Category: Tamarindo Vacations
Discover 5 Hidden Beaches & 4 Off-the-Beaten-Path Waterfalls in Guanacaste
You’re ready to travel again (or nearly so) and you’ve begun planning. It’s exhilarating. You haven’t done this in awhile. And oh, you’ve missed it! Now, you’re trying to determine the best time to travel to Costa Rica.
Now, you’re focused on the when. And the truth is, the best time to travel to Costa Rica is right now. Or tomorrow. Or next year. Whenever you’re ready. Whenver the beaches are sun-splashed and the waterfalls are roaring. Whenever adventure is in the air. Whenever you have the time. Because you’re going to want enough time!
Case in point: these five not-so-touristed beaches and four off-the-beaten-track waterfalls, which don’t feature in many guidebooks but do feature among our favorites. Because, Costa Rica is the kind of place that makes you want to walk a little further, explore a little more, see something that not everyone has seen.
We can help with that.
5 Not-Your-Average Guanacaste Beaches
Costa Rica’s rocky coast is not only scenic but effective at separating the shoreline into hundreds of small (and sometimes long) beaches to explore. You may already be familiar with some of the more popular beaches, but here are five you likely haven’t visited yet:
Playa Puerto Viejo
Located just west of Brasilito and Playa Conchal, this quiet and often secluded beach unfurls over wide cinnamon sands overlayed with shimmering pink. The sand here is soft enough to dig your toes into – and inviting enough that you’ll want to do just that, for hours on end. Bonus: The sparkling Pacific waters are usually calm and ideal for swimming.
Playa Negra
What’s in a name? Not quite the truth, if we’re talking about Playa Negra. Spanish for Black Beach, this stretch of smooth sand – about 30 minutes south of Tamarindo – isn’t always black (although it sometimes is): As you walk down this untouristed stretch, best known for its challenging surf (not for swimming), you’ll wend and weave between blonde sands, cinnamon-tinged coasts, crushed seashells and, yes, nearly black volcanic sands.
Playa Danta
A distinctly gray-sand beach interspersed with pebbles and sells, Playa Danta has a certain quality – a broad appeal that doesn’t boil down to just one thing. For some, it’s the rocky outcroppings that are exposed at low tide, inviting visitors to hop rocks and explore the world beneath the sea. For others, it’s the relative isolation, close only to the nearby car-free community of Las Catalinas. And for others, it’s the onsite adventure opportunities, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, boogie boards, snorkeling gear, and mountain bikes. Here, the best time to travel to Costa Rica is whenever you’re ready for on-the-water adventure.
Playa Minas
Set your GPS for Playa Zapotillal and you’ll find your way to Playa Minas, home to golden sands, bright blue waters, and a coast lined with trees that offer dappled shade in the dry season and thick cover when the rains come. Year-round, you’ll be able to dip your toes into the Pacific walk the entire scenic length in just 10-15 minutes. Be careful with swimming, as this seemingly gentle cove can churn some serious (and dangerous) waves.
Playa Penca
Following a seemingly Costa Rican beach tradition, you should know that there are two Playa Pencas – both in Guanacaste and just a short drive from each other. The one on our list is located just north of Playa Potrero and snuggles into the curve of a quiet cove, bordered on either side by scenic rocks and lush jungle. Between the two: white-and-cinnamon-sand beach with only the gentlest waves, making this a perfect choice for a quiet swim.
4 Must-Visit Waterfalls in Guanacaste
Yes, do go chasing waterfalls. It’s worth it, when you find these cascades at the end of your journey! Bonus: While most guidebooks tell you to travel during the dry season (mid-November through mid-May), the best time to travel to Costa Rica waterfalls is during the rainy season, when they run strongest.
La Leona Waterfall
La Leona is one of Those Places. You know the kind: The destination that you’d swear had to be Photoshopped… until you see it for yourself. And it’s not. It’s just that spectacular. And then, it becomes the kind you feel compelled to share with everyone you’ve ever met.
