Larissa Banting's Guidebook
(Co-Owner of Latitudes)


Having the shortest Green Season compared to the rest of the country, the northwest Pacific area of Guanacaste is the driest area of Costa Rica. It also has some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches that stretch for miles. Here you'll find luxury resorts, golf courses, outstanding sport fishing and sailing and some of the best surf spots in the world.

Where to Stay:
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.
Paradisus Playa Conchal - The ultimate in all-inclusive, with the largest pool in Central America on a secluded beach.
Villas Cala Luna – Relaxed elegance defines this beach hotel, with deluxe rooms, two bedroom and three bedroom villas.
Tamarindo Diria – Luxury hotel situated right on the beach, features well-appointed rooms and three swimming pools. Walking distance to all Tamarindo has to offer.
Capitan Suizo – Combining efficient Swiss hostelry with warm hospitality, the hotel provides the finest of accommodations in an unspoiled beachfront setting.
B & B Luna Llena – An exquisite, Italian-run, B& B, with 7 unique circular bungalows.
Hotel Jardin del Eden - Hotel El Jardín del Edén is a small beach resort and luxury boutique hotel in Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. 
Hacienda Pinilla – Exclusive beach and golf resort in a perfect blend of environment and comfort.
Sugar Beach – The gorgeous hotel rooms are spread out on the 24-acre property along the secluded and pristine Pan de Azucar beach.
Ocotal Beach Resort – A beachfront resort, known for its outstanding style, comfort, and service. The property lies along the country's beautiful Northern Pacific coastline and yields breathtaking panoramic views of the Papagayo Gulf.
Bahia Pez Vela Resort – Luxury oceanfront rental villas located on one of the most secluded beaches in Guanacaste, offering guests all the amenities of a fine hotel with the privacy and convenience of a rental villa.
Grand Papagayo Resort – At the Occidental Grand Papagayo, you'll enjoy every indulgence of a luxury all-inclusive vacation while experiencing the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica 's Northern Pacific Coast .  
Fiesta Premier Resort This all-inclusive resort has 202 rooms luxuriously appointed in an exuberant natural environment and with ocean-views of the Papagayo Gulf.
Allegro Papagayo Resort - This jewel all-inclusive resort is located just 35 minutes from the Liberia and provides a perfect place for your Costa Rican experience.
Hotel Bahía del Sol
An unique 4-star beachfront boutique hotel with luxury units and a gourmet restaurant with a creative tropical kitchen. 
Flamingo Beach Resort
An intimate oasis for travelers seeking an exotic, enchanting escape on the pristine white sands of Flamingo Beach, framed by tall coconut palms and lush mountain foliage.
Barcelo Langosta
All-inclusive hotel situated on the beautiful white sand beach of Langosta and surrounded by nature.

What To Do

Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs & Los Pumas (Tabacón) (Full day)
Your trip to Costa Rica will not be complete without visiting the magnificent Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs. First you will visit Los Pumas Rescue Center where you can see all the varieties of cats that are located in Costa Rica as well as many species of birds and monkeys. Feel and see the power of being in the presence of an active volcano while hiking old lava fields then afterwards soak your body into therapeutic waters of the Hot Springs while watching for the burst of lava from the top of the Volcano.  What to bring: swimsuit, warm clothing, hiking or running shoes, sandals for spa, change of clothing for dinner, binoculars, camera, spending money, rain poncho. Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch and dinner at Tabacon, snacks, bottled water and fruit juices.

$159 per person (2008) / $185 per person (2009)

Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs & Los Pumas (Baldi) (Full day)
Your trip to Costa Rica will not be complete without visiting the magnificent Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs. First you will visit Los Pumas Rescue Center where you can see all the varieties of cats that are located in Costa Rica as well as many species of birds and monkeys. Feel and see the power of being in the presence of an active volcano while hiking old lava fields then afterwards soak your body into therapeutic waters of the Hot Springs while watching for the burst of lava from the top of the Volcano.  What to bring: swimsuit, warm clothing, hiking or running shoes, sandals for spa, change of clothing for dinner, binoculars, camera, spending money, rain poncho. Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch and dinner at Baldi, snacks, bottled water and fruit juices.

$132 per person (2008) / $155 per person (2009)

One Day Adventure Combo (Full day)
You start with a Canopy tour that includes rappelling, rock climbing, tarzan swings, Via Ferrata and walking on hanging Bridges, all set in the majestic canyon made by the erosion of the Blanco River over millions of years. Then you will continue with a hike, horseback riding to waterfalls, a tube float on the Negro River, and a visit to the volcanic mud baths. What to bring: swimsuit, hiking or running shoes, strap sandals, towel, change of clothing for lunch, binoculars, camera, and sun hat. Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$120 per person (2008) / $142 per person (2009)

Colorado River Whitewater Rafting (Class II & III) (Half day)
The Colorado River is a narrow river where you will pass through canyon walls as you experience water rapids, lush vegetation, wildlife and pristine isolation. Upon your arrival you will receive safety instructions and then board your two-person raft. Here you will have the option of being accompanied by a guide or have them follow you closely in another raft. This is sure to be an exciting tour for the beginner or the experienced rafter. Get ready to observe herons and iguanas basking on the riverside as howler monkeys play on the tree branches above you. What to bring: strap sandals, binoculars, camera, sun hat, swimsuit change of clothing. Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$89 per person (2008) / $107 per person (2009)

Rincon de la Vieja National Park Guided Hike (Half day)
Hiking trough the Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a great experience for the entire family. You can walk close to the little craters and watch the activity of the boiling hot mud springs, sulfur springs, steam vents, and fumaroles.  You will also observe abundant wildlife and exotic flora. What to bring: hiking or running shoes, binoculars, camera and sun hat. Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$80 per person (2008) / $93 per person (2009)

