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Travel Guide of Guanacaste in Costa Rica by Influencers and Travelers


Guanacaste is a province of Costa Rica located in the northwestern region of the country, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Alajuela Province to the east, and Puntarenas Province to the southeast. It is the most sparsely populated of all the provinces of Costa Rica. The province covers an area of 10,141 km² and as of 2010, had a population of 354,154. Guanacaste's capital is Liberia. Other important cities include Cañas and Nicoya.


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Pictures and Stories of Guanacaste from Influencers

4 pictures of Guanacaste from Robin Canfield, mana5280, Arianne Beeche and other travelers


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The Best Things to Do and Visit around Guanacaste


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1 - Guanacaste Province

Guanacaste is a province of Costa Rica located in the northwestern region of the country, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Alajuela Province to the east, and Puntarenas Province to the southeast. It is the most sparsely populated of all the provinces of Costa Rica. The province covers an area of 10,141 km² and as of 2010, had a population of 354,154. Guanacaste's capital is Liberia. Other important cities include Cañas and Nicoya.

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Guanacaste Province things to do in Guanacaste Guanacaste Province things to do in Guanacaste



2 - Nicoya

Nicoya is a district and head city of the Nicoya canton, in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, located on the Nicoya Peninsula.

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Nicoya things to do in Guanacaste Nicoya things to do in Guanacaste



3 - Wildlife Watching in Sámara

Enjoy this tour between jungle, river, and beach to the rhythm of the horses’ hooves, calm and docile. The adventure starts as soon as the gate opens: you will cross the Buenavista river followed by the observation of animals and flora in the Guanacaste forest (typical from the region). At the end of the track, the Buenavista Beach: deserted and preserved from any infrastructures. This long beach of grey sand is typically Costa Rican. Your horse will paddle in the waves of the Pacific Ocean coastline for a magic experience. We will found our way back through the field occupied by wild cows and horses. The tour last for about 2 hours and a half. We made only small group for more conviviality but if you are group of 15 you are welcome too ! Trained and passionate guides Totally Safe tour Carefully groomed and Pampered horses Selected points of interest : River , Jungle , Animals (monkeys, butterfly, birds, crocodile) & Beach More than 1000 satisfied cutomers

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Wildlife Watching in Sámara things to do in Guanacaste



4 - Playa Barco Quebrado

   11 km away
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Playa Barco Quebrado things to do in Guanacaste



5 - Parque Nacional Palo Verde

   13 km away

Palo Verde National Park, is a national park of Costa Rica, part of the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area, that contains much of the area of the valley of the Tempisque River and covers an area of 45,492 acres in Guanacaste Province, 30 km west of Canas.

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Parque Nacional Palo Verde things to do in Guanacaste Parque Nacional Palo Verde things to do in Guanacaste



6 - Kayaking Tours in Sámara

Enjoy an exiting tropical jungle experience over the gentle waters of Ora River, 6 miles down the river is perfect for nature lovers. Surrounded by wonderful birds such as herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills. Also monkeys, iguanas and luxuriant vegetation. Perfect for all ages!!

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Kayaking Tours in Sámara things to do in Guanacaste



7 - Nosara

   17 km away

Nosara is a district of the Nicoya canton, in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica.

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Nosara things to do in Guanacaste



8 - Playa del Ostional

   23 km away
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Playa del Ostional things to do in Guanacaste



9 - Dolphin Watching in Sámara

The Pacific coast is a perfect place for dolphin watching as these playful animals live in the area throughout the year. At 8:00 am you will be pick up by a guide and professional driver to start this adventure, heading south of Sámara beach where the magic begins. You can do this activity in a artisan panga , we will sail from 2 to 10 miles offshore enjoying the breeze and the views that this paradise offers us and letting us surprise by nature; we can observe turtles, dolphins, stingrays or even whales in season; After this unforgettable experience, our captain will look for a place to get you to know the marine life of the Pacific. Depending on the weather conditions, you can go diving near the Isla Chora National Wildlife Refuge or on the reef of Samara, fish such as: morena, blow , tarjentos , parrot, rainbow, butterfly, falcon fish, grouper painted among others; back to boat we will have delicious snacks to end this adventure.

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Dolphin Watching in Sámara things to do in Guanacaste



10 - Tempisque River

   48 km away
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Tempisque River things to do in Guanacaste



11 - Stand Up Paddleboarding in Sámara

Bay to Bay SUP is a test for your endurance and adventurous spirit. You will learn the basics of Stand Up Padelling accompanied by one of our experienced guides who will make sure you learn all the safety measures, about the area and its many interesting facts. Once you are ready, paddle away in what is considered the best beach in the Pacific North of Costa Rica, Carrillo beach. Whether you're in the mood to relax in the sea or get a full-body workout, Bay to Bay SUP has something for you. we're all about creating memorable experiences unique to each and every guest. Come join us, admire the amazing landscape and enjoy the beauties Costa Rica has to offer.

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Stand Up Paddleboarding in Sámara things to do in Guanacaste



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Learn More about Guanacaste

Guanacaste has made a reputation as one of the most popular provinces in Costa Rica, a tropical paradise of unspoilt coastline, beautiful mountains and majestic volcanoes. Long summer days, a vibrant culture and unrivalled wildlife attract visitors. Located in the northwest corner of Costa Rica, Guanacaste's terrain is diverse and exotic. The range of recreational possibilities is infinite, and there are innumerable reasons for locals and international visitors to visit Guanacaste. History Guanacaste was once part of Nicaragua, which gives it a unique cultural nuance. The Cholotega Indians ruled the region in pre-Columbian times and the area is still inhabited by people similar to those of this tribe. Costa Rica was able to reclaim this region from Nicaragua, but it has a slightly different character to the rest of the country, making it a great place for travellers, both new and experienced, to visit. Beaches The province of Guanacaste, in the northwest corner of Costa Rica, is famous for some of the country's most beautiful beaches. Tamarindo has a pleasant climate with sunny weather almost all year round and not too humid. Travelers can do everything from surfing, quad biking, scuba diving, zip lining, horseback riding and hiking. Nestled between two mountains, Playa Hermosa is ideal for travellers who want to avoid the crowds and discover a place where they can relax. Hermosa's location near Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park and Santa Rosa National Park also provides plenty of opportunities to experience the wildlife. Hermosa's close proximity to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park and Santa Rosa National Park also provide great chances to experiment wildlife. The region's other intact beaches are Playa Panama, Playa Grande, Pan de Azucar, Playa Ocotal, Playa Flamingo and Playas del Coco.













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   More Travel spots to explore around Guanacaste

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Guanacaste

  🏖️ Beach spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🏄‍ Surfing spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🏖️ Archipelago spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🌉 Suspension bridge spots     🏞️ Watercourse spots     🏞️‍ Waterfall spots     Flipping spots     ️🏜️ Badlands spots  



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