Tamarindo

The best beach within 30 minutes of Tamarindo is, of course, Tamarindo!  We’re not saying this because we’re biased Tamarindo residents or anything, we’re saying this because it’s empirically true.  You’ll see.  Why is Tamarindo Beach the most awesome beach in Guanacaste?  Here are 5 reasons:

1. It’s sandy. Big deal?  Yes.  A rocky beach is a lot less fun to walk or sunbathe on.  It’s a lot trickier to swim at a rocky beach, and meetings with rocks do not make for great surf lessons.  For a laid back beach vacation, you definitely want a sandy beach like Tamarindo.
2. It’s in the back of a bay. This means a normal day in Tamarindo has gentle or no ocean currents and small to medium sized waves.  If you’re a solid surfer looking for barrels, you may find them here or you may have to pick one of our other 5 faves.  But no matter,  we think Tamarindo still wins because the rest of your family / travel group will be able to have a great, safe day doing what they do while you’re off tearing it up.
3. It’s gorgeous. It just is.  The mountains, the bay, the boats at anchor, the lava rock outcroppings, the royal palms and the quaint little restaurants along the beach…  Come on.  It’s the best.

4. Everyone can surf. Yes, even you.  The Tamarindo surf has something for everyone.  If you’re a beginner, it’s the ideal place to learn.  If you are an experienced surfer, paddle out at the main beach or at the estuary within 2 or 3 hours of the high tide and you’ll catch hours of fun rides.
5. It’s Activity Central. You don’t have to bring the kitchen sink to the beach with you in Tamarindo.  You can buy beverages and food, the sunscreen you forgot, flip flops when the tide comes in and makes off with yours, you can go for a meal, get a massage, or even decide it’s time to head for the shade but still enjoy sitting on the beach in Tamarindo, because, as you can see, TAMARINDO HAS IT ALL.

But, venture out during your stay in Tamarindo and be amazed by beautiful beaches, gorgeous wildlife and more. Make sure you pack you beach bag before leaving your Tamarindo vacation rental and get ready for a day of adventure and relaxation.  There are other amazing beaches to see nearby, and you can enjoy Tamarindo when you come back from exploring.

 

#1 Top Pick:  Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is our number one favorite beach after Tamarindo.  You will never find another beach like it in Costa Rica, maybe not in the world.  The word “concha” in Spanish means “shell,” and as its name suggests, Playa Conchal entirely covered in seashells.  As in, there’s no sand–just shells.

We’re not exaggerating, but you might have to see it to believe it.  In fact, we suggest that you do.  Years ago, Playa Conchal was covered with shells of all shapes and sizes, but today, due to its popularity, it is mostly covered with pieces of shells.  Thank you very much, Everybody In The World, for helping yourselves to what belongs in Costa Rica.  It’s still an amazing beach to visit, still completely unique, and is still a great place to snorkel.  You can’t surf at Conchal, but you can explore the tidepools, stroll, swim, and hunt for pretty shells.  But do the beach a favor and put them back please.  Playa Conchal needs its shells.  It doesn’t know what to be without them.

 

#2 Top Pick:  Playa Brasilito

Brasilito is the cool little fishing village that you have to go through to get to Playa Conchal.  For some reason, whereas many of Guanacaste’s beach towns have become modern meccas of luxury, Brasilito remains a quaint fishing village of a traditional Costa Rican style.  We love it!

Enjoy a Costa Rican meal for a Costa Rican price.  Wander around through the little streets past souvenir shops, simple homes, small groceries, and on to the sandy beach.  Brasilito is safe for swimming, a relaxing spot to bask in the sun, and if you’re lucky you might even catch a surfable wave.  Most visitors combine a visit to Conchal with a visit to Brasilito since one is on the way to the other.  For as close to each other as they are, the vibe, the scenery and the beach itself is so completely different that they could just as well be 100 miles apart.  Go check it out.

 

#3 Top Pick:  Playa Langosta

Langosta Beach is a must-see, especially if your starting point is Tamarindo.  Langosta is our sister beach to the south and you can get there without actually leaving town.

Just like Brasilito and Conchal are radically different, you won’t believe how different Langosta is from Tamarindo. Langosta’s geography is much more open to the deep water, so the waves in Langosta are significantly bigger and stronger than Tamarindo’s waves.  Surfers love this, of course, but Langosta isn’t only for surfers.  Langosta beach at low tide is a beautiful place for beach-walking, shell-hunting (admire and put back, please), tide pool-snorkeling and for watching the spectacular tropical sunsets.

 

#4 Top Pick:  Playa Avellanas

Avellanas is a spectacular beach, and deserving of a day of your vacation.  You can walk for miles along Playa Avellanas and the series of small sandy beaches it connects to as you go north from the spot you’ll park.

Avellanas is a great beach for surfing, with waves that are generally bigger than Tamarindo’s waves, but is not rocky like Langosta, so non-surfers will have a better time swimming or finding a spot to sunbathe or relax.  The popular Lola’s Restaurant by the parking area in Avellanas is a great place to have a cool drink in the shade, or get lunch.  Playa Avellanas has a fabulous laid-back vibe and is by far one of the most beautiful beaches you will find in Costa Rica.  Take it from the locals who have seen a lot of Costa Rica’s beaches!

