Are you dreaming of a beach vacation, but your partner is dead set on hiking a mountain? Or maybe you just want to spend a relaxing day at a world class spa, but your family is insisting on spending their vacation adventuring? Now, everyone can get what they want when you stay in the most beautiful part of Costa Rica; Playa Flamingo.
Playa Flamingo is Costa Rica’s hidden gem. Located on the north Pacific coast, this small town is surrounded by some of the country’s most stunning scenery. From cascading waterfalls to active volcanoes, there are plenty of things to do in Guanacaste Costa Rica.
If you’re looking for an adventure, head to Arenal Volcano National Park. This active volcano is a popular destination for hiking, zip-lining, and hot springs. For a more relaxed day trip, take a short drive to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Here you can explore multiple waterfalls, go horseback riding, or take a dip in one of the many natural pools. This blog will walk you through all the best things to see, just a short drive away from your stunning vacation rental in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica.
Waterfalls
There are plenty of reasons to visit Costa Rica, and one of the best is the sheer number of natural wonders to be found here. From rainforests and beaches to volcanoes and waterfalls, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re staying in Playa Flamingo, you’ll have an abundance of choices when it comes to day trips. Here are our top picks for the best waterfalls around Playa Flamingo.
Just a short drive from Playa Flamingo is the La Leona waterfalls. This hidden gem is one of the best day trips from Playa Flamingo because it’s so accessible and relatively unknown. The La Leona waterfalls is located in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, only about a one hour drive from Flamingo. The trail to the waterfall is well-marked and takes you through some beautiful rainforest scenery. Along the hike you’ll follow a beautiful blue river and might even see some wildlife like monkeys or an anteater. The waterfall itself is about 50 feet tall and has a small pool at the base that’s perfect for swimming in on a hot day. Be sure to bring your camera, because the cool part about this waterfall is that the rocks are cut by the river in such a way that it almost makes a complete cave around the waterfall and pool. This stunning site is something you have to see to believe, and once you do you won’t forget the incredible experience.
The next waterfall you have to see while you’re here is the Rio Celeste Waterfall. Rio Celeste is one of the most popular day trips from Playa Flamingo, only about a two hour drive away. The waterfall is located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park and is a must-see for any nature lover. The river Rio Celeste is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Rio Buena Vista and the Rio Quebrada Agria. The difference in volcanic mineral content between these two rivers creates a chemical reaction when they mix that turns the color of the water a dreamy blue that is out of this world! The waterfall is an amazing sight with its spectacular color falling from 90 meters high. After seeing the falls, you can hike to the spot where the rivers mix and witness the color change for yourself. After a long day of hiking, you can relax in one of the many hot springs in the area.
When you’re done chasing waterfalls for the day, treat yourself to a luxury stay with a view that will blow you away. Casa Del Mar in Playa Flamingo’s exclusive gated community of Mar Vista will leave you absolutely speechless. It is exquisitely designed to be the quintessential modern vacation home, with its large open floor plan and expansive windows, engulfing you in the Costa Rican sunlight! And it’s even within 5 minutes to world class beaches, golfing, sport fishing, snorkeling, sailing and horseback riding.
Volcanoes
Costa Rica is home to some of the most amazing volcanoes in the world. Visitors can hike to the top of these volcanoes for stunning views, or even go inside some of them on guided tours. Learning about all the myths and legends of these volcanoes is fun for all ages. Costa Rica’s volcanoes are also a great place to see some of the country’s wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. Here is our list of the best volcanoes to see just a day trip away from Playa Flamingo.
Rincon de la Vieja is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica because of the lush jungle scenery, and it’s only a little over one hour away from Playa Flamingo. The volcano and its national park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, whitewater rafting and more. Rincon de la Vieja is also packed with some of Costa Rica’s wildlife, including sloths, iguanas and toucans. The best time to visit Rincon de la Vieja is from December to April when the climate is dryer.
The next volcano on our list is a must see. Arguably one of the most esthetic volcanoes in the world, the Arenal Volcano stuns tourists and locals alike with its perfectly symmetrical cone shape. The surrounding area is so lush and green, and there are many hot springs and waterfalls in the area to explore. Arenal is a great place to hike, bike, or just relax in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. This destination is about three hours away from Flamingo, but it’s worth every minute. You’re going to want to either get there early for sunrise or wait around until sunset because the light glows off the little cloud that almost always covers the summit, and it is nothing less than breathtaking.
For another view that will take your breath away, book your stay at the Presidential Suites condominiums in Playa Flamingo. Overlooking the exclusive North Ridge, this beautiful updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo is within walking distance to the gorgeous white sands of Flamingo Beach. Both bedrooms feature gorgeous tropical mountain and ocean views. Listen to the waves crashing below as you relax on your veranda and take in the sea breeze and enjoy the tropical jungle surroundings.
There are plenty of day trips and things to do in Guanacaste Costa Rica. For the adventurous type, there’s hiking to waterfalls and volcanoes. For those who want to relax, there are plenty of spas, beach bars and restaurants to enjoy. If you’re wondering how you’re going to get to all these amazing places, don’t sweat it! When you stay with Tropical Homes, you’ll also have access to our incredible concierge team. Whether you want to rent a car, grab a shuttle or have the whole thing planned from a to z, we can make it happen, all you have to do is ask!
No matter what your interests are, there’s a day trip from Playa Flamingo that’s perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Come and explore Costa Rica!