Alvaro's Guidebook
Things to Do
Diamante Eco Adventure is a beautiful park to visit with the family. It is located very close to Playa Hermosa and next door to the Riu Guanacaste resort in Playa Matapalo. Here you can enjoy zipline tours, horseback riding, ocean sanctuary, wildlife preserve, atv tours, and more. My favorite is the Superman Zipline from one mountain ridge to the next…it’s exhilirating!
150 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
350 east RIU HotelDiamante Eco Adventure is a beautiful park to visit with the family. It is located very close to Playa Hermosa and next door to the Riu Guanacaste resort in Playa Matapalo. Here you can enjoy zipline tours, horseback riding, ocean sanctuary, wildlife preserve, atv tours, and more. My favorite is the Superman Zipline from one mountain ridge to the next…it’s exhilirating!
Tons of activities! Canyoning, horseback riding, hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, tubing, etc.. Located in Rincon de la Vieja…the quintessential experience to visit in Gunacaste!
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
Tons of activities! Canyoning, horseback riding, hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, tubing, etc.. Located in Rincon de la Vieja…the quintessential experience to visit in Gunacaste!
Surrounded by extensive gardens and featuring an on-site lake, wooden bungalows and eco-tourism activities, Buena Vista Lodge is set 15 minutes’ drive from Pital town centre. Free Wi-Fi is available.
The log bungalows feature rustic décor, wardrobe, a fan and a desk. All come with lake views and with a private bathroom including free toiletries.
Buena Vista Lodge’s restaurant offers local cuisine and guests can find as well other options 30 minutes’ drive to Cañas Dulces town.
Activities such as canopy tours, horseback riding and visits to hot springs can be arranged.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Buena Vista Del Rincon Eco Adventure Park, Hotel & Spa
Surrounded by extensive gardens and featuring an on-site lake, wooden bungalows and eco-tourism activities, Buena Vista Lodge is set 15 minutes’ drive from Pital town centre. Free Wi-Fi is available.
The log bungalows feature rustic décor, wardrobe, a fan and a desk. All come with lake views and with a private bathroom including free toiletries.
Buena Vista Lodge’s restaurant offers local cuisine and guests can find as well other options 30 minutes’ drive to Cañas Dulces town.
Activities such as canopy tours, horseback riding and visits to hot springs can be arranged.
It is a Costa Rican family owned property with a large sugar cane plantation and their own private wildlife reserve bordering the Palo Verde National Park. Their reserve of 5000 acres protects part of the Tempisque River and one of the most important and endangered ecosystems in the world: the tropical dry forest. It’s home to the one of the largest numbers of migratory birds in Central America as well as iguanas, crocodiles, bats, monkeys and many more animals.
The hacienda (estate in English) offers 3 different activities for tourists: cultural tour, wildlife observation boat ride and rum making. Visitors can experience the best of Guanacaste all in one day at the Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands!
Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands
It is a Costa Rican family owned property with a large sugar cane plantation and their own private wildlife reserve bordering the Palo Verde National Park. Their reserve of 5000 acres protects part of the Tempisque River and one of the most important and endangered ecosystems in the world: the tropical dry forest. It’s home to the one of the largest numbers of migratory birds in Central America as well as iguanas, crocodiles, bats, monkeys and many more animals.
The hacienda (estate in English) offers 3 different activities for tourists: cultural tour, wildlife observation boat ride and rum making. Visitors can experience the best of Guanacaste all in one day at the Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands!
Located just outside the small city of Cañas along the Inter-Americana Highway is Las Pumas Rescue Center (Centro Rescate Las Pumas). Las Pumas provides a temporary, or sometimes permanent, home for wild cats and other animals that have been injured, rescued, orphaned, or confiscated in the illegal pet trade. Like many rescue centers, this one began with the passion of one individual and grew.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de Rescate Las Pumas
Located just outside the small city of Cañas along the Inter-Americana Highway is Las Pumas Rescue Center (Centro Rescate Las Pumas). Las Pumas provides a temporary, or sometimes permanent, home for wild cats and other animals that have been injured, rescued, orphaned, or confiscated in the illegal pet trade. Like many rescue centers, this one began with the passion of one individual and grew.
One of the most popular activities to do when visiting Guanacaste Costa Rica is zip-lining through the canopy of giant Guanacaste trees. At the Congo Trail Canopy Tour you will experience authentic Costa Rica and explore natural forests that have existed for hundreds of years nestled in this quiet enclave of Central America. The Original Canopy tour combines 100's of meters of zip-lines and platforms with hanging bridges for a truly unique adventure. Our professional zip-line guides will fit you for your harness, helmet and other safety equipment, then you will listen to an important safety speech detailing the do's and don'ts of zip-lining and then you are ready to fly through the canopy.
