Guanacaste: Costa Rica's surfers paradise

Guanacaste: Costa Rica's surfers paradise

Designed by Milou
Embark on a thrilling adventure in West-Guanacaste, Costa Rica, where nature's wonders and adrenaline-pumping activities converge to create an unforgettable experience. Nestled along the Pacific coast, this tropical paradise beckons with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and an a perfect getaway for surfing. Below you find my go to's to make your stay at Guanacaste (near Tamarindo) amazing.
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How to get around in Guanacaste?

Here's a brief guide on how to get around in this beautiful region:

1. Rent a car

2. Public transportation

In general Costa Rica has a well-connected public bus system. Guancaste is no exception. Buses are an affordable way to travel between the bigger towns in the region. Liberia serves as a central hub for these bus routes. Keep in mind that those busses mainly run between larger towns and often do not cover the more remote, quiet areas.

3. Taxi's 

Taxis are available in the larger towns and can be found on the busier streets. A taxi from a larger town to a remote area can be quiet expensive tho (110 dollars from Liberia to a local cost town for instance), so try to limit the usage of taxi's if you are on a budget.

4. Cycling

Guanacaste's flat terrain and warm climate make it a great destination to get around by (gravel) bike. Many towns and local hotels offer bicycle rentals. This allows you to explore beaches, market and scenic routes while being active throughout the day.

Where to eat?

Lola's
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By far most amazing beachbar / restaurant in the area. Quiet, laidback atmosphere. Good food, friendly staff.
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Breakfast Grinds
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Perfect spot for simple but good food. Great for breakfast or lunch off the beach but with great views.
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Hotel restaurant Villa Deevena
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High quality cuisine in Guanacaste. Located near some hotels to be able to stay nearby after an amazing dinner experience.
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La Vida Buena
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Local place with lovely staff. Simple but good food.
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Malinches Street Tacos
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Great taco place in nice area. Also great just to go for a drink!
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Cafe Mar Azul
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Great little local place. Good food and amazing drinks. Cute area to spend the evening.
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Where's the beach?

Playa Avellanas
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Great beach for surfing and spending the afternoon. Options for surflessons and food.
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Avellanas Surf School (more than 20 years teaching a life style)
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Playa Avallenas is great to learn how to surf. Surfschools offer many options to learn how to surf, starting from hours to days.
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Playa Negra
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Pretty beach to go for a stroll. Great to see the sunset.
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Playa Tamarindo
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Not the prettiest beach in the area. But, it holds some great options to enjoy lunch / dinner at the beach. It also offers many outdoor activity options such as surfing and paddleboarding. Laid back atmosphere in the afternoons.
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Where to stay?

Drift Away Lodge
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Great lodge surrounded by nature. Short walk from the beach. Great poolside with restaurant that serves simple lunch and dinner with local food.
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Hotel El Manglar - Playa Grande Guanacaste Costa Rica
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Cute rooms in a quiet area. Near the beach, with a nice swimming pool for a quick dip!
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Cafe Playa Negra Hotel
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Very well designed hotel with beautiful rooms. Near the beach and some nice restaurants.
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Mikado Natural Lodge
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The pictures say it all: beautful designed hotel in quiet area. Amazing pool views. A drive to the beach, but not to far when you are able to end your day in the amazing pool of this place.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Designed by Milou
Hi all, I'm Milou, a designer Dutchie living in Eindhoven. I'm a former professional travelguide that now works as a designer. For Thatch I design simple, informative and fun guides for you to explore the world at ease. For you I can design complete travel initiarys that make your holiday your perfectly designed destination. Ask me anything about the following continents: Europe, Central America & South-East Asia. Expert in: Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Indonesia, Thailand, Costa Rica & Mexico.
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