'''Guanacaste''' is a province in Costa Rica.

Cities

  • Abangares
  • Coco
  • Liberia
  • Nosara
  • Paraiso
  • Tamarindo
  • Potrero
  • Samara
  • Playa Carrillo
  • Other destinations

  • Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Volcano National Park, 17 km north of Liberia
  • Parque Santa Rosa, almost in Nicaragua on the west side of the Panamerican Highway
  • Understand

    This region is covered by dry tropical forest, which makes it quite popular among tourists looking to escape the humidity found in most of Central America. There are many all inclusive resorts in this area, served by one of Costa Rica's two international airports in Liberia.

    Get in

    With the opening of the new international airport at Liberia in Guanacaste, you can now fly from many US gateways including Dallas, Houston, Miami and Atlanta directly to Guanacaste. From there you can drive or fly to all Pacific beach cities in a few hours.

    To access Guanacaste's beaches from San Jose, a ferry can be taken from Puntarenas, a hot and unpleasant town with about 40,000 inhabittants, to the other side of the Golfo de Nicoya. From there, a long ride on poor pavement can take you to any number of great beaches. However, skipping the ferry and instead taking the Puente de la Amistad (literally "Bridge of the Friendship") is probably preferable. It's about four hours to most Guanacaste beaches from San Jose by car a little bit more by bus.

    Get around

    Many tourists like '''Tamarindo, Coco, Samara and Carrillo beaches'''. Samara is the home of a lively beach scene while Carrillo is a more family oriented community and home to one of the most beautiful resorts in the world, Las Ventanas del Mar. Other fantastic beaches are: Cuajiniquil, Ocotal, Pan de Azucar, Potrero, Flamingo, Brasilito, Conchal, Langosta, Avellana, Junquillal, Manzanillo, Ostinal, Nosara amongst many more. Don't go to Samara, Tamarindo, Coco or Carrillo just because those are most visited by tourists. You will get the most beautiful beaches and nature where you are not surrounded by hundreds of other tourists. Try some of the other beaches as well. The beach resort and residential community '''Hacienda Pinilla''', located along three miles of Pacific coastline, boasts six beaches: '''Playa Mansita'''; '''Playa Bonita'''; '''Playa Bajo Grande; Playa Robalo;''' '''Playa Avellanas'''; and '''Playa Langosta''', a beach awarded the Blue Flag for the beauty and purity of the water and the superior services offered.

    Guanacaste offers so much more than Beaches, like National parks (everything from wetlands to savannahs to volcanoes) and not to forget a Fantastic view.

    See

    This region offers a wide variety of activities, such as '''world class surfing''' and '''sport fishing''' along with '''volcano tours''' and horse country. It is famous for its fine and vibrant fiestas. Guanacaste is a tropical desert and you will see a great change of seasons here from the hot and dry to the wet and windy. It makes this part of Costa Rica so desirable with tourists and expats alike.

    Do

    Guanacaste's beaches are famous as surfing destinations and have been since Playa Negra was highlighted in the movie '''Endless Summer II'''. The surf breaks in Playa Negra and Tamarindo in northwest Guanacaste have made that area a magnet for visitors and investors alike. The Sportfishing in Costa Rica is legendary, and many fishing boats sail from Guanacaste. There is Cloud Forest, Beach, Volcanoes, all for exploring on horseback. Naturally fed hot springs relax and invite. And world-class golf has arrived in Guanacaste as well, with the arrival of the Four Seasons and San Jose Pinilla resorts, just to name two.

    Guanacaste has the best surf for all kind of surfers like longboarders, radical surfers, and despite the region's wild popularity, there is still plenty of surf spot for you to discover.

    One of the best places to visit is the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This place is famous for its abundant volcanic activity and wild life. Lots of adventure tours are offered in the area such as Canopy Tours, White water tubing, horseback riding, canyoning, trekking and more.

    Eat

    '''Gallo Pinto''' (literally 'spotted rooster') is the national dish of rice and beans. You haven't visited Costa Rica till you've had it - with breakfast, lunch or dinner.

    Drink

    Local cervezas (beers) are Imperial, Pilsen Both are worth a try!, Rock Ice (regular, lemon and ginseng) and Bavaria (regular, dark and light).

    Stay safe

  • Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa (506) 2672-0000[http://www.hiltonpapagayoresort.com hilton.com]
  • Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport (506) 2690 8888[http://www.liberiaairport.hgi.com hgi.com]
  • Get out

    Just south of Guanacaste along the Pacific Coast is the surfers paradise of Nicoya.