Feel the thrill as you finally get hooked up to your first zip-line and are set free to zip down 100's of meters of cable suspended between giant Guanacaste trees. Keep on the lookout for families of monkeys foraging in the canopy for mangoes, bananas and other types of food. Between each zip-line there are platforms that will lead you to the next step until you finally reach the end of the canopy tour.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Congo Trail
One of the most popular activities to do when visiting Guanacaste Costa Rica is zip-lining through the canopy of giant Guanacaste trees. At the Congo Trail Canopy Tour you will experience authentic Costa Rica and explore natural forests that have existed for hundreds of years nestled in this quiet enclave of Central America. The Original Canopy tour combines 100's of meters of zip-lines and platforms with hanging bridges for a truly unique adventure. Our professional zip-line guides will fit you for your harness, helmet and other safety equipment, then you will listen to an important safety speech detailing the do's and don'ts of zip-lining and then you are ready to fly through the canopy.
Feel the thrill as you finally get hooked up to your first zip-line and are set free to zip down 100's of meters of cable suspended between giant Guanacaste trees. Keep on the lookout for families of monkeys foraging in the canopy for mangoes, bananas and other types of food. Between each zip-line there are platforms that will lead you to the next step until you finally reach the end of the canopy tour.
Situated below the hurricane line and sheltered from the northern Papagayo winds, Marina Papagayo’s naturally protected harbor offers a year-round safe haven in a yachting paradise, just 30 minutes from an international airport. An idyllic stop-off point and staging area for epic diving and underwater adventures in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape. Malpelo Island, Isla del Coco, Coiba and the Galápagos are all close by.
Marina Papagayo offers 180 fully serviced berths for yachts up to 250 feet LOA, with both single & 3-phase electrical service, grey & black water disposal and wireless broadband. All complimented by a wide range of services and amenities, including mooring assistance, 24/7 monitoring, yacht assist, on-site provisioning, fuel bunkering and dockside concierge service. From airport transfer, shuttle service, car rentals, dining reservations and activities for captains and crew members, the marina concierge team is at your service.
Marina Papagayo
Situated below the hurricane line and sheltered from the northern Papagayo winds, Marina Papagayo’s naturally protected harbor offers a year-round safe haven in a yachting paradise, just 30 minutes from an international airport. An idyllic stop-off point and staging area for epic diving and underwater adventures in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape. Malpelo Island, Isla del Coco, Coiba and the Galápagos are all close by.
Marina Papagayo offers 180 fully serviced berths for yachts up to 250 feet LOA, with both single & 3-phase electrical service, grey & black water disposal and wireless broadband. All complimented by a wide range of services and amenities, including mooring assistance, 24/7 monitoring, yacht assist, on-site provisioning, fuel bunkering and dockside concierge service. From airport transfer, shuttle service, car rentals, dining reservations and activities for captains and crew members, the marina concierge team is at your service.
Private charters for sport-fishing, snorkeling, surfing, SUP, catamaran, sunset and beach setups. Find them in Instagram as @swcrcharters.
saltwater
Private charters for sport-fishing, snorkeling, surfing, SUP, catamaran, sunset and beach setups. Find them in Instagram as @swcrcharters.
Experience the most beautiful beaches around Peninsula Papagayo unwind with a drink and snacks.. .enjoying the flavor of paradise in the Captain ́s piña coladas is a must! You, the ocean, your crew, and the incomparable feeling you get while enjoying of sport fishing; coast of the beautiful Marina Papagayo on its finest and most luxurious Fishing Charter Fleet. Looking for a twist? Get picked up at the closest beach from where
you are staying.
Find them in IG as @marinacharterscr
Marina Charters Costa Rica
Experience the most beautiful beaches around Peninsula Papagayo unwind with a drink and snacks.. .enjoying the flavor of paradise in the Captain ́s piña coladas is a must! You, the ocean, your crew, and the incomparable feeling you get while enjoying of sport fishing; coast of the beautiful Marina Papagayo on its finest and most luxurious Fishing Charter Fleet. Looking for a twist? Get picked up at the closest beach from where
you are staying.
Find them in IG as @marinacharterscr
Sightseeing
Established in 1972 by a coalition of scientist from the Tropical Science Center (TSC) and Quakers from the local community to protect one of the last tracts of pristine Cloud Forest in Central America, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is a pioneer and progressive conservation and ecotourism model based in biodiversity research and education.
101 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monteverde
Established in 1972 by a coalition of scientist from the Tropical Science Center (TSC) and Quakers from the local community to protect one of the last tracts of pristine Cloud Forest in Central America, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is a pioneer and progressive conservation and ecotourism model based in biodiversity research and education.
