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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 guide, we’ll outline a detailed Costa Rica 7 day itinerary that includes the best beaches, places to visit and snorkeling beach in Guanacaste, exciting activities, deep sea fishing, and expert tips for exploring this unforgettable destination in one week. Whether you’re visiting the top Guanacaste beaches or booking some of the best fishing charters in the area, 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. ¡Pura Vida!
Key Takeaways
- Guanacaste is a stunning destination in Costa Rica offering adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty for your one week Costa Rica itinerary.
- The itinerary includes activities like deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and zip-lining, along with tips on the best beaches to visit.
- Stay at Villa Sol for an all-inclusive experience, with easy access to nearby attractions and beach relaxation.
- Dining options include beachfront restaurants and local cuisine for a complete cultural experience.
- For bonus activities, consider ATV tours and visiting Rincón de la Vieja for hiking and wildlife encounters.
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Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
Start your journey by flying into Liberia International Airport, the gateway to Guanacaste’s coastal wonders. After picking up your rental car, head to your accommodation in Playa Hermosa, a serene beach town known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere. Settle into your resort or eco-lodge, and take a leisurely stroll along the beach to soak in the stunning sunset views.
Where to Stay in Guanacaste: Villa Sol
We based ourselves at Villa Sol in Guanacaste, a laid-back, all-inclusive resort nestled in Playa Hermosa—one of the best beaches in Guanacaste for swimming, sunsets, and that peaceful local vibe. It turned out to be the perfect home base for our Costa Rica 1 week itinerary, offering easy access to both adventure and downtime. Whether we were setting off on a fishing charter, snorkeling along the coast, or just relaxing by the pool, Villa Sol fit seamlessly into our Guanacaste Costa Rica itinerary. The staff was friendly, the views were stunning, and the location made it easy to explore the region without spending hours in the car.
Here is the Modern Villa where we stayed. We loved having space, a kitchen and private plunge pool.
Our VRBO in Guancaste:
Click here for a full review of our stay at Villa Sol
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.
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!
** 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.
Day 2: Exploring the Best Beaches in Guanacaste – Where to visit on a Costa Rice Beach Itinerary
Guanacaste boasts some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, each offering unique experiences:
- Playa Conchal: Famous for its crushed-shell shoreline and turquoise waters, it’s a top spot for snorkeling and relaxation.
- Playa Flamingo: Known for its soft white sand and vibrant marine life, it’s perfect for sunbathing and water activities.
- Playa Hermosa: A tranquil beach ideal for families, with gentle waves and nearby restaurants.
- Tamarindo: A lively beach town in Guanacaste known for its surf-friendly waves, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back coastal charm.
Spend the day beach-hopping, swimming, and enjoying the coastal beauty that defines the Guanacaste Costa Rica itinerary.
Pro Tip: Playa Conchal is made of crushed shells. Having a good pair of water shoes on your Costa Rica packing list is great for this beach! Here is a guide to the best shoes to pack for Costa Rica.
One thing to note from personal experience: 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 Westin, which is right on Conchal Beach. However, if you’re on a budget, then you will be walking.
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.
Day 3: Deep Sea Fishing Costa Rica Adventure
Embark on a thrilling deep sea fishing Costa Rica experience. Guanacaste’s Pacific waters are teeming with big game fish like marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi. Book a charter with reputable companies such as Rhinocharger in Tamarindo or GoFishCR in Playa Flamingo. These excursions often include sightings of dolphins, whales, and other marine life, making it a memorable day on the water. 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.
Our Fishing Experience:
Fishing was high on the priority list for my husband and son when we planned our Costa Rica trip, so we ended up booking not one, but two full-day charters during our 1 week itinerary. On day 3, our whole group headed out with Rhinocharger out of Tamarindo—it was such a fun day for everyone. Then on day 6, the boys went back out on the water with GoFishCR while us ladies took a well-earned relaxation day.
My husband did a ton of research before we booked anything, wanting to make sure we chose top-notch charters—and honestly, his homework paid off. Both Rhinocharger and GoFishCR were fantastic, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either one.
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.
Don’t Forget Your GoPro, Especially for a Costa Rica Beach 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.
Day 4: Discovering Costa Rica Snorkeling Spots
After the excitement of fishing, unwind by exploring some of the best Costa Rica snorkeling spots. Head to the Catalinas Islands, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and diverse sea life. The Catalinas Islands are one of the better places to visit in Costa Rica, if snorkeling is on your one week itinerary. Alternatively, snorkel off the shores of Playa Conchal, where clear waters and abundant marine species await. Don’t forget your underwater camera to capture the colorful underwater world.
Day 5: Adventure Day with Zip-Lining
No Costa Rica 1 week itinerary is complete without a jungle adventure. Visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park to experience the Superman zip-line, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding rainforest. The park also features animal sanctuaries, botanical gardens, and cultural exhibits, providing a comprehensive look at Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and heritage.
Zip-Lining and Adventure in Guanacaste was on our 7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary
No one week Costa Rica itinerary is complete without an adventure in the treetops, which is zip-lining at Diamante is a great place to visit. We loved 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!
Day 6: Relaxation and Local Cuisine
Take a day to relax and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before heading to the beach for some sunbathing or a gentle swim. In the evening, dine at beachfront restaurants like Aquasport or Roberto’s in Playa Hermosa, savoring fresh seafood while watching the sunset. Below are some of the places we decided to visit during our week in Costa Rica. These restaurants were all very close to Villa Sol.
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.
** If Boutique Hotels are more your style, here are some highly rated boutique hotels in Costa Rica.
Day 7: Farewell and Departure on this Costa Rica 7 Day Itinerary
On your final day, take a morning walk along the beach, reflecting on the incredible experiences of your Guanacaste Costa Rica itinerary. After checking out of your accommodation, drive back to Liberia International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of a week filled with adventure, relaxation, awesome places to visit and natural beauty of Costa Rica.
Bonus: Best All-Inclusive Resorts and Other Guanacaste Activities to Add to you 1 Week Itinerary to Costa Rica
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.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for other all-inclusive hotels in Guanacaste, here is a run down of some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.
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. If you stay here, don’t forget your snorkeling gear as Playa Conchal is one of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling spots.
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.
Additional Guanacaste Tours
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