 

#5 Top Pick:  Playa Grande

If you’re a die-hard surfer, you might shuffle Playa Grande to the number one spot.  Playa Grande, as its name suggests, is a very big beach, and there are lots of breaks along the sand it spans.  Playa Grande is our next-door neighbor, beginning on the other side of the Las Baulas estuary, and stretching for miles.

The Las Baulas National Park, dedicated to the preservation of the nesting grounds of giant Baula sea turtles, encompasses all of Playa Grande, meaning that the coast line is almost completely untouched.  This is a huge plus if you are a sea turtle, a surfer, a fish, a bird, a mangrove tree or a lover of long solitary beach runs.  It’s not such a huge plus if you like the easy life with beach chairs, umbrella-decorated drinks, and nearby sources of water, or shade.  You can get to Playa Grande by taking a boat across from Tamarindo across the estuary, or you can drive there.  The drive will set you down in a small collection of hotels, restaurants and grocery stores, so don’t think we mean you will be completely removed from civilization in Playa Grande.  The one thing you don’t want to do is attempt to walk, swim or paddle across the estuary to Playa Grande from Tamarindo.

Large volumes of water move through the channel and it is not walkable.  Large crocodiles also reside there, making a swimming or paddling a bad idea if you like your spot at the top of the food chain.  Boats are cheap and run all day.  Take one.

Ready to hit the beach now?  Get your passport, get a hat, and get down here.  Our Concierge can answer any further questions you have about what to do during your Tamarindo vacation, and help you get set up.  Contact us today and we will assist you in booking your next trip and planning all your adventures!

Our feature property this month is a beautiful 4-bedroom classic Tamarindo beach house called Casa Xanadu. Casa Xanadu is perched on top of the mountain above the beach, and it offers an ocean view that does not stop!

Between the comfort of the open breezy home, the refreshing infinity pool and the mesmerizing view, you will for sure not want to leave when it’s time to go.
Casa Xanadu sleeps 8, which makes it great for groups of friends traveling together or family combinations where Grandma comes along or Aunt Sally and Uncle Mike bring the cousins.

Families with older children who can swim will love how the pool keeps the kids busy all day long while the grown-ups enjoy relaxing in the rest of the house.

Surfers will love watching the breaks along Playa Grande from the pool and the terraces of Casa Xanadu.
The whole house is air conditioned, of course, and the kitchen has got everything you can imagine needing. No one in your group feels like cooking while on vacation? No problem! Our Concierge can set you up with a chef who can come to the house to do all the meal prep and service for you.

At Casa Xanadu, you’ll definitely want rental cars to ferry you up and down the hill, and our concierge can get that set up for you, too. All of Tamarindo, with its fun bars, wide variety of restaurants, many languages, and colorful shopping opportunities lies along the coast just below Casa Xanadu.

There are so many exciting things to do in and around Tamarindo that we can’t begin to list them all—you’ll have to contact our Concierge who is the local specialist in fun times and will help you narrow it down.
Right now, as the rainy season concludes, all of Tamarindo is lush and green and the views from Casa Xanadu are especially pretty.

Rainy season sunsets are the ones that spark spectacular displays of color, so take our advice, get those flip-flops into the suitcase, grab your passport and get to Casa Xanadu as fast as you can.

Tamarindo is the perfect vacation destination for health-minded travelers. Pretty much everything you need is within walking distance, it’s never too cold to be outside doing something fun and active, and fresh fruits, vegetables and fish abound. Healthy people are attracted to places like this so we have a surprising number of fitness centers and yoga studios for a town this size.
So how to be as healthy on your Tamarindo vacation as you are at home? Great options are everywhere! We’ll break it down into two categories for you: What To Eat and What To Do.

WHAT TO EAT
Healthy eating in Tamarindo is easy, especially for healthy people who are used to searching out healthy foods!

1.Pimienta Verde Organic Market
In the beginning of 2018, Tamarindo’s first organic grocery store opened its doors. Fresh produce arrives on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and there is a lot more on the shelves than fruits and vegetables. They offer organic grains, pastas, sauces, honey, snacks, Kombucha, health and beauty products, oils and more. The store is new and the market for organic products in Costa is only now emerging, so you might not be able to find everything on your list there, but Automercado and its boutique supermarket Vindi do have organic products offered alongside non-organic.

2.Juice Café Tamarindo
We also have a new juice company! Juice Café Tamarindo offers a line of cold-pressed organic juices and other healthy treats. Their grain-free granola blows every other granola you can ever imagine directly out of the water! Place your order on line or drop by to see what they’ve got ready. And lucky you—it’s right beside the organic market!

3.La Bodega
La Bodega is a small café/market focused on providing organic foods to Tamarindo. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or to check out the goodies in their small store.

