Scuba Diving the Catalina Islands When divers from around the world talk about diving in Costa Rica, one of the tops spots on the list is unquestionably the Catalina Islands. Things to do in Puerto Viejo. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The village is home to a couple restaurants and a few hotels. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The town center has a few restaurants and shops, but is relatively small in comparison with towns like Coco or Tamarindo. Several kilometers of hiking trails wind through the forests; boat tours (just outside the park) are an excellent … A trained eye and familiarity with the park enable your guide t to serve up the best cup of joe in Monteverde. Northwest Costa Rica Attractions. There is a wide variety of restaurants, shops, bars, yoga instructors, surf schools and small hotels along the beach drive. With lush jungles, adventure activities, surf and sun, Costa Rica is a perfect vacation spot for all types of travelers. The town also has plenty to offer in terms of shops and restaurants. It is home to a rare environment known as a cloud forest which only evolves where tropical mountains combine with specific … The region stretches from northwest Guanacaste to the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula and includes popular destinations such as Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the Gulf of Papagayo, Tamarindo, Samara, Santa Teresa and Montezuma. The food is also excellent, with healthy salads and heaping... With its Nuevo Latino cuisine – a modern fusion of traditional Latin American cooking styles – Sofia has established itself as one of the best places in town. Travelers favorites include #1 Nicoya Peninsula, #2 Arenal Volcano and more. See all. 26 reviews. It takes a little effort to access, but a visit to this fun town is well worth the trip. Location: Guanacaste Why Playa Hermosa? 505 reviews. With so much nature and so many volcanoes, it’s only obvious that one of the unmissable things to do in Costa Rica is hiking. It's best to scale this at sunrise or sunset, and to avoid it during times of high wind (November to January). A view of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, an active volcano popular for many things to do in Costa Rica like hiking, hot springs and mud baths. Playas Samara and Montezuma are more low key and provide a truly Costa Rican feel. One thing is for certain– you will never be bored in this country. National Park in InterAmericana Norte Parque Nacional Palo Verde At the head of the Golfo de Nicoya, the 198 sq km Parque Nacional Palo Verde is a wetland sanctuary in Costa Rica’s driest province. From the entrance, which is now guarded, you'll scramble down a steep trail to reach the spectacular... Santa Rosa is the southern sector of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste. The Northern Zone has one of the best windsurfing spots in the world, on Lake Arenal ★, as well as excellent opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, canyoning, and river rafting. Zipline canopy tours and suspended forest bridges abound. If you're pressed for time and in search of a quick, easy waterfall visit, Llanos de Cortés will do nicely. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. It is not uncommon for towns to run out of potable water entirely as the dry season comes to a close. The region stretches from northwest Guanacaste to the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula and includes popular destinations such as Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the Gulf of Papagayo, Tamarindo, Samara, Santa Teresa and Montezuma. The quiet village is spread out due to a small mangrove system, but there are plenty of restaurants and shops and close by. 13 Things to do in Jaco. Four to seven months without a drop of rain is depleting. Location: Southern Guanacaste on the Nicoya Peninsula Why Samara? Read about other things to do in Costa Rica below! The beach attracts more local Ticos than international tourists, but is a fun place to visit for nightlife and shopping from other close by beach areas such as Hermosa and Papagayo. Boutique Hotel Lagarta Lodge. Best Things to Do in Costa Rica: Our custom travel planning services allow you to distance comfortably on the beaches of Costa Rica and deep in the heart of its rainforest. Location: Southern Nicoya PeninsulaWhy Tambor? We have reviews of the best places to see in Liberia. Discover the best top things to do in Northwestern Costa Rica including Parque Nacional Palo Verde, Reserva Santa Elena, Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde. The hills, especially in Guanacaste, are often ablaze, the animals deathly parched and the roads hazed with dust. Nosara, Costa Rica . The Gulf of Papagayo is home to more all-inclusive resorts than any other location in Costa Rica. Learn to Surf, Experienced Surfing, YogaDestination type: Off the beaten path, but high percentage of tourists to localsCombines well with: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, Jaco, Guanacaste beachesClosest Airport: Liberia - LIR. Check out what other travelers are saying about us! This white sand beach is known for great swimming conditions and small waves which are just big enough to boogie board on. To help you out, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of the best things to do in Costa Rica, including a mixture of pocket-friendly activities and splurge options. Named after the steamy main attraction – the active Volcán Rincón de la Vieja (1895m) – the park includes... © 2020 Lonely Planet. Rincon de la Vieja is a national park, volcano and the area surrounding it. Swimming, Sport FishingDestination type: Somewhat off the beaten path for international tourists, but popular with locals.Combines well with: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, other Guanacaste beachesClosest Airport: Liberia – LIR. 10 Things to do in San Jose. Located on Costa Rica's northern Caribbean coast, this park serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles, including green turtles. Children’s Museum – The Museo de Los Ninos is popular for families complete with dinosaurs, science displays, ancient Egypt and Costa Rican history. Things to do in Costa Rica Enjoy nature. Not to be overlooked, Playa Carrillo is only 5 minutes south and considered to be the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast. Things to do in Dominical & Uvita. Rincon de la Vieja is an active volcano with natural hot springs in various places, but most visit for the adventure. This little cafe roasts beans from its coffee farm ( Don Juan) and uses fancy machinery (La Marzocco!) Unsure of what to do? For a luxury stay, check out Westin Conchal, Dreams Las Mareas, JW Marriott Guanacaste, Planet Hollywood, Four Seasons, Secrets, Occidental Papagayo, Riu Guanacaste and W Costa Rica. Visit the capital city, and then dive into the biodiversity and ecotourism so that you won’t miss a thing. San Juanillo, Costa Rica. What makes it good are the interactive displays. Outside Liberia, you'll find pristine beaches and lush national parks. Another well-kept secret, Montezuma is one of the most interesting beaches in Costa Rica. The weather in Flamingo is perfect most of the year with only a couple months of rains. The goods include jewelry, ceramic work, Boruca textiles and traditional handicrafts. Located in northern Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. There’s something to suit all tastes and you’ll almost definitely be pleased that you didn’t choose to swerve this incredible nation on your explorations of the Americas. Guanacaste is also home to the most amount of all-inclusive and boutique resorts in Costa Rica. Hitting the Gold Coast Up a ways from Jaco on the Pacific coast side, your list of things to do should include the beaches and biodiversity of Guanacaste. In a new home next to Pensión Santa Elena, this cute gallery and gift shop is packed to the gills with locally made jewelry, clothing, soaps, sculpture and macramé, among other things. Swimming, Snorkeling, Sport FishingDestination type: Somewhat off the beaten path for tourists, but popular among expats.Combines well with: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, other Guanacaste beachesClosest Airport: Liberia – LIR. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Popular activities here include hiking to the volcanoes crater, hot springs, canopy zipline, rafting, tubing, horseback riding and more. Not only are there incredible tourist attractions, but there are also plenty of free things to do in Costa Rica. from $61/night. from $70/night. Read more about the Costa Rica Northwest Pacific by clicking on the links above or below. Learn to Surf, Experienced SurfingDestination type: Off the beaten path, but high percentage of tourists to localsCombines well with: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, other Guanacaste beachesClosest Airport: Liberia – LIR. This wild-animal shelter was started in the 1960s by the late Lilly Hagnauer, a Swiss environmentalist. At the head of the Golfo de Nicoya, the 198 sq km Parque Nacional Palo Verde is a wetland sanctuary in Costa Rica’s driest province. It requires a little effort, time and money to reach, but can be worth it if you are looking for a quiet beach area. You don’t even have to venture into the reserve to see why: Just check out the dozens of hummingbirds flitting around the gift shop, or the adorable coatis hoping for handouts (which you should NEVER give them) near the picnic area. The park’s shallow, permanent lagoons are focal points for wildlife, including the greatest concentrations of waterfowl and shorebirds in Central America. But this restaurant – built around a hundred-year-old higuerón (fig) tree – definitely raises a smile. Albergue Arribadas. Here is another article you will love called 17 Things You May Not Know About Costa Rica. Swimming, Adventure, Learn to Surf, Experienced Surfing, Sport FishingDestination type: Popular destination for tourists.Combines well with: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, other Guanacaste beachesClosest Airport: Liberia - LIR. Things to do in La Fortuna/Arenal. The central Pacific coast is also home to beaches and national parks. Swimming, Snorkeling, Sport FishingDestination type: Popular destination for tourists.Combines well with: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, other Guanacaste beachesClosest Airport: Liberia - LIR. French chef Sebastien and his Tica wife... Liberia is not a city where you'd expect to find any Indian restaurant, let alone the best one in the country. