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Mar 09, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026
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Guanacaste itinerary: a week on Costa Rica's Gold Coast

Look no further than Costa Rica if you are looking for a dream tropical vacation. Costa Rica is a beautiful nation with a diverse ecosystem. Whether you like surfing, fishing, ziplining, waterfalls or just relaxing on a quiet beach, there is something for everyone.

Recently we spent 1 week in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and we wanted to share our experience with you by creating this vlog.

I and my little family have put together an itinerary to give you a taste of what it is like to spend a week in Guanacaste so that I can make the best use of that trip and the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast.

I will guide you through my Guanacaste itinerary and a trip to one of my favorite places in the world, Costa Rica. If you are looking for a fantastic tropical vacation, look no further than this country and silent era this region as well.

I will outline a summary of some of the highlights of our trip from sunsets on the beach to beaches released with sloths. So pack your bags and come with me on the trip.

Costa Rica Travel Vlog: Spending a week in Guanacaste [4K] Watch this video on YouTube.

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What to pack for a trip to Guanacaste

Determining what to pack for a trip to Guanacaste depends a lot on when you visit and what you want to do on your trip (more on this later).

In general, Costa Rica is a country with a hot climate but with a season that is both very dry and very rainy.

So pack consecutively. You’ll definitely want a rain jacket and a swimsuit, but the rest is a personal preference.

For example, if you plan to hike on volcanoes or other mountains areas, I would bring some warm clothing such as gloves for when it gets cold up there. Here is what I brought

Red Seabag

Carrying a travel backpack like this is particularly convenient for walking around town, hiking in the rainforest, and even when you're on tour.

You can stuff everything inside; A few days' worth of clothes, toiletries, your laptop (if needed), and anything else you may need.

If you are traveling with carry-on luggage only, this bag is a great suggest because it is are less bulky than your standard backpack.

I used to carry my laptop bag but this one is much more comfortable; it still allowed me to pack everything I needed and it was very light.

Dressing room

We recommend that you select comfortable and practical clothes. For pants, I brought a pair of black jeans, shorts and khaki walking pants for when we went out on the town over the weekend.

For shirts, you are advised to bring whatever you want to undress but remember it's hot, so chili light-colored clothes and not too tight. I brought a couple of T-shirts, tank tops and button-down shirts.

See correlations: Best lightweight travel clothes for hot weather

Swimsuit

You will definitely want to bring your own swimsuit because the water in the Pacific Ocean in Guanacaste province is incredible, you can swim in it all year round.

I have two pairs of different swim shorts and several pairs of gym shorts.

Then, my wife brought 2 bikinis; one with ruled pants and one with high-waisted pants.

Where to stay in Guanacaste province.

A Fusion of Elegance and Tranquility: Boutique Hotels in Gold Coast, Queensland

When it comes to finding the perfect accommodation that combines luxury, charm, and a personalized touch find it on http://www.queenslandhotelmotel.com/en/theme/resorts-18/, hotels in Queensland's Gold Coast are a treasure trove waiting to be explored. These unique and intimate establishments offer a distinctive experience, making your stay in this vibrant region even more exceptional. Among them, the Boutique Hotels in Gold Coast stand out, providing an enchanting retreat for travelers seeking a refined escape.

Explore Boutique Elegance in Gold Coast

If you're drawn to the allure of boutique hotels, the Boutique Hotels in Gold Coast will capture your heart. These distinctive accommodations promise not only comfort and style but also an immersion into the local culture and lifestyle.

By delving into the world of boutique hotels, you'll uncover a unique way to experience Queensland's Gold Coast. Allow yourself to be enveloped in the charms of these hidden gems, where luxury meets individuality, and every moment is a delightful discovery.

