Exploring Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Guanacaste sunset and sea

Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific Beaches of Guanacaste Province

On Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific coastline, Guanacaste’s famous Gold Coast, life is indeed a beach. If you’re staying at Capitán Suizo, these are the best and most well-known beaches of the Northern Pacific coast to visit, each a gem.

 

Playa Tamarindo

What was once a small fishing village has grown to become a vibrant multicultural community centered around beach life. The beach is wide, long, and beautiful, perfect for long walks on the beach. The water is warm and it’s also a surfing hot spot, but still forgiving of beginners. Playa Tamarindo also received Costa Rica’s Blue Flag award in 2018, confirming the quality of the area’s services and facilities. Playa Tamarindo is next door to Las Baulas Marine National Park, where leatherback turtles (las baulas) lay their eggs.

Playa Flamingo

Part of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, Playa Flamingo is a stunningly beautiful beach: blue crystalline waters and tree-lined beach. The beach, a crescent-shaped mile of white sand. The beach has attracted global attention for its beauty and the lavish lifestyle.

Playa Grande

The Matapalo River marks the beginning of Playa Grande in Marino Las Baulas National Park. This is where the leatherback sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs during the nesting season. Their numbers have been drastically reduced from times past, but it’s still an awe-inspiring sight.

Playa Langosta

Playa Langosta is south of Tamarindo, a 5-minute drive. The white sands on this long beach are a beachcomber’s dream. Access is via Hacienda Pinilla, making this beach less crowded than Tamarindo. If you wade across the estuary at low tide, there’s a great stretch of nearly deserted beach.

Playa Avellanas Beach

Like Langosta, access to Playa Avellanas is through the Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club, as well as a public access point near Lola’s. At Lola’s, which is practically world-famous, the beach is shaded by palm trees and food and drink are available. There are some world class surf breaks here and spots for beginners and boogie boarders, depending on area and tides.

Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal on Brasilito Bay, south of Playa Flamingo is worth the drive from Capitan Suizo’s. The beach and its setting conjure up every TV commercial ever seen. The turquoise water, white sand, and not-too-distant Catalina Islands make Conchal seem like a tropical paradise.

Playa Hermosa

Guanacaste’s Playa Hermosa is one of Guanacaste’s best swimming beaches with beautiful clear blue warm water and plenty of beautiful natural scenery to go with the laid-back vibe. Though Playa Hermosa has seen some development, it’s still a favorite with swimmers and retains its charm. The weather is nearly perfect year-round. Don’t confuse this one with the surfer’s beach further south near Jacó.

 

If you are planning a beach vacation, Guanacaste’s Northern Pacific beaches should be on your list of places to visit in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s Best Tours and Activities

Three-toed Sloth in Costa Rica

Exciting tours and activities mean high adventure and fascinating discovery in Costa Rica

Never a dull moment, the abundance of eco-adventure tours and activities in Costa Rica means a vacation to remember.

The early months of high season, January through March, are some of the best months to visit Costa Rica. The green season, with its daily rains, has left the rain and dry tropical forests green and still lush. Still, any time of year is a good time of year to visit Costa Rica.

No matter what you’re up for, there are plenty of things to do for everyone: adventure tours, such as whitewater rafting and zip lining for the adrenalin addicts among us,  and the more leisurely pursuits of guided nature hikes and coffee plantation tours for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.

Here are 5 Costa Rica tours and activities that we think are well worth your while:

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is, perhaps, the most unique in all of Latin America. It straddles the continental divide, and is the result of two separate climatic influences: Caribbean moisture-laden winds provide the mists while the Pacific side is somewhat drier. Its biodiversity is unmatched by few other places on the planet. In fact, about a third of the country’s indigenous flora is found here—more than 3,000 species; especially orchids. Monteverde is also a beacon for birdwatchers, with more than 400 species, mostly insectivores and frugivores. The well-named resplendent quetzal calls this beautiful Costa Rica cloud forest home. The best way to enjoy the canopy is a guided walk along the hanging bridges of the reserve.

Coffee lovers will appreciate a coffee plantation tour. It’s fascinating to see the process from beans on the tree to coffee in the cup. You’ll learn about coffee culture and its importance to the country. The Doka Estate, near Peace Lodge and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, is the largest coffee plantation in Costa Rica and they offer a choice of three tours (one includes La Paz).

Catch sight of turtles nesting on Costa Rica beaches. Olive Ridley and Green sea turtles begin nesting in January for the next 3 months and leatherbacks are just winding up their nesting season, meaning you may have a chance to watch eggs being laid and hatchlings make their dash to the surf.

