Volcanoes and Cloud Forest
Around 9 to 11 nightsGuanacasteArenalMonteverde
The volcanic north, from bubbling mud on Rincón de la Vieja to the pale blue Río Celeste, Arenal's cone and the cloud forest of Monteverde.
North PacificInclude in my trip
GuanacasteandtheNorthPacific
Region
North Pacific
Landscapes
Tropical dry forest, Protected Pacific bays
Pairs well with
Arenal, Nicoya
WelcomeToGuanacaste
- Tropical dry forest
- Protected Pacific bays
- Volcanic highlands around Rincón de la Vieja
In the northwest, Costa Rica changes colour. Guanacaste has a long, pronounced dry season, and from roughly December to April its hills turn gold and much of the tropical dry forest drops its leaves. The coast is broad and bright, with bays sheltered from the open Pacific and beaches that run south towards the Nicoya Peninsula.
Theotherforest
Tropical dry forest is far rarer than rainforest, and in some ways more surprising. In the dry months the canopy opens and wildlife becomes easier to see around the remaining water. Santa Rosa National Park, within the Área de Conservación Guanacaste World Heritage Site, protects some of the most important stretches left anywhere in Central America.
Volcanoesinland
Inland from Liberia, Rincón de la Vieja National Park has fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and trails through forest on the flanks of an active volcano, along with waterfalls and swimming holes. It makes a striking counterpoint to time on the beach.
Thecoast
Plan a visit
Around the Gulf of Papagayo, many of the country's larger resorts sit above protected bays. Further south the beach towns are smaller and more independent in feel, and the coastline grows wilder as it approaches Nicoya.
DiscoverGuanacasteYourWay
Start planningIsItRightForYou?
Dry forest, broad bays and the country's sunniest coast. Gold hills in the dry season, protected bays, volcanoes inland and an international airport close by. The easiest coast to reach and the most reliably sunny.
- Who it suits
- Travellers who want dependable beach weather in the dry season, families, and anyone ending a trip with a few unhurried days by the sea.
- Fitting it in
- With an international airport at Liberia, Guanacaste is an easy place to begin or end a trip, and it combines well with Arenal and the Nicoya Peninsula.
- Weather + seasons
- The contrast between seasons is greatest here. In the green season, afternoon rain returns and the landscape turns green almost overnight.
- Things to do
- Beach time · Volcano trails and thermal mud · Sailing and snorkelling · Horse riding on working ranches. Availability varies by season and conditions.
JourneysThroughHere
All journeys- JourneyActive, with room to rest
View - JourneySlow
Slow Days on Nicoya
ViewAround 9 to 10 nightsGuanacasteNicoya
A short stay in Guanacaste's dry forest, then two unhurried bases on the Nicoya Peninsula, each with its own character.
NearbyAndOftenCombined
All regions- RegionNorthern lowlands
Arenal and the Northern Plains
ViewVolcanic cone and old lava flowsFoothill rainforestLake Arenal
A volcano that holds the view, and warm rivers at its feet.
- RegionPacific peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula
ViewSurf beaches and rocky pointsCoastal dry forestRiver mouths and estuaries
Surf towns, quiet coves and long, slow afternoons.
PlanYourTrip
Reach usTell us where, when and
what you love.
Costa Rica
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- How planning worksOur approach
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