Overview
It's easy to understand why so many people visit the Guanacaste province. The city has some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, and that's not all it offers. One visit here and you'll soon discover more to do than just lie on the beach. Take your family and enjoy surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing, horseback riding and bird watching.
Hotels
Four Seasons Resort - Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo: The hardest part for Sam at the Four Seasons was finding the will to get out of the infinity plunge pool in her villa. The location, within a dry tropical forest, inspires the seductive architecture of the hotel. There are also two beaches - one on the bay and a second on the Pacific Ocean.
Web: www.fourseasons.com/costarica
Shopping
Secret Spot Surf Division in Tamarindo: This surf shop and school guarantees that any beginner surfer will be able to stand up and surf after their first lesson. Although Sam has tried, unsuccessfully, to surf several times, she found Secret Spot's claim to be true and soon enough was riding the waves. A fantastic place to learn to surf, the town of Tamarindo has become one of the hottest surfing spots in the world.
Web: www.sstamarindosurf.com
Food/Restaurants/Bars
Lola's Playa Avallana: A veritable oasis from civilization, this local restaurant sits on a secluded beach and is frequented by the lucky few who are in the know. Lola's isolation, though, certainly doesn't take away from the food, as Sam enjoyed an incredible shrimp meal. And there really is a Lola - she's a pig!
Sights/Landmarks/To Do
Town of Tamarindo: Only an hour's drive from the Four Seasons Costa Rica (Sam's hotel) is the town of Tamarindo. A mecca for travelers, Tamarindo offers plenty to see and do in town. In addition, more adventurous travelers can indulge in lots of activities out of town too, like snorkeling or off-roading.
High Tide - Tamarindo Adventures: Sam got down and dirty driving her four-wheeler through the mud roads and back trails of Playa Avianana. A wealth of trails and dirt roads runs throughout the Costa Rican jungle, satisfying any off-road enthusiast.
Web: www.tamarindoadvantures.net
Billfish Safaris: Sam went fishing for sailfish and marlin during her stay in Costa Rica. In business for 14 years, Billfish Safaris can handle any size group. Costa Rica has a 12-month fishing season, and the Billfish team knows every inch of the water - they have experience will all kinds of catches, from a grand slam (catching three types of billfish in one day) to the mahi-mahi Sam reeled in. Of course, they release what they catch.
Web: www.billfishsafaris.com
Off Road Costa Rica: Sam got a taste of life as "Indiana Jones," but with a set of wheels - a jeep outfitted for a day of off-roading, complete with its own machete. Off Road Costa Rica specializes in custom off-road adventures ranging in length from a half-day to two days.
Web: www.offroadcostarica.com
Hacienda Guachipelin: This 3,700-acre ranch has been recognized as one of the hottest eco-friendly adventure destinations for over 30 years. During her visit, Sam descended into Rio Blanco Canyon, a 6,000-year-old canyon worn away by a strong river current. The ranch also offers horseback riding lessons, canyon adventures repelling down waterfalls and tours of the rainforest canopy, all for around $76 a night.
Web: www.guachipelin.com
Willy's Pottery Guaitil: Sam visited this open-air studio to see pottery being made the way it used to be 800 years ago. The artisans paint their pottery using ancient symbols and colors from memory alone, and they make all the material by hand - or foot - as Sam discovered when she volunteered to mix the clay.
Web: www.artesaniaswillysguaitil.com
Odir Morales - Guide From Swiss Travel: Samantha took a day-trip to Guaitil to experience the culture of this small colonial town. Guaitil's numerous resident artisans work to keep the traditions of the area's Choretega Indians alive through their handicrafts. Sam's guide for the day was Odir Morales, of the tour group Swiss Travel.
Web: target="_blank">www.swisstravelcr.com
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