Luxury Holidays in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula

With some of the best surfing in Costa Rica, hikes with waterfall pools to cool off in, and the wildlife of the Cabo Blanco National Park on its doorstep, the sleepy town of Santa Teresa is an ideal destination for the adventurous traveler. Emerald-green jungle stretches out endlessly along the coast, bordered by a pristine stretch of white sands that tumble down to the crashing waves.

Tucked away in this lush jungle foliage, secluded boutique properties and superb restaurants, bars and cafes offer sustenance after an early morning surf or yoga session. After a day on the beach, sit back with a plate of zingy fresh ceviche and a cool beer as the sun dips into the ocean.

Stretching out between the waters of the Papagayo Gulf and the Pacific Ocean, the beaches of the Papagayo Peninsula combine glorious white sands with dense tropical rainforest. Expect an adrenaline-inducing adventure with blissed-out relaxation. Speed through the canopy on a zip-line, hike up the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and river-raft through emerald-green jungle, past iguanas, hummingbirds and monkeys.

Or simply laze under the Costa Rican sun, soaking in the mellow heat and listening to the calls of the jungle.

The number one most famous asset of this huge peninsula is undoubtedly its beaches. The coastal scenery is dramatic, beautiful, and wild against the sleepy villages and local communities.

Home to one of the best beaches in the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa draws people from all across the globe for its famous surf, white sands, bohemian village and epic jungle-backed setting. Or, if you’re looking for a little isolated beauty and escape from the world, Nosara’s pristine beaches will give you absolute tranquillity while you laze and listen to the sounds of nature. 

Further up the coast, the surfing capital of Guanacaste, Tamarindo, has some of the best surf in Costa Rica. It’s a bustling part of the peninsula, with a vibrant beach town and white sands stretching out for three miles, providing plenty of room to find a sunbathing spot. If you’re traveling with older kids, Tamarindo is a must for a beach day with a buzzy vibe, lively restaurants, bars and wildlife walking by.

Just like the Osa Peninsula down in the southwest, the biodiversity and wildlife here are as rich and varied as the surf.  If you’re lucky you could catch thousands of sea turtles coming to shore at night at Ostional Beach, swim and snorkel with dolphins and manta rays, or enjoy the company of monkeys and the many species of birds that flock here. 

For a guided experience, our specialists can arrange a trip to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, one the best places to see the region’s wonderful wildlife, especially the range of vibrant birdlife that makes this a popular spot for nature lovers. 

With a mix of beaches and jungles, Guanacaste provides a cross-section of Costa Rica’s landscapes, perfect for exploring your adventurous side. Kayak your way around, hike through the jungle, or get up close with animals and friendly sloths, this region offers plenty of adventurous activities to try out.