Until 2010, it was Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Much to the enjoyment of its visitors, Arenal spewed enormous amounts of lava, gas and ash on a regular basis. That eruptive cycle – which began with the infamous eruption of 1968 – ended recently. In October 2010, Arenal entered into an indeterminate resting phase. For the time being, visitors will be unable to watch the much-loved explosions, although that could change within a matter of months or years. Travelers to Arenal will still enjoy its bountiful sights, sounds and activities— there are mountains to be hiked, lakes to be fished and rivers to be floated. As one of the country’s most scenic and accessible areas, it is a requisite stop on any tour of Costa Rica.
234 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arenal Volcano
Until 2010, it was Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Much to the enjoyment of its visitors, Arenal spewed enormous amounts of lava, gas and ash on a regular basis. That eruptive cycle – which began with the infamous eruption of 1968 – ended recently. In October 2010, Arenal entered into an indeterminate resting phase. For the time being, visitors will be unable to watch the much-loved explosions, although that could change within a matter of months or years. Travelers to Arenal will still enjoy its bountiful sights, sounds and activities— there are mountains to be hiked, lakes to be fished and rivers to be floated. As one of the country’s most scenic and accessible areas, it is a requisite stop on any tour of Costa Rica.
Set just outside the town of La Fortuna, this 200-ft waterfall is a great place to picnic, swim or take photographs. The falls emerge from a thick jungle before plummeting into an emerald green pool below.
133 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Catarata La Fortuna
Set just outside the town of La Fortuna, this 200-ft waterfall is a great place to picnic, swim or take photographs. The falls emerge from a thick jungle before plummeting into an emerald green pool below.
The Llanos de Cortez Waterfall is located near the town of Bagaces, just a half hour south of Liberia and its international airport (LIR). It’s a short drive off the Pan American Highway (Route 1) and less than a two-hour trip from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa, and other beach towns in Guanacaste. These majestic falls are also a convenient stop for those traveling from the mountains near La Fortuna or Monteverde to those beautiful beaches of Guanacaste’s Gold Coast.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Llanos de Cortés
The Llanos de Cortez Waterfall is located near the town of Bagaces, just a half hour south of Liberia and its international airport (LIR). It’s a short drive off the Pan American Highway (Route 1) and less than a two-hour trip from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa, and other beach towns in Guanacaste. These majestic falls are also a convenient stop for those traveling from the mountains near La Fortuna or Monteverde to those beautiful beaches of Guanacaste’s Gold Coast.
Neighborhoods
From simple beginnings as a quiet fishing village Tamarindo, Costa Rica has developed into one of the most popular destinations in the Guanacaste province. This town supports a beautiful beach, a range of accommodations, and a number of restaurants. The main boulevard includes various boutiques and art galleries.
Tamarindo Beach is a long beach with great waves. The currents here can be strong so watch the posted advisories when swimming, but much of Tamarindo Beach is perfect for those just learning how to surf. The vibe of Tamarindo is best described as “Party and Play.” Great swimming, surf, fishing, and water sports during the day, buzzing nightlife come sunset. Because of its central location, tourists often base themselves here and explore Guanacaste over a number of days. Younger crowds enjoy the local bars and discotheques. Situated only 1 hour away from Liberia airport, we recommend renting a car and exploring these well-maintained roads at your leisure.
336 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tamarindo
From simple beginnings as a quiet fishing village Tamarindo, Costa Rica has developed into one of the most popular destinations in the Guanacaste province. This town supports a beautiful beach, a range of accommodations, and a number of restaurants. The main boulevard includes various boutiques and art galleries.
Tamarindo Beach is a long beach with great waves. The currents here can be strong so watch the posted advisories when swimming, but much of Tamarindo Beach is perfect for those just learning how to surf. The vibe of Tamarindo is best described as “Party and Play.” Great swimming, surf, fishing, and water sports during the day, buzzing nightlife come sunset. Because of its central location, tourists often base themselves here and explore Guanacaste over a number of days. Younger crowds enjoy the local bars and discotheques. Situated only 1 hour away from Liberia airport, we recommend renting a car and exploring these well-maintained roads at your leisure.
Playa Hermosa, which translates to Beautiful Beach, is located in northern Guanacaste Province. Keep in mind that Costa Rica has several beaches named Playa Hermosa, including near Jaco, Santa Teresa, and Uvita, but the one we are covering here is in Guanacaste. Liberia International (LIR) is the closest airport, at about 30 minutes away.
Playa Hermosa Guanacaste (sometimes called Playa Hermosa GTE) sits between two points that divide it from the lively town of Playas del Coco to the south and Playa Panama to the north. It is situated in a valley with much of the real estate development in the surrounding hills.
