What are some cool things to do in Guanacaste Costa Rica?

With such diversity of nature in the backroads of Costa Rica, there are plenty of things to do in Guanacaste, the province where travelers find the best excursions to make them feel like they’re visiting paradise. The majestic vistas come from a combination of mountains, volcanoes, forests, jungles, and rainforests, all within driving distance of one another.

Without a doubt, one of the most popular things to do in Guanacaste is to visit the breathtaking Arenal Volcano. It’s located in a magical green area where you can enjoy a boat ride on the largest lake in Costa Rica, followed by a walk through the waterfall-rich rainforest and even a nice dip in hot springs, allowing you to feel totally connected to this magnificent land. Or you can completely immerse yourself in the rainforest that gives Costa Rica its well-earned fame at Sensoria, the Land of Senses. This nature reserve in Rincon de la Vieja National Park gives you access to a plethora of vegetation, and its waterfalls and cool-blue pools give you refreshment before swimming in a thermal river pool.

To get in touch with the amazing fauna of Costa Rica, you must take a boat ride along the Tempisque River at Palo Verde National Park. There, your captain will take you on a gentle cruise to see beautiful birds, capuchin monkeys, and even friendly crocodiles that go about their business. If you want to take your natural adventure to a higher gear, and you’re looking for an excellent dose of adrenaline, how about trying out the zip lines of Costa Rica? Start with the biggest one of them all, the 4,000-foot ‘Superman’ at the Diamante Eco Adventure Park on the Pacific coast, where you can also spend time in nature at wildlife refuges full of regional flora and fauna. This is a perfect activity for guests staying in Papagayo Gulf resorts because of its proximity.

However, if the thought of soaring on the longest zip line in Central America is too much for you, perhaps you can experience a more laid back zip lining course above the forest by checking out the Culture and Adventure Mega Combo. As the name suggests, this Guanacaste outdoor activity adds a nice touch of Costa Rican culture by seeing how locals make coffee, sweet cornbread, and even pottery. To take a journey that combines thrills with thorough relaxation, you should add the Rio Perdido Adventure to your list of things to do in Guanacaste. You’ll zip line above a river canyon and let the adrenaline pump through your body, but then you’ll unwind and relax in a thermal river and several mineral pools for the complete R&R treatment you deserve.

Whether you're looking for outdoor activities in Costa Rica or things to do in Guanacaste, remember to book your activities with a known DMC like Amstar, which has a guarantee of excellence thanks to its relationship with Apple Leisure Group.

Want to know more about Guanacaste, Costa Rica? Check out our travel blog for helpful travel tips. But for now, check out our best excursions, as selected by local destination experts.