We all know someone who thinks active vacations end in dirty fingernails, sweat-soaked clothing, and aching joints and muscles. The thrill of adventure just isn't reward enough for them to tackle a remote trail or slip into a harness. But there are those destinations which strike a compromising balance between the intensity of the adventure itself and the quality of the recovery after. The Guanacaste region of Costa Rica is one such place full of inspiring adrenaline and enchanting indulgences that can satisfy most any taste.
There are two reasons Costa Rica, the rich coast, and Guanacaste represent the best of both worlds. Firstly, this northwestern state has an extremely diverse landscape. Lying in the eastern region Guanacaste has active volcanoes with slopes draped in jungle which rise thousands of feet from primordial lakes. In central Guanacaste there is a diverse mix of green forest, dry prairie, and rocky high points and to the west is the coast and abundant sand and surf. The geography of Guanacaste truly has something for everyone and all within a half-day drive.
The second feature making Guanacaste ideal for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike is the tourism infrastructure. The Liberia airport is centrally located and flights arrive from around the globe daily. Those flights bring travelers seeking both jungle and beach vacations, adventure and inner-peace. The influx of tourists has given rise, over the years, to a bustling tourism trade. All levels of accommodations can be found in the region from five star hotels to humble hostels.
The far western reaches of Guanacaste contain part of the Arenal National Park. The iconic Arenal volcano is the park’s centerpiece with its perfectly conical shape and smoldering summit. Tucked into the slopes of the volcano are plenty of outfitters chomping at the bit to take tourists on a zip line tour of the canopy, waterfall rappel, or rafting trip. Sky Trek & Sky Tram combines a slow and steady tram ride up through the treetops with a speedy decent on zip line cables, the longest zip being half a mile in length.
After a high altitude tour one, can slip into the natural hot baths at Eco Termales. Relax in steaming hot springs which flow into cascading pools surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. The pools are lined by smooth rounded stones and amenities which include a bar, restaurant, and changing rooms. Nighttime is the perfect time for a dip into the springs. The steam envelopes the pools and illuminated paths as it rises slowly into the night sky.
Once home from the hot springs, schedule a treatment at Golden Gecko Spa which is located at the Lost Iguana Resort. The Golden Gecko is surrounded by lush jungle and affords unmatched views of the volcano. Ever wondered what it would be like to get aromatherapy and a deep tissue massage while a warm fire is burning in your own private cabana? Did we mention this is all taking place beside a rushing mountain spring flowing through the greenest jungle imaginable?
The high ground isn't the only place to be in Guanacaste; the beach towns are something special as well. Whether seeking surf time or beach time, Tamarindo is a crowd-pleaser. The surf is excellent on this little stretch of beach, and everyone from beginners to experts can find satisfying waves to ride. For the novice, the Banana Surf Club has excellent local instructors who have been catching waves since they were three-footers themselves. Whether a lesson is needed or not, the folks at Banana Surf Club can provide tide charts, boards, rash guards, and souvenirs of the trip. And hose without interest in surfing can simply watch from the comfort of a lounge chair while sipping a sweet concoction.
When the day is done, and the waves have worn a surfer's strength down, head to the beach where local entrepreneurs have discovered that sore muscles need tending. Thirty to sixty minute beach massages are typically offered all day by local women near the popular surf-side restaurants, Nibbana Beach Bar or Langosta Beach Club. After the relaxing massage head back to the B&B by the sea, Villa Allegre because nothing beats a brilliant sunset, a dip in a warm pool, a comfy bed, and a home-cooked breakfast the next morning.
If trying to convince a partner or friend to take an active vacation, and there is a bit of push-back, just remember Guanacaste Cost Rica and all it has to offer. There is no reason adventure travel can't be a pampered experience, especially when it takes place on the "rich coast."
There are two reasons Costa Rica, the rich coast, and Guanacaste represent the best of both worlds. Firstly, this northwestern state has an extremely diverse landscape. Lying in the eastern region Guanacaste has active volcanoes with slopes draped in jungle which rise thousands of feet from primordial lakes. In central Guanacaste there is a diverse mix of green forest, dry prairie, and rocky high points and to the west is the coast and abundant sand and surf. The geography of Guanacaste truly has something for everyone and all within a half-day drive.
The second feature making Guanacaste ideal for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike is the tourism infrastructure. The Liberia airport is centrally located and flights arrive from around the globe daily. Those flights bring travelers seeking both jungle and beach vacations, adventure and inner-peace. The influx of tourists has given rise, over the years, to a bustling tourism trade. All levels of accommodations can be found in the region from five star hotels to humble hostels.
The far western reaches of Guanacaste contain part of the Arenal National Park. The iconic Arenal volcano is the park’s centerpiece with its perfectly conical shape and smoldering summit. Tucked into the slopes of the volcano are plenty of outfitters chomping at the bit to take tourists on a zip line tour of the canopy, waterfall rappel, or rafting trip. Sky Trek & Sky Tram combines a slow and steady tram ride up through the treetops with a speedy decent on zip line cables, the longest zip being half a mile in length.
After a high altitude tour one, can slip into the natural hot baths at Eco Termales. Relax in steaming hot springs which flow into cascading pools surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. The pools are lined by smooth rounded stones and amenities which include a bar, restaurant, and changing rooms. Nighttime is the perfect time for a dip into the springs. The steam envelopes the pools and illuminated paths as it rises slowly into the night sky.
Once home from the hot springs, schedule a treatment at Golden Gecko Spa which is located at the Lost Iguana Resort. The Golden Gecko is surrounded by lush jungle and affords unmatched views of the volcano. Ever wondered what it would be like to get aromatherapy and a deep tissue massage while a warm fire is burning in your own private cabana? Did we mention this is all taking place beside a rushing mountain spring flowing through the greenest jungle imaginable?
The high ground isn't the only place to be in Guanacaste; the beach towns are something special as well. Whether seeking surf time or beach time, Tamarindo is a crowd-pleaser. The surf is excellent on this little stretch of beach, and everyone from beginners to experts can find satisfying waves to ride. For the novice, the Banana Surf Club has excellent local instructors who have been catching waves since they were three-footers themselves. Whether a lesson is needed or not, the folks at Banana Surf Club can provide tide charts, boards, rash guards, and souvenirs of the trip. And hose without interest in surfing can simply watch from the comfort of a lounge chair while sipping a sweet concoction.
When the day is done, and the waves have worn a surfer's strength down, head to the beach where local entrepreneurs have discovered that sore muscles need tending. Thirty to sixty minute beach massages are typically offered all day by local women near the popular surf-side restaurants, Nibbana Beach Bar or Langosta Beach Club. After the relaxing massage head back to the B&B by the sea, Villa Allegre because nothing beats a brilliant sunset, a dip in a warm pool, a comfy bed, and a home-cooked breakfast the next morning.
If trying to convince a partner or friend to take an active vacation, and there is a bit of push-back, just remember Guanacaste Cost Rica and all it has to offer. There is no reason adventure travel can't be a pampered experience, especially when it takes place on the "rich coast."