4.Find menu items that fit into the diet that makes you feel like a rock star:
vegan, vegetarian, low/no carb, Mediterranean, raw foods…
We aren’t saying you can’t find killer cheeseburgers and fries around here (you can!) but if you have a preferred way of eating that you’ve worked into your lifestyle, we can help you find the right dining. It’s all here! Vegans will love our vegan spot called Pura Vegan in El Mercadito. Vegetarians will have lots of choices, and especially love the traditional no-meat Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto with eggs. Low and no carb diets are easy to stick to in Tamarindo restaurants with the many fresh salads that are served with seared beef, grilled chicken, shrimp or raw ahi tuna. Any one else getting hungry? Anyone following a raw foods diet will be happy here. Whole raw foods are easy to find in the form of salads, fruit plates, and amazing sashimi. Mediterranean diet your style? Check out the Falafel Bar with the menu that does not stop, and the carpaccio on the menu at Pangas.

WHAT TO DO
Staying active during your Tamarindo vacation is easy, in fact, don’t forget to relax! There are tons of healthy things to do in Tamarindo. Here’s what the locals like:

1.Gyms
Tamarindo has several gyms and fitness centers that offer work-out equipment, trainers, and classes of various kinds.

2.Yoga
Several yoga studios, centrally located, offer fabulous classes from morning to evening. Our concierge can also help you book your own private instructor so that your Tamarindo yoga experience can be completely tailored to your needs and preferences.

3.The Beach
Do we really need to say this? Probably not, but it’s on the list! Nothing will wear you out like surfing does, so get out there and catch some waves. If you’re not a surfer, this is your chance to become one. Tamarindo surf lessons are the perfect way to get started! Currents are gentle here, and below you is just sand, no rocks. If surfing isn’t your thing, check out a tide chart and plan a low-tide beach walk or run. That’s what the locals do! Won’t that be cool? Come on, let’s go running. Shoes? Why?!

4.Rent a Bike
Park that rental car in the shade and rent a bike. There are all kinds of bikes to rent here: beach cruisers, mountain bikes, fat-tire bikes to ride in the sand… If you visit during the busy season between the end of December and the end of March, you might be glad for a bike for more reasons than your health! The amount of traffic in the narrow Tamarindo streets can be an exercise in patience, but if you have a bike, you can just zoom on by. No lie. (That may be a tip from insiders who know…)

5.Massage
Top off all that heathy eating, surfing, biking, yoga, and beach runs with a massage to work the knots out of your muscles. Tamarindo is a great place for a relaxing massage or Tamarindo muscle therapy. Tables set up along the beach offer relaxing massages in the shade, and top-class spas offer relaxing or deep-tissue massages in an air-conditioned environment. We also know the best masseuses in town, so if you prefer that the massage table come to your Tamarindo vacation rental, let us know and we can arrange for you and your travel group to get massages right at home.

Any questions or have other ideas about how you’d like to leave Tamarindo healthier than you came? Contact us today and let us help you get it sorted.

You look at Costa Rica and are impressed by all the fun things there are to do, all the awesome places there are to go. I mean, there are surfing beaches, swimming beaches, volcano hikes, horseback rides, cushy resorts, whitewater rafting, rain forests, cloud forest, tropical dry forests, zip lines, animal rescue centers, snorkeling, sailing, fishing…and that’s just off the top of my head! You check it out on the map and you see that things really aren’t all that far apart so you make a list of everything you’d like to do during your week of vacation: the west coast, the volcanoes in the central valley, white water rafting, the east coast… You wouldn’t want to miss any of it!

Ok, stop the presses.
Yes, Costa Rica is a small country, often compared to the US state of West Virginia, or the European country of Denmark, but don’t let that fool you. It is a country of secluded beaches, rolling hills, open plains, and river basins split down the center by the towering volcanic cordillera that runs the length of the Americas. This geography, coupled with Costa Rica’s status as a “developing nation” means that here you are not going to find super highways that connect these relatively close locations. Narrow, twisty, bumpy roads designed for the nominal traffic flow of Costa Rica in the 1970s can take longer to navigate than what you think. Expect to travel 60-70 miles per hour down Costa Rica’s freeways? Think again. A 50-100 mile (80-160 km) drive can often take two to four hours on narrow roads that wind through the countryside. It’s beautiful. It’s not speedy.

You made the right choice when you decided to base your Costa Rica vacation in a Tamarindo vacation rental. There are tons of things to do in Tamarindo, and lots of fun day-trips and Tamarindo tours are available without requiring you to pack your bags and move to a different location. The planning stage is the right time for you to think about how much relaxing you want to do during your vacation and how much work. Work? Well, yes. Work. Navigating Costa Rica’s roads isn’t difficult, but it can be exhausting. You won’t get lost because there aren’t that many places to make a wrong turn, but you will for sure have your patience tested on a trip of any length.

Want to explore a place other than Tamarindo during your vacation? Good idea! The key question is, “How much time to you have?” If you’re going to be in Costa Rica for a week, pick one other place. Ten days? You could probably swing two. Two weeks? Now we’re getting into the territory of where you could do something REALLY exotic like surf Pavones, or visit Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, or tour the Bribri Indigenous reserve in the mountains near Cahuita. If you’re the umbrella-drink-in-hand-at-the-all-inclusive-resort-type, though, those remote options might be a little too much adventure for you. Not judging. Just saying it’s not for everybody. You could explore both coasts: first Tamarindo, Flamingo, Coco, Avellanas, Playa Negra, Junquillal, then the Caribbean coast–Limon, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero…
So, back to how to plan a week vacation that won’t run you into the ground.
Spend a few days in Tamarindo and then a few days on an Arenal tour. Or a Monteverde tour. Or check out Malpais and Santa Teresa. Go to La Carolina Lodge and check out the cobalt-blue waterfall.

