11 Top Adventures in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Adventure tourism has always been one of the main reasons why hundreds of thousands of visitors choose Costa Rica as their holiday destination. A specific region where you can find endless outdoor activities is, without a doubt, the Guanacaste province in the northern part of the country. You can fly straight into Liberia International Airport and waste no time to start enjoying the fun options available in Costa Rica.

If for your next vacation, you are craving adventure, then you need to visit Guanacaste. Here you will be able to find it all: natural hot springs, mountain biking, hiking trails, unique and beautiful beaches, water rafting, horseback riding, surfing, kayaking, and much more. There is no shortage of adventures in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, for you to enjoy!

There are many options to choose from for each activity listed below. However, our top suggested adventures to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, are the following:

#1

Tubing in Rio Celeste

Costa Rica has countless gorgeous rivers, but Rio Celeste, located inside the Tenorio National Park, is hands down one of the most unique and magical ones you will ever see.

The color of this river will blow up your senses, giving you the feeling of being inside a tridimensional painting. Two and a half hours of adrenaline await you in a tubing tour at Rio Celeste, where the impressive landscape of the exuberant forest that surrounds this river, along with the inexplicable energy of its waters, will make you enjoy this place like no other.

#2

Visiting the underground caverns in Barra Honda National Park

Barra Honda National Park is the only national park in Costa Rica that has unique natural formations which guarantee that your experience there will be one to remember. The recommended time to visit its marvelous caverns is during the dry season (December-April), and you can only have access through a guided tour, which price starts at $30 for 3-4 hours.

#3

Snorkeling in Catalina Islands

Located in northern Guanacaste, about 18.64 miles south of Playas del Coco and just 45 minutes from Playa Flamingo is Catalina Islands. These islands are considered one of the richest spots to see the breathtaking marine life found in Costa Rica, thanks to its strategic location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

From sea turtles to humpback whales to all sorts of colorful fish and sea creatures await you in Catalina Islands, where snorkeling is simply magical.

#4

Zip-lining in Diamante Eco Adventure Park

There are many spots where you can do zip-lining in Costa Rica, but the beauty of doing it in Diamante Eco-Adventure Park is that you can fly amongst the tallest trees while looking at the mesmerizing Pacific ocean in the background. Diamante Eco-Adventure Park has the added benefit of having the longest ride with nearly a mile-long line.

#5

Scuba diving in Caño Island Biological Reserve in the Osa Peninsula

Exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving await those who go to Caño Island Biological Reserve. Ranked as the second-best place for scuba diving in Costa Rica (after Cocos Island), this piece of paradise is located in the Osa Peninsula. Crystal-clear waters will allow you to see the magic underneath while having the time of your life.

#6

Whitewater Rafting in Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Just 14 miles from Liberia is Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where you can experience, among other things, the never-ending aqua fun and exhilaration of class 2 and 3 rapids along the Colorado River.

Imagine being surrounded by the beautiful rainforest while experiencing the constant surprise of unanticipated turns in a place that showcases wonderful flora and fauna that will make you feel inside a fairy tale.

#7

Dipping in relaxing Hot Springs at Rio Perdido

Rio Perdido, which translates into “Lost River,” is part of a 600-acre private reserve located in the town of Bagaces. Volcanic action is responsible for the river’s hot geothermal waters, giving birth to a natural unique sauna. You can book a room in the Rio Perdido hotel or buy a day pass which will give you access to the hot springs, volcanic mud, lunch, and more.

Relaxation in perfect balance and connection with nature is one of the many sensations you can experience here.

#8

Horseback Riding in Playa Flamingo

According to several studies, horseback riding helps improve mental health and reduces stress levels. Imagine the added benefit of doing so on a beautiful white sand Costa Rican beach such as Playa Flamingo, as well as through the greenest jungle trails. Not only the view of the ocean and the sound of the waves will relax you, but the green surroundings and the sound of many birds saluting you while you ride your way through paradise will leave you speechless.

Don’t miss this chance and book your horseback riding tour starting at $77 for one of the best adventures in Guanacaste.

#9

Windsurfing in Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica for many outdoor activities, windsurfing being one of them. This golden sand beach located in Santa Cruz offers its visitors ideal conditions and wonderful weather to enjoy windsurfing as an experienced or beginner surfer.

If you either want to learn windsurfing or practice your already acquired skills, don’t doubt to head to Tamarindo to enjoy this super fun sport.

#10

Kayaking in Las Baulas National Park

The mangrove estuary located inside Las Baulas Marine National Park is the largest in Latin America, and it can only be accessed by water, which makes it perfect for kayaking. The astonishing kayaking tour at Las Baulas lasts three hours, and it is a fantastic option for those who would like to avoid crowds and spot wonderful wildlife instead. Tours start at $55.

#11

Waterfall Canyoning and rappelling in Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is known as one of the most visited places in Guanacaste, which is why it is showing twice in this list, not by mistake, but simply to confirm that it is a great destination for adventure seekers. 

You can book different tours in Rincon de la Vieja, but one you should try is canyoning and rappelling, as this haven is considered to be one of the best places in Costa Rica for that. The strong splash of waterfalls while descending through spectacular volcanic formations is priceless. Give it a try and find nothing but adrenaline running through your body.

As you can see, you will never run out of options to have the most adventurous and enjoyable time in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

If you need assistance either with accommodation close to any of the listed activities or with booking any of the recommended tours, reach out to our team at Special Places of Costa Rica. Then, pack your bags and get ready to increase your adrenaline with all the wonderful adventures in Guanacaste that Costa Rica has at your disposal.