from$1, 680.00
- 1 night in San Jose (Arrival)
- 2 nights in Arenal Volcano area
- 2 nights in Monteverde Cloud Forest
- 3 nights in Tamarindo (Northern Guanacaste)
- 1 night in San Jose (Departure)
Northern Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Exceptional landscape and countless beaches
North Guanacaste harbors an important portion of the Costa Rican cultural and natural patrimony. Not in vain there are a significant number of protected areas, including coastal, mountainous, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems, where life develops with exuberance. It is situated in the northern part of the country, and covers the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, since the limit with Nicaragua to Punta Cerritos, located 22 km. west from de city of Santa Cruz. North Guanacaste covers an extension of approximately 100 km of the Pacific Coast. In the past, this region has had its natural vocation in cattle rising and in agriculture. Currently, nevertheless, the incomparable beauty of its landscapes, that go from the tropical dry forest to the forest montano low and its hot climate, as well as its fertile nature, have made Guanacaste to one of the most concurred places by the local and international tourism. The landscape of the coast is exceptional. There are countless beaches of white sands and a peaceful sea qualified by intense blue.
Main attractions in Northern Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Not only is Costa Rica a country filled with beautiful beaches on both coasts, it also offers the interested visitor a large variety of other attractions as well as cultural and adventure activities. Please find below a selection of points of interests for this particular region.
Costa Rica's natural attractions, wildlife and reputation for enlightened conservation draw tourists from all over the world. 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers can be found throughout the country. Please click on the link below to see what this region in particular has to offer you.
HISTORY
Before the Spanish arrived, this territory was inhabited by Chorotega Indians from the towns of Zapati, Nacaome, Paro, Cangel, Nicopasaya, Pocosí, Diriá, Papagayo, Namiapí and Orosi. The Corobicies lived on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Nahuas or Aztecan in the zone of Bagaces.
In the 18th Century some neighbors of Rivas established their houses and cattle farms in the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula at crossroads that connected the towns of Bagaces, Nicoya and Rivas. The place was baptized after a famous Guanacaste tree that grows in the neighborhood.
In 1824-25 the territory of Guanacaste was annexed to Costa Rica. In 1836 the town of Guanacaste was declared the capital of the Guanacaste province. In 1854 the town of Guanacaste was renamed Liberia.
Tours in the Tamarindo/Flamingo/Conchal, Costa Rica
Ecotourism, Nature & Adventure
The Tamarindo/Flamingo/Conchal Region is a great base for exciting tours and activities. Due to its constant waves, it is also one of the favorite places for surfers. North of Tamarindo, Las Baulas Marine National park protects the world’s largest visitation of nesting Giant Leatherback Turtles. The adjacent Tamarindo Wildlife refuge, a mangrove estuary, is also great for bird watching. Tropical Discovery is offering you a variety of tours for all interests to discover the entire splendor of the Tamarindo/Flamingo/Conchal Region and its surrounding:
Nature and Adventure
- Corobici River is perfect if you have been dreaming about the joys of white water rafting. The waters are not rough, but you have to work out to manage them. (The river is class I - II). The tour is two hours of rubber boat trip down the river which is bordered by tropical dry forest, where you will see trees like Ceiba, Mahogany and Guanacaste. You may see exotic birds, Jesus Christ lizards and monkeys. Before you board the rubber raft, a certified guide will instruct you on safety procedures.
- This National Park was created to protect the biodiversity around Rincon de la Vieja Volcano area. It extends over 14083 hectares of semi-deciduous forest and very moist forest and includes a barren rocky terrain at altitudes that range from 1950 feet to 5748 feet above the sea level on the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range. Fumaroles, hot mud pools and the eerie steam holes of Las Pailas create an amazing landscape. The hiking tour takes about two hours. During this hike you will get to see the secondary waterfall, which is about 195 feet high and is located on a rocky terrain devastated by the volcanic eruptions. The tour not only provides the opportunity to appreciate Rincon de la Vieja´s geothermal wonders, it also allows a close view of an ancient forest hundreds of years old. Huge trees protect spider monkeys, leaf-cutter ants, toucans and all kind of great and small creatures.
