things to do in guanacaste costa rica Archives - Tropical Homes of Costa Rica, Flamingo Beach, Marina Resort, Gold Coast, beach front, marina Flamingo, Liberia airport, Catering Service, Restaurants, Rent a Car

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!

Costa Rica is the ideal location for a family vacation this year. There’s somewhere to explore for travelers of all ages, who will appreciate the many things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. To help you with the planning process, let’s take a look at some of the best vacation rentals and tours available!

The Best Costa Rica Family Vacation Rentals

The first thing to consider when booking a Costa Rica family vacation is where you are going to stay. Our site offers a wide variety of accommodation options to fit travel parties of all sizes and interests. These are a few of the top family vacation rentals we recommend for anyone looking to create memories you’ll treasure forever with your family this year.

Villa Blanca

For a larger family looking to enjoy plenty of space when traveling, check out Villa Blanca. This vacation rental can accommodate up to 12 people at one time and has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. With over 5,500 sq ft of space, you won’t feel like you are on top of each other during your Costa Rica family vacation. One of the best things about this vacation rental is that it offers you 360-degree views over the valley, Pacific Ocean, and mountains. Everything will be taken care of by the caretaker, who will look after the pool and property and offer you evening security. You’ll enjoy swimming each day in the luxurious infinity edge pool, making this a vacation that you and your family will always remember.

Casa Coastal Serenity

Sleeping up to six guests, Casa Coastal Serenity offers you a modern home within the ex-pat community of Surfside Estates. It features the highest quality furnishings both indoors and outdoors, with one of the highlights being the pool area. You’ll be just five minutes away from a local grocery store and seven different restaurants to enjoy each night. With three bedrooms to choose from, this is a good option for a small to medium-sized family. When it comes to exploring the local area, you’ll appreciate that you are just five minutes away from the beach of Potrero. You can go a little further afield for more variety as well, as the white sand beaches of Flamingo and Conchal are within a ten-minute drive.

Villa Marrakech

If you are really looking to splurge on your upcoming Costa Rica family vacation, we highly encourage you to consider Villa Marrakech. This is one of the most luxurious villas in the local area, with over 10,000 square feet of custom-designed beachfront estate for you to explore. The property is inspired by the grand palaces of Morocco, and you’ll feel like you are another world away from the stresses and troubles of home.

Highlights of this magnificent property include the sixty-foot infinity-edge pool, which has the Pacific Ocean just below it. We love the 30-foot domed ceilings and the state-of-the-art kitchen, making it one of the best properties for a family gathering in Costa Rica this year. It has six bedrooms, accommodating up to 11 people at one time. You’ll enjoy plenty of privacy and space, so your whole family can enjoy doing their own thing before you all come back together for your evening meal each night.

Things to Do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Now that you’ve found the ideal rental property for your Costa Rica vacation, we encourage you to choose some fun tours and things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This region of the country appeals to individuals with all interests, so you’ll find there’s something to keep you busy on every day of your trip. Here are a few of our favorite tours in the local area, all of which are ideal for your whole family.

Buenavista Family Adventure

For adventurous families, one of our favorite things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is the Buenavista Family Adventure. This is a complete day out for the whole family, which includes zip-lining, natural hot springs, hanging bridges, and a jungle waterslide. You can also customize this tour to your own requirements, adding on optional activities such as hiking and horseback riding. The trip starts with a shorter than a two-hour drive from the beaches, heading into the hills of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Throughout the day, you’ll be transported around in a private van with AC and enjoy the services of a bilingual professional tour guide. You’ll also enjoy a delicious sit-down lunch with various menu options to suit your personal preferences.

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Our Diamante Eco Adventure Park tour is a fun combination of time in nature and a thrilling adventure. The good news is that you don’t have to drive as far as you would to other national parks, as it’s just one hour away from the most popular beaches. Highlights of the day include the extreme ocean view zip-lines and walking over a crocodile bridge. You can also relax and enjoy the botanical garden before filling up on the Costa Rican buffet at the ocean-view restaurant. The wildlife park offers both enjoyable and educational opportunities for the whole family, and your bilingual professional tour guide will help you to make the most of your day here. For families traveling with younger children, this is a great way to teach them more about the nature the country is so famous for during your vacation.

Beach-Hopping Trip

When looking at the top things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, you can’t miss out on the chance to explore the local beaches. Our Beach-Hopping trip offers you the chance to explore the coast by boat, visiting secluded beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. During the day, you’ll visit at least four secluded beaches on a luxury boat, including Playa de Amor. This tour is ideal for couples and families, and Playa Guacamayita is a good option for younger children. You could also try stand-up paddleboarding on your day out here, as the sea is much calmer here than elsewhere in Costa Rica.

As well as visiting these beautiful beaches, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled while you are traveling between the various destinations. You’ll find whales, manta rays, and sea turtles are commonly seen in this area. Snorkeling is also on offer if you fancy getting up-close and personal with the creatures that call this part of the world home. You can make this day as relaxing or action-packed as you like, making it one of the best tours to add to your Costa Rica family vacation.

There’s no limit when it comes to things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, on your next trip. It’s the ideal destination for a Costa Rica family vacation, and the vacation rentals here accommodate all kinds of families. We’ll be happy to help you plan every aspect of your upcoming trip, including your rental property and tours for your whole family. Contact us today for more information about your next Costa Rica family vacation and how to make the most of your time together in this stunning country.