Experience the Best of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Tracy

Discover the best of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with zipline canopy tours, pristine beaches, and thrilling rainforest adventures. Explore top attractions like the Arenal Volcano, Tamarindo, and Playa Flamingo for an unforgettable vacation.

Make the most of your vacation in Costa Rica. Stay in Guanacaste, one of the largest yet least populated provinces. It sits on the northwest Pacific coast, surrounded by volcanic mountain ranges and some of the best beaches in the country. Jungle landscapes tumble down to the ocean; cattle ranches sprawl across grassy savannas and open prairies. The area has recently been discovered, and although there has been a surge of new development in the past few years, it remains peaceful and pristine.

Things To Do In Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A Zipline Canopy Tour of the Costa Rican Jungle

Visit the Buena Vista Lodge, located on the outskirts of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and experience ecotourism at its finest. They offer zipline canopy tours of the jungle with an authentic canopy expedition, the second canopy to be built in the world. The zipline course consists of 12 platforms, nestled in primary forest, connected by ten cables, hovering some 65 feet in the air. Look down to spot toucans and howler monkeys perched in the trees and for stunning views of the forests below and the mountains beyond.

The resort also offers horseback rides through the forest, on a stone-littered trail with streams, and waterfalls alongside the trail. The 45-minute trip ends at a natural hot spring, with warm, soothing pools of water and a tub of hot volcanic mud, that some claim has detoxifying powers. Guests are urged to smear their bodies head to toe with the mud before washing off and jumping into the warm springs.

The Buena Vista Lodge also offers plenty of hiking trails, as well as hanging bridges high above the jungle floor so that you can see all of the amazing wildlife below. Don’t miss the waterslide through the jungle either! That’s right, there is a 1400 foot water slide that will have you racing through the jungle at the speed of a raging river. These are just the wonderful experiences available at the lodge, there are nearby experiences that you may also enjoy.

Explore Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo

Guanacaste has one of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Flamingo, one of Costa Rica’s “Blue Flag” beaches (a distinction granted to beaches with excellent cleanliness), is a sugar-white crescent beach surrounded by tall mountains. It’s a great place to spend the day or to watch the sunset. Nearby is Tamarindo, a funky surfer town with open-air vendor stalls and shops. There are a handful of outfitters who offer surfing and snorkeling excursions. Protected coves and coral reefs are home to schools of neon-colored tropical fish and sea turtles. The beaches also provide critical nesting sites for sea turtles, including the endangered leatherback turtle.

Tamarindo is also the place to be if you want to experience some Costa Rican nightlife. There are plenty of bars, night clubs, and restaurants to choose from if you are looking for a fun night out.

Take a Rainforest Tour

Don’t miss your chance to take a rainforest tour while you are visiting Costa Rica. There are plenty of tour companies that will be happy to take you out, but it’s best not to explore the rainforest without a guide. While there are many beautiful plants, trees, and even animals ot see there are also many dangers hidden in the rainforest.

Costa Rica is home to poisonous viper snakes as well as many species of non-venomous snakes. Costa Rica is one of the top five producers of anti-venom in the world—and there’s a reason for that! More than 150 people were bitten by vipers last year in Costa Rica; and unfortunately some of them did not survive.

If you are going on a tour of the rainforest, you will need closed toed shoes, preferably hiking boots. Many guides suggest longer boots that cover the calves as well. If you do see a snake among all of the beautiful foliage and flowers of the rainforest, back away slowly and don’t attempt to touch it!

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

After your rainforest hike a little relaxation and rejuvenation are in order. Schedule a visit to Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort. This upscale resort is a watery wonderland, nestled in a lush, primary rainforest. There are a series of 12 natural pools heated by the Arenal Volcano, creating a warm, misty, soothing environment. Walking trails wind their way through exotic gardens, surrounding the pools, lagoons, and waterfalls.

You do not have to be a guest of the resort to enjoy the soothing waters. They have day passes so that visitors can explore certain areas of the resort. It is highly recommended that you get your day passes in advance, as there is only a set number available each day.

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

The Arenal volcano has remained one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and lucky visitors can see some fireworks. Night time viewing is the best, and there are several vantage points for volcano viewing. If the timing is right—and it often is–the 7,000-year-old active volcano will erupt, sending sparks from its cone and rivers of hot lava down the dark slopes.

The volcanoes are not the only things to explore in the National Park. There are also waterfalls, hiking trails, hot springs, a safari float tour, a hanging bridge to cross and a chocolate tour.

A trip to Guanacaste, Costa Rica will not disappoint. There is so much beauty everywhere you look and plenty of adventurous activities to participate in too. From waterfalls and volcanoes, to hot springs, zip lines, and gorgeous beaches there is something here for everyone.