Visit Guanacaste

Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula offer a very different side of Costa Rica – one that’s sun-drenched, coastal, and wonderfully relaxed. This is the country’s drier northwest region, with long golden beaches, rolling ranchland, and a distinctly easygoing pace of life. If you’re after sea, sand, and a healthy dose of pura vida, this is where you’ll find it.

We love the variety along this stretch of Pacific coastline. Tamarindo is a lively surf town with great restaurants and a sociable feel, while quieter spots like Nosara and Santa Teresa have a more off-grid, barefoot luxury vibe. The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s Blue Zones, places where people are known to live longer, healthier lives and there’s a real focus here on wellness, fresh food, and time in nature.

You can fill your days with paddleboarding, yoga, horse riding on the beach, or surfing some of the best breaks in the country. There are also excellent marine reserves for snorkelling and seasonal turtle nesting sites, depending on when you visit. And while the beaches are the main draw, don’t miss the inland adventures, think waterfall hikes, volcanic hot springs, and wildlife-rich dry forest reserves. Guanacaste works brilliantly for families, honeymooners, or anyone looking to unwind in nature with a side of style.