The town has two main ways where many businesses are located. The first and second entrances, as people refer to them, run perpendicular to the beach. There are also some businesses spread out along the main road to town and on the road closest to the ocean. Hermosa is fairly concentrated, so no matter where you are, you’ll be a walk or short drive to everything.
This small town is popular for those looking to relax in a tranquil setting. Playa Hermosa is seldom crowded and it is almost always possible to find your own spot on the sand. The destination tends to draw families who come for the calm ocean waters, as well as groups taking advantage of the vacation rentals and condos.
120 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Hermosa
4 158Playa Hermosa, which translates to Beautiful Beach, is located in northern Guanacaste Province. Keep in mind that Costa Rica has several beaches named Playa Hermosa, including near Jaco, Santa Teresa, and Uvita, but the one we are covering here is in Guanacaste. Liberia International (LIR) is the closest airport, at about 30 minutes away.
Playa Hermosa Guanacaste (sometimes called Playa Hermosa GTE) sits between two points that divide it from the lively town of Playas del Coco to the south and Playa Panama to the north. It is situated in a valley with much of the real estate development in the surrounding hills.
The town has two main ways where many businesses are located. The first and second entrances, as people refer to them, run perpendicular to the beach. There are also some businesses spread out along the main road to town and on the road closest to the ocean. Hermosa is fairly concentrated, so no matter where you are, you’ll be a walk or short drive to everything.
This small town is popular for those looking to relax in a tranquil setting. Playa Hermosa is seldom crowded and it is almost always possible to find your own spot on the sand. The destination tends to draw families who come for the calm ocean waters, as well as groups taking advantage of the vacation rentals and condos.
Playa Flamingo (Flamingo Beach) is one of Costa Rica's most popular beaches with fine white sand. It has pristine clear blue waters, lagoons, vegetation and abundance of activities. The Playa Flamingo area offers a wide variety of secluded beaches and lagoons due to the mountain formations reaching into the sea. It features hotels, lodging, luxury homes, entertainment, water, land and leisure activities.
The area is possibly best known for its scuba diving. There are several dive shops in town which provide service to the Catalina Islands. These are a series of islands which protrude from the Pacific and are home to a huge amount of marine life including the majestic giant pacific manta. Many scuba diving shops also offer diving to nearby destinations such as the Bat Islands as well as diving in the Gulf de Papagayo.
217 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Flamingo
Flamingo Beach RoadPlaya Flamingo (Flamingo Beach) is one of Costa Rica's most popular beaches with fine white sand. It has pristine clear blue waters, lagoons, vegetation and abundance of activities. The Playa Flamingo area offers a wide variety of secluded beaches and lagoons due to the mountain formations reaching into the sea. It features hotels, lodging, luxury homes, entertainment, water, land and leisure activities.
The area is possibly best known for its scuba diving. There are several dive shops in town which provide service to the Catalina Islands. These are a series of islands which protrude from the Pacific and are home to a huge amount of marine life including the majestic giant pacific manta. Many scuba diving shops also offer diving to nearby destinations such as the Bat Islands as well as diving in the Gulf de Papagayo.
Las Catalinas is a beach town developed in 2006 along the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the Guanacaste Province of northwest Costa Rica. It was envisioned as a compact, car-free, and fully walkable town, based on the principles of New Urbanism. The resort town has gained international acclaim for its small-town environment, authentic Costa Rican culture, and scenery. The town offers stays in a hotel, villas and apartments.
Its architecture was inspired by colonial towns in Latin America such as Antigua, Panama's Casco Viejo, Panama, and San Miguel de Allende, as well as by Mediterranean hill and coastal towns.
The natural environment and proximity to the sea make swimming, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, boogie boarding, and snorkeling popular sports in the area.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Las Catalinas
Camino Las CatalinasLas Catalinas is a beach town developed in 2006 along the shores of the Pacific Ocean in the Guanacaste Province of northwest Costa Rica. It was envisioned as a compact, car-free, and fully walkable town, based on the principles of New Urbanism. The resort town has gained international acclaim for its small-town environment, authentic Costa Rican culture, and scenery. The town offers stays in a hotel, villas and apartments.
Its architecture was inspired by colonial towns in Latin America such as Antigua, Panama's Casco Viejo, Panama, and San Miguel de Allende, as well as by Mediterranean hill and coastal towns.
The natural environment and proximity to the sea make swimming, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, boogie boarding, and snorkeling popular sports in the area.
On any given day here, you’ll see Tico families lounging on blankets, vendors selling snow cones, visitors exploring the beach, and boats picking up tourists for sunset cruises or fishing trips.
