7 Days • 6 Nights
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Golden Pacific beaches in Guanacaste
- Surf, yoga and beach towns on the Nicoya Peninsula
- Sunset sailing and snorkelling
- Howler monkeys in the dry tropical forest
- The Nicoya 'blue zone' way of life
- Reliable sunshine and pura vida relaxation
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
You are met at Liberia's international airport, the gateway to the northern Pacific, and transferred to your Guanacaste beach resort. Settle in with a welcome dinner and your first Pacific sunset.
A relaxed day on the coast, swimming and lazing on golden beaches, then an afternoon catamaran cruise with snorkelling and drinks as the sun sinks into the Pacific.
A morning exploring the dry tropical forest, perhaps at Rincon de la Vieja or a coastal reserve, spotting howler monkeys, coatis and birds, with the afternoon free on the beach.
You travel down to the Nicoya Peninsula and a laid-back beach town such as Tamarindo, famous for its surf, sunsets and easygoing charm. Settle in and stroll the sand at golden hour.
A morning surf or stand-up paddle lesson on gentle beginner waves, followed by an afternoon of beach relaxation, a yoga class, or a walk to a quieter cove.
A free day to embrace the blue-zone pace, more surf or yoga, a horseback ride on the beach, snorkelling, or simply a hammock and a fresh coconut.
A final beach morning before transferring back to Liberia airport for your onward flight home, thoroughly relaxed.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a sunset sailing cruise with snorkelling
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- All national park entry fees
- a dry-forest wildlife walk and a surf or stand-up paddle lesson
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival; carry a passport valid for at least six months and, technically, proof of onward travel
- Currency: The currency is the Costa Rican Colon, though US Dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for rural areas, small eateries and tips
- Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is the sunniest and most popular, ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush and quieter, with mostly sunny mornings and afternoon showers
- Pura vida: Costa Rica's famous phrase means 'pure life' and captures the country's relaxed, warm and nature-loving spirit; expect friendly people, an unhurried pace and a deep pride in the environment
- Wildlife & national parks: Costa Rica protects around a quarter of its land and holds around five percent of the world's biodiversity; a naturalist guide dramatically improves wildlife sightings, and park entry fees are included
- Getting around: Distances can be longer than the map suggests due to winding mountain roads; internal ground transfers are included, and we can add short domestic flights to save time on longer legs
- Health & water: No vaccinations are required for most travellers, tap water is generally safe in main areas, and you should bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket for the cloud forest
- Money & tipping: A ten percent service charge is often included in restaurant bills; extra tips for excellent guides and drivers are appreciated. Power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport does this use?
This itinerary uses Liberia's Daniel Oduber international airport in the northwest, which is far closer to the Guanacaste and Nicoya beaches than San Jose. We can also arrange it via San Jose if that suits your flights.
Is the surfing suitable for beginners?
Yes — Tamarindo and nearby beaches have gentle, forgiving waves ideal for first-timers, with excellent instructors. Experienced surfers can be pointed to more challenging breaks nearby.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or lodge meals in remote areas. Costa Rican cuisine, from fresh tropical fruit to casados and ceviche, is a delight, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Are transfers between regions included?
Yes — all ground transfers between regions are arranged and included, with English-speaking drivers. On longer itineraries we can add short domestic flights to save time; just ask.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush, quieter and cheaper, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain.
Will I see lots of wildlife?
Very likely. With a naturalist guide you can expect sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas and countless birds, and often frogs, coatis and more. Costa Rica is one of the world's great wildlife destinations.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of rainforest, volcanoes and beach, add or swap regions, change the pace and choose lodges to match your interests and budget.
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