LOCATION

GUANACASTE

INTRODUCTION

Beautiful pristine beaches, fascinating National Parks and a great variety of activities, including fishing and world class scuba diving, await you in Guanacaste, one of the biggest provinces of Costa Rica, with an area of over 6800 square miles.
Going form the country’s Central Valley to Guanacaste is like if you were traveling to ad different world.  The mountainous, winding roads gradually become flat, the humid green vegetation gives way to the tropical dry forest and the mountains vanish in the horizon.
Guanacaste is, without hesitation, the richest coastal area of Costa Rica, with more than 200 km of Pacific coast.  It offers its visitors the gift of nature: from pristine beaches to rocky points covered with tropical dry forest.  There you find modern hotels and gourmet restaurants.  You can rent sport fishing equipment, go parasailing, scuba diving, or water skiing. You can play golf on courses designed by PGA professionals, or you can spend the night in a discotheque, or your days shopping.
The region known today as the Canton de Nicoya is part of a vast territory that was occupied by the Chorotega tribe during the pre-Columbian era.
On July 25, 1824, the party of Nicoya decided to the part of the State of Costa Rica by popular election.  Guanacaste is an essential part of the Costa Rican heritage. It has preserved its own culture and folklore.  The name of Guanacaste derives from the nahuatl (native tribe) word cuauhnacaztli, which means “place of the ear tree”.  Clearly referring to a distinctive tree in the region whose seed pod is shaped like a human ear, this tree also has the honor of being Costa Rica’s national tree.
The weather is hot most of the year, but like the rest of Costa Rica the region has two well defined seasons: dry and green. Temperatures are constant throughout the year, even during the green season, ranging from 21 to 33C.
The dry season is from November to March. Bathers can work on their tan, while flowering trees create a colorful backdrop.  The “green” or wet season is from mid-May to November. Even during the green season showers are mainly during the late afternoon or night, there is still a lot of sun to catch!
Visit these pages and travel through Guanacaste.  It is a land of much natural and cultural beauty.  We want to help you make the most of your visit.

LIBERIA
The spirited provincial capital of Liberia has a distinctively friendly and open feel. Its wide clean streets and blindingly white houses reflect the legacy of  the pioneering farmers and cattle ranchers who founded it. It is a perfect starting point for visiting the Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa National parks, or the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste,
Known as the Ciudad Blanca (white city') on account of its whitewashed houses, Liberia seems truly colonial. It has everything you might need for a relaxing stay including nice places to dine. Liberia is the epitome of dignified provincialism, with a strong identity and an atmosphere all its own.  Royal Street, Calle Real, is an attractive stretch of historic buildings - the typical white washed houses of adobe and baroque that gave Liberia its name.
The Municipal Palace, Antigua Gobernacion, was declared an architectural historical landmark. Today it is known as the Provincial Government House because it was once home to the Governor and his family. It was built of adobe, wood and tile in 1850. It's worth taking the time to become acquainted with Liberia better; it is an appealing town with a lot of character.

SANTA CRUZ
Located n the province at almost 50 meters above sea level, Santa Cruz was declared the National Folkloric City.  In spite of its modem development, its people have preserved the traditions and customs of the land.
Its valuable legacy includes songs, dances, traditional dress, gastronomic heritage, and religious festivities. Perhaps its most famous throughout the country is "the tradition of Christ as Pilgrim" carried out all over the extensive territory of the canton during the entire year. In Santa Cruz, you can still appreciate the life of the Llanos or plains of northern Costa Rica. Extensive cattle ranches reflect the life of the sabanero, a lively and representative character of the region. Santa Cruz enjoys a central tourism location; it is equidistant to all the most beautiful beach spots in the country.

ART AND CRAFT CENTERS: GUAITIL AND SAN VICENTE
In a small community conveniently located along the highway connecting Santa Cruz and Nicoya is the center of one of the most important art and crafts centers of the country.
Artisans continue to work the pottery using traditional techniques of the ancient Chorotegas, an indigenous tribe that dominated the territory between the Lake of Nicaragua and Nicoya. A trip to Guaitil and San Vicente can be perfectly combined with a visit to the colonial Church of San Bias in Nicoya.

