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 comprehensive Guanacaste travel guide, we’ll outline a detailed Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days that includes the best beaches in Costa Rica, exciting activities, and expert tips for exploring this unforgettable destination. Whether you’re visiting the top Guanacaste beaches to visit or booking some of the best fishing charters in Guanacaste, this guide has you covered.
In Guanacaste, you can experience luxurious all-inclusive resorts or more intimate eco-lodges on the best beaches to visit. From pristine beaches to world-class deep-sea fishing, here’s everything you need to know to plan an extraordinary trip. Enjoy this Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days with family and discover why Guanacaste is a must-see destination in Costa Rica. ¡Pura Vida!
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Costa Rica Itinerary – 7 Days
One thing that makes Costa Rica an incredible travel destination is its world-class fishing. Below, I’ll highlight the two amazing fishing charters in Guanacaste that we took during our 7-day itinerary. Charter fishing is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica and a highlight of any Guanacaste adventure.
Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Costa Rica – Perfect for a Guanacaste Itinerary with Family
To start, you can do a little of everything during your trip to Costa Rica. We chose to focus on a beach and fishing vacation. Did you know that Costa Rica offers some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world? We took two incredible 8-hour trips with different companies. The first, Rhinocharger in Tamarindo, was a highlight of our Guanacaste travel guide. We caught Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and even a Sailfish. The adventure also included sightings of a blue whale, spinner dolphins, and flying manta rays—a truly unforgettable experience.
Our second charter was with GoFishCR in Playa Flamingo. This trip brought in an even bigger haul, including a Blue Marlin weighing around 300 pounds. Fishing enthusiasts will love adding these fishing charters in Guanacaste to their itinerary.
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.
Pro Tip: It’s customary to leave part of your catch with the captain. Both charters provided us with more than enough to enjoy fresh seafood during our trip.
Some Deep Sea Fishing Action on our Guanacaste Itinerary
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 during your Costa Rica Itinerary for 7 Days
We stayed at Villas Sol in Playa Hermosa, a fantastic resort included in many Guanacaste travel guides. Our villa offered three bedrooms, a private plunge pool, and the option to add an all-inclusive dining package. While Playa Hermosa is known for being low-key, it’s one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for families, thanks to its relaxing atmosphere and incredible restaurants right on the beach.
Click here for a full review of our stay at Villa Sol.
Garden Villa:
Here is Garden Villa 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 for your 7 day itinerary, 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 and we loved seeing them daily during our Guanacaste itinerary!
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. Hermosa is one of our favorite beaches in Guanacaste and a perfect place to spend a 7 day itinerary with family.
** 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.
The Best Beaches in Costa Rica and Top Guanacaste Beaches to Visit
A trip to Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the top Guanacaste beaches to visit. Here are our favorite spots:
- Playa Hermosa
Low-key and serene, this beach is perfect for families. Its calm waters, nearby restaurants, and picturesque sunsets make it one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. - Playa Conchal
Renowned for its crushed-shell shoreline, Playa Conchal offers turquoise waters and exceptional snorkeling opportunities. This beach is often featured in Guanacaste travel guides for its stunning beauty. - Playa Flamingo
A gorgeous beach with soft white sand and plenty of nearby attractions. It’s also home to excellent fishing charters in Guanacaste.
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 and Adventure in Guanacaste
No Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days is complete without an adventure in the treetops. We visited Diamante Eco Adventure Park, where we braved the thrilling Superman zip-line. At nearly a mile long, this zip-line offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding jungle. It’s one of the top-rated activities in any Guanacaste travel guide.
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 to Visit in Costa Rica and a Great Place to Spend Time for your Guanacaste Itinerary with Family
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 – Best Resorts for a Guanacaste Itinerary with Family
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 this Guanacaste Travel Guide, 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 this Guanacaste Travel Guide
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.
From the best beaches in Costa Rica to exhilarating adventures and incredible fishing charters in Guanacaste, this region offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days with family or dreaming of a romantic getaway, Guanacaste’s beauty and charm will leave you wanting more. Don’t forget to add Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Flamingo to your list of top Guanacaste beaches to visit!
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