By night, the town comes alive with music, dancing and partying. The town has its vices, if you’re looking for them, but it’s also a very family-friendly town. And the people-watching is superb.
Coco remains one of the four or five most popular beach towns in Costa Rica, for both tourists and expats. Its only real competitors are Jacó, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio and maybe Puerto Viejo.
It’s got a gas station. (Even Tamarindo doesn’t have a gas station.) It’s got all the big banks. It has an Auto Mercado, which is the best grocery store chain in Costa Rica. It has medical clinics, pharmacies, hardware stores, clothing stores, car rentals, souvenir shops, surf shops, tour agencies, scuba shops, a post office, basically everything you need.
Coco is close to a lot of other great places. Drive just 10 or 15 minutes north and you’re in Playa Hermosa, a charming beachfront town that lacks Coco’s crowds yet boasts a beautiful beach and several great hotels, restaurants, bars and more.
Drive north of Hermosa, and there’s a string of first-class resorts, including the chic, sleek El Mangroove on Playa Panamá, not to mention the Four Seasons in Papagayo, which is considered the finest resort in Central America.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coco
On any given day here, you’ll see Tico families lounging on blankets, vendors selling snow cones, visitors exploring the beach, and boats picking up tourists for sunset cruises or fishing trips.
By night, the town comes alive with music, dancing and partying. The town has its vices, if you’re looking for them, but it’s also a very family-friendly town. And the people-watching is superb.
Coco remains one of the four or five most popular beach towns in Costa Rica, for both tourists and expats. Its only real competitors are Jacó, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio and maybe Puerto Viejo.
It’s got a gas station. (Even Tamarindo doesn’t have a gas station.) It’s got all the big banks. It has an Auto Mercado, which is the best grocery store chain in Costa Rica. It has medical clinics, pharmacies, hardware stores, clothing stores, car rentals, souvenir shops, surf shops, tour agencies, scuba shops, a post office, basically everything you need.
Coco is close to a lot of other great places. Drive just 10 or 15 minutes north and you’re in Playa Hermosa, a charming beachfront town that lacks Coco’s crowds yet boasts a beautiful beach and several great hotels, restaurants, bars and more.
Drive north of Hermosa, and there’s a string of first-class resorts, including the chic, sleek El Mangroove on Playa Panamá, not to mention the Four Seasons in Papagayo, which is considered the finest resort in Central America.
Playa Ocotal is a wonderfully peaceful place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun. Scenic hills and cliffs hem in the beach, and the Catalina Islands sit just offshore. The quaint village of Playa Ocotal is located a few minutes south of the popular beach town of Playas del Coco, where visitors can find numerous restaurants and nightlife options.
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ocotal Beach Club
Playa Ocotal is a wonderfully peaceful place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun. Scenic hills and cliffs hem in the beach, and the Catalina Islands sit just offshore. The quaint village of Playa Ocotal is located a few minutes south of the popular beach town of Playas del Coco, where visitors can find numerous restaurants and nightlife options.
Due to excellent facilities and its close proximity to scores of attractions, Liberia is an ideal stopover for many visitors. With the recent opening of the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, the once sleepy cowboy town of Liberia is undergoing comprehensive metamorphosis as it transitions from old colonial town to modern-day tourism hub.
Liberia's international airport, Costa Rica's second, receives flights from a number of major U.S. cities such as Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, and it serves famed destinations on Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast and Nicoya Peninsula. Tamarindo and many other popular Beaches lie within a short traveling distance, as do a number of interesting national parks: Rincon de La Vieja, Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, Barra Honda, and Palo Verde.
Yet despite its many international flight arrivals and rapid transformation, Liberia remains a small town at heart, with a population of only 40,000. It is one of Costa Rica's oldest towns, a fact that is clearly visible in the colonial appearance of many buildings. The buildings often feature red tile roofs that sit atop whitewashed walls, and they leave no wonder as to why Liberia is also known as the "White City." Broad avenues and sensible city planning make for easy navigation to the town's attractions. The historic church of Iglesia de la Agonia, the town's oldest, is a relic from the past colonial era. Its white exterior is beautifully adorned in typical Spanish fashion, sporting twin pillars and an arched entrance. Additionally, the Sabaneros Museum (Museo de Sabaneros) pays homage to Guanacaste's cowboy roots, while the surrounding blocks makeup Liberia's oldest neighborhood. The neighborhood is comprised of old colonial style houses that were constructed over a century and a half ago, and it holds no shortage of small architectural gems.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Liberia
Due to excellent facilities and its close proximity to scores of attractions, Liberia is an ideal stopover for many visitors. With the recent opening of the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, the once sleepy cowboy town of Liberia is undergoing comprehensive metamorphosis as it transitions from old colonial town to modern-day tourism hub.