Welcome to La Leona Waterfall, one of Guanacaste’s best-kept secrets. Veiled within the forests surrounding Rincón de la Vieja, this blue-hued cascade features a natural stone slide and a waterfall cave: massive rocks and towering stone, arched to form the entrance to La Leona, which tumbles several stories into a cool turquoise pool below.
Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
Located between Liberia and Bagaces, less than two hours from Tamarindo, Llanos de Cortés is one of Guanacaste’s most famous (and favorite) waterfalls. And, depending on who you ask, it’s also one of (if not the most) beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica.
Towering 12 feet tall and 50 feet wide, this refreshing oasis spills cool (or cool-ish) water throughout the year, albeit more of a flow than a roar in the dryer months of March and April. You’ll love swimming in the clean, clear pool beneath the falls – and following up with a picnic on the adjacent sandy beach.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
If you’ve ever image-searched Costa Rica’s waterfalls, then this is the one you’ve seen: The rustic trail and stairs that lead down to an iconic, frothing waterfall tumbling into a celestial blue pool below.
Located within secluded Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste, so named for its eye-catching color, is the product of volcanic waters and their resulting mineral mix of sulfur and calcium carbonate – a blend that turns the river and its 100-foot waterfall into a photogenic and milky blue wonderland.
Hacienda Guachipelín Waterfalls
More than a jumping-off point for waterfalls, Hacienda Guachipelín is rural Costa Rican tourism at its finest: part cattle ranch, part Rincón de la Vieja Volcano wonderland, part all things adventure, Hacienda Guachipelín is also home to three waterfall destinations:
Las Chorreras Waterfalls: A pair of twin falls that pour into blue-tinged mineral waters. Go ahead, jump in! This waterfall pool is safe for a cool swim.
Victoria Waterfall: Tumbling 115 feet into the Black River, or Río Negro, this offer not only a spectacular sight but the origin point for an adrenaline-soaked tubing adventure.
Oropendola Waterfall: Rushing 82 feet down a rugged cliffside and lush river canyon, Oropendola Waterfall splashes into the scenic White River, or Río Blanco (surprisingly turquoise, not white!). Take a swim!
Beaches, Waterfalls & Outdoor Adventures: Where to Make Your Home Base
Your bags are packed and you’re ready to explore. Here’s where to stay, when you want to adventure into the wilds (and waterfalls) of Costa Rica’s North Pacific.
Casa Puros Dieces
8 Bedrooms | 8 Bathrooms | Sleeps 20
The apex of tropical luxury – literally, as it sits atop a hillside – Casa Puros Dieces is the “perfect 10” or “pure tens,” in Spanish. And this environmentally friendly, Balinese-style home lives up to that name in every way, from its stunning ocean views to its expansive indoor-outdoor living areas.
Crafted for natural light and ventilation, Casa Puros Dieces compels you to throw open the windows and drink in the fresh ocean breeze. To take a dip in the ocean-view infinity pool and jacuzzi, and then to stop to drink in the view. To spend time with your family and friends, on wide sun terraces and decking, and then retreat to the luxury of your private spaces.
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Casa Xanadu
4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | Sleeps 10
Where can you find the overlap of one national park, one wildlife estuary, one mountain range, and two scenic beaches? At Casa Xanadu, a tropical paradise surrounded by a tropical paradise.
For here, amidst rare tropical dry forest – one of the last remaining swaths in the world – and an incredible roster of wildlife, you’ll find the perfect home base for your Costa Rican adventures. Lounge in the infinity pool, set your watch for epic sunsets, and never grow tired of the spectacular Pacific vistas. Walk softly, listen and look closely, and the howler monkeys, parrots, and butterflies will join you!
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Crystal Sands 104
3 Beds | 3 Bathrooms | Sleeps 12
Steps from the sand, aptly named Crystal Sands 104 is one of our select oceanfront Tamarindo vacation homes – a cozy, ground-level condo perfect for families and surfers with boards in tow.
Fully air-conditioned and with no detail spared, this rental promises a gourmet kitchen and outdoor shaded dining, in addition to oversized glass doors, laundry facilities, and full private baths for each bedroom, Crystal Sands 104 is also perfectly equipped for remote work and schooling: 100 Mb high-speed internet, with a battery backup and portable wireless router, so you’ll never be without a connection.