Remember, you have to get back to fly out of Liberia and you don’t want to spend half your trip on the road. Or spend the whole time based in a Tamarindo beach resort and let us fill your days with daytrips and local adventures. Unless you refuse to get off the couch, it is impossible that you will (a) be bored (b) run out of things to do. Physically impossible.
Have 10 days? Lucky you. Out of Tamarindo you could see both Arenal and Monte Verde. Or you could go to the Central Valley area and check out the volcanoes like Poas and Irazu. In the mountainous areas there, white water rafting can be quite an adventure. Go see the scarlet macaws and the white-faced monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park. Or modify the one-week plan with some added day trips to places like Buena Vista Lodge Costa Rica or Diamante Eco Adventure Park and then go spend a few nights at one other spot that’s not too far away.

Really the best advice we can give you, other than don’t try to see all of Costa Rica in a week, is to contact our Concierge who knows everything there is to know about everything awesome there is to do in Costa Rica. Each group is made up of different personalities, different interests, and has a different number of days to fill. Christina Gonzales from Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo has got you covered. Nicaraguan-born and Costa Rica/USA raised, she’s got the language skills, the cultural knowledge and the vibrant personality to bridge all the gaps and to hook you up.

Contact us right now and let’s see what we can figure out for your vacation!

This month we’re featuring one of our favorite family-friendly vacation rental properties. Villa Pacifica, located in the Los Lagos community of Hacienda Pinilla is the perfect spot to base your family vacation in Costa Rica.

This luxury vacation rental condominium offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and can accommodate up to 10 guests. The home includes a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen and two separate living areas. A first floor living room adjoining the kitchen and dining area is complimented by a second floor tv lounge with additional couches and a flat screen tv. The kids want to watch a movie and you need to get a few things done on-line? No problem. This tropical villa has the space you need to get relaxing done your way.

Beautiful and spacious terraces span both levels of the home, providing the outdoor living area that you dream of in a tropical vacation rental. Enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace by the kitchen, listening to the birds that live in Hacienda Pinilla, and watching for monkeys to swing through the trees. The upper balcony that runs along the tv lounge and master bedroom is the perfect place for a late-afternoon cocktail while you wait for the sun to sink into the Pacific Ocean.

Another thing that makes Villa Pacifica perfect for family vacations is that there are so many fun things to do in Hacienda Pinilla. Is your family an active family? Then Villa Pacifica is the place for you! For one, you can easily walk to Mansita beach from Villa Pacifica, and there the real fun begins. Hacienda Pinilla is bordered by 3 miles of pristine coastline where you can wander the beach to your heart’s content, surf, sunbathe, and snorkel in the tidepools. And that’s just the first thing on the activity list.
Almost endless miles of hiking and mountain biking trails weave through Hacienda Pinilla’s 4,500 acres, from wooded mountain tops to the sandy beach and back again. This is the perfect place to take in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province in its natural form. The Hacienda’s 18 hole golf course is Costa Rica’s finest and most beautiful course, and is a fantastic place to see deer, monkeys, birds of all kinds, and even the occasional shy wild cat or friendly coati.

As if that wasn’t enough fun for an entire family, Hacienda Pinilla offers a tennis center, an equestrian center that leads guided horseback rides, and an amazing beach club that sets in front of a breathtaking surf break. The beach club has a fitness center, a spa, an unforgettable bar and restaurant, and a children’s’ play area. Are you convinced yet?
In case you need one more reason to reserve Villa Pacifica today for your family vacation, we can add that the Los Lagos community where Villa Pacifica is located adjoins the JW Marriot Resort. At the Marriot, you will find a variety of restaurants, a gym, and a spa.

At Villa Pacifica, you are located only 15 minutes down the road from Playa Tamarindo and all of the fun that our bustling little beach town provides. Our tour concierge can help you set up your family’s ideal vacation itinerary. Would your kids like the excitement of a zip-line? How about surf lessons for everybody? We can pick you up at Villa Pacifica and take you for a fun day trip some place really special like Rincon del la Vieja National Park, or a jungle boat safari in Palo Verde.
Villa Pacifica has the advantage of a quiet, restful location where you can separate yourselves from the busyness of Tamarindo hotels and have quality family time, but still have 100% of the options for fun.

Contact us today and let’s get your reservation on the books while there’s still time!

It’s dinner time in Tamarindo and one thing you have for sure is too many choices! Where to go? What’s good? What’s everybody’s favorite?

Lucky you, you just asked a whole pack of Tamarindo locals and we are going to hook you up with the 5 restaurants you can’t leave Tamarindo without trying. Don’t even think about it. These places serve our favorite dishes, they’re always good, and they’re fun places to hang out in. Nobody loves good food and great times like the Tamarindo locals, and nobody insists more on fair prices. So relax. We’ve got you covered. It’s going to be a great night.

