Dreaming of a sun-soaked escape to one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations? Look no further than Guanacaste, a jewel on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This vibrant region promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for your next getaway. In this itinerary, we’ll outline a comprehensive Costa Rica plan that includes the best places to stay, exciting activities, and the most stunning beaches to visit. In Guanacaste, you can experience luxurious Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts or a more intimate eco-lodge experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the top things to do in Costa Rica, where to stay in Costa Rica, and the best beaches in Costa Rica that will leave you enchanted and wanting more. Pura Vida!
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A One Week Itinerary to Costa Rica
One thing Costa Rica has that we were attracted to is world class fishing. Below I will highlight the two charters we took and share some of the fish we caught. Charter fishing is one to the top things to do in Costa Rica.
Deep Sea Fishing in Costa Rica
To start, You can do a little of everything on a trip in Costa Rica. We chose to make it more of a beach and fishing vacation. Did you know that Costa Rica has some of the worlds BEST deep sea fishing? Well, it does and I am here to tell you, it did NOT disappoint! We chose to do 2 separate 8 hour trips, with 2 different companies. They were both fantastic! The first our whole group did. We caught so many Mahi Mahi, Tuna and a Sailfish. This was with Rhinocharger out of Tamarindo. On our way out to sea, we saw a blue whale breach. We also saw about 1,000 spinner dolphins and flying Manta Rays. It was incredible. I have never seen so many dolphins at one time.
The second charter was out of Playa Flamingo. It is called GofishCR. Unfortunately for the ladies, only they guys went out on this trip. They also caught many Mahi Mahi, Tuna and 2 Sailfish. On top of that, they caught a Blue Marlin that was probably somewhere around 300 pounds. It took my husband about 1.5 hours to reel this bad boy in. It was such a thrill for them.
My husband did a lot of research prior to booking our charters to make sure we were hiring some of the best and his research paid off. Both Rhinocharger and GoFishCR come highly recommended by us.
Catch of the Day:
Both boats served food and beverages. I can’t talk for GoFishCR’s food (since I didn’t go on it) but we had an awesome lunch with Rhinocharger. If you ever make it to Costa Rica, I highly recommend a good fishing trip. Fishing is one of our favorite things to do while on vacation, especially when it’s Costa Rica.
Tip: It is customary to leave the captain with some of the days catch. For both charters we left the majority behind. We caught more than enough to have supper the next couple nights and flew plenty home with us!
Some Deep Sea Fishing Action…
Here is the Go-Pro we used for some of our adventures. We used it for deep sea fishing and zip-lining in Costa Rica. A purchase like this is great for your Costa Rica itinerary and beyond. It takes incredible underwater shots for snorkeling or fishing in Costa Rica and this inclusive set comes with all the extras pictured, including a waterproof case.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
We stayed in Playa Hermosa at Villas Sol. Our villa was a 3 bedroom, 2 bedroom rental at the resort. Here are some villas at Villas Del Sol. We loved having our own kitchen and private plunge pool. You have the option to buy the all inclusive package when staying at Villa Sol in Costa Rica. We opted against this, as we wanted to experience the different dining options in Costa Rica. Playa Hermosa beach hosts a number of excellent restaurants right on the beach and the westwardly views allows for a perfect place to dine while watching the sunset. Click here for a full review of our stay at Villa Sol.
Villa # 31:
Here is Villa #31 which is where we stayed. We loved having space, a kitchen and private plunge pool.
Villa # 35
Another excellent option at Villa Sol, Villa #35, also sleeps 6 and has a private plunge pool. Many villas in the optional all-inclusive resort look pretty similar and off comfortable, clean and inviting accommodations.
Villa # 36
Looking for a more colorful vibe when wondering where to stay in Costa Rica? Villa #36, also in Villa Sol, has a vibrant feel and lovely views.
Let us not forget about the two refreshing pools, especially the swim-up bar at Villa Sol. Here we enjoyed some tropical beverages. Pool-side with a drink is a favorite thing to do in Costa Rica on their hot and sunny days! If you decide you want an all-inclusive option when traveling to Costa Rica, you can opt in for the all-inclusive package at Villa Sol. With this you can enjoy your drinks and foos at their restaurant for a covered cost. If you chose not to get the package, you can still enjoy these amenities. The restaurant is buffet style.
A Packing Guide to Costa Rica:
If you’re looking for a packing guide to Costa Rica, CLICK HERE to view our guide and get a free packing list.
Villa Sol also has a complimentary shuttle that takes you to the beach, restaurant, or pool. We used it almost daily. Near the beach was a little convenient store, which we visited frequently for snack, gift, drinks, and we bought snorkeling gear there for the kids. We saw this little guy almost daily on our way to the beach. He lives in the hole in the parking lot.
