North Costa RicaGuanacaste and the northern volcanoes, coast to countryside.
North Costa Rica

Discover Northern Costa Rica

Dry-forest coastline, steaming volcanoes, turquoise rivers and wetlands full of birds. Plan Guanacaste and the northern inland as one connected trip, starting from Liberia airport.

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Forested coastline of the Papagayo Peninsula
Forested coastline of the Papagayo Peninsula · Photo: WildPhotography.com
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Why go north

Northern Costa Rica is the country’s driest region from roughly December to April, and Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) puts beaches like Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa within about 40 minutes. From the same base you can reach active volcanoes, hot springs and river wetlands as day trips.

Beachfront on the Guanacaste coast
Beachfront on the Guanacaste coast · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Plan

Destinations

Beach towns and inland bases.

Pacific coastline, Puntarenas (aerial)
Pacific coastline, Puntarenas (aerial) · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Coast

Beaches

Which beach suits which kind of trip.

Sunset over forested hills, Rincón de la Vieja area, Guanacaste
Sunset over forested hills, Rincón de la Vieja area, Guanacaste · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Volcanoes & wildlife

Nature

Rincón de la Vieja, Palo Verde and Tenorio.

Brown pelicans over the Pacific surf, Costa Rica
Brown pelicans over the Pacific surf, Costa Rica · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Stay

Where to Stay

Choosing a base for coast and countryside.

GuanacasteViator

Volcano Hike, Waterfall Swim & Hot Springs Combo on Rincon de la Vieja

Volcano hike, waterfall swim and hot springs in one day on Rincón de la Vieja.

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GuanacasteViator

Palo Verde Natural Park Boat Tour

A boat trip on the Tempisque River through Palo Verde’s wetlands.

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GuanacasteViator

Catamaran Snorkel Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo or Playas del Coco

Snorkel and sunset sail from Tamarindo or Playas del Coco.

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Itineraries

Forested coastline of the Papagayo Peninsula
Forested coastline of the Papagayo Peninsula · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Itineraries

One Week: Guanacaste Coast and Volcanoes

Seven days from Liberia with one beach base and two big inland days.

Forest bird perched near Arenal, Alajuela
Forest bird perched near Arenal, Alajuela · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Itineraries

Coast to Arenal: A 10-Day Route

Start on the beach, cross the volcanic range and finish at Arenal.

Sunset over forested hills, Rincón de la Vieja area, Guanacaste
Sunset over forested hills, Rincón de la Vieja area, Guanacaste · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Itineraries

Rincón de la Vieja: How to Plan Your Day

Fumaroles, mud pots, waterfalls and hot springs about an hour from Liberia.

Beachfront on the Guanacaste coast
Beachfront on the Guanacaste coast · Photo: WildPhotography.com
Itineraries

Dry Season or Green Season in Guanacaste?

Guanacaste has the most marked dry season in Costa Rica. Here is how it changes your trip.