Pangas Beach Club

The Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo hands-down number one Tamarindo restaurant choice is Pangas Beach Club. It’s a little hard to explain the ambiance at Pangas without sounding sappy. There is actually something magical about that spot on the beach where the ocean meets the Las Baulas estuary and giant Laurel de La India trees grow. That’s where Pangas Beach Club is located, and that’s one of the reasons we love it. Most of the Pangas’ seating is right on the sand. Comfortable cushioned chairs at wooden tables under the canopy of trees give such a relaxed atmosphere to Pangas, that you never want to leave.

They serve lunch and dinner all week, and breakfast as well on Sundays. This is a great place to come for sunset! Pangas Beach Club, of course, has cold beer, and they have a full bar and a yummy appetizer menu. Pangas’ menu is based on local ingredients like fish, beef, and lots of fresh vegetables. Reservations are a good idea because Pangas does a lot of special events like weddings (you’ll see why the minute you walk in the door) which means on those nights the restaurant is closed to regular diners.

Seasons

Seasons, owned and run by Israeli chef Shlomy has been a Tamarindo favorite since 2003. The menu at Seasons is “Mediterranean Gourmet,” and everything on it is delicious! Seasons is located in the Arco Iris hotel, on a breezy wooden patio beside the pool. Ask any Tamarindo local what their favorite appetizer, dinner, or dessert is at Seasons, and he or she will have answers for you—guaranteed. Seasons has a full bar and serves a mean martini.
Seasons takes cash only and is open for dinner only, every night of the week. Reservations are a good idea because it’s a local favorite.

La Baula

La Baula is one of Tamarindo’s original restaurants. We love it for that reason, we love it because we love their pizza, we love it because we love the beautiful open dining area, and we love it because we love the play area outside for the kids.
La Baula’s menu is simple. They have thin-crust Italian pizza with any and every imaginable topping, a fantastic mixed veggie salad with or without tuna, a few flavors of gelato, and a tiramisu you must not leave town without trying. Those are the only choices, you say? And this is one of your top 5 picks? Yes, you heard us right. Go to La Baula and try it out. You’ll see what we’re talking about. They are open for dinner only every night of the week. Their full bar is sure to have your favorite after-dinner drink from the old country.

Patagonia

Patagonia, being an Argentinian grill, is Tamarindo’s favorite place for steak. Their menu includes lots of other options as well, but we’re just saying: you want steak? Go to Patagonia. Make a reservation, too, because Patagonia’s dining area is smaller than their fan base and it is always full. They serve lunch and dinner daily.

El Mercadito

El Mercadito is one of the newer additions to Tamarindo’s dining scene and it has been an immediate favorite. It isn’t exactly a restaurant, however, it’s more like it’s name suggests: a little food market. El Mercadito is an open-air upscale food-court style market with the Medusa Bar created out of an actual boat, right in the middle. What’s not to love? It’s the restaurant with 100 things on the menu. The individual restaurant kitchens that surround the bar and shady seating area include: Asian poke bowls, a completely vegan kitchen, a tropical curry kitchen, sushi, an Argentinian grill, Venezuelan arepas, burgers of all types, a French bakery, and an ice cream shop.
The best thing about El Mercadito, besides the fact that everybody in your group gets to have their favorite thing for lunch or dinner, is that it’s budget-friendly. Nothing there costs more than $12 and all of it is fabulous because each type of food comes from a kitchen that specializes in that. And at the Medusa Bar, try the champagne sangria. Just try it.
Still have questions about dinner or about how to book the best Tamarindo vacation ever? Contact us and let us help you sort out the answers!

Before you decide that calling a vacation rental condo “perfect” is an exaggeration, put your skepticism aside and listen to what Tamarindo Sunrise Condos right in the heart of Tamarindo beach, have to offer—especially for families.  The Tamarindo Sunrise Condos are Tamarindo’s best-kept secret for Costa Rica family vacations.

1. PROXIMITY TO THE BEACH

Not to boast, but there are no Tamarindo condos closer to the beach than Sunrise Condos Tamarindo.  Open your door at Sunrise, walk through the gated guarded parking lot, pass the fabulous Santa Rita cafe by the entrance, cross the street and there you are–on the sand.

If you are thinking of a family vacation in Tamarindo, we don’t have to tell you why that in itself makes Sunrise perfect.  No getting Grandma in and out of the car.  No sandy kids with wet bathing suits in the back seat, and no trying to figure out where to park.  You’re at the beach and somebody needs the potty?  No problem!  Cousin Susie is a grumpy teenager and sick of hanging out with the younger tykes?  It’s ok.  Let her sleep in.  She can wander over when she wakes up and meet you for a late-morning swim.  You forgot something at the condo?  No worries!  We could go on, but we know that in planning a family beach vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, you don’t need us to convince you of why you want to be close to the beach.  It goes without saying.

Tamarindo Surf lessons, Tamarindo snorkeling, and Tamarindo fishing trips are right outside your door at Tamarindo Sunrise Condos. Literally.