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Casa Limoncillo
2 Beds | 2 Baths | Sleeps 10
This newly built modern home (not even a year old!) is also one of the newest additions to our Tamarindo villa rentals. And we’re so excited to share! Because Casa Limoncillo, dedicated to outdoor living and leisure, offers an incredible setting for family and friends.
Here, the joy is in the details: It’s the saltwater pool and adjoining shaded rancho with outdoor seating. It’s the outdoor firepit, where you can roast marshmallows, sit beneath the start, and let the crackle and pop lull you into vacation bliss. It’s the playground of children’s dreams, complete with a rock-climbing wall. It’s the quiet surrounds, populated by exotic birds and wildlife. It’s even the on-property chickens, who lay eggs for your breakfast.
It’s everything, really. You’re going to love it!
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Wondering About the Best Time to Travel to Costa Rica? Have Questions?
Seeking a little planning know-how? Looking for a great deal? Can’t decide on which of our rentals in Tamarindo, Costa Rica is right for you?
Get in touch! We love to chat Tamarindo, getaways, and vacation rentals. We readily share our experiences and advice. And we promise, we’re friendly, to boot. We look forward to hearing from you!
Spotlight On: 5 Condo Community Rentals in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
When it comes to vacation rentals in Tamarindo, Costa Rica you could call us experts. We’ve stepped foot in most of them and have added the best to our portfolio. So, it’s fair to say that we have our finger on the pulse of Tamarindo vacation rentals, the beach lifestyle, and what makes for a memorable stay.
We’ve learned many things over the years, and one of the most important among them is the benefit of community. We know – you’re wondering what community has to do with vacation? In Tamarindo, community equates to resort amenities. Community is convenience and access. It’s security and peace of mind.
Community means staying in a beautiful place, surrounded by beautiful things, in a beautiful locale. So, whether you’re just here for a visit or are a digital nomad looking to relocate the beach, Tamarindo’s condo communities offer the locations and amenities you seek, from strong Wi-Fi and beachside access to resort pools and secured parking.
Here are five of our favorite Tamarindo resort communities, ideal for both short- and long-term stays:
Ibis Condos
In what looks like a lush and secret garden, set somewhere near the sea, you will find Ibis Condos, a private paradise just across the street from the Pacific Ocean.
The first thing you should know is that a stay here offers executive access to the Langosta Beach Club, where you’ll enjoy use of a luxurious and oceanfront infinity pool, pool loungers, full-service poolside bar, private cabanas, fitness center, and beachfront restaurant.
The condos themselves offer just 10, generously two- and three-bedroom penthouses, with partial seasonal ocean views from some rooms. While these rentals are well equipped with high-speed Internet, full kitchens and gas grills, ensuite baths in each bedroom, and breezy indoor/outdoor common areas, you should know that you’re also a short walk to restaurants and nightlife shopping and adventure. At Ibis Condos, you’re exactly where you want to be.
Condo & Community Amenities:
- Free Access to Langosta Beach Club
- 8 2-Bedroom Condos
- 2 3-Bedroom Condos
- Across the street from the beach
Monte Perla
Whether you’re in town for a week, a month, or maybe a lifetime, Monte Perla offers a little bit of everything, wrapped up and tied with a beautiful bow. Perched on a hillside overlooking downtown and Tamarindo Bay, this welcoming community promises million-dollar ocean views, convenience, and comfort, at a price within reach.
The condos at Monte Perla Tamarindo offer lovely two-bedroom vacation rentals ideal for families, couples, or small groups of friends who seek a vibrant and convenient Tamarindo location, paired with community amenities and easy access to the sand.
Our Monte Perla condo rentals are unique in that they offer ocean views from every room: Look out your window and onto the sapphire Pacific, where ocean meets the horizon. You’ll spend plenty of time on your private terrace, designed for indoor/outdoor living, as well as in the community’s free-form pool and tropical gardens.
