Guanacaste, Costa Rica, blends golden beaches and volcanic highlands—a landscape shaped by dry tropical forests, ranchero culture, and the famous Papagayo winds. Annexed to Costa Rica in 1824, the region has a proud sabanero (cowboy) tradition, and its laid-back coastal towns embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle. You’ll split the week between Tamarindo’s surf-and-sunset coast and the Liberia highlands for waterfall hikes and hot springs.

Expect warm, dry weather from December to April and greener, quieter trails in the rainy season. Rincón de la Vieja National Park showcases boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and blue-hued rivers—an ideal counterpoint to lazy beach days. Guanacaste’s food scene spans local sodas (hearty casados, ceviche) to surf shacks and bakeries pouring excellent Costa Rican coffee.

Practical notes: Fly into Liberia (LIR). Public buses are cheap; shared shuttles are time-savers; road conditions can be bumpy on rural routes. Rincón de la Vieja is typically closed on Mondays—plan hikes accordingly. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, and sturdy sandals for river crossings.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is Guanacaste’s classic surf town: a broad sandy bay with beginner-friendly waves, a lively food scene, and fiery sunsets. Howler monkeys call from almond trees, and at low tide you can stroll south to Playa Langosta’s tide pools. Within 30–40 minutes are Playa Conchal’s crushed-shell sands and Playa Flamingo’s marina for snorkeling and sailing.

• Top beach and nature moments: Learn to surf on the mellow beach break; walk the estuary edge at dawn for birds; day trip to Playa Conchal for snorkeling.
• Great eats on a budget: Cafe Tico (strong coffee, gallo pinto), Breaking Bread (fresh pastries, sandwiches), Green Papaya Taco Shop (hearty tacos), El Mercadito de Tamarindo (food stalls for every taste).
• Shopping: Thursday Night Market (crafts and live music); small surf boutiques for rash guards and locally made jewelry.

Where to stay (budget to midrange): Search apartments, cabinas, and guesthouses on VRBO Tamarindo or compare hotels/hostels on Hotels.com Tamarindo. Budget-friendly options often include fans instead of A/C and shared kitchens—great for saving on meals.

Getting here: Fly to Liberia (LIR) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights. Airport to Tamarindo is about 1.5–2 hours by car; public bus via Liberia center takes ~2.5–3 hours (very cheap); shared shuttles run ~$25–35 per person.

Optional private transfer: Costa Rica Private LIR Airport Arrival Transfer (door-to-door convenience; ideal if arriving late or with surfboards).

Liberia

Liberia, the provincial capital, mixes white-walled colonial homes with a workaday market scene. Most travelers base here or at nearby lodges to access Rincón de la Vieja’s volcanic trails, blue rivers, and hot springs. It’s also a springboard to waterfalls like Llanos de Cortés and beaches around Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa.

• Don’t miss: Rincón de la Vieja’s Las Pailas loop (fumaroles, boiling mud pots), Oropéndola Waterfall’s emerald pool, and an evening soak in mineral hot springs.
• Eat and sip: Cafe Liberia (coffee in a restored colonial house), Soda Doña Tere (big casados), Tierra Mar (seafood with Guanacaste flavors). For quick breakfasts, local panaderías serve strong coffee and fresh buns.
• Souvenirs: Consider a side trip to Guaitil village for traditional Chorotega pottery (about 1 hour by bus or car via Santa Cruz).

Where to stay: Look for simple city hotels or countryside lodges via VRBO Liberia and Hotels.com Liberia. Staying near the park saves time on early hikes.

Getting there from Tamarindo: By shuttle or car it’s ~1.5–2 hours; public bus via Santa Cruz or Liberia terminal ~2.5–3 hours (a few dollars). Budget tip: take an early bus to beat midday heat on the trails.

Day 1: Arrive in Liberia (LIR) → Tamarindo Sunset

Afternoon: Land at LIR. Budget options: public bus to Tamarindo via Liberia center (~$5–8, ~2.5–3 hours); faster shuttles ~$25–35; or book a private car for convenience: Costa Rica Private LIR Airport Arrival Transfer.

Evening: Drop your bags and head to the beach for your first Pacific sunset. Grab budget-friendly dinner at El Mercadito de Tamarindo (multiple stalls; try ceviche, arepas, and fresh fruit smoothies). Nightcap at Patagonia del Mar (grilled bites) or live music at Sharky’s if you want a lively start.

Day 2: Surf, Coffee, and a Sunset Sail

Morning: Espresso and gallo pinto at Cafe Tico. Rent a board ($10–20/day) or book a group lesson ($45–70) along the main beach—Tamarindo’s gentle beach break is ideal for first-timers, with soft sand and long rides at mid-tide.