California’s humpback whales and their calves are a common sight off the southern Pacific coast in January and February. By the end of March, they’re beginning their northern migration. There are a number of wonderful tours to enjoy Costa Rica whale watching; just ask your concierge!

Rainforest canopy zip line, tram, and hanging bridge tours are an excellent mix of adrenaline and awe. The rush from flying from platform to platform just may be as exhilarating as parachuting, only safer. You get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy and its colorful inhabitants, such as scarlet macaws and toucans, as well as monkeys and sloths. Zipline tours are available all over the country; no matter which distinctive hotel you’re staying in, you’re likely to be able to schedule this exciting tour.

Not up for being harnessed in and flying over the canopy tops? Ask about sky tram aerial rides or skywalk hanging bridges; you can leave the thrill-seeking behind and still enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest canopy.

Running the rapids while white water river rafting on Rio Naranjo or Rio Savegre is a possibility for even the most novice beginner. For really exciting rapids, go river rafting right as the green season is coming to a close- anytime in November and December. As the dry season develops, water flows tend to be lower, so January through April is a good time for those who want a more tranquil experience.

Other rivers that are part of Costa Rica’s hydroelectric infrastructure, such as the Balsa, Toro, and Sarapiquí rivers have more reliable flows due to water releases.

No matter which river rafting tour you choose, every Costa Rica river offers an exhilarating and wile ride.

The concierge staff at your hotel can help you organize any number of tours and activities. They’ll know who the reliable tour operators are and can even book for you.

 

All About Costa Rica’s First Ladies-Only Billfish Tournament

women sports fishing Costa Rica

Lady anglers compete in Costa Rica for the first ladies-only billfish tourney; here’s what you need to know.

Los Sueños Resort & Marina, with Chantilly Air, have announced Costa Rica’s first Ladies Only Tournament, scheduled for January 15, 2019. The billfish tourney is a one-day contest with prizes totaling $27,500 for the top 3 teams: 1st place ($13,750), 2nd ($8,250), and 3rd ($5,500).

With no professionals allowed, 4-woman teams aboard individual boats will compete in a catch-and-release billfish contest. Sailfish net 100 points, while marlin are worth 500 and the highest point total wins. In addition, each lady angler’s individual points are added to individual points in the Triple Crown.

Team registrations must be submitted prior to the welcome cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 14th, and the competition begins at 6 a.m. on January 15, 2019 when boats may leave the marina once their observer is aboard. Lines in at 8 a.m.; lines out at 4 p.m.; and scorecards need to be turned in by 7 p.m. The awards ceremony is set for 5 p.m., Jan. 16.

Where to stay during the Women’s Only Los Sueños, Costa Rica Billfish Tournament

Closest to Los Sueños Marina, Villa Caletas is ideally situated atop a hill overlooking the rainforest, Playa Jacó and the Pacific Ocean beyond. From spectacular sunsets to a curtained gazebo on private Caletas Beach, this boutique hotel is known for top-notch facilities and services. The hotel’s neoclassical colonial architecture highlights Costa Rica’s past in comfort and elegance. Serenity Spa is the perfect way to ease tired muscles and restore sun-soaked complexions after a day on the water. A leisurely hike down the Friends of the Forest trail, or take the 4-wheel drive shuttle, to the beach is also an opportunity to spot local wildlife: iguanas, agoutis, macaws and monkeys. Villa Caletas’ location close to Jacó makes it easy to enjoy dinner and dancing at the local restaurants and clubs.

20 minutes south of the marina, Alma del Pacifico  sits right on the beach. With just 20 luxury villas, this pretty little resort is an eclectic mix of European and Costa Rican cultures. Each spacious villa takes advantage of the hotels beachfront setting or lush tropical gardens. Villas include large private terraces and showers that open onto private garden settings. Charlene Broudy’s original artworks add panache throughout the hotel. Alma’s spa offers massage and luxurious skin treatments to ease aches and stress. The hotel sits on stunning Playa Esterillos Este, one of the best on the Central Pacific.

After a day on the salt battling billfish, Villa Caletas and Alma del Pacifico each offer a luxurious haven to restore the most avid angler.

Spot This! Costa Rica’s Fiery Billed Aracari

Costa Rica is home to one of the most beautiful toucans in the world- the Fiery-billed Aracari.

Costa Rica is a bird watcher’s paradise with nearly 900 species, but even if you’re only a casual birder, you almost can’t help catching sight of the Fiery-billed Araçari (ARA-sah-ri) when you’re on vacation on the Pacific coast of this beautiful country.

