HORSEBACK RIDING

A pastoral region, Guanacaste offers this activity in coastal areas and in the mountains and their communities. Horseback-riding tours are available through tourism operators or family-owned farms that rent horses.

HIKING

There is no end to the diversity of hiking options available for observing various natural, historical, architectural, cultural, religious and commercial attractions.

SURF

For the ultimate surfer vacation, the tiny beachfront community of Pavones along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is the perfect destination for those who want to catch some of the best long waves in the world. Waves here hit their peak during Costa Rica’s rainy season (April to October) and with an excellent left point where waves hold their shape, the swells here are ideal for the serious surfer.

MOUNTAIN BIKE 

The region offers a variety of picturesque roads and adventure or leisure sites that allow touring on regular or mountain bikes. Beaches and mountains are among the most interesting riding destinations.

ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES

There are sites and buildings of architectural or historic interest and National Monuments that are considered must-see places, mainly in Abangares, Bagaces, Cañas, Liberia, Santa Cruz and Nicoya.

CUISINE

Typical towns are characterized by sodas (small restaurants serving local food), cafes and restaurants where visitors can sample the cuisine of Guanacaste. Cañas, Tilarán, Liberia and mainly Santa Cruz stand out as communities with traditions in typical food and drink.

BIRD-WATCHING

Bird-watching is possible mainly in protected areas. Many sites offer the opportunity to “get with the birds,” with Palo Verde, Curú, Isla Bolaños and Tenorio among the biggest.

TREETOP ADVENTURES

There are several options for visitors to observe the goings-on in the forest canopy, including various monkey and bird species.

PHOTOGRAPHY

This is a most popular tourist activity owing to Guanacaste’s climatic conditions and wealth of flora and fauna, as well as its varied natural, cultural and architectural landscapes.

DIVING

This adventure or recreational activity is becoming more and more popular in Guanacaste, thanks to its excellent dive sites and the specialized companies that normally offer services abroad. Important sites include the Gulf of Papagayo and the Santa Catalina islands.

SHOPPING FOR HANDICRAFTS

The handicrafts of Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya are made of pure clay using the traditional and ancient techniques of the Chorotega indigenous group. Ornaments, urns, flowerpots, vases, plates, decorative whistles and other figures are fashioned and may be bought for their fine finish and interest in several parts of Guanacaste. Visitors can also acquire other kinds of handicrafts fashioned out of jícaro (a kind of gourd) or the thipa plant, from which various paper products are made.

SPORT-FISHING

This is one of the Northern Pacific region’s main attractions. Artisan and recreational fishing are possible, but of greater interest are the tournaments in which several world billfish records have been broken. The fish are returned to the water after weigh-in.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION

Throughout the year, communities in the region celebrate various historical, religious, sporting, civic or artistic activities.

• FEBRUARY Last weekend in February. Civic festivals in Liberia
• APRIL Good Friday. Lagarteada (crocodile hunt) in Ortega de Bolsón, Santa Cruz
• JULY 25. Nicoya Chorotega Tourism Expo-fair and Expoliberia, Guanacaste 25. Anniversary of the annexation of Nicoya Peninsula
• AUGUST 1. Pilgrimage to Cartago 2. Virgin of the Angels Day 24. National Parks Day
• SEPTEMBER 7. Cultural Week, “Liberia, the White City”
• NOVEMBER Second Sunday. Día del Sabanero y Cocineras (Cowboy and Cooks Day) at Hacienda Santa Rosa
• DECEMBER 11-12. Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Nicoya 24. Procession of the Valdelomar Baltodano family’s Baby Jesus to La Ermita de Nuestro Señor de la Agonía, Liberia 25. Christmas