Liberia's international airport, Costa Rica's second, receives flights from a number of major U.S. cities such as Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, and it serves famed destinations on Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast and Nicoya Peninsula. Tamarindo and many other popular Beaches lie within a short traveling distance, as do a number of interesting national parks: Rincon de La Vieja, Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, Barra Honda, and Palo Verde.
Yet despite its many international flight arrivals and rapid transformation, Liberia remains a small town at heart, with a population of only 40,000. It is one of Costa Rica's oldest towns, a fact that is clearly visible in the colonial appearance of many buildings. The buildings often feature red tile roofs that sit atop whitewashed walls, and they leave no wonder as to why Liberia is also known as the "White City." Broad avenues and sensible city planning make for easy navigation to the town's attractions. The historic church of Iglesia de la Agonia, the town's oldest, is a relic from the past colonial era. Its white exterior is beautifully adorned in typical Spanish fashion, sporting twin pillars and an arched entrance. Additionally, the Sabaneros Museum (Museo de Sabaneros) pays homage to Guanacaste's cowboy roots, while the surrounding blocks makeup Liberia's oldest neighborhood. The neighborhood is comprised of old colonial style houses that were constructed over a century and a half ago, and it holds no shortage of small architectural gems.
Food & Drinks
Tropical Fusion featuring tapas-style small plates, New World wines by the glass, & cocktails made with fresh tropical fruit juices. Consistently rated as the best restaurant and cocktail bar in Playa Hermosa!
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ginger Restaurant Bar
Tropical Fusion featuring tapas-style small plates, New World wines by the glass, & cocktails made with fresh tropical fruit juices. Consistently rated as the best restaurant and cocktail bar in Playa Hermosa!
Beachfront restaurant at the center of Playa Hermosa, Gte.! International and Tico-style menu. Live music, great sunsets & a killer vib
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aquasport Bar & Restaurant
Beachfront restaurant at the center of Playa Hermosa, Gte.! International and Tico-style menu. Live music, great sunsets & a killer vib
Nikkei
Ruta Nacional Secundaria 151Asian Fusion Kitchen & Lounge
Santorini is a fine dining restaurant situated in Coco Bay Estates, a stunning development in Playas del Coco. The restaurant is located inside The Coco Bay Estate private club but is still open to the general public.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Santorini Greek Restaurant
calle principal del CocoSantorini is a fine dining restaurant situated in Coco Bay Estates, a stunning development in Playas del Coco. The restaurant is located inside The Coco Bay Estate private club but is still open to the general public.
Set in the Pueblito Sur open-air mall/food court about 500m north of the main drag, this is the local expat choice for oven-fresh pizza in Playas del Coco. The setting brings to mind suburban USA, but you can't argue with the tuna or octopus carpaccio. It also serves a range of pastas, distinctive seafood dishes and grilled meats.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Dolce Vita
Set in the Pueblito Sur open-air mall/food court about 500m north of the main drag, this is the local expat choice for oven-fresh pizza in Playas del Coco. The setting brings to mind suburban USA, but you can't argue with the tuna or octopus carpaccio. It also serves a range of pastas, distinctive seafood dishes and grilled meats.
As if the breathtaking view high in the hills above Playas del Coco weren't enough, the innovative menu at one of the few oyster bars in Costa Rica takes it a step further. Aside from oysters prepared raw, charbroiled, steamed, or fried, there are also sandwiches and sushi. More creative dishes include avocado fries with chipotle dip, lobster grilled cheese, Korean beef tacos, and the ahi tuna sticky rice bowl. The Monkey Head Brewing Company, an on-site microbrewery (which you can tour) produces 17 beers on tap. The cocktails are divine, like the kiwitini or watermelon mojito. Come for happy hour from 3 to 5, and stay until the sun goes down. If you've got your heart set on oysters, come on Tuesday or Thursday when they’re delivered fresh; otherwise they run out quickly. Reservations are recommended during sunset hours.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Lookout Restaurant
As if the breathtaking view high in the hills above Playas del Coco weren't enough, the innovative menu at one of the few oyster bars in Costa Rica takes it a step further. Aside from oysters prepared raw, charbroiled, steamed, or fried, there are also sandwiches and sushi. More creative dishes include avocado fries with chipotle dip, lobster grilled cheese, Korean beef tacos, and the ahi tuna sticky rice bowl. The Monkey Head Brewing Company, an on-site microbrewery (which you can tour) produces 17 beers on tap. The cocktails are divine, like the kiwitini or watermelon mojito. Come for happy hour from 3 to 5, and stay until the sun goes down. If you've got your heart set on oysters, come on Tuesday or Thursday when they’re delivered fresh; otherwise they run out quickly. Reservations are recommended during sunset hours.
