Highlights of the Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula
WHERE TO GO IN COSTA RICA
Bordering Nicaragua in the northwest of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is a province whose name stems from the indigenous word ‘quahnacaztlan,’ meaning Guanacaste Tree, also the national tree of Costa Rica. The region is marked by spectacular beaches, a host of national parks, a string of volcanoes, wild rivers, and diverse forests, including the last remaining bands of protected tropical dry forests that used to stretch to Mexico.
Beautiful Beaches
Guanacaste's Pacific coast features some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Costa Rica. The shores are adorned with long beaches, coves, bays, rocky outcrops, and various sands ranging from powdery white to dark blue-black. The true beauty lies in the seamless blend of beach and tropical rainforest. Notable beaches include Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo, and Playa Hermosa, each offering unique landscapes and experiences.
National Parks to Explore
Guanacaste is enriched with numerous national parks, each offering unique wildlife and natural landscapes.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Home to the still-active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, composed of nine craters. Adventure seekers can hike to the summit of this largest volcano in the Guanacaste mountain range. Established in 1973, the park aims to preserve the 32 rivers and streams vital to the area's watershed. It houses Costa Rica’s national flower, the purple orchid ‘guaria morada,’ and is a haven for over 300 bird species, including toucans, eagles, and the elusive quetzal.
Santa Rosa National Park
One of the oldest and largest protected areas in Costa Rica, was established in 1971 and covers 386 square kilometres. It conserves the largest stretch of tropical dry forest in Central America and important nesting sites for sea turtles, particularly the olive ridley sea turtles at Nancite Beach, where up to 8,000 turtles can nest simultaneously. The park is also a popular destination for surfers, with near-perfect breaks at Playa Naranjo, thanks to the offshore outcrop known as Witch’s Rock.
Palo Verde National Park
Located on the banks of the Tempisque River, is a nature lover’s dream. This park is a web of tropical mangrove forests, lowland dry forests, savannahs, and wetlands, providing a habitat for crocodiles, caimans, snakes, various mammals, and hundreds of bird species. It is highly recommended for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Other notable national parks include Barra Honda, known for its caves and unique rock formations, and Tenorio Volcano National Park, famous for the Tenorio Volcano and the stunning Rio Celeste. Although less visited, these parks are teeming with wildlife and offer breathtaking natural landscapes.
The Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula is a large rectangular outcrop separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque River. Sun-drenched and remote, with idyllic beaches, it has become a mecca for honeymooners and those seeking a tranquil escape. Despite limited development compared to other tourist areas, it offers some of the finest barefoot luxury accommodations along the coast.