NORTH PACIFIC / GUANACASTE AREA

Beautiful beaches, fascinating national parks and a variety of activities, including world-class fishing and diving, awaits visitors to this largest province of Costa Rica.

Traveling from the Central Valley to Guanacaste is an almost surreal experience. The steep and winding roads gradually become flatter and straighter, and the lush, humid plant-life becomes sparser and drier. The mountains that before hemmed you in on both sides now become relegated to the distant horizon, replaced by vast, open lowlands ("bajura")

Originally part of Nicaragua, Nicoya region was annexed to Costa Rica by popular vote on July 25,1824 and although it is very much a part of the country, it is distinctive not only in its terrain, but also in its culture.

The perfect time to visit Guanacaste is, luckily enough, year-round. The dry season affords the serious sun worshipper with plenty of tanning time, while the "green season" brings the trees into bloom with explosions of color and fragrances.