Top 10 Must-Do Excursions in Guanacaste Costa Rica

Guanacaste, situated in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. With its breathtaking beaches, verdant rainforests, and abundant wildlife, there’s an endless array of activities to indulge in. Whether you’re eager to surf the waves, trek through volcanic terrains, or uncover hidden waterfalls, excursions in Guanacaste Costa Rica offer something for everyone. Here are the top 10 must-do excursions in this stunning province.

Key Takeaways

• Tamarindo is a hotspot for surfing and nightlife.
• Río Corobicí offers a relaxing rafting experience with abundant wildlife.
• Arenal Volcano is perfect for hiking and exploring geothermal features.
• Rincón de la Vieja is home to stunning, lesser-known waterfalls.
• Santa Rosa National Park combines surfing with turtle watching.

Surf in Tamarindo

Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is a buzzing surf mecca! Once a sleepy fishing village, these days, Playa Tamarindo delivers a lively beach culture and even more vibrant nightlife. But fear not if you also fancy some R&R. This stretch of coast is known for its stunning scenery. The sight of the sun slipping into the Pacific beyond the headland at the beach’s southern end is undeniably soul-stirring.

Guanacaste’s more than 400 miles of coastline is home to some of the most famous surf breaks in the world. Playa Tamarindo sits at the top of that list in Costa Rica. Wave riders come from all over the world to enjoy Tamarindo’s consistent year-round breaks. This busy beach resort strip of Tamarindo boasts impressive restaurants and a lively night scene. It is a world-renowned surfing destination next to a fast-growing beach town.

Tamarindo is also a beauty spot beginner surfers love, with reliable, relatively gentle waves breaking on Playa Tamarindo and neighboring Playa Grande and Playa Langosta. If that wasn’t enough reason to visit, between November and mid-February, leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in Marino Las Baulas National Park. Located on the Río Mata estuary between Conchal and Tamarindo, this is one of the few remaining nesting sites worldwide.

Colorful sunsets are the norm at Tamarindo’s vast beaches. Tour Guanacaste and discover why this place is a paradise for surfers and nature lovers alike.

Rafting on Río Corobicí

Ready for an adventure that will make your heart race and your Instagram followers jealous? Look no further than Rafting on Río Corobicí! This isn’t your typical white-water rafting tour; it’s a gentle float down a calm section of the river, rated class 1-2 with moderate waves. Perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and wildlife of Guanacaste without the need for a life vest that doubles as a security blanket.

Wildlife Galore

As you float down the river, keep your eyes peeled for hundreds of bird species that call this region home. From colorful parrots to majestic ospreys, the Río Corobicí is a birdwatcher’s paradise. And let’s not forget the howler and white-faced monkeys, otters, and iguanas that might just make a cameo appearance.

Safety First

Even if you’ve never experienced white-water rafting before, don’t worry! Safety is our main concern. All necessary equipment is provided after a thorough safety demonstration. So sit back, relax, and let your guide row while you take in the sights.

Refreshing Stops

Are you feeling a bit hot under the Costa Rican sun? Your guide can stop at several safe places along the river for a refreshing swim. Trust us, nothing beats a cool dip in the river after a day of exhilarating fun.

After the exciting journey down the rapids, you’ll surely have worked up an appetite. Enjoy a complimentary traditional Costa Rican meal to round off your adventure.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab the sunscreen and a sense of adventure, and prepare for a day you’ll never forget!

Explore Arenal Volcano

Located in Arenal Volcano National Park, 14km west of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s top natural attractions. Its majestic conical peak looms large over the region. As such, taking a trip to Arenal Volcano is one of the most rewarding tours from Guanacaste, with a huge range of activities available.

Hike Near the Volcano

Experience the thrill of hiking near one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere. On this full-day trip from Guanacaste, get an up-close view of the imposing Arenal Volcano, then walk through the rainforest and explore the canopy on hanging bridges. Wind it down with a relaxing dip in a hot spring, and top off your day with a gourmet dinner and one last scenic view of the iconic volcano.

Hot Springs

After a day of adventure, there’s nothing better than soaking in the natural hot springs. The area around Arenal Volcano is a hotbed of stunning hot springs — take your pick from glitzy spa experiences in sublime tropical surroundings and secret hot spots beloved by locals.

Lake Arenal

Take a boat ride across the largest lake in the country to observe the imposing Arenal Volcano. On land, there are many hiking trails for all abilities, with expansive Arenal Lake offering fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing trips. Or how about ziplining through the jungle or going canyoning?

Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys while rafting Río Corobicí. They might just be the cutest part of your adventure!

Adventure Activities

Explore miles upon miles of nature and discover why Costa Rica is a paradise with the full-day Arenal Volcano tour, which includes unforgettable visits to its rainforest and nearby hot springs. Enjoy the experience of being so close to one of nature’s most powerful creations. Here, you’ll walk by the remains of the historic 1968 eruption and – depending on the weather – have the best view of the volcano.

Wildlife Spotting

Keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys while rafting Río Corobicí. They might just be the cutest part of your adventure!

Waterfalls in Rincón de la Vieja

Prepare for a fantastic afternoon of adventure at the captivating Rincón de la Vieja volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica! Picture this: you’re surrounded by the stunning La Oropéndola waterfall, a majestic 82-foot cascade. Imagine diving into the inviting turquoise pools below, letting the cool water wash away your worries. But that’s not all – get ready to unwind and relax in the area’s lush nature and exotic wildlife.

La Oropéndola Waterfall

Enjoy a magical day among the Oropendola waterfall, lush nature, exotic wildlife, and the incredible beauty of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Start your adventure at the Oropendola waterfall, where you’ll have time to swim and play in the refreshing crystal-clear waters. Admire the most extraordinary locations to observe exotic wildlife. This area is known for its excellent ecosystem diversity, creating a sanctuary for the local bird, monkey, and reptile life. After appreciating the surroundings, hike through pristine nature to the magic of Oropendola Waterfall.

Las Pailas Loop

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is Costa Rica’s most active crater. The landscape has geysers, mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles. Hike to waterfalls while taking in the diverse wildlife sightings. The Las Pailas loop is a moderately easy trek with sweeping views of the plains and sea from the higher elevations. You will cross several ecosystems, including the rare tropical dry forest.

Secret Waterfalls

At the summit (7.7 km away), Rincón de la Vieja presents a barren lunar landscape. There’s a smoking hole surrounded by black ash, with a pretty freshwater lake, Lago los Jilgueros, to the south. Secret waterfalls await in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This is one of the most extraordinary locations to observe exotic wildlife. This area is known for its excellent ecosystem diversity, creating a sanctuary for the local bird, monkey, and reptile life. After appreciating the surroundings, hike through pristine nature to the magic of Oropendola Waterfall.

Surf in Santa Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park is a hidden gem for surfers, primarily because of the famous Witch’s Rock. This iconic surf spot is renowned for its powerful and clean waves, making it a must-visit for any serious surfer. While the park is not easily accessible, the journey is well worth it for the epic surf and the chance to witness the park’s incredible biodiversity.

Turtle Nesting Beaches

If you visit between July and November, you might be lucky to witness hundreds of olive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Nancite. Remember, these picturesque beaches are too rough for swimming but perfect for catching serious waves.

Biodiversity Bonanza

Santa Rosa National Park is home to 115 species of mammal, 250 species of bird, 100 amphibian and reptile species, and a staggering 3800 moth species. It’s like surfing in the middle of a wildlife documentary!

Historical Significance

Established in 1971, Santa Rosa was the first national park in Costa Rica. Initially founded to preserve La Casona, a ranch house celebrated for its role in Costa Rica’s independence, the park now boasts dry forests, beautiful beaches, and epic surf spots.

Pro Tip: Many of Santa Rosa’s trails are intended for scientific researchers rather than tourists, so they’re not well signed. Hiring a guide can make your adventure much smoother.

Ramble along Río Celeste

Prepare to be mesmerized by the surreal turquoise waters of the Río Celeste. This natural wonder in Tenorio Volcano National Park is a must-see for any adventurer. The park’s highlight is the stunningly bright blue lagoon, the Laguna Azul, and similarly colored sections of the river that flow alongside the trail. The minerals in the volcanic soil combine to create the waterfall’s beautiful colors, attracting travelers worldwide.

Wildlife Galore

Though most people come to the park to glimpse the surreal turquoise waters, wildlife also thrives within the park’s borders. You may see tapirs, agoutis, armadillos, long-tailed manakins, and howler monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!

Hiking Trails

Beginning at the park’s ranger station, a 6km trail takes you into the forest, where it eventually splits into a few well-marked loops. Just be aware that one false move could see you stepping into superheated volcanic soil — don’t step off the path. The main trail is a steady climb that opens up to a spectacular view of Volcán Miravalles before leading to the striking waterfall of Río Celeste, where you can take a refreshing dip.

