Pura Vida: Off-the-Radar Gems of Guanacaste

Visit Playa Grande to see the nesting leatherback turtles: Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, where Playa Grande is located, hosts the 2nd largest nesting site of leatherback turtles in the entire world. Take a nighttime tour during nesting season between October and March to see the nesting and hatching of millions of turtles.

Take a surf lesson in Nosara: Nosara is a small beach community, popular with surfers, surrounded by the jungle. One main, sandy road connects the northern part of town to the southern part of town, and the road is dotted with open-air restaurants and shops. Consider renting a 4x4 (the roads can be a bit adventurous) and spending a night or two down here to settle into the laid-back vibe.

Head to Playa Flamingo to catch a sunset: Grab a towel, snacks and refreshments and enjoy the front-row seat of the sun setting over the horizon. This white sand beach has the perfect views.

Take a guided hike to La Leona Waterfall: Hike through lush jungle until you get to the entrance of La Leona Waterfall. From there, use a rope to guide yourself against the current into a refreshing pool that the majestic La Leona Waterfall cascades. This is the perfect excursion to see Costa Rica in its natural beauty.

Spend a Saturday in Tamarindo: Tamarindo is popular among backpackers and surfers and can be crowded with tourists. But every Saturday, Tamarindo hosts a farmer’s market, where you can find products from local artisans and farmers. Along Tamarindo’s main road, you can find boutiques carrying summer dresses, breezy t-shirts and locally made jewelry. Check out Guana Beachwear, Buena Nena, Girl Fish and Bagus.

Paddleboard or kayak at Danta Beach in Las Catalinas: Las Catalinas is a newly built residential and commercial development, inspired by the charm and beauty of the Mediterranean coastline. Danta Beach sits in a cove, where the water is calm and perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking. Rent one from Pura Vida Ride and spend the day exploring the coastline.

Restaurante Pizzeria Europa: You’ve just landed at Liberia Airport and you’re starving. Stop by Restaurant Pizzeria Europa for a cold beverage and a wood-fired pizza. Before you leave, visit the German bakery attached to the restaurant to pick up some German pastries for the car ride to your hotel.

Rural: A little over a mile outside Tamarindo proper sits Rural, an open air, simple restaurant serving traditional Costa Rican dishes. Make your own casado — rice and beans (gallo pinto), a protein of your choosing, salad, fried plantains and a thick tortilla with cheese. Or, if you’re not too hungry, try one of their bocas or snacks. You can’t go wrong with Rural.

The Pinto Truck & Loli’s Bakery: At a street corner in Huacas sits several food trucks and little stands. The Pinto Truck serves fast, cheap and delicious Costa Rican breakfast from 6 am to 11 am. Loli’s Bakery is a family-run Argentinian bakery, serving coffees and homemade pastries. Come for the empanadas and leave with an alfajor.

Patagonia del Mar: An Argentinian steakhouse complemented by bohemian vibes and ocean views. The Brasalito location (there’s also a smaller location in Tamarindo) is a perfect spot for a celebration or group dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially during high season.

Go Juice: Located in Nosara, Go Juice is a small stand featuring juices, smoothies, acai bowls and coffee. They’re known for their original banana coffee, which sounds strange, but works deliciously.

La Forketta: If you’re like me and can’t go a week without pasta, this place is for you. Run by a husband and wife team, La Forketta serves homecooked pastas and wood-fired pizzas. A patio houses the entire dining area, and the spot is warm and friendly. La Forketta is closed during low season (September – early November), and reservations are recommended during high season.