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. The gorgeous beaches of Nosara are mostly known for large surfing waves. For years, Samara has been one of the best kept secrets in Costa Rica, but the word is getting out. Things to Do in Costa Rica, Central America: See Tripadvisor's 1,533,903 traveller reviews and photos of Costa Rica tourist attractions. Beach areas such as Tamarindo and Santa Teresa attract surfers, yoga enthusiasts and night life. The park’s shallow, permanent lagoons are focal points for wildlife, including... Top ChoiceWildlife Reserve in Monteverde & Around. Things to do in Costa Rica . The village is home to plenty of restaurants, shops and fun night life. Swimming, Adventure, Wildlife, Learn to SurfDestination type: Off the beaten path, but quickly gaining popularityCombines well with: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, other Guanacaste beachesClosest Airport: Liberia - LIR. Hotel Luna Azul. © 2020 Thank you for visiting Pacific Trade Winds, Enter Costa Rica. 22 reviews. 4 reviews. Of course, the list goes on, but these 5 locations will really give you a feel for what Costa Rica has to offer. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica on Tripadvisor: See 19,191 traveler reviews and photos of Liberia tourist attractions. The Gulf of Papagayo has the highest concentration of all-inclusive resorts and provides excellent swimming beaches. We believe in sustainable tourism, are ICT certified and in perfect standing with the following organizations. This fun little beach town has a variety of small shops and plenty of restaurants to pass time between beaching and adventures. Given its proximity to Liberia, this park (about 160 sq km) feels surprisingly uncrowded and remote. You’ll find several rooms stuffed with colorful Costa Rican artistry here. We have reviews of the best places to see in Costa Rica. It calls itself a coffee shop, but there’s a full menu of... Arts & Crafts in Monteverde & Santa Elena. Among the top things to do in Guanacaste Costa Rica is to go for a Safari Float on the Corobici River. Coco Beach is located only 20 minutes from Liberia Airport in northwest Guanacaste. The village is a melting pot of expatriates from various countries and local Ticos. If you have a tight budget, check out the top 7 things to do in Costa Rica. The majority of the Northwest Pacific region is considered to be tropical dry forest and therefore it is the driest region in Costa Rica. Location: Southern Nicoya PeninsulaWhy Montezuma? Nosara is a surfside village located in southern Guanacaste. Read More. Swimming, YogaDestination type: Off the beaten path Combines well with: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, Jaco, Guanacaste beachesClosest Airport: Liberia - LIR. Hi! I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. Though there is a rainy season, it is much shorter, making it a popular destination for beach goers. The top things to do in Guanacaste and Northwest are: Rincon de la Vieja National Park; Tamarindo Beach; Palo Verde National Park; Rio Negro Hot Springs; Llano de Cortés Waterfall; Discover the top things to do in Guanacaste and Northwest Grab a seat on the front porch and take a bite of heaven. 38 Things To Do In Costa Rica That Can’t Be Missed Go hiking in Corcovado National Park. This beautifully restored colonial-era building has heavy wooden furniture and frescoed ceilings, creating a romantic ambiance for enjoying rich coffee and gourmet fare. See Tripadvisor's 37,959 traveler reviews and photos of Costa Rica free attractions The region is scenically spectacular with volcanoes, forests, lakes, rivers and fertile lowlands, interspersed with small villages. from $180/night. Turtlehouse B and B. Location: GuanacasteWhy Tamarindo? It’s one of the largest shelters of its kind in Latin America, housing big cats including pumas, jaguars,... It’s a fine line between hokey and happy. Some of the best things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica include visiting La Agonía Church, browsing through the central market, through central park, and visiting the Guanacaste Museum. 10 Things to do in Guanacaste. Located just 20 minutes off the coast from Coco, dive tour boats can reach these sites in less than an hour. In the past few years the town has been built up by condominium developers. But these are not your typical tipica (traditional plates). Lesser known is the fact that swimmers can also enjoy sections of Guiones Beach in front of the surf break. Highly rated activities with free entry in Costa Rica: The top things to do for free. Tambor is a quiet beach village located near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Some beaches are good for swimming and boogie boarding or learning to surf, while other beaches are better suited to experienced surfers. This fun beach area is home to some of Costa Rica’s best surfing beaches. Let us make you a free custom trip plan! Flamingo Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. Costa Rican cuisine centres around locally available ingredients, rice and beans. The village is located on a series of beaches that have something to offer just about everybody. 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