Guanacaste (Liberia), Costa Rica
Guanacaste is Costa Rica's dry Pacific coast, where a reliable sunny season, surf beaches and volcano hot springs are all within an hour of the Liberia airport's nonstop US flights.
Trips to Guanacaste (Liberia) from every city
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When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | fine |
| June | fine |
| July | fine |
| August | fine |
| September | avoid |
| October | avoid |
| November | best |
| December | best |
- October, November, December, January, February, March: Leatherback nesting season at Playa Grande.
- May, June, July, August: Green season: morning sun, afternoon showers, fuller rivers and lower prices.
September, October: The wettest weeks of the rainy season, when some lodges and tour operators close.
Where to stay in Guanacaste (Liberia)
- Tamarindo: The surf town with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and beginner waves.
- Papagayo Peninsula: Four Seasons, Andaz and other luxury resorts on calm bays 30 minutes from the airport.
- Playa Flamingo and Potrero: White-sand beaches, villas and a new marina, quieter than Tamarindo.
- Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa: Closest beaches to the airport, with dive shops and mid-range condos.
- Nosara: Yoga-and-surf village two hours south, with jungle hotels behind Playa Guiones.
What to do in Guanacaste (Liberia)
- Surf lesson on Playa Guiones or Tamarindo
- Hot springs and waterfalls at Rincón de la Vieja volcano
- Sunset catamaran snorkel sail from Playa Flamingo
- Watch leatherback turtles nest at Las Baulas National Park
- Crocodile and monkey boat safari in Palo Verde National Park
- Zipline over the dry forest at Diamante Eco Adventure Park
Good to know
| Airports | Liberia Daniel Oduber Quirós International (LIR) |
|---|---|
| Passport from United States | Passport needed |
| Price level | upscale |
| Time zone | America/Costa_Rica |
| Kind of trip | beach, adventure, nature, family, wellness |
Questions about Guanacaste (Liberia)
When is the best time to visit Guanacaste (Liberia)?
November, December, January, February, March and April. September, October: The wettest weeks of the rainy season, when some lodges and tour operators close.
Do I need a passport for Guanacaste (Liberia)?
Passport needed: travellers from the United States need a valid passport for Guanacaste (Liberia); check the expiry rule of the country before you book.
How expensive is Guanacaste (Liberia) on the ground?
Guanacaste (Liberia) is upscale by US standards: plan about £98 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.
Prices converted from US dollars at the rate of 15 Oct 2026.