THE FESTIVITY OF THE HOLY CHRIST OF ESQUIPULAS
The Image of the Holy Christ of Esquipulas was brought to Santa Cruz from Guatemala in 1840.  Every year on January 13 begins an important religious celebration.  The image of Christ is moved to a home, dressed in finery and moved in a procession through streets lined with ribbons and flowers. This event culminates with the celebration of a Mass. The festivities shine with a blend of traditional foods, dances, marimba music, cultural presentations and the traditional “bombas”, a flirtatious poem traditionally used for romancing during dances.

NICOYA
The word Nicoya derives from a nahuatl word meaning "country with water on both sides." The oldest city in Costa Rica, it is still considered a colonial city of Guanacaste. It has kept alive the traditions of the Chorotega indigenous people.
At 123 meters above sea level, it has experienced an urban boom these last several years. Travelers visit as a starting point for touring important beaches such as Samara, Nosara and Islita.. You will find all sorts of facilities and services.

TILARAN
Among the smaller cantons we find Tilaran, a city once populated by the Huetar tribe. Drawn by gold mining in the Abangares mines, the 19th and 20th centuries saw an influx of immigrants from San Ramon, Alajuela, Atenas, Poas, among others.  Beautiful Lake Arenal can be visited here, the town of Nuevo Arenal is the ideal starting point to your visit to the lake.

TRADITIONS

THE BOYER-Ox driver
The Boyero, like the Sabanero, is an interesting character of Guanacaste. They share stories of amazing trips and travels in ox cart caravans. The Boyero was a powerful moving force. He transported towers, bridges, materials, merchandise, medicines and liquor - allowing nothing to stop his train. The boyero, his oxen, and cart are the embodiment of the full spirit that is a remarkable element of the legend, one that holds a singular place in the Heart of the Province of Guanacaste.

THE SABANERO
The Sabanero is the Guanacaste cowboy. He is the cheerful spirit that paints the soul of the Guanacaste prairies. He enjoys an outdoor lifestyle in harmony with nature. He is a joyful, funny and talkative person, yet deeply inspired by longing and meditation.

THE MARIMBA
The marimba is a traditional Costa Rican musical instrument. Its origins are unclear, but it is believed to have either come from Africa or the Maya-quiche Indians. The marimba is known and used throughout Central America. It is the musical base of our folkloric music and the main instrument used to entertain at guanacasteco parties and dances.

THE DANCES
As a complement to its music, it is a natural skill of all sabanero, and the Guanacaste traditional dances have been preserved through time. They are a faithful representation of what was once the social and cultural life of the province.
These dances reflect the vibrant influence of the Flamenco stomp of Andalucia, Spain. Some of the most popular are the Punto Guanacasteco, the Amores de Laco, the Cajeta, the Botijuela, the Flor de Cana (Sugarcane flower), the Zapateado, the Pavo (Turkey) and the Torito (Little bull), among others.

BULL RIDES
Most towns in Guanacaste have their own bullrings or arenas, specially designed for enjoying bull rides. The traditional bull rides include the participation of improvised bullfighters who risk their lives to play with capes and try their hand at riding the bulls for as long as possible. Several bull riding championships are held throughout the country.

 

SUN, BEACHES and the SEA

Guanacaste is famous for its sunshine and sand, and that is exactly what visitors will find along is more than 200 km of coastline. Some of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica are nestled in this paradise. Pristine beaches: rocky points surrounded by tropical dry forests and animals that dominate the environment harmonize with modern hotels, gourmet restaurants, and the enjoyment of sun and beaches. The area also provides sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, water skiing, kayaking, and many more adventures.  In these pages we list only some fo the most important beaches.

CANTON LA CRUZ

1 PUERTO SOLEY
It is located on Salinas Bay. A soft sand beach with moderate waves, and is very popular for watching sunsets. Sport fishing can be done here. It offers a great view of Bolaños Island, a stunning bird sanctuary.

1. COYOTERA

Profoundly appetizing for windsurfing. Excellent spot to take a small cruise to Bolaños Island by boat or kayak. Ideal for walks, horseback riding and mountain biking.

1. NUBES (clouds)

A white sand beach with gentle slopes, protected by promontories, which create soft swells. It is a pristine beach rich in terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. Its natural beauty is complemented by the man-groves and an estuary. It is suitable for bathing, sport fishing, diving, camping, and photography.

