15 Reasons Why Guanacaste, Costa Rica Is the Ultimate Vacation Spot
Guanacaste, Costa Rica owes its name to the country’s national tree, which grows in that same area, and also goes by the name of “ear pod tree.”
The province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica is located in the Northern Pacific side of the country and is one of the best regions to visit in Costa Rica, the mecca of ecotourism. Locate it on the map:
Keep reading to find 10 reasons why Guanacaste, Costa Rica is a unique vacation spot. Prepare yourself to see some real estate options because you will not want to go back home!
¡Vamos a Guanacaste!
Let’s go to Guanacaste!
1. Active Volcanoes
Corner of the Old Lady Volcano or Volcán del Rincón de la Vieja is a very active and temperamental volcano in Costa Rica. Her activity falls over the waterfalls, hot springs, and mood pools on its skirts. There are many beautiful beaches in Latin America but only a handful have this exciting attraction.
There is also a legend that says that the volcano inherited its name and temper from an old lady who knew everything about alternative medicine and lived nearby. It is very close to the Rincón de la Vieja Guanacaste National Park.
2. Renewable Energy
Did you know that Guanacaste, Costa Rica has one of the largest wind electrical, and thermal plants in Costa Rica?
99% of the energy in Costa Rica is renewable, but in Guanacaste goes up to 100%. If sustainability appeals greatly to you, you can visit certified eco resorts near the Guanacaste beach that are fully integrated with nature. Some of them even go the extra mile by not using chemicals in their laundry rooms or gardens.
3. Out of This World Waterfalls
And more than plenty to choose from! You can visit the Las Chorreras and La Oropéndola twin waterfalls and the swimming pool below them. Stay in nearby hotels so you can walk to them in no more than half an hour.
Additionally, if you are looking for the perfect picture, you should definitely consider visiting the Land of Senses Waterfall. The quintet of waterfalls—hence the name—offer different shades of blue due to their minerals making it a spectacle truly worthy of witnessing. It is not as famous as the other ones which will keep you safe from crowds.
If you are interested in experiencing wildlife up close—maybe seeing a toucan, a coati, a sloth, or a monkey? Indian’s Rock or La Piedra del Indio Waterfalls is the place to go!
An option to do hiking is the Cortés Llanos Waterfall. Local people think this is the most beautiful cascade of the Guanacaste region. Its fall is mild compared to the other ones and is one of the few that remains an oasis during the dry summer.
4. Plasma Rocket Research Center
Guanacaste, Costa Rica has active volcanoes, fantastic waterfalls, all sorts of ecological activities, and it runs on renewable energy—all of which sounds unique. Now let’s add a rocket research center to the list!
Franklin Chang is the NASA astronaut who has made the most trips to space and has his center in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It isn’t always open to the public, but they can make arrangements for groups of more than 10 people.
You will not be disappointed because scientists will show you the Plasma Rocket Research Center, how it works with renewable energy, presentations, pictures, videos, and the importance of growing the space industry. If more research and aerospace would fuel on clean energy, it would result in energy independence for the rest of the planet. Prepare all of your questions for the Q&A session before leaving.
5. Best Billfishing
Guanacaste, Costa Rica has one of the best sailfish and marlin billfishing of the entire world. Although you can do it all year round, the best season is from May to November. It is easy to find fishing tours that focus on one-day or multiple-day trips.
6. Pura Vida
Pura vida is a phrase that translates into pure life, but in Costa Rica, it means so much more!
Locals use the phrase to answer that everything is fine when asked the question, “how are you?” Pura vida is a reflection of Costa Ricans way of life, especially in little towns and beaches like Guanacaste, Costa Rica. They are more relaxed and do not worry as much as people from other countries.
Ticos firmly believe there is no need to worry if they are in paradise. They are an example of modesty, abundance, joy, satisfaction, and optimism.
7. Life Expectancy
One of the biggest upsides of having a simple happy life is getting to live long. The life expectancy in Guanacaste, Costa Rica is one of the highest on the planet. This is no surprise since it is one of the five Blue Zones of the world. A Blue Zone is an area where, for some reason, people live longer than in the rest of the planet. There are more people over 100 years old there than anywhere else in the planet.
8. Cowboy Life
On top of everything, Guanacaste, Costa Rica is the capital of equestrian life in the country. The main source of income was horse ranching and raising cattle before tourism came along. You can witness all of the folklore, dances, music, and traditions embedded in the cowboy life of Costa Rica by hiring horseback riding tours, herd cattle, or milk cows.
9. One of the Happiest Places on Earth
If you visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica you will experience life in the happiest country in the world. In addition to their universal healthcare system, expert healthcare providers, stable economy, strong family ties, better diet, natural landscapes, renewable energy, world peace promotion, enough leisure time to take care of interpersonal relationships, above-average life expectancy—across all socioeconomic levels—access to quality education and nutrition services, good income, every day you’ll experience a clean and pure environment.
According to a researcher of the New Economics Foundation, people that live in wealthy countries report being less happy than other countries. And happier countries reported having stronger social connections.
The Costa Rican government abolished the military so they could fund other things they considered more important. They promote health and healthy relationships between humans and the planet through institutions, universities, and national campaigns.
10. Activities for Everyone
The Guanacaste, Costa Rica weather is just as noble as Costa Ricans—or ticos—themselves. This paradisiac vacation spot can guarantee almost 365 days of sunshine. It basically has two seasons, the dry season and the green or rainy one.
Besides the wonderfully comfortable weather, you will find spectacular eco-friendly options to stay in. You will definitely love this destination because most resorts are fueled by clean, renewable energy, and avoid using chemicals in common areas. Find one near your favorite attraction and get ready to live the adventure of your life.
Often, we travel with family and friends that want to do opposite things. But in Guanacaste, Costa Rica you will find all the ecological activities you can think of, and more.
You can surf like there is no tomorrow in Tamarindo, have a calm day on a riverboat, go bird-watching, explore the flora biodiversity, hike, swim, do zip-lining, visit wildlife reserves, do snorkeling, billfishing, scuba diving, go to national parks, beach hop, or spend the day in picturesque cities like Liberia. Guanacaste has this and more to offer.
Travel to Guanacaste, Costa Rica
If you are ready to dive into Guanacaste, Costa Rica, here you can find useful slang and history relevant to the country. While you get your conversational skills on point, consider learning the local language to make your travels flow more easily.
You will be able to ask for directions, tips, and to establish enriching human interconnections with ticos. Be part of meaningful conversations and make life-long Hispanic friends!
Speaking Spanish dramatically improves your comprehension skills and will enhance the quality of your vacation experience. Join us and our 24,000+ monthly enrolled students who trust our 10 years of experience. Let’s tailor a Spanish package that suits your traveling needs and more together. Prepare for your trip to Costa Rica by signing up for a free Spanish class with us at HSA!
Want to learn more about Latin American culture? Check out our latest posts!
- The History and Significance of Guatemalan Jade
- Top 10 Science Fiction Spanish Books for Adults (with PDFs)
- Are Bilingual Children More Likely to Experience a Speech or Language Delay?
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Learn About Hispanic History: Were Hispanics Slaves?
- Celebrating Culture and Joy: The Magic of Carnival in Spanish-Speaking Countries
- 15 Mouth-Watering National Dishes of Latin America
- 60 Best New Year Quotes in Spanish 2024
- Learn These 20 Types of Fish in Spanish [+ More Vocab] - September 4, 2024
- The Most Extensive Guide Ever to House Vocabulary in Spanish - August 1, 2024
- What Is An Umbrella School? - June 20, 2024