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Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
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The
Pacific Coast of Costa Rica offers four distinct eco-systems:
The last dry forests on the Pacific Coast are in Guanacaste Province
and on the Nicoya Peninsula; Tamarindo National Park boasts one of the last mangrove forests in existence in Central America.
Playa Grande National Park is in this general area, and it is
here that the giant sea turtles come seasonally to nest and lay
their eggs (see below for a nesting schedule). The Nicoya Peninsula
is best known for vast stretches of unspoiled, white sandy beaches
and hillside hotels. Guanacaste National Park was created in 1989
to connect Santa Rosa National Park with the high elevation cloud
forest of Orosi and Cacao volcanoes and across the continental
divide to the Caribbean rainforest of Northern Costa Rica. The
hope is that together these two parks protect enough land to ensure
sufficiently large habitats for wide-ranging species such as jaguars
and mountain lions, while simultaneously creating a biological
corridor for birds and insects to make local seasonal migrations
between the dry forest and the evergreen cloud and rain forests.
This
is one of the hotter, drier areas of Costa Rica, and the whole
Guanacaste region has more predictable seasons than the rest of
Costa Rica. The chance of rain is much less during the dry season
from December to April. Although it is fairly likely that it will
rain on any given day during the rainy season (AKA the green season),
it is also fairly likely that it will be a short shower in mid-afternoon.
The rainy season, which lasts from May until November, is also
usually interrupted by a two or three week dry spell in late July
or August called the Veranillo de San Juan (Saint Joseph's little
summer).
Our
selected hotels range from the northern beaches of the Gulf of
Papagayo, south to the beaches around the popular town of Tamarindo,
with its famous white crescent beach by the same name. Most of
the hotels around Papagayo are hillside hotels, which the hotels
around Tamarindo are beach level hotels. Most hotels, however,
are set 500-1500 feet back from the beach. Only the Tamarindo
Diria Hotel is a beach front hotel.
Our Selected Hotels
Standard |
Jardin
del Eden, Tamarindo
Jardin del Eden Hotel is
a haven of personalized service and casual atmosphere offering astounding
views of Tamarindo Beach and the Pacific Ocean. The property features
20 uniquely decorated, ocean view rooms with balcony or terrace,
and two apartments in five Mediterranean-style villas, all situated
around a lush tropical garden. The hotel also offers an exclusive
restaurant, 'El Jardin del Eden,' famous for its fine Mediterranean-inspired
cuisine, plus a bar, two swimming pools, and Jacuzzi. |
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Tamarindo
Dira
Tamarindo Diria Beach Hotel offers
113 finely decorated rooms, 14 condos and two spectacular pools
one of them is the biggest in Tamarindo Beach and considered
one of Costa Rica's best
all surrounded by exuberant
tropical gardens in front of the ocean. Amenities include an ocean-front
restaurant offering local and international cuisine, swim-up bar,
three 18-hole golf courses nearby, tennis court, and Jacuzzi. All
rooms are air-conditioned with satellite TV. In addition, there
is laundry service available. |
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First
Class |
El
Ocotal
El Ocotal Beach Resort Hotel is a small
hideaway perched on a cliff with astounding views of the Pacific Ocean.
The hotel features 71 rooms, bungalows, and suites. The resort also
offers three swimming pools, Jacuzzi, a complete dive shop, restaurant,
bar, room service, internet access, gym, and tennis court. The lobby
and restaurant, sitting atop a knoll surrounded by water on three
sides, is regarded as one of Costa Rica's most picturesque spots.
Ocotal's bilingual staff is eager to show their friendly Costa Rican
hospitality. |
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Capitan
Suizo, Tamarindo
Capitan Suizo is a small, charming
hotel situated on Tamarindo Beach and surrounded by large, native
trees and lush, colorful grounds. It features eight thatched-roof
bungalows and 22 rooms, all with terrace or balcony, and ocean views.
The hotel also offers an exotic free-form swimming pool, an open-air
international restaurant with a Swiss accent, and bar. Bungalows and
rooms feature a mezzanine bedroom with king-size bed, and sliding
doors that open to a tropical garden. |
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Deluxe Plus Class |
Four
Seasons Luxury Resort, Papagayo
Four Seasons introduces
Costa Rica's finest luxury resort at Peninsula Papagayo. Spilling
down a lush mountainside to an isthmus of golden sand, Four Seasons
combines exemplary luxury and service in a pristine setting. Enjoy
an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, tennis, three swimming pools,
a tropically serene spa and fitness center. All spacious guest rooms
at Four Seasons Resort feature furnished balconies or terraces to
maximize the beauty of the outdoors. |
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JW
Marriott Hacienda Pinilla
JW Marriott Guanacaste
Resort & Spa offers the ultimate sumptuous Costa Rica vacation.
This beautiful resort is situated on a secluded beach in a prime
location within Costa Rica's renowned central coast. The hotel features
a free-flowing pool that covers more than 25,000 square feet, and
a full-service spa with 23 treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art
two-level gym. An 18-hole championship golf course is next door
to the hotel and features a challenging experience with breathtaking
views of flourishing landscapes and the Pacific Ocean. |
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Deluxe Class |
Hilton Papagayo - closed for remodeling
All-inclusive Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa is located on a secluded bay on the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste. The beautiful grounds feature luscious gardens surrounded by shimmering seas, giving a wonderful tropical feel. Should you so desire, plunge into your choice of outdoor infinity pools with three separate levels for kids and adults, or sip a cocktail from the poolside bar, or revive your tired muscles with a massage at the Costa Rica Spa Vida with 13 treatment rooms, whirlpool and sauna. All in all, Hilton Papagayo is the perfect home base for your Costa Rican vacation. |
Occidental
Grand Papagayo
Enjoy every indulgence of
a luxury all-inclusive vacation while experiencing the breathtaking
natural beauty of Costa Rica's Northern Pacific Coast, where lush
tropical forests and volcanic cliffs descend into sand beaches and
crystalline coves. Couples, families, and friends will experience
premium service, discover gourmet dining, and choose from a gamut
of activities and sports at the Grand Papagayo. The resort's unique
setting and luxury amenities make it a perfect location for an unforgettable
wedding or honeymoon. |
Deluxe Plus Class |
Westin Playa Conchal
The luxurious Westin Playa Conchal Beach and Golf Resort is located on the shores of
the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by a magnificent tropical dry forest,
just steps from the glittering white sands of the Melia Playa Conchal
Beach. The hotel offers 308 deluxe bungalow suites and two master
suites. There are five restaurants,
a fantastic free-form swimming pool with swim-up bar, four lighted
tennis courts, an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course,
health club, spa, beauty parlor, casino, disco, and business center.
Needless to say, it makes the perfect romantic honeymoon hideaway. |
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Sea turtle nesting on the beach |
Leatherback Turtles |
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Palo Verde National Park Tour |
Artola Canopy Tour |
Corobici River Float Tour |
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Tenorio River Rafting Tour |
Arenal Volcano National Park Tour |
Rincon de La Vieja National Park Tour |
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Buena Vista Hot Springs Tour |
Tamarindo Guanacaste ATV Tour |
Snorkel & Sunset Tour |
All tours require a minimum of two participants.
Child rates apply to children 6-10 years of age.
Many tours do not permit children under 6.
Rates are subject to change without notice. |

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