Howler monkeys were seen and heard almost daily at the resort. Someone told us the family of Howlers lives under the resorts restaurant!
Playa Hermosa, in my opinion, is one of the best beaches Costa Rica has to offer. This gorgeous, low-key beach is a hidden gem for travelers and locals alike. Although it doesn’t have the tourist flare that some places have, it still offers fantastic restaurants right on the beach along with a relaxing atmosphere.
** If you’re wanting to see more all-inclusive resorts on some of the best beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, check out this article about some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Guanacaste region.
Dinner on the Beach
When we vacation, we usually would prefer to eat dinner closer to “home” and cut out the long drives. Villas Sol gave us this perk! Yes, it had its own restaurant, which we did eat at, but the resort is on the beach and Playa Hermosa has several restaurants to chose from. I will point out the ones we tried, but to be honest, they were all awesome! There is nothing better than ending the day with supper on the beach in Costa Rica.
Aquasport, Roberto’s and La Casita are all directly on the beach. They are all a nice stroll from Villas Sol. The photo to the left was taken while eating supper. You can’t argue with that view! Ginger is not on the beach but only about a mile or less from the resort. The food was incredible and the treehouse vibe at Ginger were well worth the visit.
Zip-Lining in Costa Rica
The day we went zip-lining tested my greatest fears of heights, but it worth it! We went to Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Zip-lining is one of the popular things to do on any Costa Rica itinerary. The exhilaration of speeding through the jungle with views to die for is an amazing experience.
Check out the stunning views of the Pacific and RIU Palace, an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
We had 5 zips to complete. Being that I’ve done this before, I figured it would be easy peasy! However, the zip-lining I had done in the past paled in comparison to Diamante. The superman position was the scariest of the zip-lining experience. At nearly a mile in length, it is the longest and highest zip. Even though I thought it was terrifying, the scenery was breathtaking. Would I do it again? Absolutely! The zip-lining was a highlight for all of us!
Playa Conchal – The Best Beach in Costa Rica
The last highlight I want to touch on is what we think is the best beach in Costa Rica, Playa Conchal. Conchal beach is glorious and worth the visit! It is made of crushed shells so the water is turquoise and so clear. The north side of the beach has a rocky area that was perfect for snorkeling for us amateurs. We bought some snorkeling gear while in Costa Rica and spent 2 days snorkeling at Conchal. The kids loved it. Due to the larger rock structure, the area where we snorkeled was more sheltered from waves and it was an easier place to watch the kids with less worry.
One thing to note: To get to Conchal Beach in Costa Rica, you will actually need to park near Brasilito Beach and walk. This is about a 15 to 20 minute walk south. One way to bypass this, is if you’re a guest at W resort, which is right on Conchal Beach. However, if you’re on a budget, then you will be walking.
Don’t forget your snorkeling gear for your itinerary to Costa Rica.
W Resort and Westin on Playa Conchal
If you’re wondering where to stay in Costa Rica, where you can bask on one of their best beaches, Playa Conchal, look into Westin or W Resort. These amazing resorts come with top notch amenities and beautiful views. You can do an all-inclusive package as well, which many people love the thought of that when on a stress-free vacation.
W Resort
As mentioned, we loved Playa Conchal and next trip, we’ll likely stay at the W Resort. Here are some pictures of the resort.
The Westin Reversa Conchal
Another one of Costa Rica’s best all-inclusive resorts is The Westin Reversa Conchal. This beautiful resort is located on Playa Conchal and has all you’ll need for a top notch vacation.
Other Excursions to Consider in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Rincon de la Vieja
Rincón de la Vieja is a prominent volcanic complex located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, renowned for its geothermal activity, diverse wildlife, and tropical landscapes. The Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers visitors numerous hiking trails, hot springs, waterfalls, and the chance to witness the impressive Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. It’s a popular destination for those wanting to add activities such as hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding to their Costa Rica itinerary.
ATV Tours
ATV tours in Costa Rica offer a popular way to explore the Guanacaste’s diverse landscapes, from rugged mountain trails to pristine beaches and scenic countryside. These guided tours provide a thrilling adventure on your itinerary, combining the excitement of off-road riding with opportunities to witness Costa Rica’s rich wildlife and natural beauty up close.
On the Water in Guanacaste
Whether you chose to stay in one of the many fantastic all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica or if you are in a unique VRBO rental, getting out on the water is something to consider adding to your itinerary. Here are some ways to enjoy the nautical life in Guanacaste.
I hope you found value in this guide to Guanacaste, Costa Rica. If you visit Costa Rica, don’t forget to do some world-class deep sea fishing, zip-lining and visit great beaches. Here you will find the best resorts and excursions in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!
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