Afternoon–Evening: Set sail on a catamaran for snorkeling, open-water cruising, and a sunset over the Pacific: Sunset Sailing Catamaran in Tamarindo (typically 4–5 hours; snacks and drinks included; great value for a half-day on the water). Return around dusk and stroll the beachfront.

Night: Tacos at El Vaquero or hearty bowls at Falafel Bar. If it’s Thursday, browse the Tamarindo Night Market for souvenirs and live music.

Day 3: ATV Adventure, Playa Conchal, and Market Finds

Morning: Quick pastry at Breaking Bread, then ride to hidden coves and hilltop viewpoints on an off-road tour: ATV or Buggy Guided Tour from Tamarindo or Conchal (scenic backroads to quiet beaches; some departures include snorkel time—bring water shoes).

Afternoon: Bus or taxi to Brasilito and walk the short path to Playa Conchal. Snorkel the rocky points (good visibility on calmer mornings), then grab a budget lunch in Brasilito—look for a soda serving casados with fresh jugos.

Evening: Back in Tamarindo, shop small boutiques for locally made jewelry and woven bags. Dinner at Green Papaya Taco Shop (big portions, good for groups) or pizza by the slice at Nari.

Day 4: Transfer to Liberia → Rincón de la Vieja Warm-Up

Morning: Transfer to Liberia or a lodge near Rincón de la Vieja (1.5–2 hours by car/shuttle; ~3 hours by bus with a change in Santa Cruz or Liberia). Check in, drop bags, and fuel up with coffee at Cafe Liberia.

Afternoon: Hike the Las Pailas loop (plan 2–3 hours; trail fee about $17 for non-residents). Expect fumaroles, steam vents, bubbling mud pots, and curious agoutis—this is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible volcanic landscapes.

Evening: Soak in mineral hot springs (evening passes ~$20–35 at nearby facilities). Dinner at a local soda—Soda Doña Tere plates up generous rice-and-beans, grilled chicken, and plantains for a fair price.

Day 5: Waterfalls and Blue Rivers Day

Morning: Early start to Oropéndola Waterfall for a cool swim in an emerald canyon (combine with park visit; modest access fee and short walk from the bridge). Pack sandals with grip for wet steps.

Afternoon: Optional river tubing or canyoning near the park if you want another adrenaline hit (expect 1.5–2 hours on the water). Alternatively, take a bus/taxi to Llanos de Cortés Waterfall near Bagaces (~40 minutes from Liberia; small community fee; lifeguards often present on weekends).

Evening: Back in Liberia, stroll Parque Central and pick up snacks from a panadería for tomorrow’s day trip. Dinner at Tierra Mar for seafood rice or whole fried fish at budget-friendly prices.

Day 6: Beaches of the Papagayo Gulf (Playa Hermosa or Playas del Coco)

Morning: Bus or taxi to Playa Hermosa (about 45 minutes). It’s a calm, family-friendly bay—great for a relaxed swim after the volcano hikes. Bring snorkel gear for rocky points at either end.

Afternoon: Head to nearby Playas del Coco for souvenir browsing along the main drag (sarongs, artisan woodwork, coffee beans). Grab iced coffee or a batido at a café and cool off.

Evening: Return to Liberia. If you’re up for a final splurge at the coast another day instead, you can also consider a Flamingo sail while based near Tamarindo: Sunset Catamaran in Playa Flamingo (close to Tamarindo; snorkeling plus golden-hour views).

Day 7: Coffee, Crafts, and Departure

Morning: Brunch and one last cup at Cafe Liberia. If time allows, quick side trip to Guaitil (traditional Chorotega pottery workshops) for high-quality souvenirs at fair prices.

Afternoon: Ride-share, shuttle, or bus to LIR for your flight home. Compare flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you prefer door-to-door convenience, book a private ride: Costa Rica Private LIR Airport Arrival Transfer.

Travel times and budget snapshot: LIR–Tamarindo shuttles ~1.5–2 hours; Tamarindo–Liberia by bus ~2.5–3 hours. Surfboard rentals $10–20/day; group surf lessons ~$45–70; catamaran typically $85–110; ATV tours about $75–120; park entrance ~$17; hot springs ~$20–35. Save by using sodas, apartments with kitchens, and public buses where possible.

Optional coffee experience near Arenal (for a future trip or if you extend inland): North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour—a hit with coffee lovers if you add La Fortuna to your Costa Rica plans.

In a week, you’ll surf Tamarindo’s warm waves, sail into Pacific sunsets, and hike volcanic trails that steam and bubble with energy. Guanacaste rewards adventurous travelers with big nature and easygoing beach towns—without blowing the budget.