- Buena Vista is located near the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. In this tour you will enjoy the primary forest in a different way: on trails built in the top of the trees (about 105 feet high). A small hike takes you to the first platform, from there you start swinging to the other 12 platforms, which are connected by 9 cables from 150 to 400 feet long. During the canopy, that last almost three hours, you will have the opportunity to observe the surrounding forest from a new perspective.. just like Tarzan!! Then, it is time to cool off on the 1200 ft. long water slide. After having lunch at the Lodge, we start the third part of the tour: Horseback riding to the thermal waters, steam bath and natural spa, located at the foot of Rincon de la Vieja volcano. Here, you will enjoy the rejuvenating treatments with volcanic mud and mineral waters. On your way there you will enjoy the wildlife of a transitional forest (between dry and rain forest), where you might be able to spot monkeys, squirrels and a variety of butterflies and birds such as wood peckers and toucans.
- The perfectly cone shaped volcano raises 4.899 feet above the sea level. It has been active since 1968, when it made its largest eruption. Its loud rumblings and frequent explosions of lava and ash during the day create a show that will stun you from miles away. On your way there, you will ride through the heavenly landscape of Lake Arenal, a man made lake that provides water for an hydroelectric plant and for irrigation in the low lands of Guanacaste province during the dry season. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a hiking tour at the surroundings of the volcano, in an area called El Silencio. After that, you will experience the mineral hot springs. After nightfall, the glow of flowing lava can be seen from several points in the area (if it´s not cloudy). During the tour it is possible to spot toucans, guans, oropendolas, monkeys and coatis.
- Palo Verde is one of the most important and interesting National Parks of Costa Rica. It has 12 different habitats within the park including mangroves, swamps, swamps forests, saltwater and freshwater lagoons and marshes. Enjoy a two hour-boat ride on the Tempisque River watching the fabulous array of wild birds and a myriad of creatures such as howler and white-faced monkeys, green iguanas and coatis, anteaters and crocodiles.
- Paddle and enjoy for one and a half hour riding on the Colorado River. Get to see the natural and impressive canyon, one of the most intimate and exiting ways to enjoy your vacations by rafting down of this unforgettable scenery. Then relax at the greats swimming holes on this spectacular river. Class II,III (No experience necessary.)
- The Tenorio River will test you courage with its rapids class III and IV. For those already rafters this trip is a must. Its continuing challenges await you as you plunge through twists, turns, and drops down 10 miles of intense, challenging rapids. All participants must be in a good physical condition. This is a pure magic trip, unsurpassed beauty and stunning wildlife scenery that will take your breath away!
- A legend tells that after God was done painting the sky, he washed the brushes in Rio Celeste (River Light Blue). Rio Celeste is one of the most wonderful places where you can observe flora and fauna. Once in the Tenorio National Park you will begin hiking through a primary forest with your naturalist guide who will teach you about the jungle and point out troops of howler monkeys prancing in the branches along with many other animals. You will have a strong hike in a real wild trail and a full contact with rain forest, with the naturist tour guide who can explain everything that you see. As you descend you will get to see the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall with its unique blue color.
- Hike in the Barra Honda National Park. The main attraction is an intricately large system of limestone caverns which house a multitude of capricious forms and figures. Reef rocks constitute Barra Honda hill, 300mts tall, created by an elevation provoked by tectonics faults 60 millions of years ago. You can enjoy these caves, see the flora and fauna of this place, and might even see coatis, agutis, anteaters and monkeys. Your guide will also point out different species of trees and medical plants. This hike takes around one hour and is quite difficult, depending on your physical condition.
Hacienda Guachipelin Northern Guanacaste Costa Rica
Hacienda Guachipelín Hotel, next to Rincón de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a true ecotourism lodge for adventure and nature lovers.
avg/night$78.00
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Sueño del Mar Northern Guanacaste Costa Rica
An intimate beachfront hacienda where you can lounge in privacy amid the palms and tropical flowers Sueño Del Mar is located minutes from Tamarindo on Playa Langosta in the province of Guanacaste.
avg/night$160.00
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Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa Northern Guanacaste Costa Rica
Hotel Borinquen is an exclusive hotel & resort located in the North Pacific Region of Costa Rica.
avg/night$167.00
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Westin Playa Conchal Northern Guanacaste Costa Rica
Nestled in the green forests of Costa Rica's magnificent North-Pacific Riviera, the Westin Playa Conchal, spreads its 2,400 lush acres in an enchanted land where challenging golf meets thrilling eco-adventure.
avg/night$280.00
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