CANTON OF LIBERIA.

1. PLAYA BLANCA AND VIRADOR:

Within the tourist project Papagayo, Playa Blanca is small and tranquil, with white sand and calm swells. Along with Virador it forms a natural bridge to Punta Mala. Virador is also a white sand beach with clear waters, excellent for swimming and scuba diving. Playa Blanca is 25 kilometers from Liberia on the Papagayo Gulf.

5.         NACASCOLO
Its clear and soft waters make it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. This is a soundless corner, full of natural beauty, where you can walk peacefully along the shoreline and visit the small estuary towards the south end of the beach.

6.         IGUANITA
A gorgeous beach. The blue waters of the ocean bathe its sandy beach. Set in its impressive cliffs is a stream, Quebrada Grande, which flows into an estuary and waters an impenetrable mangrove covering 25 hectares.

 

CANTON OF CARRILLO:

7.         PANAMA
It is a long bay of fine sandy beaches. This beach is calm, and surrounded by beautiful scenery and vegetation. Its swell is scarce. There is an estuary and a small mangrove. It is suitable for water sports and camping.

8.         HERMOSA
A popular 2 kilometer long sandy beach with clear waters and smooth waves, it offers a wide range of possibilities: bathing, sunset watching, hiking and horseback riding, also water sports such as scuba diving, boat rides, water skiing and photography.

9.         DEL COCO
A tourist epicenter par excellence and fishermen town, it is a colorful town. Not long ago, cruises started visiting its bay. Del Coco is a good destination for sport fishing, scuba diving, boat rides, and ideal for walks, horseback riding and swimming in quiet waters.

10.        PAN DE AZUCAR
Two nice beaches with serene waves and clear waters, which make them excellent for scuba diving and swimming. From Danta you may observe the Islands of Santa Catalina and Pitahayas. This is evidently one of the best spots for scuba diving along the North Pacific coast.

CANTON OF SANTA CRUZ

11.        POTRERO
A bay of tranquil waters, with beautiful estuaries and mangroves.   Suitable for relaxing, soothing for admiring landscape and an ideal place for practicing water sports such as sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling.

12.        FLAMINGO
Moderate waves and white sand. It has a mangrove and two islands on the North: Isla Plata and Isla Punta Salinas. At only 36 kilometers from Santa Cruz, this is a place characterized by its breathtaking mansions. Playa Flamingo also has first class hotels with excellent services and amenities, which makes it one of the most comfortable and top class recreational sites of the country.

13.        BRASILITO
At the east side of Conchal beach, the scenery is totally different; it is dark sand, shell-less and with light vegetation, but with great scenic beauty. Suitable for walks, and sea life observation.

14.        CONCHAL
One and a half kilometers long, this beautiful white sand beach is well known for its coarse sand of millions of shell particles, a characteristic which sets it apart from all the other beaches. This is considered by many one of the most beautiful beaches of the country. It has clear waters, a mangrove and lots of vegetation. It is ideal for scuba diving and other aquatic sports.

15.        TAMARINDO
With rocky areas and the Capitan Island on the south. This beach offers a full range of services to the tourists and has been logged as the most important for beach for surf in the area. Also convenient for walks, sport fishing, horseback riding and admiring the Green sea turtle nesting.

16.        GRANDE
Together with Tamarindo, it forms part of Las Baulas National Park, a nesting place for the leatherback turtle. Highly sought after by surfers for its high waves, it also nice for walks, bathing, and taking the sun.

17.        LANGOSTA
Important site for leatherback turtle nesting. It is rocky and does not offer the appropriate conditions for bathing, but its estuary and mangrove offer a great nesting place for many water birds. It is popular for its natural scenery and surfing.

18.        AVELLANAS
One of the best options for surfers. Rocky coast, but with rich vegetation and bathed by giant waves. This place is also a good spot for walks, swimming, views and taking photos. When the tide is low it becomes an extensive array of marine life.

19.        NEGRA
Contrary to its name, it is a white sand beach with rocky coasts, which offers an excellent swell for surfing.

