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Guanacaste

Guanacaste

Maximum sunshine and the most developed coastal infrastructure in the country, though prices are high and the building boom isn't slowing down. See which Guanacaste towns still make sense — and which ones have priced themselves out of reach.

Discover the untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste Province, where the breathtaking beaches have earned the nickname “Gold Coast”. This region boasts a mesmerizing blend of natural wonders, thrilling water sports, lively nightlife, delectable cuisine, and boutique shopping. Immerse yourself in a world of stunning waterfalls, national parks, and miles of pristine beaches.

Located in close proximity to the international airport in Liberia, this destination offers world-class surfing (think Tamarindo, Avellana Beach, Playa Naranjo, Nosara, and Playa Negra), diving and sports fishing opportunities that will leave adventure-seekers craving more. But even with the hustle and bustle of the summer season and tourist hotspots like Tamarindo, this area remains true to its laid-back, Pura Vida vibe.

Explore beyond the bustling beach towns, and you’ll discover a completely different energy inland. The region is home to picturesque pasturelands filled with cattle and an abundance of warm-weather crops. This is an ideal area for those who love the Gold Coast but prefer a more tranquil, countryside lifestyle.

Sea turtle nesting sites are abundant in this region, including those for the majestic Giant Leatherback and Olive Ridley sea turtles. And along this “Gold Coast,” you can find everything from secluded, untouched beaches to vibrant, buzzing beach towns brimming with life, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and activities. Whether you prefer to stay in luxurious resorts or small boutique hotels, B&Bs and rental properties, you’ll find something to suit your taste.  Welcome to Paradise!

Climate

The Gold Coast is primarily a tropical savanna climate, with distinct dry summer (November to April) and wet winter (May to October) seasons.  Most of the region’s rainfall occurs in the wet season, thus the summers are hot and dry, especially by the beaches and other areas of low altitude. Because of the predictability of climate, the Gold Coast is popular throughout the year, with winters much milder than in monsoonal and rainforest areas of the coastline, but still seeing a return to the verdant greens that define Costa Rica. Average high temperatures fluctuate between 31 ℃ (87 ℉) and 36 ℃ (96 ℉), with lows ranging from 21 ℃ (69 ℉) in winter months, to 32 ℃ (89 ℉) in the summer months.

Towns in Guanacaste

Brasilito

Brasilito

Brasilito is a small fishing village between Flamingo and Conchal, and one of the last truly Tico beach towns on the Gold Coast. Kids play soccer near the sand, fishing boats still go out, and the resorts are just around the bend. It's affordable for the area, though services are basic and most errands mean a trip to Flamingo or Huacas.

Huacas

Huacas

Huacas is the inland crossroads behind the Gold Coast beaches, where the roads to Tamarindo, Flamingo and the rest come together. It isn't pretty, but it's where people go for hardware stores, supermarkets, good restaurants and the area's private medical clinics. Living here means lower prices and an easy drive to a dozen beaches.

Liberia

Liberia

Liberia is Guanacaste's capital and working city, home to the international airport, the regional hospital, Walmart, PriceSmart and every government office you'll need. It's hot and dry much of the year, and the beaches are about an hour away. It suits people who want services and flights close by more than an ocean view.

Papagayo Peninsula

Papagayo Peninsula

Papagayo is Costa Rica's luxury enclave, a gated peninsula with the Four Seasons, a private marina and beaches you'll mostly share with other residents. Homes start around a million dollars. It's beautiful and very private, and about 30 minutes from the Liberia airport. Everyday life outside the gates means a drive to Coco or Liberia.

Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo has some of the prettiest white-sand beaches in Guanacaste, a marina and homes on the hill with big ocean views. It's calmer than Tamarindo, with good restaurants and a well-established foreign community. Prices are high, and for bigger shopping and medical care you'll head inland to Huacas or Liberia.

Playa Grande

Playa Grande

Playa Grande sits across the estuary from Tamarindo, but it feels a world away. It's one of the most important leatherback turtle nesting beaches anywhere and one of the best surf breaks on the coast, so the community is part surf town and part conservation project. It's quiet and protected, and getting to Tamarindo means a boat or a longer drive around.

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste is a family-friendly beach on the Gulf of Papagayo, with calm, swimmable water and sunsets over the bay. It's about 25 minutes from the Liberia airport and close to Coco for errands. Families and retirees live here for the calm water and the easy pace. Not to be confused with Playa Hermosa near Jacó.

Playa Potrero

Playa Potrero

Playa Potrero is the quiet, residential side of Flamingo Bay. It has kept its small-town feel through the boom around it, with families and long-time residents and a beach where you'll often see the same faces. Flamingo and its services are a few minutes away, and the pace here stays calm even in high season.

Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco is the main town on the Gulf of Papagayo, about 35 minutes from the Liberia airport. It has the supermarkets, banks, dive shops and nightlife the smaller beaches lack, plus an established foreign community. It's busy and a bit scruffy along the main strip, and the quieter neighborhoods are just outside town.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is Guanacaste's most international beach town. You can walk to the beach, the surf, coworking spaces and dozens of restaurants, and the social scene among foreign residents is the busiest on the coast. The internet is good. It's also expensive and crowded in high season, and a long way from San José.

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