Your 1-3 Day Getaway to Tamarindo Beach

Making the most of your time with the "pura vida" mindset

If you are spending a couple days at Tamarindo and want to make the best of the experience, look no further. I am happy to give you all my insights after spending a year living in the area. 

Transportation

Getting to Tamarindo beach on a budget can present its own challenge. For those of you renting cars, getting around most of Costa Rica will be fairly straight froward (despite the windy roads). You can use Google Maps or Waze for directions - generally speaking Waze is slightly better and more common around here. 

If you are flying into the Liberia airport and are looking for a cheaper way to reach Tamarindo, there is actually a great bus service that connects most of the Guanacaste province. The local website "yoviajocr" will have bus schedule posted for all its usual routes. A little known fact is that the bus to Tamarindo also stops at the airport. If you ask any member of staff at the airport arrivals they can direct you to bus stop where buses arrive approximately every hour! 

Restaurants 

Yes, Tamarindo is known for its beautiful beach, but I think the real standout part of the town's experience is the food. There are just a few main streets so each of these spots will are a walkable distance away. Here is a list of some of my favourite spots: 

- Nari (an Italian patio restaurant with the best evening ambiance you could ask for)

- Nalu (the perfect chill breakfast spot with the best smoothie and bagel I've quite literally ever had) 

- Breaking Bread (a delicious coffee spot with a very cool theme)

- Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park (as advertised this beachside area features 8-10 high quality food truck everyday)

Activities 

Surf

If you're planning to come to Tamarindo there is a high chance surfing is something that is already on your list. Tamarindo is easily the best beginner surf beach in the country. You are likely to get at least a couple good hours of easy waves everyday and if you are lucky it could coincide with sunset! I personally worked with Lycans Surf School. It is small business owned by a local names Andrey. Andrey was a fantastic instructor who made me feel safe even on a day with particularly powerful waves. He is fluent in English and Spanish but will speak Spanish with you if you want to practice! 

Markets 

Whether you enjoy window shopping or actually buying beautiful handcrafted trinkets, you will have a great time exploring Tama Market. The market runs every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Alternatively, if you're looking for an evening market with a great atmosphere and live music, the Tamarindo Night Market happens every Thursday between 6-9 pm. 

Sunsets

While watching the sunset does not seem like an activity, in Tamarindo it is the time of day everyone gathers together and you don't want to miss it. I highly recommend stopping at one of the shops by the beach to pick up drinks and snacks of your choice. Head down to the beach at least 30 minutes prior to sunset. Put down a picnic blanket and take in the scene of dogs running around, fisherman at work and many other travellers who are enjoying this moment in time with you.  

Day Trips Nearby 

As much as I love the Tamarindo area and its friendly and lively vibe, I don't necessarily think you need more than 2 days to soak in its beach and world class sunsets. Luckily, there are a myriad of other cool spots nearby that you can head to for even a day trip if your hostel or hotel is booked in Tamarindo. 

La Leona 

La Leona is a one of a kind guided waterfall and cave experience. The trip must be guided because it is not for the faint of heart! The current is strong but the reward of standing in front of a gorgeously blue waterfall inside a layered terracotta cave is makes it worthwhile. 

Tio Leo's Farm 

One of the things Costa Rica is known for internationally is its renowned coffee! Unfortunately most of the countries coffee farms are found in the central valley. Lucky for those of us exploring the Guanacaste region, Tio Leo, a clever farmer and very engaging tour guide, has found a way make coffee plants thrive in the Guanacaste heat. His farm located about an hour from Tamarindo is highly impressive. His tours also include chocolate tasting, empanadas making and sugar cane production. It was informative, interactive and charming. 

Want more information? 

After spending a year living in Guanacaste I have so much I would love to share with you - things to avoid, ways to save money and must-do experiences. Not everything can fit into one guide. If you want general advice about Costa Rica or a curated itinerary I am happy to help with whatever it is you are looking for. If it's an itinerary you want I can cater to budget, group size, time of year and give detailed explanations how to get from place to place. Feel free to go to my page and schedule a call!