20.        MARBELLA (FRIJOLAR)
Located 14km from Nosara and 19km from Tamarindo, it is a 1.5km long beach. Its swell is very appropriate for surfing.  It is next to a river and an eenvironmental conservation zone. It is suitable for bathing and fishing.

21.        OSTIONAL
A long beach with giant waves, close to Nosara.  Recognized internationally as a nesting site of the green sea turtle between July and November, it is part of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

CANTON OF NICOYA

22.        SAMARA
It is one of the most extensive beaches of Guanacaste spanning almost 4km of coastline. It offers moderate waves, lots of vegetation: mangroves, plants and coco palms. The Chora Island is nearby. This is a perfect destination for kayaking, walking along the shoreline, horseback riding, biking, taking in the sun and enjoying the silky waters. This beach offers a wide range of services for tourists.

23.        CARRILLO
Located only 5 kilometers from Samara, this beach of about 3 kilometers long and an attractive place for visitors because of its palm trees and quiet waves that offer a great place for swimming. It is also conveniently located for taking nice walks; sunbathing and enjoying sports. It is 43 kilometers from Nicoya following the route Nicoya-Curime-Caimital- Belen-Terciopelo-Maquenco-Samara-Carrillo. Its strategic location close to hotels and international enterprises is a plus.

CANTON OF NANDAYURE

24.        ISLITA
A creek with peaceful waters and two estuaries, adding beauty to the scenery. The bay offers wonderful views full of cliffs. You may enjoy taking walks and the sun, horse rides, mountain biking, boat rides and practicing sport fishing and scuba diving.

25.        COYOTE
Offers impressive views of nature's bounty and taking pictures. Boat rides are easy due to strong waves, the seashore of both beaches reach close to 8 kilometers long. Perfect for horse rides, walks and relaxing.

 

CONSERVATION IN GUANACASTE

Costa Rica is known throughout the world or its conservation efforts for its fight to protect its flora and fauna thus preserving its biodiversity.  Over a quarter of our territory has been set aside for conservation through a consolidated system of national parks and protected areas.  A good portion of these parks and reserves are found in Guanacaste.  Some of the most important conservation areas are:

TEMPISQUE CONSERVATION AREA

In the mid-northern part of Costa Rica, it comprises part of the Guanacaste and Tilaran mountain ranges. Here it is possible to enjoy grandiose and majestic volcanoes such as the Miravalles, Tenorio, and Arenal, exotic places like Lake Cote, the prairies of Guanacaste lined with calcareous hills, including one of the largest tropical dry forests left in Central America, filled with glamorous trees of Pochote, Cedar and Guanacaste. There are approximately 190 species of endemic plants in this area.

GUANACASTE CONSERVATION AREA

Located at the northwestern end of the province it represents over 120,000 hectares of land and 70,000 hectares of ocean. It embraces a great diversity of ecosystems ranging from the humid forests of the Caribbean to the driest zones of Costa Rica. Rincon de is Vieja and Santa Rosa National Parks are in this area.

VOLCAN RINCON DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK

The exuberant primary dry forest covering this park is home to thousand of awesome orchids and about 300 species of birds and mammals. Nevertheless, the park's main attraction is the group of smoking lagoons and fumaroles. These silently boil in the middle of the premontane forest, and surprise visitors to attention with their brilliant smoking columns.  Peaceful trails lead to the pailas and volcanic cones throughout the park. Here you can observe different evidence of the country's volcanic activity: mud baths, geysers, caverns, natural sauna, steaming baths and hot water lagoons, a perfect combination for excitement. The Santa Maria crater is the highest point in the park at 1,916 meters above sea level. It is currently inactive and covered with lush green vegetation. This park protects the watershed that supplies water to the city of Liberia. Discover its most beautiful jewel: The Falls of Lago Azul (Blue Lake) 90 feet high, and crystalline blue waters due to the copper found in the water.

SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK

The main attraction of this park is an old wooden house: "La Casona of Santa Rosa." This structure and the stone farmyards around it are of great historical importance to the country. Stage to the biggest national war "The battle of Santa Rosa," occurred on March 20, 1856 when the Costa Ricans defended their territory against northern invasion by the filibusteros led by William Walker. This important monument was almost completely destroyed by fire in 2001, but was rebuilt completely in 2002.  Santa Rosa still preserves an intact tropical dry forest. Its beautiful beaches Nancite and Naranjo are full of extraordinary enchanting beauty and are important nesting sites for the green sea and leatherback turtles.
The forest is home to around 115 species of mammals, 253 species of birds, 100 amphibians and reptiles and over 10,000 species of insects, including 3,140 species of butterflies and moths.

PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK

With an area of 16,804 hectares, Palo Verde is one of the country's most diverse ecologic places. It is filled with lagoons, salt and fresh water marshes, mangroves, pastures and different forests.  Its considerable hydrographic systems have made this park important to aquatic, resident, and migratory birds of Central America.  From September to March, thousands of herons, egrets, jaribus, storks, grebes, ibis, ducks and gallinules concentrate in the lagoons and neighboring areas to feed and reproduce.
La Isla Pajaros, a 2.3 hectare island off the park's coast is home of the country's largest colony of Martinets Coroninegro. It is also an important nesting site to a variety of birds such as the ibis morito, the pato aguja, the garza rosada, the garzon, the garza real and the garcilla bueyera. The galan sin ventura, an endangered species, nests within the park. You can also find a colony of red macaws of the Pacific Seco.

LAS BAULAS NATIONAL MARINE PARK

This park protects Playa Grande, one of the most important turtle nesting beaches of the leatherback turtle, the largest turtle on the planet. These turtles can reach lengths of 2.5 meters and weigh nearly 700 kg.  The baula (leatherback) is the only turtle whose body is covered by hard leather-like skin instead of a shell, hence its name. It is easily identified by its large front flippers. This is a nomadic turtle that feeds on poisonous jellyfish.  Green sea turtles (lora) also lay their eggs and hatch on Playa Grande. Another interesting place within Las Baulas National Marine Park is the mangrove in Tamarindo. Its 440 hectares are an immense deposit of clay and mud. Six species of native mangroves are found here: two species of salt water mangroves, the mariquita, the mangle rojo, the pinuela and the botoncillo.

 

MORE NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Awesome scenic beauty is also found in other parks of Guanacaste. Volcan Tenorio National Park is covered by a dense forest whose major attraction is the famous Rio Celeste and its waterfall, named for its almost turquoise milky water, the result of a chemical reaction between the waters of the two rivers that join to form it. If you love adventure and natural beauty, we recommend you visit Barra Honda National Park, which will surprise you with limestone caves over 20 meters deep.
Another famous spot is the Ostional Wildlife Refuge considered to be the most important nesting site of the green sea turtle (lora). Thousands of them gather to lay about 1 million eggs during the months of July to November.
Another perfect place for turtles is the Junquillal Recreational Area located in the Golfo Santa Elena, in La Cruz. Its beaches offer turtle nesting sites for the Iota, rey, and baula turtles. It is also an excellent refuge for water birds such as the dark pelicans and tijeretas de mar.
When we mention water birds, Isla Bolanos is probably the most important place. It is one of the few locations where colonies of brown pelicans are found. It is also known as an exclusive reproduction setting for the magnificent fragata birds.
Finally, let yourself experience the breathtaking sight and tranquility of the waterfalls of Llanos del Comes. The lagoon's shallow waters form a soft curtain for a relaxing natural massage in its refreshing stream.

SURFING

Guanacaste is a well-developed destination for surfing, also recognized internationally, offering waves suitable for beginners to advanced surfers. Its perfect blend of tropical temperatures, warm waters and ocean breezes creates prime conditions for practicing this sport all year round. The green season is the best time for excellent waves to satisfy every taste. Among the most famous surf beaches are Tamarindo, Roca Bruja "Witch's Rock" in the Santa Rosa National Park, and Playa Grande. Other excellent spots for surfing are Marbella, Playa Negra and Playa Avellanas. Playa Grande is a well-exposed beach break, just on the north sickrof Tamarindo. This spot is consistent and draws crowds became its Mewl brims k satisfy every tags. Plays Grp offers
a realty fun show.
Playa Avellanas has several breaks just in front of the beach and a river mouth point. The edge of the river may be a good break when the waves pick up. There are also some peaks south of the edge. Playa Negra is South of Avellanas and is well known for its reef break.
Other beaches that offer prime conditions for surfing are: Playa Junquillal, Lagarto-Pitahaya, Guiones, Bejuco and Langosta. Tamarindo is said to be a good place for amateurs.