The style of cuisine that Restaurante Aboocato offers can be defined as “author”. On a daily basis Paola and Andrea, both highly experienced chefs, organize next day’s menu according to the main ingredients, based on freshness and quality to bring out the best flavors on all the dishes prepared.
You can enjoy every night, one of two choices from their menu. It can be mediterranean or asian. They both include an entree, a soup or a second entree, a main dish and a dessert.
For those who want to experience a less formal meal, they offer a “tapas” gourmet menu. It includes meat tapas, chicken tapas, vegetarian tapas, and more. They will satisfy any taste you desire.
For lunch, the menu represents a compromise to their clients with daily specials presented in a unique and original way with all authentic flavors.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Abbocato Restaurant
The style of cuisine that Restaurante Aboocato offers can be defined as “author”. On a daily basis Paola and Andrea, both highly experienced chefs, organize next day’s menu according to the main ingredients, based on freshness and quality to bring out the best flavors on all the dishes prepared.
You can enjoy every night, one of two choices from their menu. It can be mediterranean or asian. They both include an entree, a soup or a second entree, a main dish and a dessert.
For those who want to experience a less formal meal, they offer a “tapas” gourmet menu. It includes meat tapas, chicken tapas, vegetarian tapas, and more. They will satisfy any taste you desire.
For lunch, the menu represents a compromise to their clients with daily specials presented in a unique and original way with all authentic flavors.
Father Rooster is situated on one of the last remaining beachfront hacienda homes on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The original structure was built in 1917 and was home to the Guillen family who owned what is now the Neighborhood of Ocotal. In 2009, the home was re-built three meters further away from the ocean to comply with the new maritime laws of Costa Rica. A team of architects and builders worked to maintain the original look and feel of the building so that it may be conserved for future generations.
Father Rooster is laid-back and easygoing, just as you’d expect in Costa Rica. The restaurant is beachfront (because duh) and if you’re looking for fresh seafood like fish tacos and ceviche, or maybe a post-swim mojito, this spot is always a good idea.
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Father Rooster's
Father Rooster is situated on one of the last remaining beachfront hacienda homes on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The original structure was built in 1917 and was home to the Guillen family who owned what is now the Neighborhood of Ocotal. In 2009, the home was re-built three meters further away from the ocean to comply with the new maritime laws of Costa Rica. A team of architects and builders worked to maintain the original look and feel of the building so that it may be conserved for future generations.
Father Rooster is laid-back and easygoing, just as you’d expect in Costa Rica. The restaurant is beachfront (because duh) and if you’re looking for fresh seafood like fish tacos and ceviche, or maybe a post-swim mojito, this spot is always a good idea.
Located in the Las Palmas Plaza, this nicely decorated, and extremely well-equipped cocktail bar has a near unlimited selection. As long as you can imagine, the bartenders at Zarpe can likely make it. Their top-notch service includes offering cocktails of the highest quality, made from locally produced juices, and local-grown garnishes and fruits. Zarpe also makes all of the cocktail salts and dehydrated fruits in-house.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zarpe
Located in the Las Palmas Plaza, this nicely decorated, and extremely well-equipped cocktail bar has a near unlimited selection. As long as you can imagine, the bartenders at Zarpe can likely make it. Their top-notch service includes offering cocktails of the highest quality, made from locally produced juices, and local-grown garnishes and fruits. Zarpe also makes all of the cocktail salts and dehydrated fruits in-house.
Coconutz is your neighborhood Sports Bar and Micro-Brewery in an exotic tropical setting complete with gorgeous local hard wood, trees growing through the floor, license plates from all over the world, surfboards hanging from our roof top, and of course… our famous swing sets!
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coconutz Bar & Grill
Ruta Nacional Secundaria 151Coconutz is your neighborhood Sports Bar and Micro-Brewery in an exotic tropical setting complete with gorgeous local hard wood, trees growing through the floor, license plates from all over the world, surfboards hanging from our roof top, and of course… our famous swing sets!
This is a pretty snazzy nightspot for a beer-drinking fishing port, but it suffers from an identity crisis – with a food menu that spans the globe, plus hookahs, sports on the TVs, nightly DJs and occasional live music. Still, people seem to be having a good time. Plus, you have to love an eight-hour happy hour (11am to 7pm).
114 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zi Lounge
This is a pretty snazzy nightspot for a beer-drinking fishing port, but it suffers from an identity crisis – with a food menu that spans the globe, plus hookahs, sports on the TVs, nightly DJs and occasional live music. Still, people seem to be having a good time. Plus, you have to love an eight-hour happy hour (11am to 7pm).
