Barra Honda Caves

Barra Honda is unlike any other of the National Parks of Costa Rica: its main draw is an extensive, intricate system of limestone caverns, adorned with a variety of whimsical forms and figures. It took underground streams over 70 million years to carve out this natural wonder. Speleologists and spelunkers from around the world are drawn to Barra Honda. The deepest of the caves — Santa Ana — drops to 249 m (817 ft) below the surface, while La Trampa has the deepest precipice – a 30 m (98 ft) vertical entrance. Not for the fainthearted!

• Web:

  www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/ac/act/bhnp/Pages/default.aspx

• Opening hours:

  The park: daily 8am–4pm; Caving: 8am–1pm (descent)

• More info:

  nicoyapeninsula.com/naturereserves/barrahonda

Ermita de La Agonia Church

Right in the heart of Liberia, this ancient church is a jewel of beauty from days gone by, which still remains of great significance for the people of Liberia today. A remnant of Liberia's spirited past, this cultural sanctuary allows you to catch a breath after a day of sightseeing and take in its devotional and inspiring atmosphere.

• Address:

  Parquecito de La Agonia, Liberia

Guanacaste Museum

The Guanacaste Museum is committed to safeguarding the natural, social, ethnic, cultural and artistic history of the province. Featuring temporary exhibitions as well as various projects that are all meant to preserve the area's history, this former city jail boasts an authentic experience of Costa Rica's rich culture by displaying both interesting artefacts and architectural exhibits.

• Web:

  www.museodeguanacaste.org

• E-mail:

  museodeguanacastecr@gmail.com

• Address:

  Museo de Guanacaste, Avenida 1, Calle 2 & 4, Liberia, Costa Rica

• Phone:

  +506 8360 6081

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–4pm

Guanacaste National Park

East of Santa Rosa National Park, this park is a bird watcher's paradise for a good brisk walk or a leisurely stroll along its winding paths right into the woods. While looking out for exotic birds and their nests, you can also spot other park dwellers such as Capuchin monkeys or collared peccaries, and thus explore Costa Rica's wildlife at its best.

• Address:

  Guanacaste National Park, Guanacaste Province

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–4:30pm

• More info:

  costa-rica-guide.com/nature/national-parks/guanacaste-np

Gulf of Papagayo Beaches

The Gulf of Papagayo and its coastline are a major tourist magnet. Thanks to its splendid beaches, Guanacaste province is an excellent choice for waterside pursuits. Playa Panamá is one of the most attractive beaches in Guanacaste province, perfect for enjoying a swim as well as beautiful views over the ocean — take a walk along the shore, and savour drinks and treats only a stone's through away. Playas del Coco is laid-back during the day but vigorous at night, so a great night out after a chilled day of sunbathing can best be enjoyed here. Do also try out some of the water sports practiced here. Playa Hermosa is a grey sand beach perched between two mountains and, in fact, seldom as crowded as its neighbours. Head here for having a calm day in tranquil surroundings.

• Address:

  Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste Province

Llanos del Cortés Waterfall

Visiting a waterfall is on almost every traveler's bucket list but finding one in the rather flat and dry region around Liberia might seem like a challenge. And yet, Llanos del Cortés raises its magnificent cascades in the middle of nowhere, amidst arid landscapes, and it barely has any comparable rivals — at least within Costa Rica.

• Address:

  Llanos del Cortés, Guanacaste Province

Conchal Beach

Conchal Beach is considered by many to be one of the most exotic beaches in Costa Rica. Its brilliant white colour comes from small broken shells and coral. The sea is crystal clear with turquoise blue undertones. The beach is located just 2 km from Playa Brasilito and very close to Flamingo and Tamarindo. Apart from working on your tan and snorkelling, you can book a horse riding tour.

• Address:

  Playa Conchal, Guanacaste Province

Del Coco Beach

Playas del Coco is one of the oldest beach communities in Guanacaste Province, located about 32 kilometres (20 miles) from the town of Liberia. The beaches here are known for the beautiful sunsets — the beach faces north so there is always a shadow and the sun sets over the hills or in between land and an island. Enjoy relaxed atmosphere, paved sidewalks, tree lined beach walks and a gradual surf.

• Web:

  www.vacationscostarica.com/travel-guide/coco-beach

• Address:

  Playa Del Coco, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

• More info:

  Locals refer to Playas del Coco affectionately as "El Coco"

Flamingo Beach

The Flamingo Beach is one of Costa Rica's most popular beaches with fine white sand, clear clear blue waters, lagoons, vegetation and lots of activities on offer. The coastline is dotted with secluded beaches with mountains jutting out into the sea and creating quiet and secluded lagoons. The area is possibly best known for its scuba diving opportunities. There are several dive shops in town which provide service to the Catalina Islands and the Bat Islands. The waters around these islands are teaming with marine life, including the majestic giant pacific manta.

• Address:

  Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Las Baulas National Park

Las Baulas National Park offers an often-overlooked natural getaway just outside the crowded beaches of Tamarindo. Take a tour of the park’s vast network of mangrove forests on a relaxing boat trip — howler monkeys, crocodiles and tropical birds will be your companions on this trip. Head to the beach for a chance to see the magnificent leatherback turtles. The turtle nesting season is from October till February. Except for the turtle nesting season (October-February), which is allowed to stay on the beach until 5:00 PM.

• Web:

  www.sinac.go.cr/ES/ac/act/Paginas/Parque-Nacional-Marino-Las-Baulas.aspx

• Address:

  Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–6pm. From October to February (turtle nesting season) beaches close at 5pm

Las Catalinas

Las Catalinas is a new beach town developed in 2006 along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Its purpose is to create a way of life that is healthy, sustainable, fulfilling and fun. In practical terms, it means that Las Catalinas was founded based on the principles of New Urbanism — a compact, car-free and fully walkable town within easy reach of the beach. A maze of small shaded streets connects houses, shops, restaurants, small hotels and inns, pedestrian streets, plazas, parks, and recreational facilities — all surrounded by a lush rainforest. On the other side is the Pacific Ocean you'll two of the finest beaches in all of Costa Rica with great swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, boogie boarding, and snorkelling. Don't miss out on the opportunity to go diving next to Las Catalinas islands!

• Web:

  www.lascatalinascr.com

• Address:

  Las Catalinas, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Nicaragua

If visiting just one country per trip is not exciting enough for you — hop over to the neighbouring Nicaragua! Discover the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of Granada — the oldest colonial city in the Americas that is still thriving in its original location. On your way there, visit the active Masaya Volcano and the extinct Apoyo Volcano, cruise by boat to small islands on Lake Nicaragua. Tours include border-crossing assistance and hassle-free transportation for the smoothest experience possible.