FLYING OVER THE WATER

Winds of up to 33 miles per hour during the dry season create a prime windsurfing destination at the west side of the Lake Arenal. It is said to be one of the top 5 locations worldwide, and it has been compared to places such as Lake Garda in Italy and River George in Columbia. The strong dry season winds create large waves in the lake which expert surfers use for acrobatics. The rest of the year offers milder conditions that make Arenal a perfect spot for beginners.

CRYSTALLINE DEPTHS

Scuba diving in Costa Rica is quite different in comparison with other more traditional destinations. Divers here encounter numerous living organisms, colorful residents of the water that make it an underwater paradise. The Pacific Ocean is home to an incredible number of organisms that cannot be found elsewhere. Visibility while diving ranges from 30 to 100% and the average water temperature is of 80F degrees.
The coastal waters of the northeast zone of Guanacaste offer a spectacular diversity - on a single dive you can see anything from a tiny fluorescent damsel to a giant manta ray. For experienced divers and marine life lovers, this area offers the opportunity to swim side by side with different species of sharks: whale sharks, bull sharks, white tipped, hammerhead, and others. This underwater paradise is full of cliffs, canyons and tunnels visited by some of the world's most daring divers.
The best months for diving coincide with the rainy season: between May and October. November is the best month as the weather is usually calm. However, you can dive all year round,
Recommended dive sites: Danta and Pan de Azucar, Conchal, Coco Beaches, Blanca and Virador, Ocotal, Potrero, Nacascolo, Junquillal, and Hermosa.

PRODIGIOUS WATERS FOR FISHING

Guanacaste is an excellent destination for sport fishing. The warm tropical waters are home to a vast amount of marine life.
Playa Flamingo, for example is the most important center for sport fishing in the North Pacific. Boats also leave from Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, Ocotal, Potrero, Brasilito and some intermediate points.
Billfish Safaris in Playa Flamingo is home of the official IGFA weigh station for weighing world record fish, and there have been many records set in the waters of Flamingo.
There are sailfish, yellow fin tuna, dorado (rnahi-mahi), snapper, grouper, roosterfish and more to be caught all year round off the Guanacaste coast.
Our marlin season is approximately from January to May. We have blue, black, and striped marlin in the area. October is the peaking month for the Marlin, but action is also possible in September or November with other species available anytime of the year.
Mid December to the end of April, when they migrate north, is the best time to catch sail fish or "picudo", thus important fishing schools move there since October and remain in the place during the whole season. In the Southern Pacific marlin catches peak between August and December.
The top season for sailfish is from December through March, but can be found often from April to the beginning of June.

 

GOLF

Golf lovers will find excellent options for practicing this sport in Guanacaste.  Splendid professional golf courses in the midst of stunning scenery and designed with the top-quality standards to meet international organizations’ standards.

The golf course at Reserva Conchal is one such example. It is close to the ocean, and when it that was built in 1997, the project was focused on building a field in synch with the spectacular resort Paradisus Playa Conchal which it surrounds. It has become one of the most exclusive courses in the area. The Reserva Conchal Golf Club court was carefully designed by architect Robert Trent Jones 11. It has a 71 par and a longitude of 6956 yards with continuous elevation changes. This is a world-class field, built in accordance with the most classic tradition of this game and can be enjoyed by players of all levels. Moreover, it offers a learning center for beginners, or players who are interested in improving their level and skills. It is operated by PGA certified instructors. Training is available for groups or individuals (previous appointment required).
Another spectacular golf course is the one at Hacienda Pinilla. Designed by U.S. Architect Mike Young, well-known for some of the finest golf course in the southern United States, it was built to meet high inter-national standards of the sport. This course blends harmoniously with its surroundings; it is an environmentally conscious design, offering the pleasures and challenges found professional golf.
It is like being in your o w n garden. This i s a 6,804 s der masterpiece. It is also a great example of how we can successfully combine the sport's tradition with the environment. Each hole was designed as a part of the natural setting. Golfers enjoy of a field of stunning scenery and exotic wildlife along with wild life exotic views, and many other amenities, all in one single place. This wonderful place offers a club house, restaurant, excellent facilities to play, a shop, lodging, member-ships, a full calendar of tournaments, professional staff, custom Club Fitting and a custom Club Repair Center.

