- Dry, sunny season
- Dec–Apr
- LIR to most beaches
- ~1 h
- San José to Liberia
- ~4.5 h
- Landscape
- Dry forest
Guanacaste beaches
Guanacaste's coast runs from the Nicaraguan border to the Nicoya Peninsula. In the north, the Gulf of Papagayo has sheltered bays with calm water: Playa Hermosa, Playa del Coco and the resorts of the Papagayo Peninsula. Further south, Flamingo, Conchal and Tamarindo combine white sand, snorkelling and surf, and beyond them the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula begin.
Diving and snorkelling trips from Playa del Coco visit the Catalina and Bat Islands, with manta rays in season.
Book diving & snorkelling ↗Rincón de la Vieja
An hour north-east of Liberia, Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a mini Yellowstone of bubbling mud pots, steaming vents and waterfalls. The Las Pailas loop (3 km) shows the geothermal features. Nearby ranches offer zip-lining, tubing, horse riding and volcanic mud baths.
Combo tours from the beaches combine hot springs, mud baths, zip-lining and tubing at Rincón de la Vieja.
Rincón de la Vieja tours ↗Climate
Guanacaste is the driest part of Costa Rica: from December to April it rarely rains and the forest turns brown and golden. The green season from May to November is greener and cheaper, with afternoon showers.
All-inclusive resorts on Papagayo, boutique hotels in Playa Hermosa and condos in Tamarindo.
Hotels in Guanacaste ↗Plan your trip to Guanacaste
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Guanacaste?
It depends on what you want: Playa Conchal for clear water, Playa Hermosa and the Papagayo bays for calm swimming, Tamarindo and Avellanas for surfing, and Flamingo for white sand and sunsets.
How far is Tamarindo from Liberia airport?
Tamarindo is about 70 km from Liberia airport, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car or shuttle.
Is Guanacaste good in the rainy season?
Yes. Guanacaste is the driest region even in the green season: mornings are usually sunny and rain falls mostly in the afternoon. September and October are the wettest months.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.