Things to do in Guanacaste

Escape into the nature of the La Fortuna on a guided hike. Walk by the river and follow a trail to a panoramic viewpoint. Have a delicious lunch at a Maluku Indian village and trek through forest, lava fields, and farmlands before relaxing at a natural hot spring resort with a drink. Be collected at your accommodation and be driven to the beginning of the forest walk. Trek on the easy track along the crystal clear La Fortuna river. En route, hop on a tractor cart uphill to a panoramic viewpoint. Spot the next location from a distance then begin the return walk down a jungle staircase. Halfway down is a high suspension bridge to cross. The trail leads further down the huge canyon, which was shaped by a volcanic mega-eruption. Encounter the spectacular La Fortuna waterfall. Be amazed by the lush vegetation on its 70-meter high walls, the huge volcanic rocks at its foot, and the water splashing down in its massive pool. Bask in its beauty or even take a refreshing dip. Return to the viewpoint then walk down to the little village of the Maluku Indians. Seated in their Palenke (main house), enjoy a rest while listening to an interesting story about their culture, art, and history.  After being active for a few hours, the time has come to relax and enjoy a typical hot lunch. Next to the restaurant is a butterfly garden and frog pond that you can explore until your food is served.  Reenergized, take a 15-minute ride to the park at the foot of the Arenal volcano. Being the trek through the primary forest where you can see huge trees with giant roots. Besides a variety of birds, the forest is host to monkeys, sloths, and coati. Leave the forest and each the highest viewpoint that exists around the volcano and absorb the most spectacular panoramic views of Lake Arenal, the jungle, the valley, the lava fields, and most of all the Arenal that towers over you.  Conclude your tour at the natural hot spring resort. Relax in its soothing warm water for about an hour and enjoy a volcanic mud facial and a complimentary cocktail. Afterward, you will be taken back to your accommodation.

Sail along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast on a sunset cruise, passing Guanacaste’s exotic bays, white sand beaches, and tropical jungles. Gaze off the bow with a cold tropical drink in your hand as you scan the seas for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, or even a breaching whale. Stop in a tranquil bay, drop anchor, and enjoy a swim. Snorkel, or take a walk down a deserted white sand beach. While you’re enjoying the sun, sand, and sea, the crew will prepare a lunch of chicken or pasta salad, fruit, chips, pico de gallo, guacamole, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. As the sun sets, you’ll see the ever-changing colors of the sky, while enjoying your favorite drink from the boat’s open bar. Capture the moment to show your family and friends the wonders of a Costa Rican sunset.

Discover picturesque secluded beaches on a 5-hour catamaran cruise. Benefit from relaxing lounge areas, an open bar, lunch buffet, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards. Board the 40-foot Dream Chaser catamaran and cruise along the north coast and, depending on weather conditions of the day, anchor in the secluded beaches of Playa Minas, Playa Huevo, or Piratas Bay.  Jump into the refreshing waters and tryout water activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, and playing with the floaties (noodles). Feast on a delicious home-style buffet and enjoy an open bar where you can get unlimited refreshments, liquor, and mixed drinks.  Lounge on the spacious upper deck while listening to a modern sound system. Cool off in the shaded main cabin, relax in comfortable leather seats, and make use of the free Wi-Fi.  As you head back to Playa Tamarindo, be treated to unforgettable views of the Costa Rican sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Your tour begins from Playa Flamingo where you will be shuttled from the shore to one of two boats. The captain will welcome you aboard and brief you on safety features before you set sail for a relaxing afternoon, sailing along the Pacific coast of Guanacaste. You will begin to feel that you are part of a big family as the staff will be at your constant attention offering you drinks, snacks, music, and descriptions of the flora and fauna around you. Halfway into the tour, the boat will stop and you will be offered to partake in some diverse water activities, such as snorkeling, swimming, SUPs, and kayaking or just hanging out at an amazing beach. After your water activities, you will be offered a delightful meal including desserts. Then the music will soothe you as the captain pulls up anchor and begins your slow sail back to shore while allowing the gentle movement of the boat to soothe your soul. The final moments pulling into shore will be livened up with some music to wish you well on your way. The crew onboard is strongly focused on providing you with an unforgettable memory, as soon as you get on the catamaran you'll feel the Pura Vida experience. Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy.

