Costa Rica Vacations

Guanacaste Province - Costa Rica

Whether you are looking to get away from it all, do a little soul searching or just want to have a good time you will find it in Guanacaste.

When most people come to Costa Rica they come for the beaches. The Hermosa, El Coco, Flamingo, Tamarindo, and Nosara beaches that stretch across Guanacaste’s shores are the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Other than the shear beauty of the area a wealth of water sports is also available including world class sport fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Guanacaste’s beaches are actually a famous destination for surfers. Since being accredited in the blockbuster hit Endless Summer II the province has been a beehive of tourists and investors alike.

If you are a radical surfer, longboarder, or just want to catch some waves don’t worry about the provinces huge popularity there are still plenty of surf spots to discover. The raging waters from untamed rivers inland create the perfect opportunity for Kayaking or White Water Rafting or you can practice Wind Surfing on one of the many mountain lakes. If you are looking for a bit of tranquility relax and soothe away the day in one of the serene naturally fed hot springs. No matter what part of the province you find yourself you’ll have fun getting wet or wild.

Guanacaste also offers a variety of activities for those landlocked lovers. From breath taking views on top of Guanacaste’s eastern shore volcanoes to an exhilarating horseback ride on the beach or through the jungle or Canopy tours, where if you are lucky you’ll spot a screaming monkey or two, Guanacaste’s inland boasts almost as much as it’s pristine shore lines. For the less active souls the province also boasts rare and exotic bird watching and perfect weather for lounging on the beach or hitting the green for eighteen holes with constant heat and little rain from November to April.

For all the animal lovers out there the province also has a wide variety of wildlife. Leatherback turtles and other species of sea turtles use these beaches as a breeding ground. Witnessing the hatching of hundreds of baby sea turtles is a once in a life time experience and one you will never forget. Further inland in the Santa Rosa National Park thousands of exotic plants and butterflies flutter around in the tropical and humid forest. Hiding deeper in the dense foliage there are also many rare and endangered wildlife and birds including jaguars and tapirs.

Whether you have spent the day in the crystal clear waters scuba diving or winding up the steep terrain of a volcano finding a delicious meal will be next on your list. Local fare includes breakfast which is called “Gallo Pinto”, Spotted Rooster. This dish is made with red or black beans and rice, diced onion, peppers, cilantro and scrambles eggs. For lunch try the “Casado” that consists of chicken in a sauce served with beans and rice, fried plantain, salad, mashed potatoes and avocadoes. For dinner dig into some “Tamales” or “Ceviche”, fresh fish prepared with lime. Last but certainly not least you haven’t been to Guanacaste until you have tried the native dessert “Tamal Asado”. Ground corn, sugar, natilla, mixed with cheese, fried then roasted slowly in a wood fired oven is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The population descends from the native Chorotega and the Spaniards. As societies often do the natives in Guanacaste have taken bits and pieces from both cultures and made them their own including music, folklore, musical instruments such as the bombardino, bullfighting and of course religious events. There are also many farmers markets to visit during the day and rich and vibrant fiestas at night. Day or night there won’t be a problem keeping everyone in the crew entertained.

Traveling to Guanacaste just became much more convenient with the opening of a new international airport in Liberia. Tourist can now use many US bases in the south including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Miami to fly directly to Guanacaste. With all this diverse and enchanting province offers Guanacaste is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

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