GUANACASTE NORTH PACIFIC AREA     

    Guanacaste & the Nicoya Peninsula have miles of beautiful beaches. Selecting which beach is for you is probably based on which hotel you like as each has its own personality.
    When traveling through Guanacaste, most assuredly one aspect that will stay with you is the sun. It's almost as if the sun is closer to you here. It bathes everything with a golden hue and gilds the surrounding landscape. Great expanses of golden grasses sway elegantly in the wind while stunted, gnarled guanacaste trees dot the low hills. The landscape is both dramatic and memorable for any visitor traversing this the largest region of Costa Rica .
    The Guanacaste region is bordered by two mountain ranges. The Cordillera de Tilarán and the Cordillera de Guanacaste provide splendid craggy backdrops to some of the country's most beautiful countryside. The perfect time to visit Guanacaste is, luckily enough, year around. No matter if you visit during the dry season or during the wet season, both provide spectacular advantages. The dry season affords the serious sun lover with plenty of tanning lime, while the wet season brings the trees into bloom with explosions of colors and fragrances. The rolling hills become carpeted in brilliant green.
    Known for its cattle ranches, travelers will see many homes surrounded by green pastures and grazing cows. Many of these are have been handed down through the generations of Guanacaste natives.
    This area is also rich in sights to see. There are a number of places to visit that will lend themselves perfectly to visitors. If you enjoy snorkeling and some time in the sun, head for Bahia Culebra. This small bay is found just north of the town of El Coco . There are a number of beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored.
Local tour operators otter snorkeling trips, sunset sails and fishing trips for the avid angler.
     There are also several towns worth visiting if you're behind the wheel and are looking for a place to spend a few days. The towns of Samara and Nosara proffer hotels to fit every budget as well as fabulous beaches. While a few of the beaches are found just outside of town, there are many to be found up and down the coast Playa Barrigona is one such beach and offers something not many beaches do solitude! Its white sand and bleached driftwood will draw you in and keep you there, if only for the day. When in search for these idyllic spots, pack a cooler with refreshments and snacks and make a day of it!
    Those interested in seeing once in a lifetime events head for Playa Ostional. This beach is the landing spot for the olive ridley turtle, or "bra", as it is called by the locals. If you're visiting the area any time from July through December you'll find yourself entranced by the hundreds of turtles that make their ponderous way up on to the beach. The best way to see this spectacular natural event is with a guide. There are several in the area and most of the hotels will be able to steer you in the right direction as to where to find them.
Rincón de Ia Vieja National Park
Palo Verde National Park    
Rio Tempisque
Barra Honda


Check out out the Tours Southern Horizons Vacations has to offer: One Day Tours and Multi-Day Tours and Southern Horizons Vacation Packages.

Hotels: Platinum: Four Seasons Hotel, Paradises Conchal, Cala Luna,                                Fiesta Premier
            Gold:  Barcele Langosta, Tamarindo Diria, Hotel El Ocotal Beach                        Resort, Barcelo Tambor, Sugar Beach
            Silver: El Milagro Hotel, Hacienda Cuachipelin