Guided Tours

Experience the natural wonders of Costa Rica with our captivating Rio Celeste Rainforest Excursion. With expert guides, journey through Tenorio Volcano National Park, immersing yourself in a 1.5-kilometer trail that leads to the mesmerizing Rio Celeste waterfall. Observe sloths, frogs, and toucans in their natural habitat. Savor a delicious lunch of regional delights and learn all about Costa Rica’s traditions in chocolate and coffee. It’s a day trip of a lifetime!

Heliconias Rain Forest and Hanging Bridges

If you love the tropical rainforest’s lush, biodiverse beauty, you’ll want to devote a whole day to Heliconia’s Rain Forest and Hanging Bridges. Merging with Tenorio Volcano National Park, this privately-owned forest with a boutique lodge boasts over 70 hectares of pristine forest.

The Fourth Bridge

The forest’s centerpiece is the fourth bridge — over 100 meters long and a heady 40 meters above the ground. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the rainforest, with epic views awaiting those with a head for heights.

Wildlife Galore

On your tour, you can expect to see sloths, monkeys, and a variety of birds. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!

Epic Tours in Guanacaste Costa Rica! Pura Vida!

Discover the best routes, stunning beaches, and tropical forests in Guanacaste from the beach to the mountains in this stunning Costa Rica ATV adventure tour!

Birdwatching in Palo Verde National Park

Created to preserve the habitat of migratory birds, Palo Verde National Park is a must-visit for avian enthusiasts. Located on the northern bank of the Río Tempisque, it’s home to one of the largest concentrations of waterfowl in Central America, which is saying something.

What to Expect

Begin your day with a sunrise adventure in one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. This destination is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting 15 distinct ecological zones, from dry forests to mangrove swamps. Here, you can encounter Costa Rican crocodiles, playful monkeys, graceful iguanas, vibrant parrots, and a stunning array of exotic birds.

The Avian Stars

Palo Verde National Park is known for its wetlands, large population of aquatic bird species, and tropical dry forests. This park is remote, with over 300 species of tropical birds and alluvial planes from the Tempisque River, attracting over 250,000 species of migratory geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. The park also has the only scarlet macaw colony that can inhabit a dry forest permanently.

Pro Tips

• Bring binoculars for a closer look at the feathered residents.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the trails.
• Don’t forget your camera; you’ll want to capture these moments!

If you’re a bird lover, missing out on Palo Verde National Park would be like a fish skipping the ocean. Just don’t do it!

Underground Caves

Barra Honda National Park is home to a fascinating cave system with limestone reefs that formed about 60 million years ago due to some tectonic action. Over time, these reefs have turned into separate caves with incredible stalactites and stalagmites inside. Only about half of these caves have been explored by scientists and cave enthusiasts. But don’t fret. You can still experience the adventure by visiting Velvet Cave, which is open to regular folks looking for thrills.

Gear Up for Adventure

After being kitted out with a rope harness and a helmet, a guide will lead you into the otherworldly subterranean world. At times, the formations resemble a crumbling cathedral complex. While most people visit the enormous stalagmites and stalactites in Terciopelo cave, those interested in culture should ask about exploring Nicoa. The remains of pre-Columbian people were recently found here, along with burial ornaments that are thought to be over two thousand years old.

Safety First

When you reach the cave, they’ll outfit you with the right gear and lower you down a ladder into the cave’s depths. You’ll have about an hour to explore and check out formations that took millions of years to shape. Just a heads-up, though: if you’ve got high blood pressure, get dizzy easily, or don’t like tight spaces, it’s probably best to skip this adventure for safety reasons.

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Unleash the daredevil in you by soaring on the longest zip line in Central America before exploring Costa Rica’s natural beauty at Diamante Eco Adventure Park. This venue offers you plenty of adrenaline with a zip line course featuring the 4,000-foot ‘Superman’ line overlooking the Pacific Ocean, before you return to land for an encounter with amazing fauna and flora at the park’s animal sanctuary. Beach time and a buffet lunch round out your intrepid day.

Conclusion

Here it is, folks! The top 10 must-do excursions in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Whether you’re surfing with turtles, zip-lining through rainforests, or just trying to remember how to pronounce ‘Rincón de la Vieja’ without sounding like you’ve got a mouthful of marbles, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, slather on that sunscreen, and prepare for an adventure filled with stories and perhaps a sunburn. Remember, the only thing you should leave behind are your footprints and maybe that one embarrassing photo of you trying to surf. Pura Vida!

Frequently Asked Questions