Enjoy the exquisite dishes prepared on site, along with a glass of fine wine from the property’s own wine cellar. Café de Playa offers a chill-out lounge with music and a light show.
Café de Playa has a capacity of 150 people for private events, 64 seating for dining and 5 different
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Café de Playa beach front suites
Enjoy the exquisite dishes prepared on site, along with a glass of fine wine from the property’s own wine cellar. Café de Playa offers a chill-out lounge with music and a light show.
Café de Playa has a capacity of 150 people for private events, 64 seating for dining and 5 different
A chill beachfront bar with ocean-view seating where you can watch the sunset across the Papagayo Gulf. It’s also a great place to people-watch during the day as both locals and tourists stroll along the boardwalk. If there’s some beach volleyball action going in, this is a great place to watch it while sipping on cocktails.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bambu Beach Bar
A chill beachfront bar with ocean-view seating where you can watch the sunset across the Papagayo Gulf. It’s also a great place to people-watch during the day as both locals and tourists stroll along the boardwalk. If there’s some beach volleyball action going in, this is a great place to watch it while sipping on cocktails.
Attached to the Hotel La Puerta del Sol, The Garden Bar offers a unique aspect for Coco Beach nightlife in that they organize nightly events. The crowd is older and the prices more expensive, but the quality of service here easily surpasses the normal standards here in town.
Aside from a decent selection of local beers and cider on tap, along with bottled beers, their food menu is one of the best in town. Sushi Tuesdays and Burger Thursdays are also quite popular. The garden ambiance and nearby pool also add to its charm.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Garden Bar
Attached to the Hotel La Puerta del Sol, The Garden Bar offers a unique aspect for Coco Beach nightlife in that they organize nightly events. The crowd is older and the prices more expensive, but the quality of service here easily surpasses the normal standards here in town.
Aside from a decent selection of local beers and cider on tap, along with bottled beers, their food menu is one of the best in town. Sushi Tuesdays and Burger Thursdays are also quite popular. The garden ambiance and nearby pool also add to its charm.
Groceries
Auto Mercado
Megasuper
Súper Compro El Coco
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Airport Transfers
The condo is located only 30 minutes away from the Liberia International Airport (LIR). You can get to the resort by taxi or rental car. There are taxis outside the terminal and most major rental car agencies have offices in Liberia near the airport.
Qué debes empacar
What to Pack
Make sure that you pack the following items: swimsuit or swim shorts, shorts, light t-shirts, a hat or a baseball cap for the sun, flip flops, comfortable shoes for hiking or walking around, a long sleeve UVF protection t-shirt or rash guard for ocean activities like surfing, fishing, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking, a small backpack or beach tote to carry things to-and-from the beach, sunblock that is at least SPF-50, mosquito repellent, small first aid kit, prescription medicines, camera or cellphone for pictures, a small umbrella and a poncho (if visiting during August - November).
Viajar con niños
Traveling with Kids
Costa Rica is very kid friendly and you will be welcome almost everywhere with kids. The condo has a baby chair and a pack & play for the tods, and the layout is perfect to hang out in the living room or the terrace while the kids splash around in the pool. Make sure you bring lots of sunblock, diapers, mosquito repellant, and rash creme for little kids as it is more expensive to purchase here. Bring along swimming devices if they can’t swim and a small collapsible cooler to load up with drinks and snacks when going to the beach. Also it’s a good idea to bring a small first aid kit.
No te pierdas
Sunsets
The sunsets in Costa Rica are absolutely stunning. At the resort, the best view is from the hotel’s pool terrace. Plan to be there about 30mins before the sun sets to get a place to sit and order cocktails.
Costumbres y cultura
Tico Culture
Costa Ricans are typically very friendly. Think “Southern Hospitality on steroids”. They will say “pura vida” a lot which means “pure life” and it is used kind of like aloha in the sense that it can mean “hello”, “goodbye”, “thank you”, or used as an adjective for something that is “very pura vida”. Women greet by a kiss on the right cheek and men by shaking hands. If you make friends with Ticos expect lots of hugs and jokes.
Formas de ahorrar
Save Up
You can save some money by bringing essentials from home such as medicines, sunblock, mosquito repellant, shampoo, snacks, diapers, lotions, etc. that are more expensive to buy in Costa Rica. When shopping for souvenirs you can save some money by paying with cash and not requesting a “factura” (receipt) and that way you avoid paying the 13% VAT. Exchange dollars at a local bank instead of the airport, as you can get a much better exchange rate and always ask for a discount when booking tours. Typical Costarican restaurants are called “Sodas” and you can buy a typical “Casado” for cheap.