Welcome to Guanacaste, one of the most desirable places to live in Costa Rica! Located on the Northern Pacific Coast, this popular province is known for its breathtaking beaches, lush landscapes, and welcoming communities. Guanacaste offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty for enjoying Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle. The region is full of treasures, from exciting things to see and do to its delightful variety of neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm, making it a welcoming haven for all.
Guanacaste: A Great Place to Live in Costa Rica
Guanacaste is one of the best places to live the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. It offers a welcoming atmosphere where local Ticos, expats, and digital nomads coexist in a vibrant community. With an estimated population of over 400,000, the region features diverse towns, from lively tourist hubs to quiet, wellness-focused retreats. It’s generally a safe area with a lower crime rate than major cities.
So, what makes Guanacaste such a great place to live? Let us count the ways!
The Amenities & Infrastructure
Guanacaste has a well-developed infrastructure, including reliable utilities, high-speed internet, and easy access to healthcare and shopping centers. Many towns have fiber-optic internet, making remote work a viable option. Electricity and water services are stable, and improvements are continuously being made to support the growing expat and local populations. The province is also home to Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR), which makes domestic and international travel convenient for both residents and visitors. Additionally, well-maintained highways and local buses provide efficient transportation options throughout the province.
With significant road development in recent years, transportation has become more convenient for Guanacaste residents and visitors alike. The region is connected by the well-maintained Route 21, which links Liberia to popular coastal destinations, and the Pan-American Highway, providing access to the rest of the country. Many secondary roads, especially in rural areas, remain unpaved but are gradually improving. An extensive bus network connects major towns and beaches in Guanacaste. Taxis and ride-hailing services operate in urban areas, while car rentals, golf carts, and ATVs are popular options for exploring the region at your own pace. Check out our guides for more on transportation options and driving safely in Costa Rica.
Guanacaste also offers excellent healthcare options, with multiple hospitals in the northern area. These include San Rafael Archangel, a private hospital, and Dr. Enrique Baltodano Briceño Public Hospital, both of which are located in Liberia. Hospital Metropolitano also has two private hospital locations: one in Liberia and the other in Huacas.
The Climate & Weather
The Gold Coast of Guanacaste has more days of sunshine and the least amount of rain than anywhere in Costa Rica. Expect to feel warm, dry breezes from the Papagayo winds from December to April without a drop of rain. With that kind of weather, it’s no wonder why there is so much to see and do.
Guanacaste experiences two primary seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the green season (May to November).
- December to April: Sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from 85-100°F (29 to 38°C). This is the most popular time for tourists and outdoor activities.
- May to August: This is the start of the green season, with occasional showers that enhance the lush greenery while still allowing plenty of sunshine.
- September to November: The wettest months, featuring heavier afternoon rains and thunderstorms, but also creating the most vibrant landscapes of the year.
The Beaches & Outdoor Activities
When it comes to relaxation and beach-going activities in Guanacaste, the Gulf of Papagayo is one of the only areas in Costa Rica with calm bays and no riptides or dangerous currents like other parts of the coast. This makes the region perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, water sports, fishing, boating, and marinas. For those who love surfing, Witches Rock, one of the top surf destinations in the world, is just a short boat ride away, while the strong surf of Tamarindo is only about an hour’s drive south.
Other popular beach spots include:
- Playas del Coco: A lively beach town with an active expat community and easy access to boating and diving tours.
- Playa Hermosa: A peaceful, family-friendly beach with calm waters perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
- Nosara Beach: A laid-back area famous for yoga retreats and excellent surfing conditions.
- Playa Flamingo: Known for its luxurious resorts and stunning white sand beaches.
- Playa Conchal: Famous for its crushed-shell sand and crystal-clear waters.
- Tamarindo Beach: A vibrant surfing town with a bustling nightlife and great restaurants.
Guanacaste isn’t just the place to be for enjoying the best beaches and “pura vida” lifestyle, it’s also full of exciting things to see and do. There’s world-class scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, fishing, surfing, paddle boarding, swimming, hiking, bird watching, biking, zip-line canopy tours, mud baths, hot springs, whitewater rafting, and the list goes on and on!
