Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula Holidays

Guanacaste beaches

Numerous beaches hug this beautiful sunny coastline and there really is something to suit everyone, from luxury resorts on the Papagayo Gulf to the lively surf towns of Tamarindo and Flamingo. Playa Hermosa’s calm, safe waters fringed by volcanic rock and tropical forests are perfect for swimming and watersports. Enjoy world-class diving, snorkelling, kayaking or fishing, or simply enjoy some R’n’R in the sun to round off your Costa Rican adventure.

Nicoya Peninsula

The forest-shrouded Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, in recognition of the long and healthy lives enjoyed by the locals. It’s not hard to see why as you explore the peninsula’s beautiful hidden beaches, bays and villages, where a laidback atmosphere prevails, and yoga is a way of life. Glorious west coast sunsets drench the evening surf at Santa Teresa, and Mal Pais, while over on the eastern side Tambor overlooks the calm waters of the Nicoya Gulf where the Isla Chiquita is perfect for paddling and family adventures.

If you’re in search of a tropical paradise where you can surf, yoga, relax and reconnect with nature, the small west coast town of Nosara is the spot for you. Surrounded by lush forests, wildlife, and stunning beaches, its home to the sort of friendly cafes you want to hang out in and mingle with the locals and expats. A visit to nearby Playa Ostional is a must between August and December, when thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the black volcanic sand just before new moon.

Further south, Samara’s colourful streets are lined with upmarket boutiques and an array of restaurants, cafes and bars, while Playa Carrillo’s tan sand beach with tall swaying palms and clear blue waters is truly one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Costa Rica.

Rincon De La Vieja National Park

Lying inland just 15 miles from the gateway city of Liberia, the UNESCO-listed Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to the temperamental volcano of the same name. This complex crater system has been erupting from nine cones on and off since the 1960s, contributing to a riotous landscape of hot springs, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pools. The park’s ecologically diverse forest is perfect for hiking and horseback adventures to remote waterfalls. Along the way you may spot some of the 300 bird species that reside here, along with the nine-banded armadillo, white-nose coati, agouti and other intriguing wildlife.

Rio Perdido

Beyond the sand and sea past the village of Bagaces you’ll find Rio Perdido, a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. Close to the stunning Miravalles volcano, this enchanting destination offers geothermal rivers and natural hot springs, hiking trails boasting views of all three of Gunacaste’s volcanoes, tree-top zip-lining, and countless more outdoor activities, all set within a 1,500-acre protected reserve.