2. PROXIMITY TO EVERYTHING

It stands to reason, right?  Tamarindo Sunrise Condos are located in the literal center of Tamarindo, so the beach isn’t the only thing that is amazingly close.

At the Tamarindo Sunrise Condos, you are no more than a five minute walk from:  an amazing variety of delicious Tamarindo restaurants, several grocery stores, fun bars that often feature live music, and Tamarindo shopping at a plethora of souvenir stores and Tamarindo surf shops.

This makes vacationing with a family easier because each day’s exploration leads to interesting places that catch the eye and can provide discussion about what to do tomorrow.  Or for dinner.  Or if Joey brushes his teeth after only being asked once.

At the Tamarindo Sunrise Condos you’ll never find yourself at a loss at to what do do in Tamarindo. In addition to nearby activities like Tamarindo ATV tours, Tamarindo horseback riding, Tamarindo canopy tours and Tamarindo Turtle tours, Sunrise Condos are a great jumping-off point for local day trips.

Let us book you a day trip to the Buena Vista Lodge at Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the Blue River Resort and Hot Springs or Palo verde National Park.  How about a tour of Monte Verde or an Arenal Volcano tour?  In the Tamarindo Sunrise Condos, you’re at the perfect spot to begin any adventure.

3. THE AWESOME POOL

This is no ordinary hotel pool we’re touting, here.  The Tamarindo Sunrise Condos actually have an exceptional swimming pool–especially for kids.

It’s an oversized free-form pool with a segmented kiddie pool where the little ones can splash and play without slipping into water that’s too deep for them, for one.  The deep end of the pool is surrounded by a fun water feature that older kids and young-spirited adults will love. A wide walk-behind waterfall pours over a drippy cave-like corridor and is lots of fun to explore and jump through.  Even with all that fun going on, the pool at the Tamarindo Sunrise Condos is big enough for the rest of the guests to relax and cool off in peace. Surrounding the pool is a large tile sun-terrace lined with loungers that are available 24 hours a day to all  Sunrise guests.

4. THE OCEAN VIEW

The Tamarindo Sunrise Condos are across the street from the beach, so of course they have an ocean view!  We offer 9 different condos within the Sunrise Resort, many of which afford stunning views of the surf, the ocean horizon, and famous Tamarindo sunsets.

Some units offer ocean views from a bedroom, some from the living area, some from the terraces, and some from all of the above.  Check out the possibilities we offer and pick the one you like the best.  Of course you’re going to spend plenty of time at the beach on your Tamarindo family vacation, but having an ocean-view vacation rental at Sunrise makes it all the more special.

5. THE SECURITY

The Tamarindo Sunrise Resort is surrounded by secured grounds, the entrance to which is gated and guarded 24 hours per day.  This gives an invaluable level of added security to you, your vehicles, and the belongings in your vacation rental.  Costa Rica is known to be a country that is safe, throughout, for tourism, but having that added precaution just helps you to relax on a family vacation and enjoy the ride.

6. THE ON-SITE PARKING

Even the parking at Sunrise is created with a forethought to convenience, which, as you will find out when you get here, is not always the case in Tamarindo.  Each condo in Tamarindo Sunrise has a dedicated parking space, and plenty of room to maneuver a vehicle that you don’t drive every day.  And as we mentioned before, the guard at the entrance to the parking lot oversees all entrances and exists to the premises.

7. WE OFFER MULTIPLE UNITS

Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo manages 9 individual units within the Sunrise Condos, so don’t just bring the kids–bring everybody!  Bring the aunts and uncles.  Bring Grandma and Grandpa.  Bring the next-door-neighbors.  The more, the merrier, and Sunrise Condos has room for everyone.

Tamarindo Sunrise Condos are not just the perfect family vacation destination–they’re actually perfect for everyone.  Planning a romantic get-away instead of a family vacation?  That’s easy.  Get your sweetie and come to Tamarindo Sunrise Condos without the kids!  All of the same excellent amenities apply.  What about a surf trip?  Even better!

There’s no place surfers feel more at home than at Sunrise, right across the beach from the waves you love to ride.  And with the number of units Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo manages at Sunrise, you can even base your group travel occasion here at Tamarindo Sunrise with us.  Retreats, reunions, special event occasions–any reason at all that you might be looking for a spot to base a group of any size in Tamarindo– Sunrise Condos Tamarindo is the perfect spot to land and unleash adventure.

Contact us today & we can assist you in booking your Sunrise Condo in Tamarindo, Costa Rica!

If you’re looking for things to do in Tamarindo, we’ve got the solution for you. This weekend (September 1st), the town of Santa Rosa, just 5 miles from the beach, is going to be throwing a party–and it’s not like any party you’ve been to before. Each town in the Guanacaste province holds a weekend of “fiestas” once a year, with vendors of food and pretty much everything, dances, lots of guaro and beer, bull riding, and a real Guanacaste “arreo.” You don’t want to miss it. The Santa Rosa Tope happens once a year and over 10k horses with locals dressed up in typical clothing will meet the bulls and commence the fiesta/party!

