Guanacaste Hotels

Best of all, you can visit Guanacaste without feeling hemmed in by others. Roca Bruja’s surf breaks are world-renowned, while golfers won’t be able to resist the allure of Hacienda Pinilla’s greens. You’ll find a pleasant lack of pasty tourists and hideous souvenir T-shirts whether you’re canyoning, volcano touring or just relaxing in the scenic surrounds. And when the sun goes down, Tamarindo Beach’s vibrant, diverse nightlife offer compelling alternatives to the ubiquitous Irish themed pubs.

GUANACASTE’S TOP 10

GUANACASTE EVENTS

Celebrating with rodeos and folk music, January’s Fiesta Patronal de Santo Cristo is known for its oxen procession.

February’s Fiesta Civica gives a heads up to the cowboys and ranchers of years gone by with rodeos, horse riding and beautiful street markets.

Dia de la Anexion de Guanacaste is a day of national celebration and festivities in July, celebrating the day the former Principality of Guanacaste was brought into the official Costa Rican fold.

Dia de Las Culturas marks the day Christopher Columbus first discovered the Americas. It is held across Latin America each October.

Running concurrently with New Year’s celebrations in December, Fiesta de los Diablitos sees men dressed as devils fighting others dressed as conquistadors.

WHEN TO GO

· November to April sees tourism numbers peak as European travellers seek to escape the northern winter.

· The rainy season (from May to mid-November) isn’t the best time to visit unless you love hanging out in hotel rooms.

· If you’re in the mood to catch Guanacaste at its most natural, check it out during April. Easter provides a great glimpse into the everyday lives of the locals.

GETTING AROUND

· Most of the beaches in the region are within walking distance from hotels.

· Renting a car is a good option, but be wary during the wet season when roads are notoriously boggy and unreliable.

· The best and most scenic way to get into town is via ferry from San Jose.