For the adventurer, there is plenty to see and do, from exploring the volcanic hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails in Rincon de la Vieja National Park to birdwatching and wildlife spotting at Palo Verde National Park. Zip-lining, ATV tours, horseback riding, and river tubing are also just a few of the activities available for thrill-seekers.
The Annual Festivals & Events
Guanacaste is rich in cultural traditions and hosts numerous festivals and event throughout the year to celebrate its heritage, music, and vibrant community spirit. One of the most significant is Guanacaste Day (July 25th), which commemorates the province’s annexation to Costa Rica with parades, traditional dances, and lively rodeos.
Other festivals include Fiestas Civicas, which is held in towns like Liberia and Santa Cruz and features bull riding, horse parades (tope), fireworks, and traditional Costa Rican food. Music lovers gather for the Nicoya Peninsula Music Festival, while the Nosara Yoga Festival attracts wellness enthusiasts from around the world.
Surf competitions in Tamarindo and Nosara draw athletes and spectators alike, while local farmers’ markets and cultural fairs highlight Guanacaste’s deep connection to its history and environment. These events bring locals and visitors together, creating a warm and festive atmosphere year-round.
The Beach Towns & Other neighborhoods
Guanacaste is home to a diverse mix of towns and neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences. These range from lively beach towns known for surfing, nightlife, and tourism to inland areas that serve as commercial and transportation hubs with modern amenities, traditional villages, or peaceful retreats. Whether bustling or tranquil, each area showcases the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Playas de Guanacaste (the Beach Towns)
For those in search of the best options for coastal living, Guanacaste boasts some of the best beach towns in Costa Rica! From vibrant, bustling towns to quiet and secluded retreats, you’re bound to find your ideal beach lifestyle in Guanacaste.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular beach towns in Guanacaste:
- Playas del Coco: For those seeking a bustling beach town, Playas del Coco is known for its lively dining and shopping scene, vibrant nightlife, and sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, offering plenty of options for exploration, recreation, and relaxation. It’s also home to the master-planned resort-style community of Coco Bay Estates, which offers an array of luxurious condos, single-family homes, and residential building lots.
- Playa Hermosa: With its modern amenities and laid-back vibe, Playa Hermosa is the perfect haven for those seeking a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere and a relaxed beachside lifestyle. This picturesque town is known for its pristine, crescent-shaped beach and calm waters, which offer the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, and peaceful strolls.
- Playa Panama: For those seeking seclusion and a serene lifestyle, Playa Panama offers a retreat from busier areas while still providing modern amenities. This peaceful, upscale beach community provides a serene escape with its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. The beach features calm, clear waters and soft, dark sand, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and taking in stunning sunsets.
- Playa Matapalo: For those seeking a peaceful retreat and relaxed atmosphere while remaining close to modern amenities, Playa Matapalo provides the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Known for its golden sand and calm waters, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, paddle boarding, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
- Playa Ocotal: Nestled in the hills next to Playa del Coco, the picturesque cove of Playa Ocotal offers million-dollar views, a gorgeous black sand beach, and a welcoming community. Residents enjoy a laid-back coastal lifestyle with easy access to modern amenities in nearby Playa del Coco.
Other Places to Live in Guanacaste
While Guanacaste is known for its beach towns, its inland areas also offer some great places to live. From the convenience of modern amenities and the lower cost of living in Liberia to the charming feel and close-knit communities in Sardinal and La Libertad, there is something for everyone.
Here’s a look at some of the popular inland towns in Guanacaste:
- Liberia: Known as the “White City,” Liberia is a vibrant and rapidly growing hub in the Guanacaste province. It offers modern amenities, quality healthcare, and a lower cost of living than other expat destinations. The town offers both natural beauty and convenience, with its close proximity to stunning Pacific beaches, national parks, and the Liberia International Airport.
- Sardinal and La Libertad: Those in search of a more rural, charming feel with a close-knit community and easy access to nearby beaches will find their Costa Rican paradise just inland in the areas of Sardinal and La Libertad. With the bustling beaches of Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa nearby, this area provides the perfect balance between tranquility and convenience.
Thinking About Moving to Costa Rica?
If you’re considering moving to Costa Rica and making Guanacaste your new home, or are interested in real estate investment opportunities, then browse our current listings and/or check out our real estate guides listed below!