 

ADVENTURE

CANOPY
Glide over the treetops while observing the most beautiful natural landscapes. Feel the wind on your face. There are many options to let you enjoy this original Costa Rican adventure complete with excitement.

BOAT RIDES
Boats are available for rent in at different locations: Playas del Coco, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Ocotal, Potrero, Brasilito and at some halfway points.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Enjoy a great horse ride while you take in the beautiful Guanacaste landscape.
KAYAKING
Since the Pacific tides are quite predictable during the dry season, many hotels offer the kayak equipment. Some of the best spots for this sport are Playa Real, Junquillal, Samara, Nosara and Coco. You can also kayak in some of the streams such as Tamarindo.

SPELUNKING

Beginners to even the most experienced spelunkers will enjoy Barra Honda National Park. With the assistance of expert guides and special equipment, enter an underground world of wonder: limestone caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites and their fanciful shapes.

WALKS

If you want to go for a nice walk, you have several places to choose from. Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa National Parks are great options. Santa Rosa has several kilometers of trails along the Naranjo and Nancite beaches, where the Green or Lora sea turtles lay their eggs. These turtles are well known around the world for their massive nesting between August and October

BIRD WATCHING
Guayabo and Negritos National Parks as well as Pajaros' Island, aptly named Island of the Birds, are small islands that offer protection and a resting spots for many migratory birds. In all of the parks you will also be able to observe a great number of native, resident birds. Some of the best birding can be done early mornings at Palo Verde, Isla Bolanos and Tenorio National Parks.

 

VISITORS’ TIPS

Costa Rica is a safe and beautiful country for tourist and tourism. Like any other country in the world, Costa Rica faces the challenge of maintaining safety and public security for its citizens and visitors alike. By taking just a few common sense precautions, most problems can be avoided. This tips guide provides information on the procedures and the telephone numbers of the proper authorities to contact in Costa Rica.

MONEY

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. The exchange rate varies from day to day.
Use only public or private banks or known exchange booths to change your money, do not do it in public places or with strangers
Use automatic teller machines located in public and well illuminated places. Be careful of any offer of help or of strangers when using the machines; withdraw the cash and count it before going outside. Always find out whether the 13% sales tax is included in the good's price you are purchasing. In restaurants and bars an additional 10% service tax is charged. Due to this additional 10% service charge, tipping is optional here.

TRANSPORTATION AND DRIVING

To rent a car a current driver's license is necessary, along with a credit card. The drivers must be over 18 years old, you must have a driver's license and a deposit should be paid. You drive on the right side lane and the international traffic signs are used on streets and roads.
When using taxi services, verify that they complies with the legal established requirements, such as the yellow triangles printed on the doors and taximeter in the front. Always ask the staff at your hotel to call a taxi from a reliable company. If you plan to sleep while traveling on a bus or any other means of transportation, keep your belongings close to you. While driving or parking your car, lock the doors and keep the windows closed. Do not leave your personal belongings inside the vehicle. If you need to, keep valuables in the trunk, locked globe compartment or out of sight. Remember even locked cars are vulnerable. Always park in well lighted areas and check surrounding areas before entering your vehicle.
Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or the motor running while using an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) or at a public phone.
Know your destination and have a planned route of travel. If you are lost and in need of checking your map, look for a public and safe place to do

 

STAY ALERT
Always keep an eye on your belongings.
Keep your valuables in your hotel safe (passports, airline tickets, extra money and extra credit cards).
Don't leave unattended objects such as photo cameras or video cameras. Keep your wallet in an inconspicuous place.
Always be alert and aware of what is going on around you. We suggest you, do not wear valuable jewelry or carry large sums of cash. Deposit your room key at the Front Desk of your hotel if you are going out.
Do not allow any unknown person to get very close to you under any circumstances, as it may be an attempt of robbing your belongings.
If you go downtown carrying a shoulder bag or camera, hold it in front of you and close to your body. Be sure it is securely closed.
If you are challenged by a hostile individual, do not resist, do what they ask. Your belongings are not worth your life or a serious injury. In the case of your credit card being stolen, proceed to cancel it immediately.

 

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911