Palo Verde National Park and Guaitil Pottery (Approx. 5 hours)
The natural hydrologic system of Palo Verde is home to one of the most important concentrations of birds in the country and in Central America. This is a birdwatchers paradise, as well as a perfect spot to see crocodiles, monkeys and reptiles as you cruise the Tempisque River by boat. After lunch you will pass by the famous artisan village of Guaitil and learn about the Chorotega Indians and watch the artists as they make the pottery that is a heritage from their Pre Columbian ancestors. What to bring: running shoes or strap-on sport sandals, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, sun hat. Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$85 per person (2008) / $103 per person (2009)

Rio Celeste Guided Rainforest Hike (Full day)
Rio Celeste is an excellent place to observe flora and fauna. Once in the Tenorio National Park you will begin hiking through a primary forest with your naturalist guide.   As you descend you will get to see the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall with its unique blue color. What to bring: change of cloths, swim suit, hiking or running shoes, binoculars, camera, rain poncho, towel. Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$119 per person (2008) / $140 per person (2009)

Buena Vista Adventure & Canopy Combo (Full day)
This option includes a canopy tour, hot springs, natural spa, a thrilling waterslide, and horseback riding. This fun filled day has something for everyone and is sure to please the adrenaline seeker as well as the nature lover. Glide through the air in the shadows of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano during the canopy, and then take a ride on horseback through the nature trails as you take in the sights of the beauty of Costa Rica. Afterwards soothe your muscles with the therapeutic hot volcanic mud bath and swimming pool. What to bring: swimsuit, hiking or running shoes, sandals for spa, change of clothing, binoculars, camera, spending money, and sun hat.  Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, equipment, lunch, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$129 per person (2008) / $152 per person (2009)

Early Bird-Watching Tour (Approx. 3.5 hours)
Home to more than 850 species of birds, Costa Rica is a great place for birding. With your experienced naturalist guide, you will be able to view some of the following eye-catching species; the cattle egret, crested caracara, laughing flacon and the squirrel cuckoo, just to mention a few. Our experienced guides carry binoculars and field handbooks and to help you understand and learn about these magnificent birds. What to bring: running shoes, binoculars, and camera. Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, coffee, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$63 per person (2008-2009)

Canopy Tour (Half day)
Your canopy adventure will allow you to glide from platform to platform while observing the flora and fauna typical to each of the areas visited.  All tours are accompanied with professional guides providing top of the line equipment and security measures. Superb views of the coastline and/or forest!  What to bring: camera, binoculars, sun block, long pants, and hiking shoes/boots.  Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, equipment, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$74 per person (2008-2009)

Horseback Riding Tour (Half-Day)
This tour combines an exhilarating horseback riding adventure along with unique natural settings on either the coastline or the mountain areas depending on your preference. Your coastline adventure allows visitors to explore at first hand the dry tropical forest while enjoying a horseback ride along with their guide. You will observe the mangroves of San Francisco while being surrounded by commonly seen animals such as howler monkeys, parrots and diverse aquatic birds. Otherwise, go for an an expedition to the slopes of the Rincón De La Vieja Volcano. Enjoy the feeling of the horseback ride through a primary forest along with a naturalist guide. The forest is home to monkeys, coatimundi and a great diversity of birds and butterfly species. What to bring: camera, binoculars, long pants, sun block, insect repellent, hiking shoes/boots.  Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, equipment, snacks, bottled water and fruit juice.

$55 per person (2008) / $73 per person (2009)

Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour (Full Day)
This full day expedition features a guided visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest, located on the Tilarán mountain range. Upon arrival, join your guide for a nature walk through the cloud forest, with several different life zones that are characterized by different types of plants and animals.  Within this area are more than 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 100 different species of mammals. Afterwards, enjoy lunch previous to a visit to the Sky Walk, which is a complex of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, built within the Cloud Forest.  This allows the observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to the top of the trees. Mid-afternoon, return to Guanacaste, stopping en-route for dinner. What to bring: camera, binoculars, hiking shoes/boots, light jacket.  Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch and dinner.

$159 per person (2008) / $185 per person (2009)

Snorkel Adventure (Half day)
Explore the coastline on a state-of-the-art sailboat and visit nearby secluded bays accessible only by boat.  Your guide will assist you for a snorkeling adventure to explore beautiful reefs with plenty of marine life.  Search for dolphins, manta rays and turtles among other marine species in the area.  Recommendations: Sunscreen, swimsuit, beach sandals, towel, t-shirt, camera and hat.  Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, equipment, snacks and refreshments.

$50 per person (2008)

Sunset Sailing Cruise (Half day)
Set sails to explore the coastline.  While you wait for the Pacific Ocean sunset and its breathtaking colors, seek for dolphins, turtles and jumping manta rays.  From December to March you might be able to spot humpback whales, pilot whales and sperm whales. Indulge yourself with gourmet snacks and cocktails surrounded by the sounds of the sea and relaxing music on board.  Recommendations: Sunscreen, swimsuit, beach sandals, beach towel, t-shirt, camera and hat.  Includes: round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, snacks and beverages.

$65 per person (2008)
How To Get There:

Car rentals. Click here for fleet options and prices.

Domestic flights. Click here for flight schedules and prices.

Semi-private shuttle service from hotel-to-hotel. This service covers all the country and prices range between $25-40 per person. Click here for schedules and prices.

Private land transfers with bilingual driver and/or guide.
Click here for details and prices

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