As you sip your morning coffee or sip your afternoon drink, keep an ear open to the distant howls of howler monkeys and lively chatter of tropical birds. And, as day bleeds into night, revel in your private view of Tamarindo’s spectacular sunsets. There’s nothing like it!
At Monte Perla, you’ll find all the comforts of home. From Monte Perla, you’re only a quick walk to the lively downtown area of Tamarindo, where you’ll have access to shopping and restaurants, grocery stores and nightlife. Condo amenities include everything from private in-rental laundry facilities and high-speed wireless Internet to fully equipped kitchens and central air-conditioning. Pool and beach towels are provided. Enjoy!
Monte Perla Condo & Community Amenities:
- Close to Center of Tamarindo
- Amazing Ocean Views
- Large Communal Pool
- Balcony with Sitting Area
Crystal Sands
One of the newest additions to Langosta Beach and Guanacaste’s beachfront condominium communities, Crystal Sands resort offers a wonderful complement of contemporary luxury and tropical elegance, beachside sophistication and 21st-century service.
Here, you will enjoy an unparalleled location: Crystal blue waters lap at secluded white-sand beaches, where the coastal rhythms coax you into vacation tranquility. And even when you don’t have your toes in the sand, you’ll be living at the beach, because the views here are present everywhere.
From Crystal Sands, almost everything is just a short walk away. It begins at the beachside gated entrance, which opens onto dancing waves and sun-splashed sands. In the evenings, walk north to restaurants and nightlife, or just hole up in your own private paradise, cast your gaze to the sea, and enjoy another spectacular Pacific sunset.
The condos at Crystal Sands resort all offer generous floor plans, with expansive great rooms and ocean-view terraces, intimate bedroom suites with sitting areas, large gourmet kitchens, and, of course, 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean from every terrace. Crystal Sands is more than a name; It’s a sensory symphony and complete emotional experience – the embrace of a Costa Rican vacation and a trip you’ll never forget.
Crystal Sands Condo & Community Amenities:
- Resort Pool with a Surrounding Sun Deck and Rancho
- Spacious Outdoor Area, directly fronting the Pacific Ocean
- 24/7 Secure Underground Parking
La Perla
Rooted in a promise of eco lifestyle community combined with luxury amenities and incredible quality, La Perla community is the kind of place where dreams come true. Nestled on a peaceful and breezy hill, just two blocks and a quick walk to Tamarindo downtown and sun-drenched sandy beaches, this upscale community delivers on everything you’re seeking.
Your experience begins as soon as you arrive: La Perla Tamarindo welcomes you with a palm-lined entrance, expensive lobby, wheelchair-accessible elevators, and the community’s centerpiece: a sparkling resort pool, ringed by ocean-view sun terrace, an owners’ clubhouse, and a private gym.
And lest you think that the community’s luxury amenities we’re confined to public spaces, know that each residence is finished to the highest standards. Your vacation rental includes floor-to-ceiling windows in the living areas, expensive outdoor private terraces, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, plus a smorgasbord of other upscale amenities.
And, as your comfort and privacy are paramount at La Perla, each floor houses only four residences. They each occupy a full corner of the building and offer a huge, private, covered circular terraces, where you can relax and rejoice in your view of the Pacific Ocean, community pool, and tropical gardens.
La Perla Condo & Community Amenities:
- 2- and 3-bedroom residences
- Ocean-view sun terraces
- Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living areas
- Full kitchens with granite counters
- Generous pool deck
- Air conditioning
- Washer/dryer
- Covered terraces
- Top-end fixtures
- Sleek bathrooms
- 24/7 guard coverage
- Gated entrance and surrounding perimeter wall
Sunrise Condos
Located in the very heart of Tamarindo, sunrise condos welcomes you two convenience and comfort, within walking distance of almost anywhere you want to be.
The complex offers 2, 3, and four bedroom condos that are as well-equipped as they are inviting, offering fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas, laundry facilities, and comfortable bedrooms, Sunrise puts a priority on your vacation experience.
