Costa Rica Northern Pacific, Guanacaste
Guanacaste & the Nicoya Peninsula have miles of beautiful beaches. Selecting which beach is for you is probably based on which hotel you like as each has its own personality.
When traveling through Guanacaste, most assuredly one aspect that will stay with you is the sun. It's almost as if the sun is closer to you here. It bathes everything with a golden hue and gilds the surrounding landscape. Great expanses of golden grasses sway elegantly in the wind while stunted, gnarled guanacaste trees dot the low hills. The landscape is both dramatic and memorable for any visitor traversing this the largest region of Costa Rica..
The Guanacaste region is bordered by two mountain ranges. The Cordillera de Tilarán and the Cordillera de Guanacaste provide splendid craggy backdrops to some of the country's most beautiful countryside. The perfect time to visit Guanacaste is, luckily enough, year around. No matter if you visit during the dry season or during the wet season, both provide spectacular advantages. The dry season affords the serious sun lover with plenty of tanning lime, while the wet season brings the trees into bloom with explosions of colors and fragrances. The rolling hills become carpeted in brilliant green.
Known for its cattle ranches, travelers will see many homes surrounded by green pastures and grazing cows. Many of these are have been handed down 
through the generations of Guanacaste natives.
This area is also rich in sights to see. There are a number of places to visit that will lend themselves perfectly to visitors. If you enjoy snorkeling and some time in the sun, head for Bahia Culebra. This small bay is found just north of the town of El Coco . There are a number of beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored. Local tour operators otter snorkeling trips, sunset sails and fishing trips for the avid angler.
Those interested in seeing once in a lifetime events head for Playa Ostional. This beach is the landing spot for the olive ridley turtle, or "bra", as it is called by the locals.
If you're visiting the area any time from July through December you'll find yourself entranced by the hundreds of turtles that make their ponderous way up on to the beach. The best way to see this spectacular natural event is with a guide. There are several in the area and most of the hotels will be able to steer you in the right direction as to where to find them.
PROTECTED AREAS
SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK
This park has two sectors: Murciélago and Santa Rosa itself. Located in the northern part of the Santa Elena peninsula, Murciélago features several beaches, including El Hachal, Danta, Coquito, Santa Elena and Blanca. There are also viewpoints and trails.
GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARK
At just over 32,000 hectares, this park contains Orosí and Cacao volcanoes, which are its main attractions. Birds and other animals can be seen on the trails, as well as a spectacular view of Lake Nicaragua.
RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK
Comprising the massif that contains Rincón de la Vieja volcano, this national park has an area of 14,083 hectares and is divided into two sectors: Las Pailas and Santa María. The park contains nine volcanic cones and one lake, La Jilgueros.
LAS BAULAS NATIONAL MARINE PARK
Nesting giant leatherback turtles are the park’s main tourist attraction. Largest of the world’s sea turtles, the endangered leatherback is protected in Costa Rica.
Tours are available for observing nesting leatherbacks.
| Costa Rica from Coast to Coast (18 Days / 17 Nights) |  | Explore Costa Rica at your own pace in your 4×4 rent a car. Explore areas people nromally do not see!! Navigate along the famous canals of Tortuguero, enjoy nature at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. The unspoiled Monteverde Cloud Forest is an unforgettable time for birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Quetzal bird. A visit to the spectacular Arenal Volcano provides guaranteed excitement for the whole family, as you may see the volcano erupt. You will also enjoy a relaxing stay at the pristine beaches of Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio.
San José- Tortuguero- Sarapiquí- Arenal- Rincón de la Vieja- Tamarindo- Monteverde- Manuel Antonio- San José | Price from: $ 1,995.00  |
|---|
| Diving Playa Ocotal (5 Days / 4 Nights) |  | Ocotal Scuba Diving Resort and Hotel is a deluxe 4-star beach front resort, considered one of the best scuba dive destinations, with an extra touch in style, comfort & service. Ocotal Scuba Diving Resort and Hotel is considered one of the best world scuba dive destinations, with an extra touch in style, comfort & service. Ocotal offers a privileged location with panoramic views of Papagayo Gulf, you can enjoy an extensive variety of services, including: the best scuba diving safaris in Costa Rica, PADI scuba diving certifications, PADI scuba diving courses, sportfishing, adventure tours, health Spa, snorkeling, kayaks, romantic honeymoon packages, unique weddings, superb cuisine, Ocotal Scuba fishing packages, mountain bikes... The best choice for your dreamed scuba diving vacation. | Price from: $ 575.00 |
|---|
| 3 in 1 Package Culture, nature and beach (7 Days / 6 Nights) |  | In the aptly named "Garden of the Americas" you can choose this vacation on a tropical beach where you relax in an all inclusive setting. You will encounter with nature among volcanoes and rainforests, and may enjoy a cultural experience of museums, craft markets, and cafes. San José, Arenal Volcano, Langosta Beach, San José | Price from: $ 995.00 |
|---|
| Liberia, the white city (6 Days / 5 Nights) |  | Exclusive beach front property, adjacent to a world class golf course, featuring the largest pool in Central America and one of the best Spas as rated by the Spa Magazine. At JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa you will discover traditional Costa Rican warmth with world class luxury. Liberia- JW Marriot Hotel | Price from: $ 875.00 |
|---|
| Liberia! gateway to Guanacaste (7 Days / 6 Nights) |  | The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Aiport of Liberia, Costa Rica, offers excellent international connections to the US and Canada, as well as some Europe and South American countries. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a still relatively undiscovered gem of the Costa Rican interior. Exclusive beach front property, adjacent to a world class golf course, featuring the largest pool in Central America and one of the best Spas as rated by the Spa Magazine. At JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa you will discover traditional Costa Rican warmth with world class luxury. Hilton Garden Inn, Borinquen and JW Marriott | Price from: $ 995.00 |
|---|
| Costa Rica Tropical Relax (11 Days / 10 Nights) |  | Want to see what Costa Rica has to offer but do not want to break the bank while doing it? Check out this affordable holiday. Enjoy navigating in the Tortuguero Canals, catch a glimp of the red lava of Arenal volcano, experience nature in the Monteverde cloudforest and relax at a beautiful tropical beach in Tamarindo! Visit and stay at some Costa Rica’s more personal and friendly hotels. San José - Tortuguero - Arenal - Monteverde - Tamarindo - San José | Price from: $ 705.00 |
|---|
| Costa Rica Nature & Beach Experience (11 Days / 10 Nights) |  | Our most requested package. Relax at the laid-back Caribbean village of Puerto Viejo, visit the active Arenal volcano known for its spectacular scenery, enjoy amazing wildlife in the cloudforest of Monteverde, and enjoy the palmfringed beach at Hotel Tango Mar.
San José- Puerto Viejo- Arenal- Monteverde- Nicoya- San José | Price from: $ 790.00 |
|---|
Vacation Packages Costa Rica Map | Vacation Packages Costa Rica General Information
Vacation Packages Costa Rica Important Facts | Vacation Packages Costa Rica Central Valley
Vacation Packages Costa Rica Guanacaste | Vacation Packages Costa Rica North Region
Vacation Packages Costa Rica Central Pacific | Vacation Packages Costa Rica Southern Pacific
Vacation Packages Costa Rica Caribbean Coast