Enjoy an afternoon with the original sailing company, since 2004. Enjoy an adventure off Costa Rica’s Tamarindo coast on the Pacific Ocean, departing at 12:45 from the south end of Playa Tamarindo. Once you have checked-in, you will be shuttled by launch boat to the 40-foot catamaran saiilboat for the start of your adventure. As the sails are raised, relax in the afternoon sun or find a shaded spot in the covered lounge area as the crew serves drinks. You’ll head north along the coast, enjoying the fresh sea breeze, a cold beverage, and some fresh fruit. About an hour into the trip, anchor in a cove where you can swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters, kayak, swim to the beach, or just relax on the boat. Return to the boat for a very tastey freshly prepared light afternoon meal around 3:30 PM while making new friends. Finally it's happy hour! Pull anchor and raise the sails while the crew eagerly provides our Blue Dolphin Especial cocktail, a cold imperial beer, or other beverage to your liking. Dance to a mix of Latin and rock music as you glide across the ocean en route back to Tamarindo as the sun falls below the horizon and enjoy an amazing Tamarindo sunset!

Horseback riding through Nosara! Fall in love with Nosara and a beautiful virgin beach on this enchanting horseback riding tour. We will hike from the Cerros Guiones, through jungle trails and across the river to the Gulf of Nosara. As the sun sets, you'll stroll along picturesque Playa Pelada, where the waves crash and the orange and pink sunset kisses the sky. This horseback riding tour is suitable for people of all ages. Children are also welcome. Horseback riding through Nosara! Fall in love with Nosara and a beautiful virgin beach on this enchanting horseback riding tour. We will hike from the Cerros Guiones, through jungle trails and across the river to the Gulf of Nosara. As the sun sets, you'll stroll along picturesque Playa Pelada, where the waves crash and the orange and pink sunset kisses the sky. This horseback riding tour is suitable for people of all ages. Children are also welcome.

On this nature adventure, you will see all the stunning beauty of the Arenal area. Right at the foot of the Arenal volcano, make your way into a beautiful park. Enjoy the most impressive primary rainforest where you can admire the huge trees and complex ecosystem that surrounds them. Leaving the forest, get to the lava fields. Here, follow a trail through the enormous black lava rocks that were deposited there by the massive 1968 eruption. The reward is definitely worth the effort. With the impressive Arenal looming over you, you really get an idea of the immensity of this now silent giant and the violent force with which it erupted. All along the way, your bilingual guide will tell you about the history, the ecosystem, and the wildlife you may encounter. After a coffee break, go on the way to get some well-deserved relaxation. End the tour at a small hot spring resort, here you can soak in the soothing hot water while enjoying a complimentary cocktail.

You will be picked up from your hotel at 6:00 PM and driven to Playa Minas or a nearby beach that is home to nesting turtles. Playa Minas constitutes one of Costa Rica's most important nesting sites. Between October and March, large numbers of turtles migrate to this region. It remains one of the last untouched beaches in the world, giving it a remote paradise feel. There will be a 700-meter hike in the dark with infrared flashlights provided by your tour guide. Once arriving at the beach, the guide will educate the group on how to respectfully navigate the area. You will see the black turtles, and if you are lucky, the rare leatherback turtles. The leatherback sea turtle is the largest sea turtle in the world, weighing over 1,200 pounds and averaging almost 8 feet in length.

Add a little adventure to your transportation needs between Monteverde and La Fortuna and avail of a transfer that includes an informative boat tour across Lake Arenal. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure in either direction to suit your schedule, and relax in the knowledge that your luggage will be taken care of on every step of the journey. Depart La Fortuna and travel to Lake Arenal by van. Then, take a 30-minute boat ride to the town of Río Chiquito before continuing to Monteverde by van. For departures from Monteverde, travel to Lake Arenal by van. Cross Lake Arenal on an enlightening 30-minute boat ride to the earthen dam, and then continue to La Fortuna by van for drop off at your hotel.

Book a private yacht charter and enjoy the day out with only your group on a real sailboat. The Cover-girl, Serendipity, is a classy 50 foot Beneteau Oceanis (she was featured on the cover of Sail Magazine) and is operated by the most experienced, professional and safest crew in the bay - with captains that have sailed the world. Start the day off by sailing up (or down) the beautiful coastline. There is no set "tour" - each day is different based on the winds, tides and what the ocean is offering that day. If you want to sail more, fish more or swim more, just let the captain know. The captain will find an anchorage where you will have the opportunity to swim or snorkel with an experienced guide. All the equipment for fishing and snorkeling will be provided. Being uniquely positioned close to the pristine Santa Rosa National Park, this area of the coastline has been beautifully protected, and it is the crew's intention to appreciate and explore while having a minimal impact on the natural flora and fauna in the area.