North Pacific Coast

Travel Guide

Flamingo Beach showing a sunset, landscape views and surf
Panama Beach showing a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Photo provided by Costa Rica Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Costa Rica Convention Bureau
Liberia which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects

This Central American province has an abundance of natural wonders, from volcanic craters and underground caves, to white-sand beaches and coastal towns.

Guanacaste province in northwestern Costa Rica features many attractions, ranging from quiet beach havens to lively oceanfront towns. Its varied landscape includes underground caves, a volcano and large nature reserves. Enjoy many outdoor activities you can even go on an “African Safari.” 

Visit the 34,800-acre (14,100-hectare) Rincón de la Vieja National Park north of Guanacaste. Travel to the main attraction, a cinder volcano. Amble through tropical forests with picturesque views of the Guanacaste Mountains. 

Explore Santa Rosa National Park, a northwestern conservation area originally established to protect the scene of the Battle of Santa Rosa. It’s now an ideal retreat for campers, who enjoy its plants, animals and beaches.

Spend several hours at Africa Mía Natural Private Reserve in the center of the province. Take the African Safari Tour for a realistic animal experience without leaving Central America.

Travel south to Barra Honda National Park near the Colorado Gulf. Climb down ladders to explore the site’s well-preserved underground limestone caves. Spot rare species, such as blind salamanders, that have evolved to live without light.

Soak in the sun at one of Guanacaste’s famous Pacific Ocean beaches. Panama Beach, a serene retreat in the northwestern part of the region, has calm waters. Neighboring Coco Beach is a lively coastal town packed full of restaurants and bars. Drive farther south to relax on the white sand of Flamingo Beach.

Continue south to the seaside settlement of Tamarindo Beach to browse restaurants, hotels and bars. Try surfing in the rougher waters. Book ahead for a tour between October and May to see nesting leatherback turtles in nearby Marino las Baulas National Park. A bit farther on the Nicoya Peninsula, find Samara Beach, a sunbather’s dream with vast stretches of white sand.

Guanacaste is generally hot and dry from November to April and rainy the rest of the year. 

Fly in through the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, just 14 miles (23 kilometers) from the ocean.

Where to stay in North Pacific Coast

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Palm Beach Estates

Palm Beach Estates might not have many top sights, but Grande Beach and Tamarindo Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Palm Beach Estates
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Coco Sunset Hills

While Coco Sunset Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa.

Coco Sunset Hills
Liberia which includes a square or plaza

Los Cerros

Though Los Cerros might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Museo de Guanacaste and Liberia Parque Central.

Los Cerros
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El Capulín

While El Capulín might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Museo de Guanacaste and Liberia Parque Central.

El Capulín
Liberia which includes a square or plaza

Barrio La Guaria

Barrio La Guaria might not have many top sights, but Museo de Guanacaste and Liberia Parque Central are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barrio La Guaria
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Barrio El Invu

When in Barrio El Invu, you can plan a visit to Museo de Guanacaste and Liberia Parque Central, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Barrio El Invu
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Playa Matapalo- Sardinal, Carrillo, Sardinal, Guanacaste
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Sardinal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,181 reviews)
"will definetly go back excellent staff"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Playa Conchal S/N, Cabo Velas, Guanacaste
The price is P25,332 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P25,332
P28,626 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Cabo Velas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"I liked the resort ok, I don’t think they should let kids sit at the bar. Half the time I could not find a seat."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport

Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport

3 out of 5
Ruta 21 frente Condominio Solarium, Liberia, Guanacaste
The price is P6,827 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P6,827
P7,714 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Liberia. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (981 reviews)
"This is a pretty new hotel extremely close to the airport. The grounds are wonderfully kept as the hotel is only a year and a half old. The staff was welcoming. They have a new pool, don't forget to ask the lobby for a towel before you go. Dining in the hotel was limited but they do offer a free ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hampton By Hilton Guanacaste Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residencias Samara

Residencias Samara

3.5 out of 5
Ruta 160, esquina Calle Parque, 50m Oeste de las Oficinas del ICE, Sámara, Provincia de Guanacaste
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Sámara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Samara Beach and Buena Vista Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Parfaite hotel familiale proche de tout
"Nous avons adoré l’hotel !! Très propre, personnel vraiment souriant. Proche des restaurants et de la plage. Je recommande fortement. On était une famille 2 adultes et 2 enfants, la piscine était wow! Je garde l’hotel dans mes favoris."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Residencias Samara
Bahia Pez Vela Resort

Bahia Pez Vela Resort

3.5 out of 5
Playa del Coco, Sardinal, Guanacaste
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Beautiful beach with black sand. Perfect for swimming. Our villa was right on the beach gorgeous view of the sunsets every evening. Loved the wildlife around the hotel. The villa was spotless and very comfortable for our family of 6. The kitchen was fully stocked, had everything we needed. Would ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Bahia Pez Vela Resort
Hermosa Paradise

Hermosa Paradise

2 out of 5
Highway 159 behind Super Luperon, Sardinal, Guanacaste Province
Stay at this aparthotel in Sardinal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 14 beach bars. Popular attractions Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
"Good for what it is"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hermosa Paradise
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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