Area info

The North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

This area of Costa Rica positioned on the northwest coast of the Nicoya peninsula, extends from Playa Carrillo in the south all the way up to Puerto Soley in the north near the border with Nicaragua. In this area of Costa Rica, known as the Gold Coast, you will find many bays, coves and endless pristine white beaches that will take your breath away (click here for aerial and local photos). Imagine watching a sunset full of incredible colors while floating in the calm waters of Playa Real (Pirate Bay), while a soft breeze caresses your body and soul. Yes, that's life on the Costa Rican Riviera!! Sun, Sand and Sea!

Your trip to paradise from San Jose takes less than 4.5 hours to drive, or 45 minutes by commuter airplane (service thru Sansa Airlines or Nature Air / feel free to inquire with our professional travel team regarding travel itineraries and ease of travel throughout Costa Rica). The international airport in Liberia offers you even easier access to the Gold Coast. In less than one hour after landing your private chauffer can deliver you to your Gold Coast destination. You will enjoy experiencing some of the most interesting topography in the world from thundering water falls and active volcanoes to thick rain forests and roaring rivers. Take pleasure in varied scenery while exploring typical Costa Rica towns along the way.

If you drive, you can go north to Liberia and then west past the Daniel Oduber International Airport toward the town of Filadelfia and then past Belen to Huacas and onward to the beaches of Langosta, Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo and Potrero. You may also go north towards Liberia is you are heading for the beach areas and resorts of the Four Seasons Resort, Papagayo Bay, Playa Hermosa, Playas de Coco and Ocotal. On the other hand if you are headed for Nosara, Samara, Carrillo or the surrounding beaches, your best bet is to get off the main highway north and cross the Tempisque river over the "Puente de Amistad" or Friendship Bridge (please note it is quicker to drive to Tamarindo and its surrounding beaches via the Friendship Bridge route).  This magnificent structure built with the help of the Taiwanese government, will cut driving time to the city of Nicoya and from there to the southern Guanacaste beaches. You can also go north from Nicoya to Belen and on to the northern Guanacaste beaches (for detailed driving instructions contact chadfisher@playagrandecostarica.com )

Activities are plentiful in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Whether it's sailing, diving, sport fishing, swimming, surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, river rafting, canopy touring, bird and wildlife watching, or just plain old sun worship while sipping on a tall, cool beverage there is something for everyone. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants, casinos, and a variety of entertainment to keep you busy in the evenings here in Guanacaste, so don’t just read about how great this area is, come experience it for yourself! Oh and one last thing, Guanacaste boasts the finest weather in all of Costa Rica. Minimal rain, less humidity and the most sunshine throughout the year again make Guanacaste the best place to be in Costa Rica!
PURA VIDA COSTA RICA

See our map of the region we serve to better understand the location of the properties we scout for our customers.

Tamarindo / Langosta: Tamarindo is one of the most developed and populated beach towns on the Guanacaste coast line. Known for its affluent international community, fine dining, shopping and exciting night life, Tamarindo is a young and active town full of energy. Every afternoon the people of Tamarindo stop what they’re doing for a few minutes to quietly watch the magnificent array of colors as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon. For many people, Tamarindo is the perfect balance between an active community and a peaceful retreat.

Flamingo / Portrero: The Flamingo / Potrero area is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of beach side living. In the Flamingo / Potrero area you will find an active retirement community. The residents that live here and vacation here enjoy many outdoor activities such as fishing, playing tennis, snorkeling, enjoying yoga and long walks on the beach, especially the white sand beach of Playa Flamingo, Playa Pencas, Prieta, Sugar beach and more.  Located within close proximity to wonderful turquoise water, snorkeling and swimming beaches, as well as several champion golf courses.There is also a marina, and many great restaurants in the area.

Grande: Playa Grande consists of more than 5 kilometers of pristine white sand beach, part of which includes the National Park Las Baulas which protects the nesting grounds of the Leather Back Sea Turtle. Other beaches just north of Grande, but separated by a rocky point out cropping is pristine Playa Ventana beach which is truly amazing, especially the most northern part of Ventanas beach. Playa Carbon just north of Ventana, here you will find great snorkeling (ask the locals where to go or call me). Besides turtles, surfers and vacationers of all types are found enjoying the sun and the waves at this quiet and serene part of Guanacaste. Playa Grande is not as developed as Tamarindo, but has just enough amenities to make it comfortable for living, plus, Tamarindo is just a short wade across the estuary at low tide, a five minute boat ride for minimal $ (I believe ~$5) to Hotel Bula Bula in Palm Beach Estates, or if you just need a boat ride to get you to the other side of the estuary at high tide the taxi boat guy will only ask ~$1-2. It is a 15-25 minute drive to Grande depending which route you choose. Again if you would like the “insiders view”, contact myself at chadfisher@playagrandecostarica.com to allow the professionals here at 1st Choice Realty Team to take good quality care of you, your family and friends.