Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste, Costa Rica for A Company Trip
Guanacaste is known for its stunning beaches, lush forests and exotic Guanacaste attractions that make it such a popular destination for company trips. As the leading destination management company in Costa Rica, we understand the importance of finding the perfect location to create unforgettable experiences for your team. Our talented team here at Costa Rica DMC will help you experience the best Guanacaste attractions, provide tips on when to visit and suggest activities that are perfect for team-building and bonding.
Where is Guanacaste?
Guanacaste is a province in the northwest of Costa Rica, and borders the Puntarenas province to the south and Nicaragua to the north. Ranging from the Pacific coast of the country to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano eastward, this grand stretch of land consists of varying landscapes, all the way down to the Nicoya Peninsula. Guanacaste has around 350,000 permanent residents, but attracts many more tourists due to its beautiful beaches.
What are the best areas to visit in Guanacaste?
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a lively and safe Guanacaste attraction, known for its surf-friendly beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Tamarindo boasts golden sand beaches, backed by scenic mountains, lined with numerous shops, restaurants and bars – the ultimate spot to have some fun! Guests can also explore nearby attractions such as La Leona waterfall and Rio Celeste, and observe nesting turtles at Playa Grande during the nesting season.
Papagayo
Papagayo, located on the Guanacaste coast, is a small, luxurious peninsula, home to some of the most exclusive hotels, making it perfect for a corporate trip. Renowned for their stunning architecture with a blend of nature, relaxation and adventure, hotels like Four Seasons Resort and Andaz Resort are perfect for events and incentive programs. The peninsula has a marina, golf course and beach clubs, while the Gulf of Papagayo provides the ideal conditions for scuba diving, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and boat trips. Access is strictly controlled, adding an extra layer of exclusivity, privacy and security to the experience.
Rincón de la Vieja
Rincón de la Vieja, currently an active volcano, is located within Rincon de la Vieja National Park and is visible from most of Guanacaste’s lowlands. Visitors can hike through the park and observe exuberant wildlife, as well as enjoy the park’s many fumaroles and hot springs. The area’s bright blue rivers offer stunning scenery for activities such as ziplining, horseback riding and white-water rafting.
Liberia
Liberia, referred to as the ‘white city’, is the pearl of inland Guanacaste, home to the Liberia International Airport, making it a likely stop during your trip to the region. It’s an excellent starting point to explore the beauty of Guanacaste, with many day trip options nearby. There are plenty of activities to do in Liberia, such as visiting nearby waterfalls, going on the famous chocolate tour, on a mini-safari, exploring national parks, and visiting craft beer breweries.
Las Catalinas
Las Catalinas is a small, scenic coastal town located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The town is known for its classic, Mediterranean-like architecture, beautiful natural surroundings and spectacular beaches. It is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the beach, the ocean and explore the local area.
Some of the top attractions in Las Catalinas include its pristine beaches, such as Danta Beach and Dantita Beach, superb for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking along the town’s extensive network of trails, which offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding hillsides.
An absolute architectural wonder, the central plaza at Las Catalinas features a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Situated there in all its glory is Casa Chameleon Hotel, offering luxury accommodations and stunning views of the ocean and surrounding hillsides.
What is the weather like?
Much like the rest of Costa Rica, Guanacaste has two seasons – the gold season and the green season. However, Guanacaste is generally hotter and drier than the rest of the country. In order to avoid rain during an event, it’s best to organize trips between December and May, the warmest months being March and April. Although it does rain from May to November, it rarely lasts long, and the lush greenery it leaves behind is no doubt a delightful sight for visitors.
What are the best Guanacaste attractions?
Visit La Leona Waterfall
This must-try activity has gained immense popularity due to the mind-blowing beauty of the waterfall, featuring turquoise blue water running through a scenic canyon. It’s fed by the “white river” or “Rio Blanco,” originating from the slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
You can only get here with a guided tour, which our team at Costa Rica DMC can organize for your company trip.
Try Local Beer
Craft beer tasting is an exciting activity for beer enthusiasts visiting Guanacaste. There are several craft breweries throughout the region, offering a wide range of unique and flavorful beers that are not commonly found in other parts of Costa Rica. Tasting rooms and tours are available, providing visitors with an opportunity to sample the beers and learn about the brewing process.
Try Ziplining
What better way to explore Costa Rica than ziplining over the lush landscapes of rainforest? This canopy tour is an exciting adventure that offers spectacular views of the natural surroundings, from above. It’s no surprise that ziplining is a top-rated Guanacaste attraction, with many towns such as Liberia, Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playa Flamingo providing plenty of options for zipline enthusiasts. Recommended for adrenaline-seekers and nature-lovers alike!
Go Scuba Diving
Explore the underwater world of Guanacaste by scuba diving at Las Catalinas Islands and Bat Island. You can spot diverse marine species such as giant manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales.
Fun facts about Guanacaste
Did you know that Guanacaste is home to one of five Blue Zones in the world?
A Blue Zone is an area in which there are a much higher number of inhabitants who live past the age of 90 or 100. Factors such as diet, physical activity, social connections, and immersion with nature contribute to the long lifespans of people in Nicoya. Exposure to this serene way of life will no doubt benefit employees’ health and morale alike!
Contact Costa Rica DMC for Corporate Trips in Guanacaste!
Well, now that you know all about Guanacaste and its marvelous attractions – how badly do you want to pack your bags and fly right over to this tropical paradise? Plan your company retreat in Costa Rica, with us, here at Costa Rica DMC. Contact our staff today, have all your questions answered and have the adventure of a lifetime!