Speaking of your experience, you’ll love sunrise resort’s community pool, one of the largest resort pools in Tamarindo, and home to an interactive cascading pool, rock wall and waterfall feature, plus a children’s pool. There is also a large pool deck and landscaped gardens, where you can enjoy a taste of Costa Rica living.
And when it comes to living, there is nowhere better then across from Tamarindo’s main beach, where you will enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, estuary tours, and all other manner of ocean adventures.
Sunrise Condo & Community Amenities:
- Interactive Rock Water Fall
- Mediterranean-inspired Greco Roman pillars
- Children’s pool
- Recycling
- 2, 3, and 4 bedroom plans with custom interior, tropical furnishings
- Covered terrace
- Major Appliances
- Washer and dryer
- Storage space
- Condos with central A/C, full kitchens, cable TV, and dishwashers
- Private parking with 24/7 security & a gated entrance
Explore More of our Vacation Rentals in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Seeking a little planning know-how? Looking for a great deal? Can’t decide on which of our rentals in Tamarindo, Costa Rica is right for you?
Get in touch! We love to chat Tamarindo, getaways, and vacation rentals. We readily share our experiences and advice. And we promise, we’re friendly, to boot. We look forward to hearing from you!
8 Reasons to Plan a Last-Minute Tamarindo Vacation
Pack your bags and get ready to go! It’s time for sun and fun, for footloose and fancy-free. That’s right: It’s time for a last-minute Tamarindo vacation.
From epic surf and long walks on the beach, to private ocean-view infinity pools and last-minute deals on condos, small villas, and large homes, we offer up our expertise, planning, and select vacation home – everything you need to get planned, get going, and get here. ASAP. Whether that P stand for tomorrow or next week. Welcome to your next Tamarindo vacation!
Reason #1: Sun, Sand & Surf
It’s the tropics and the weather is fine! The sun is shining (most of the day, at least!), the sand is warm, and the surf is excellent. The truth is, it’s always a good time to plan a Tamarindo vacation. So, why wait?
Reason #2: Las Mareas Villa 1
4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Sleeps 12
Did you know that last-minute vacations come with last-minute vacation deals? Take Las Mareas Villa 1, one of six luxury Tamarindo vacation rentals perched above downtown, the estuary, and Pangas Restaurant.
This little (ok, rather large!) slice of privacy overlooks the looping curve of Las Baulas estuary, right where it meets sweeping Pacific Ocean views. So, grab a cup of local coffee and relax on the terrace. Count the white caps while you drink in spectacular ocean views. Stretch out on a daybed or prep a meal at the gourmet kitchen or outdoor barbecue. And, whenever and for however long you want, cool off in your private infinity-edge pool. Coastline views, included!
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Reason #3: Outdoor Pursuits
Sure, you want to get out of the house, but you what you really want is to get out – as in, outside and into the great outdoors. And a Tamarindo vacation promises just that:
Water Adventures: From sportfishing and surf lessons to snorkeling and kayaking, Tamarindo promises a bevy of on-water diversions. So, whether you’re a surfer hunting down the perfect break, a wildlife aficionado in search of mangrove mammals, or an angler seeking your next record catch, Tamarindo promises both the opportunity to get outside and do your favorite things.
Land Adventures: While you would be forgiven for thinking that Tamarindo is all about the water, you’d also be wrong. Our sandy little surf town delivers the landlubber goods, in the form on horseback riding and hiking, ATV rides and zip line canopy tours, mountain biking and turtle tours. In other words, all the out-in-the-fresh-air, into-the-sun adventures that keep your feet on the ground (and your soles enviably worn).
Full-Day Tours: Want to pack some serious punch into your Tamarindo vacation? Then, welcome to the world of all-day tours, which take you to dry forest, up active volcanoes, into rivers and hot springs, and even squelching through mineral muds. It’s wild, it’s wonderful, and it’s the essence of not only Tamarindo, but Costa Rica. It’s why you’re here!
Reason #4: Crystal Sands 104
3 Beds | 3 Bathrooms | Sleeps 12
Steps from the sand, aptly named Crystal Sands 104 is one of our select oceanfront Tamarindo vacation homes – a cozy, ground-level condo perfect for families and surfers with boards in tow.