Part of the toucan family, the Fiery-billed Araçari roosts socially year-round, in groups of up to 10 birds. You can easily identify its large, distinctively shaped bright orange-red upper beak. The massive beak’s hollow structure makes it lighter than it looks.

Adult males and females look alike, while juveniles are duller in color. An adult is about 20 inches long and weighs about 9 ounces. Look for a bright red band on a brilliant yellow chest with glossy black feathers of its back and neck. Its rump also sports yellow and red feathers, while its yellow eye stands out against its black-olive head. The Fiery-billed Araçari has a dark spot on a field of yellow, just above the red band across its breast that its close cousin, the collared araçari (which also has a thin rufous collar on the back of its neck), doesn’t have.

Although mostly tree-dwellers that eat fleshy fruits found in the canopy, the Fiery-billed Araçari will sometimes descend to the forest floor for berries. Because it passes the seeds undamaged, the Fiery-billed Araçari contributes to biodiversity. It will also eat insects and, sometimes, small pigeon or woodpecker nestlings.

Fiery-billed Araçaris will often evict woodpeckers and nest in their treetop cavities 20 feet and higher in the canopy, where they lay two white eggs that hatch after about 16 days. The parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties and often continue to feed young fledglings with occasional help from other araçaris. Fiery-billed and Collared Araçari interbreed occasionally.

You can find Fiery-billed Araçaris in humid lowland forests along the Pacific slopes of southern Costa Rica, to an elevation of about 6,000 feet. They’re pretty common from Herradura,  down the Costa Rica Pacific coast, and on into western Panama. Sadly, their numbers may be declining; formerly you could also find them in eastern Panama and on close, offshore islands.

If you ’re staying at the distinctive Hotel Villa Caletas, you’re bound to spot them aplenty in the surrounding trees, as you lounge on your jungle surrounded balcony, enjoy pool time, or sunset drinks and bocas the Anfitreato Bar Restaurant.

In flight, Fiery-billed Araçari makes a sharp, two-noted call that sounds similar to pseek or keeseek. Between the sound of their call and the brilliantly flashing plumage, you’ll have no trouble spotting a fiery-billed araçari in the forest while you’re on vacation in Costa Rica.      

 

4 Reasons to Choose a Small, Distinctive Hotel in Costa Rica

Grano de Oro Album

A boutique luxury hotel in Costa Rica is the best way to sample “la pura vida.”

Travelers to Costa Rica who book a small and distinctive hotel are often less concerned about the luxury (though that helps) and more concerned about unique adventures-in-living. Large resorts and international chains often lack the flavor and authenticity of the local culture. The big chains also tend to cater to visitors who are more interested in familiar surroundings and amenities than in unique style and experience. Small boutique hotels are recognizable by high ethical standards and personalized, quality of service.

We have four good reasons to choose one, or several, unique luxury hotels for your stay in Costa Rica.

Local flair

Locally owned, you can count on management and staff to be experts in the history, culture, and attractions in their vicinity. Small distinctive hotels general employ locals who have a vested interest in your satisfaction. These hotels’ décor and ambiance reflect their unique perspective on their location and their dedication to give you the best experience possible during your stay.

Rare Experiences

Boutique hotels offer guests an insightful experience into the history and culture of their specific location. Whether it’s a night hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or Piedras Blancas National Park, certified naturalist guides reveal the sights and sounds of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Couples seeking a romantic interlude can hardly go wrong with rooms overlooking the spectacular rainforest or clear waters of the Pacific.

Sustainable tourism

Today’s globally-minded traveler wants to see and experience different peoples, their culture, and their natural world without undue impact on the natural world. By balancing economic success with minimal impact on natural and cultural resources, sustainable tourism benefits local communities, as well as local and national economies. Frequently, small boutique hotels that have earned a certificate of sustainable tourism focus measures on the physical and biological impact of their operations, how they manage their services to benefit their clients and their socio-economic environment.

Top Quality

Staying at a small distinctive hotel typically means a more intimate, quieter experience characterized by

  • Fewer rooms, luxuriously appointed with an emphasis on light-filled and airy design
  • Top-flight amenities, including spa or massage services, a la carte restaurants, and personalized service
  • The absences of real estate development and gaming

Travelers who seek authenticity, immersion, and a unique experience choose properties that seek to embrace those qualities; properties like those proudly featured by Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica.

Find out more about our member hotels and what makes them distinctive; we believe a stay at one of our properties will make all the difference in your Costa Rica travel adventures.