Costa Rica’s northern province of Guanacaste is the country’s premier travel destination. Guanacaste is renowned for its birding and animal observation opportunities. The Guanacaste region is an area steeped in culture. The name is derived from the native word quahnacaztlan- the word for the Guanacaste tree- the national tree of Costa Rica. Also known as the Gold Coast there are many miles of beaches here to explore – great surfing spots, secluded romantic getaway beaches and perfect beaches for sunbathing and swimming. With low lying coastal forests and a lush jungle that grows right down to the beach, you will love the rugged beauty and incredible wildlife that you can enjoy on your Guanacaste beach vacation.

Luxury Costa Rica resorts, including the JW Marriott, all inclusive The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa and the condos at Reserva Conchal, make this a popular destination for five star hotel lovers.  Large resorts like Tamarindo Diria and small boutique getaways such as Hotel Capitan Suizo are a couple other examples of the numerous lodging alternatives available in Tamarindo Beach.  If your vacation of a lifetime requires championship golf, world-class fishing, romantic beaches, surfing on challenging waves, or sun and relaxation, the Tamarindo area is the perfect destination.

The new Liberia International Airport Daniel Oduber in Liberia has made getting to Guanacaste much easier. But there are many other ways to make the trip! There are buses that make the trip on the Pan-American Highway (Hwy. 1) and it is an easy and scenic drive by bus or if you decide to rent a car. There is also a domestic airport in Tamarindo that has several flights a day from all over Costa Rica.

Things to Do:

Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas

Playa Grande is considered to be one of most important nesting sites in the entire world for the baula or leatherback turtle. In 1991, the entirety of the beach and adjacent lands (379 ha) along with 22,000 ha of ocean was designated as Marino Las Baulas National Park.
The ecology of the park is primarily composed of mangrove swamp, and it's possible to find all of the six mangrove species native to Costa Rica here. This habitat is ideal for caimans and crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species, including the beautiful roseate spoonbill. Other creatures to look for when visiting are howler monkeys, raccoons, coatis, otters and a variety of crabs. But, as is to be expected, the main attraction is the nesting of the world's largest turtles, which can weigh in excess of 400kg. Nesting season is from October to March, and it's fairly common for three or four leatherbacks to lay their eggs here on any given night.
The park office is located by the northern entrance to Playa Grande. Reservations for turtle watching can be made up to seven days in advance, and are recommended as places are limited.

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica. The name comes from the billions of conchas (shells) that wash up on the beach, which are gradually crushed by tourists' flip-flops into a fine powder. The ocean water is also an intense, turquoise blue, which is indeed a rarity on the Pacific coast.
The beach is bounded on the north by an expansive resort that can make beach access frustratingly difficult. However, it's easy enough to stay in nearby Brasilito and then simply walk south along the road for 2km (1.2mi).

Playa Grande

Playa Grande is an undeveloped wilderness beach that's equally famous amongst conservationists and surfers alike. By day, the offshore winds create steep and powerful waves, especially at high tide and in front of the Hotel Las Tortugas. By night, an ancient cycle continues to unfurl as leatherback sea turtles bearing clutches of eggs follow the ocean currents back to their birthplace.
Since 1991, Playa Grande has been part of the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, which prevents beachfront development and ensures that one of the most important leatherback nesting areas in the world is preserved for future generations.
Although there are a few accommodation options near the beach, they are set back from the shoreline and carefully managed to ensure that ambient light is kept to a minimum.

Please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at US:(850)266-7789 to talk to one of our Costa Rica vacation specialists or to plan a customized Costa Rica travel package that includes a visit to the Guanacaste beaches.

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