Living It Up in Guanacaste, Costa Rica: A Local's Playbook
by
Jenna Long
1 year ago
While spending a few months living in Costa Rica, I was able to experience all it has to offer. Not only is it one of the most incredible places to live but to visit, and you should highly consider it for your next adventure! I'm constantly inspiring that "Pura Vida" passion in others, so you'll often hear me dishing out my best Costa Rica planning tips and go-tos! I noticed my heart was happiest in the Guanacaste Region. There is so much to do around the coast, and as a beach bum myself, it never fails to keep me in awe every time I visit. I guarantee it’ll have you coming back for more.
Photo Credit: Jenna Long
So here it is, my go-to list for the must-dos in Playa Grande and Tamarindo - my favorite spots in Costa Rica! From great spots to grab a bite to amazing beaches along the coast, I've got you covered!
Getting Around 🗺️
If you plan on moving around a lot, I would definitely recommend getting a car but it isn't necessary. The Guanacaste region is the drier part of the country, so it's pretty easy to navigate since you don’t have to worry about too many road closures from flooding or mudslides. If you are looking to rent a car, I highly recommend the two car rentals below. I’ve used these for my previous trips and had the best experience.
Fly into: Liberica Guanacaste Airport (LIR) ✈️ (about an hour's drive from Tamarindo)
Kike's Place – Typical Costa Rican Dishes like, "Soda". GET CASADO!!! It's a traditional CR dish of rice and beans, meat/fish, salad, and fried plantains. IT'S SO GOOD!!)
Wilmart – This convenience store and restaurant in CR can be found in most little towns since they're so rustic. It’s good to know of if you're looking to stock up on food for your rental or AirBnB.
Photo Credit: Jenna Long
Play 🏖
Costa Rica is proudly progressive in protecting its wildlife, so 25% of the country's total landmass is currently protected (about 26 National Parks). Playa Grande is luckily in one of those protected zones making it a nature-lover's wonderland.
This coastal town is about a 20-minute drive from Playa Grande and SO worth it!
Eat🍴
Jardín Tamarindo Food Truck Park – SO fun. A ton of food trucks from Caribbean to Uruguay - you will find a ton of awesome options. Great vibes!
Pangas Beach Club – (where my wedding was! hehe) They're known for their famous ceviche and I highly recommend ordering the volcanic rock Lomito. They literally bring out your steak on a burning volcanic rock heated up to 500 degrees! Its amazing!!!! Come at sunset for the BEST views in Tamarindo!
Surf Lessons: Find these right on the beach. They'll have you surfing in no time. Even if you think you won't be the best at it, just do it. You may just surprise yourself and have the best time.
Sunset Catamaran Tour: SO fun and breathtaking. Tamarindo has the BEST sunsets!
Sunscreen and bug spray are a MUST - buy at the airport or local store. Costa Ricans are very environment safe and really encourage tourists to be mindful of that. They do not allow bug spray containing DEET since it's harmful to the environment.
If you're traveling at the beginning of the dry season (December), you won't see much rain by the beach, but if you do a rainforest/thermal spa tour (anywhere in the mountains), definitely expect rain. It is so lush, green, and magical in the mountains, but definitely pack an umbrella or rain jacket!
Do NOTuse your credit card at any small vendors, shops, or restaurants. The larger stores and shops are okay, but I encourage you to use cash only. Credit card fraud in the smaller shops/boutiques is common, so better to be safe than sorry! They will accept US dollars in Tamarindo, but if you want to exchange for colones, you can do so at your local bank before you go. Plus, the money is super cute. It has different fun colors with different animals on them! It’ll make a good souvenir, too!
Last but not least, I have to shout out my friend Manny and convince you all to support local!!! During my first time in Costa Rica, I lived with a host family who changed my life. The locals are the most incredible people, and I owe them for making such a big impact on my life. Manny runs a family-owned tour service called Costa Rica Eco Journeys. I have used him personally and I'm constantly sending friends and family to him. Trust me, they always have the most amazing time. However, the tours and transfers go around the Guanacaste region ONLY, and he works by recommending the best tours based on your specific needs. He can even create personalized tours. I have added him to our site here, but you can reach him through either FB messenger or WhatsApp. Let him know that Jenna sent you. You will be in AMAZING hands, and he is just the sweetest and SO good at what he does. Not to mention, he's so knowledgeable and you will learn so much along the way! 🙂
Photo Credit: Jenna Long
If you need any additional information on Costa Rica, feel free to shoot me a message, and I’d be more than happy to help! I am so excited for you to experience the magic that is Pura Vida. This place never fails to amaze me, no matter how many times I visit. I always ask that you respect the locals, their culture, and their country. Costa Ricans are so passionate about protecting their environment. I hope you enjoy my list, and let me know if you check out any of the spots!
Pura Vida, Jenna
Jenna Long
22 countries and counting! Free Spirit , Adventure Seeker, Beach Bum, Photographer and always on the go! Costa Rica EXPERT! Pura Vida :)
Photo by Jenna Long
Join Our Community to See More
The content you're trying to view is for members eyes only. Please log in or apply for membership to view more. Questions? Check out our FAQ page .