Places in Guanacaste
Costa Rica's northwestern province runs from dry forest to Pacific coastline. The light here is different — harder, more cinematic. The wildlife is spectacular. The beaches are world-class and wildly varied.
🌊 Waterfalls
Cataratas Llanos de Cortez
The most accessible major waterfall in Costa Rica — and the most generous
Bagaces
🦜 Wildlife
Playa Grande
Leatherback turtles nest here in darkness — the beach is theirs first
Playa Grande
🏊 Swimming
Playa Conchal
A beach made entirely of crushed shells — no sand, only conchitas
Brasilito
🥾 Hiking
Sendero Las Pailas, Rincón de la Vieja
Active mud pots, fumaroles, and howler monkeys in a single morning hike
Rincón de la Vieja NP
💎 Hidden Gems
Las Hornillas Volcanic Activity Centre
Bubbling mud calderas and fumaroles on the Miravalles flank — the geology is entirely real
Miravalles Volcano
🥾 Hiking
Cerro Caballito
Challenge yourself on this rewarding summit hike for spectacular 360° views across the Nicoya Peninsula and Pacific coastline.
Nicoya
🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata La Cangreja
A spectacular waterfall that plunges into a brilliant turquoise pool. Surrounded by lush jungle and volcanic landscapes.
Liberia
💎 Hidden Gems
Río Perdido
One of Costa Rica’s most unique luxury nature retreats
Bagaces
🥾 Hiking
Barra Honda National Park
Dry forest mesa with 42 caves beneath it — stalactites and fossil seashells 300 metres underground
Nicoya
🦜 Wildlife
Playa Corozalito
One of the most authentic sea turtle experiences, offering a more intimate setting to witness nesting turtles, and a strong sense of discovery.
Nandayure
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa San Miguel
Kilometers of undeveloped coastline, powerful Pacific scenery, abundant wildlife, and very few crowds
Nandayure
🏊 Swimming
Playa Guiones
An iconic beach known for world-class surfing, wildlife conservation, wellness culture, and natural beauty.
Nicoya
🏊 Swimming
Playa Avellanas
Known for its long stretches of sand, exceptional surfing, long undeveloped beaches, beautiful sunsets, wildlife, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Santa Cruz
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Bejuco
A quiet beach featuring open coastline, nearby turtle-nesting sites, and authentic rural character
Nandayure
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Islita
A secluded beach known for its peaceful atmosphere, golden sand, dramatic volcanic rock formations, and strong connection to art, and conservation
Nandayure
🏊 Swimming
Playa Carrillo
Widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, famous for its palm-lined shoreline, clear turquoise water, and family-friendly swimming cond
Hojancha
🦜 Wildlife
Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
Protects far more than beautiful beaches—it safeguards one of the last major nesting strongholds for the Eastern Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle.
Santa Cruz
🏊 Swimming
Playa Jobo
Calm, crystal-clear water, beautiful scenery, and relatively low visitor numbers
La Cruz
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Negra
One of Costa Rica's most famous surf beaches
Los Pargos
💎 Hidden Gems
Playa Tamales
Experience protected coastline, tropical dry forest, and a sense of isolation
La Cruz
💎 Hidden Gems
Guaitil
Chorotega ceramic village — hand-coil pottery without wheels since 800 AD, open-air kilns
Santa Cruz
🏊 Swimming
Playa Rajada
A hidden paradise where white sand, turquoise waters, and tropical forest create one of Guanacaste’s most beautiful beach escapes.
La Cruz
🏊 Swimming
Playa Nosara
A long, wild stretch of coastline featuring abundant wildlife, peaceful atmosphere, nature, and some of Guanacaste's most beautiful coastal scenery.
Nicoya
🌅 Sunset Spots
Playa Coyote
A beautiful beach with miles of coastline, wildlife, sunsets, and the rhythm of the Pacific Ocean.
Nandayure