What’s an “arreo?” The word refers to old-school cattle roundups that date back to a time when Guanacaste’s culture revolved around ranching. Very few modern-day fiestas include arreos, which makes Santa Rosa’s fiestas stand out as a favorite in the area. On Saturday morning, horseback riders of all stripes will gather in the central Plaza of Santa Rosa and prepare for the 6 mile ride to a cattle ranch in the town of Cana Fistula. This ranch, owned by the Vallejos family, carries on the tradition of hosting the arreo with cattle roping events, music, food, dancing, and plenty of alcohol in various strengths. Revelers also arrive on motorcycles, ATVs and in cars to join the real cowboys for a day of bravado and testosterone. How better to celebrate the rough-and-tumble cowboy roots of Guanacaste heritage? In the late afternoon, the raucous caravan exits the cattle ranch and rides back to continue the festivities in Santa Rosa, driving cattle, raising dust, raising cane, and drinking more beer.

Although Santa Rosa’s fiesta officially kicks off on Friday, by Thursday evening there will be plenty of eating drinking and dancing going on in the center of town. Bull riding competitions will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. There is an entrance fee to watch the bull riding. For a small fee, you can stand close to the corral and watch, or for a few dollars more you can pay for a seat in the bleachers. Although it is technically not permitted to climb the corral fence and watch the bull riding perched on top, if you get there early enough you can squeeze in.

Many Costa Rican men and boys, emboldened by the libations, enter the bull riding ring and run around taunting the bull, trying to provoke it to chase them. If you drank too much and decided to join them, you would not be the first foolish tourist to do so. You would also not be the first one to get seriously injured, or end up lying on the ground in you underwear after the bull grabs you with his horn by your surf trunks and throws you around a little (true story). So, please–don’t. Demonstrate your bravery on the dance floor.

It would be a good idea to take cash (colones) to the fiesta. Established bars and cantinas may take credit cards, but the food vendors, clothing/souvenir vendors, and the beer tents will not. Wear comfortable shoes, and keep your wits about you. Small-town fiestas are not the premier place for pick-pocketing, but it all depends how much you drink and how aware you are of your surroundings. Do not ever set your bag down on the ground or hang it on the back of your chair, and just be aware of where your money, phone, etc is at all times. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

What to expect? Crowds. Loud, lively music from marimbas, brass bands and loudspeakers. Lots of people dressed up in their Sunday best. Friendly drunks. Grandmas, children, dogs, and uncle Jimmy. Mountains of yummy greasy food. Traffic jams. Lots of people on horseback. Some amazing dancing. At least one guy having to get carried out of the bull ring. A hangover.

Like None You’ve Ever Seen

You’re coming to Costa Rica and you have a few questions. Costa Rica travel guides are everywhere, but don’t you wish you could talk to someone who lives here? Somebody who would tell you what’s really going on with out trying to sell you something? You’ve got your Tamarindo vacation rental lined up. You get it about Arenal tours of the volcano being a must-see, the things to do in Tamarindo that are must-dos, and you’re smart enough to have figured out yourself that you’re going to need sunscreen. But, seriously. There’s more you want to know to feel sure you’re making the right decision about your Tamarindo vacation. Right?

Great news! You do have a friend in Costa Rica! You have quite a few of them, actually. Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo has drafted a Tamarindo vacation guide for you that is unlike any other. It’s wise, it’s honest, it’s entertaining, and it answers the questions behind your questions. It even includes some vacation hacks—short cuts to a safer, more enjoyable visit.
Here’s a look at the contents of our Tamarindo Vacation Guide:

1. Is it going to rain?
This segment answers all of your questions about the weather in the province of Guanacaste where Tamarindo is located. Learn when the wet season and the dry season occur, what to expect during each, and learn how the wind direction effects ocean water temperature.

2. Omg. Is there a bug in here?
Maybe the most important information you need to know before coming to Costa Rica is found here. Learn about Costa Rica’s biodiversity and get a clear grasp on realistic expectations for what you might experience in a Tamarindo vacation rental.

3. Is the tap water safe?
Even if we say it is, we know you’re going to buy bottled water anyway, just to because. No harm in that. But can you brush your teeth with it? Make coffee? Cook? It’s a good thing you have a friend among the Tamarindo locals to ask these questions to.

4. What do you mean Mother Nature loves to play tricks?
In this chapter of the Tamarindo Vacation Guide, learn about the common challenges created by a tropical climate. It’s true—we never have to shovel snow here, but that doesn’t mean Mother Nature hasn’t got any tricks up her sleeve. We know you want to know about them before you get here, so don’t miss this section.

5. The electricity just went off. Now what?
In your town utilities are like air—everywhere all the time. In our town we have fantastic first-world service…except when we don’t. Of course we wouldn’t lie to you about it and here’s how to prepare.

6. What about sharks, crocodiles, and rip tides?
Learn about the habits and habitats of marine life with big teeth. Find out whether your fears are founded or unfounded. Learn how to pick a safe spot on the beach to surf or swim. Get life-saving info on what to do if you are ever caught in a rip tide anywhere in the world, ever.