Fully air-conditioned and with no detail spared, this rental promises a gourmet kitchen and outdoor shaded dining, in addition to oversized glass doors, laundry facilities, and full private baths for each bedroom, Crystal Sands 104 is also perfectly equipped for remote work and schooling: 100 Mb high-speed internet, with a battery backup and portable wireless router, so you’ll never be without a connection.
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Reason #5: Ultimate Privacy
There’s luxury and then, there’s the ultimate 2021 luxury: Privacy, seclusion, and room all your own. And that just so happens to be the promise of our Tamarindo vacation rentals.
The beauty of renting your own home is just that: It’s yours. Your kitchen. Your bedroom. Your private pool. Your own expansive terrace. Your own tropical gardens. Your, well, everything.
What’s more, we fully clean and sanitize that privacy before you arrive:
- Full COVID Cleaning: We follow a comprehensive list of cleaning protocols, including sanitizing all our homes with both chlorine-based and organic disinfectants proven effective in killing the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2).
- Stocked Hand Sanitizer: All our home rentals come equipped with complimentary hand sanitizer.
- We Wear Masks: Our staff and cleaning crew are fully masked, throughout every stage of traveler contact.
- Private Plans: If you’ve fallen for any of our water, land, or full-day adventures, fear not. We can book tours and equipment rentals for you and your “travel bubble” alone. You won’t have to come into contact with other travelers.
Reason #6: Sunrise 31
3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 7
A comfortable condo in the heart of downtown, Sunrise 31 is across from the beach and just a 5-minute walk to your next favorite sunset or life-changing surf lesson. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves the feeling of sand between their toes, the sound of crashing waves, and walks along the beach.
So, beyond its breezy interiors and outdoor dining, granite countertops and spacious bedrooms – what’s there to love about Sunrise 31? Quite a bit, actually! We’re talking an oversized resort pool and lovely private balcony, tropical vistas and a location walking distance to restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife.
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Reason #7: Free Concierge Services
Did you know that your Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo booking includes complimentary concierge services?
What’s that, you ask? Simple put: We’ll handle everything. All the logistics. Every reservation. Airport transportation. Tamarindo transportation. From A to Z and everything in between: When you book one of ourTamarindo vacation rentals, you’re also reserving the services of our friendly in-house concierge, Cris.
Cris in an expert in Tamarindo travel: Digging beneath the surface and reaching beyond the norm, Cris not only makes it her job to know Tamarindo, but to get to know you, too! She’s like a real-life guidebook who expertly overlays Tamarindo’s most iconic experiences and must-do adventures with your needs, preferences, and plans. What’s more, she’ll work with your budget. Any budget – really.
It begins with our welcome packet, which you’ll receive after you make a booking. It’ll introduce you to many of our favorite things, so have a look. Start building your wish list. And then, talk to Cris and let the fun begin. It’s part magic, part expertise. And, as we said, completely free. So go ahead, pick Cris’s brain! She can’t wait to hear from you!
Reason #8: Casa Zen
3 Beds | 3.5 Bathrooms | Sleeps 8
Ensconced within an exuberant garden, Casa Zen is a secluded getaway for family and friends – an immersion within tropical settings, now all your own!
Casa Zen is special for many reasons. Upon arrival, the first becomes immediately evident: A private pool, surrounded by comfortable indoor/outdoor sitting areas, a serene garden walkway, and sun-dappled loungers. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise, while away the day, and end a perfect day in paradise with a cocktail in hand. And, did we mention? Casa Zen is just a 10-minute walk (or 5-minute drive) to the beach!
Planning a Last-Minute Tamarindo Vacation? Get in Touch!
Seeking a little planning know-how? Looking for a great deal? Can’t decide on which vacation home is right for you?
Get in touch! We love to chat Tamarindo, getaways, and vacation rentals. We readily share our experiences and advice. And we promise, we’re friendly, to boot. We look forward to hearing from you!
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