Guanacaste Province in northern Costa Rica is one of our favorite outdoor destinations in the Americas. The combination of volcanoes and world-class surfing makes for an irresistible getaway only a few hours from Houston. And you don’t have to stay at the Four Seasons to sample the best of the region; there are many excellent boutique hotels with great style and a sense of place, without the huge price tag. This itinerary goes off the beaten path and favors a private hot spring resort over the ever-popular Arenal area, and the surf area of Nosara, rather than hanging around the resorts of Tamarindo.
This is a laid back itinerary that could easily become an annual tradition.
The dry season from December through May is a popular time to visit Costa Rica, but the north receives less rainfall than other parts of the country. We love visiting during the short dry season, late July and early August, to avoid the crowds. The roads in Costa Rica are easy to navigate in the dry season, so we can rent a car for you or hire a driver. This is a laid back itinerary that could easily become an annual tradition.
Arrive at Liberia airport in northern Costa Rica. The tiny airport offers direct flights across the United States and Europe. A driver will greet you at the terminal and take you to Rio Perdido, a stylish contemporary resort tucked into a unique ecosystem an hour east of town. The resort is named after the Rio Perdido, a hot spring-fed river nearby. Unwind from your flight in its warm waters or enjoy a cocktail on your private deck overlooking the forest.
Rio Perdido sits in a unique ecosystem that includes both dry mesas and deeply forested canyons, which provide contrasting experiences within a short distance. You can spend the morning at high elevation tackling a network of exciting mountain biking trails, and then swim or tube in the river (or zipline above it) in the afternoon. There are also spa, yoga, and meditation services on offer that will easily fill a second full day at the resort if you have time.
Driving two to three hours south of Tamarindo along the coast leads to the town of Nosara. The nearby Guiones Beach has been a popular destination for surfers for decades, but its growing yoga and food scene has put it on the map recently. As a result, several cool boutique hotels have emerged, including Harmony Hotel and Sendero Nosara. They are both around the same price point, so it comes down to taste: Sendero is the newer, modern option, and the Harmony is the more boho option with a great restaurant. Spend the afternoon settling in and exploring local shops and restaurants.
Playa Guiones is the type of place you want to move to. There is a great grocery store, a large selection of restaurants, and a great surf beach. The swell is best in the wintertime, so it gets busy then. However, people are always friendly. We love to rent a golf cart instead of a car to explore the town that way. La Luna restaurant in Playa Pelada is one of our favorite places to watch the sunset.
Depart in the morning for the drive to Liberia and your flight back home.
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