or in the rainforest, and enjoy a vacation you won't soon forget.
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