These are some of the best hotels and resorts in the province of Guanacaste:

El Mangroove

Photo di Booking.com

If you are looking for a luxury resort, El Mangroove is the perfect option. Dotato di incredibili viste sul mare e abfacecato su Flamingo Beach, questo hotel dispone di servizi straordinari tra cui l'accesso privato alla spiaggia e diverse piscine tra cui selectielle.

Loggia Guacamaya

Photo di Booking.com

If you are looking for a more secluded resort or hotel, this is one of the best options in Guanacaste.

Not only does it offer incredible views and amazing amenities, but this resort is also on-site with a variety of adventures including horseback riding, ATV tours and float down the river in kayaks.

This is one of the best matrimony resorts in Guanacaste and has both indoor and outdoor matrimony venues.

Locanda La Mansion

Photo di Booking.com

This is another luxury resort option in Guanacaste.

Where to eat in the province of Guanacaste

The province of Guanacaste has many great places to eat, so you won't go hungry as you cross all the provinces it has to offer.

For breakfast, head to La Mansion Inn or El Mangroove, where they will serve some tasty options including pancakes and fresh juice.

Further afield, the seafood restaurant Papagayo offers many seafood dishes and other traditional Costa Rican dishes such as the Casado and the Pargo Frito.

For the sweet tooth, Mango Cafe is the perfect place to go. Not only does this cafe offer delicious desserts such as chocolate cake and flan, but it also offers homemade ice cream!

Finally, if you are looking for lunch or dinner options that are authentic Costa Rican, Casa de las Pizzas is the perfect choice.

So head southeast to Tinamaste, which borders the park, and after traversing Guanacaste, head east on that road to Tanganrica, then northwest on Liberia-Hwy 21. From here it is less than a two-hour drive to the entrance of Santa Rosa National Park and Liberia Airport.

Itinerary of 7 days in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Tamarindo

  • Arrive at Liberia International Airport, your gateway to Guanacaste's splendors.

  • Transfer to Tamarindo, a lively beach town known for its surfing, vibrant nightlife, and stunning sunsets.

  • Settle into your accommodation, whether it's a beachfront resort or a cozy boutique hotel.

Day 2: Surfing and Beach Bliss

  • Start your morning with a surfing lesson, Tamarindo's iconic activity. Experienced instructors cater to beginners and pros alike.

  • Afternoon at leisure: lounge on Tamarindo Beach's golden sands, explore local shops, or book a catamaran tour for a chance to spot dolphins and snorkel.

Day 3: Discovering Rincón de la Vieja National Park

  • Embark on a day trip to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a volcanic wonderland offering hiking trails, hot springs, and waterfalls.

  • Experience a rejuvenating mud bath and relax in natural thermal pools.

  • Return to Tamarindo in the evening, refreshed and revitalized.

Day 4: Coastal Exploration and Sunset Sailing

  • Drive along the coast to Playa Flamingo, another stunning beach destination.

  • Enjoy a leisurely day swimming, sunbathing, and savoring fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.

  • Embark on a mesmerizing sunset sailing tour, where you'll cruise along the coastline while watching the sun dip into the Pacific.

Day 5: Wildlife Encounter at Palo Verde National Park

  • Head inland to Palo Verde National Park, a sanctuary for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.

  • Take a guided boat tour along the Tempisque River to spot crocodiles, monkeys, and countless bird species.

  • Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and marvel at the untouched landscapes.

Day 6: Beach-Hopping to Nosara

  • Journey south to Nosara, a hidden gem known for its relaxed atmosphere and world-class surfing.

  • Explore Playa Guiones, a pristine beach favored by both surfers and yoga enthusiasts.

  • Discover Nosara's local charm, from its farmer's markets to the welcoming community.

Day 7: Sunset Horseback Riding and Farewell

  • Experience the magic of a sunset horseback ride along the coastline. Witness the sky ablaze with hues of orange and pink.

  • Reflect on your incredible week on Costa Rica's Gold Coast.

  • Depart from Liberia International Airport, carrying unforgettable memories and a deep connection to Guanacaste's treasures.