7. Why is this taking so long?
You do realize you’re headed from the busy modern world to a relaxed culture in a Third World country, right? It’s one of the world’s safest countries and it’s for sure the world’s happiest country, but it might not be the speediest.

8. So, what’s the story of Tamarindo, anyway?
We know you’re going to fall in love with Costa Rica and with Tamarindo. We did–that’s why we’re here working hard to create amazing Tamarindo vacation rentals to share with you. We know you’ll be curious about how (and how recently!) Tamarindo turned from a sleepy jungle into the vibrant destination you see today.

Then come the 9 vacation hacks to keep you safer and more relaxed. Following, we give you our short list of restaurant recommendations. The expertise of foreign locals who have lived in Tamarindo, Costa Rica for over 20 years is just what you need to get ready for your vacation. Don’t stress. It’s going to be awesome. And if you forget the sunscreen or your toothbrush, don’t panic. Stores carry these things. Where do you think we get ours?
Stay tuned!

1. You Can Use Dollars for a Slightly Lower Exchange Rate.

Most businesses in Costa Rica will take Costa Rican colones or US dollars. In popular resort areas like Tamarindo, some businesses even list their prices in dollars just to take the mystery out of money for their clients.

Most businesses are happy to exchange dollars to colones for you. The up side to this is that you don’t have to spend your precious vacation time standing at line in the bank waiting to change money. The down side is that you probably won’t get the optimum exchange rate. The favor isn’t free.
The dollar to exchange rate fluctuates so it’s impossible to say what, exactly, it will be during your visit. At this moment, an average exchange rate is 560 colones per dollar. If this is what you would get at the bank, a shop or restaurant will likely calculate a dollar’s value at 550 colones or even 500. It’s not because you’re a tourist. It’s because. Somebody is going to have to go to the bank, which is never fun, and if it’s not going to be you, it’s going to be someone else.
Let’s do the math and figure this out: 560 colones = 100 pennies. That means 1 cent = 5.6 colones. If you lose 10 colones per dollar at that rate, it means you are paying $1.8 cents per dollar for the pleasure of not going to exchange money yourself. Spend a $100, and you have just paid 18 cents. Let’s say you get a really “bad” exchange rate—your money is changed at a rate 50 colones less per dollar than what it’s worth. How much money are you giving away? Starting with a base rate of 560 colones per dollar, you would be giving away $0.9 cents per dollar. For every $100 you spend, you’d be losing $0.90 cents.

Our advice: Lighten up. Don’t complain about getting a “bad rate.” It’s not that bad. Tamarindo does have several banks at which you are welcome to get in line, but what do we do? We contribute to the local economy and do more interesting things with our time than pinch a few pennies. Time is money, right? Spend it doing something you enjoy.

2. Bring: Small Bills in Good Condition

That said, the safest thing you can do to avoid problems getting businesses to accept your dollars is stick to $20 bills. Bigger bills can be more difficult to exchange, so stick to small ones.
And the bills need to be in good condition. Costa Rican banks often refuse to accept damaged foreign currency, so do yourself a favor and don’t bring it. The restaurant won’t take it if they know they can’t deposit it at the bank. Leave the dogeared bills at home and bring the pretty ones. Easy.

3. Credit Cards Can Save the Day

Costa Rica is Central America’s most developed country, so it’s possible that you won’t need much cash at all. Almost everyone takes credit cards. Supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, surf shops, tour companies, souvenir stores…all of these normally take credit cards, which can be extremely convenient. Watch for the “cash only” or “solo en efectivo” signs that are usually displayed in businesses that do not take plastic.

4. Tip or no tip?

Is tipping a thing? It depends where you go. In areas of Costa Rica that see few tourists, no, tipping is not a thing. In Tamarindo and the outlying areas, yes, tipping has become a thing. Because world customs around tipping are so diverse and Tamarindo is full of diverse nationalities, you do not absolutely have to tip anyone anywhere. But your servers, the housekeeping staff, tour operators, etc. have come to appreciate and expect tips from pleased customers.

By Costa Rican law, all restaurants add a 10% service charge to their food, so do keep in mind that half of the amount you might usually tip for food is already included in the price on the check.

5. Bartering is Not a Thing.

Bartering is not a thing. The price is the price. If you are buying Costa Rica t-shirts for your 8 nieces and nephews and are willing to pay cash, it would be appropriate to ask about a discount. If you are buying necklaces or colorful bird-shaped whistles from peddlers on the beach, it is all right to discuss the price.

If you’re getting into a Tamarindo taxi and feel that you are being over charged, you probably are. You can ask for a better price if you’re feeling ambitious. You might get it, but you probably won’t. We all (you, me, and the taxi driver) know your other choice is to walk, so don’t be mad if the ride is pricy.

If you choose to contest a price and you aren’t getting anywhere, don’t insist. It won’t help. Since bartering is not a Costa Rican custom, testy tourists wearing expensive sandals who complain about prices don’t make the greatest impression. We thought you should know this so that you can save yourself both the energy of haggling and the disappointment of feeling your bartering technique is lacking. It’s probably great; you’re just in the wrong country.

Enjoy Costa Rica! If you have any questions or need to book a Tamarindo Vacation Rental you may have feel free to contact us!