NORTH PACIFIC - ACTIVITIES

RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA

HIKE AT THE NATIONAL PARK: 27 km (17 miles) northeast from Liberia, you will find Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Created in 1973, it protects more than 14000 hectares of mountain rainforest and cattle pastures; however, its most outstanding feature is the presence of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Upon arrival to the park entrance, you will register and start hiking with a guide for about 2 hours on the trails of the park. Partially immersed in the rainforest, you will visit the bubbling mud pools, called “pailas”, and some other volcanic features that attest to how active the volcano is! The fauna includes 257 species of birds, and howler monkeys.

HOTSPRINGS TOUR: Not only doesthe volcanic activity of Rincon de la Vieja offer beatuiful views, but also the therapeutic waters of natural hotsprings.  Your guide will take you for a walk to what can be called a “rustic spa”. Walk along the trails and gravel roads that lead to a natural spot where you can put on your swimming suit and start preparing yourself for the “natural anti-stress treatment”. Cover your body with hot natural mud, wait until it dries; then wash it out in the thermal water pool. You will surely come out with a renovated spirit!

CANOPY TOUR: This is an adrenaline-pumping tour! Prepare yourself to slide from one treetop to another on a wire to which you are attached by harnesses and pulleys. There are a total of 11 platforms, 10 cables and an air bridge for you to enjoy this new and unconventional sport!

HIKE TO THE WATERFALLS: The activity begins with a 1-½ hour hike along the trails until you reach the natural waterfalls. Along the way you will have the chance to feel the climate and vegetation transitions, from the very dry lowlands of Guanacaste to the upper, more humid and forested highlands of the cordillera. Take your time and enjoy bathing in the natural waters of an intense blue color. The landscape is also worth a couple of pictures… or more!

HORSEBACK RIDING: 27 km (17 miles) northeast from Liberia, you will find Rincón de la Vieja National Park, which protects more than 14000 hectares of montain rainforest and cattle pastures; however, its most outstanding feature is the presence of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Led by an expert guide, visitors will explore the Rincon de la Vieja´s surrounding primary forest on horseback while enjoying beautiful views of the volcano. The ride will lead visitors through the park to Laguna Azul, a blue lagoon with a refreshing cascade where sulfur warm water meets with cold water. During the tour you will have the opportunity to spot a large diversity of flora and fauna and can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes.

Other activities available upon request: horseback riding tours, waterslide visit, and other trail tours!

BEACH AREAS

PALO VERDE & GUAITIL VILLAGE: You will depart for the Tempisque River, one of the largest in our country. On its margins, you will find Palo Verde Wildlife Refuge, a 13000-hectare floodplain that constitutes a sanctuary for resident and migratory water birds that travel south during the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. For about 2 hours, you will be looking for wildlife in the surroundings: water birds, crocodiles, green iguanas, and howler monkeys, are some of the most commonly seen animals. During this tour you may also visit Guaitil Village, core of the Chorotega culture, an indigenous group that inhabited the area prior to the arrival of Christopher Colombus. This area is famous for traditional pottery, made out of native clays and following the techniques inherited from the Chorotegas. Here, you will visit one of the local workshops, where your guide will tell you about how the pieces are made.

CANOPY TOUR: This tour takes you through numerous platforms, cables, and suspension bridges to get a closer look at forest canopy. You will slide from one treetop to another. After a short hike through the property, in the middle of a tropical dry forest, you will come to the first platform. From here you can soar down the cables. This is a truly exhilarating and exciting experience. If you are lucky, you will have the chance to see howler monkeys.

CITY TOUR LIBERIA & SANTA CRUZ : On this tour you will explore Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste, and the most biggest city North of San Jose. Because Guanacaste was once part of Nicaragua it represents a culture distinct in its traditions and folklore. This tour will give you a glimpse into the fascinating traditions that have been so well preserved. Afterwards, you will head for Santa Cruz, which has been designated “the folkloric city of Costa Rica”. Here, thanks to efforts of its people, you will be able to learn about their legacy, culture, and historical sites dating back to colonial times. You will also have an opportunity to do some shopping and browse for some of their traditional hand made pots.

SAILING TOURS: These boat tours take place around several beach areas, particularly the Gulf of Papagayo, Sámara & surroundings, and the Montezuma region. They often depart early in the morning, and offer opportunities to snorkel, stop at deserted beaches, watch the sunset in the ocean, or spot dolphins. Snacks and refreshments are usually included. Depending on the place where you will be staying, we can recommend a boat tour that best suits you.

TURTLE TOURS: From December to March leatherback turtles reach the shores of the Las Baulas National Park (right beside Tamarindo), and the Ostional Wildlife Reserve (North of Sámara, and Nosara). Night turtle tours to Las Baulas are available for people lodging in Tamarindo (Ostional, on the other hand, is more difficult to access). People are advised to wear dark clothes, to remain silent, and to be patient (turtles are not always seen). Entrance to the park is very limited, so make sure you reserve a spot in advance. Due to distances and transportation, clients lodging in places other than Tamarindo will not be able to take the night turtle tour.

GOLFING: Golfers love practicing this sport while enjoying wonderful ocean views and warm weather. Some of the big resorts and luxury hotels like Four Seasons (Papagayo Gulf), Paradisus Conchal (near Flamingo), and Hacienda Pinilla (south of Tamarindo) feature professional, 18-hole championship golf courses, designed by experts such as Robert Trent Jones II, Mike Young, and Arnold Palmer. Golf guides and caddies are available, as well as rental equipment (golf clubs & golf shoes). Dress codes vary, so make sure you enquire with us before coming!

SCUBA DIVING: The best places for scuba diving in the North Pacific are the Catalina Islands. Located 6 miles from Conchal Beach – about 35-45 minutes away from Tamarindo – the Catalinas are a complex of 8 islands with underwater rock formations, offering an ideal setting for scuba diving enthusiasts. The diving rank is from 40 to 80 feet (12 to 25 m.), which means that you will be able to go down to some volcanic rock deposits that attract a variety of species. During the dry season (December – April), you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins. A PADI license is required. Contact us if you are also interested in diving lessons.

SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK: This full-day tour offers a combination of nature and culture. As you appreciate the extensive dry forest, you will learn about one of the most important historical sites in Costa Rica. A XIXth Century hacienda was the scene of the 1856 battle against William Walker and the Filibuster troops. Today, Santa Rosa hosts a museum that conserves historic objects and old furniture. You will also have time to walk along the trails of this tropical dry forest. Contact us if you are interested in visiting more of Guanacaste’s lowland Haciendas and learning more about their history.

KAYAK TOUR: What better way to explore marine and coastal ecosystems than via kayak? The kayak’s unobtrusive nature lends itself to spotting marine wildlife. As you paddle through the Pacific you’ll get a glimpse into ecosystems that thrive both below and above the ocean’s surface. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will point out interesting sites, you will surely learn a great deal about Costa Rica’s coast, and have a memorable experience to take back with you.

WHITEWATER RAFTING: Located 8 km (5 miles) from the “white city” of Liberia, you will find the Colorado River, born on the foothills of Guanacaste’s Mountain range, and where you will go whitewater rafting. Your guides will give you the necessary equipment and a safety talk on what to do once you are in the river. Then, to paddle! The ride will take about 1½ hours, while you go through Class II and III rapids. The scenery is really breathtaking, with vegetation over the natural canyon.You will finish on a riverbank.

SPORTFISHING: Boats are properly equipped with the best fishing tackle. Half-day or full-day trips can be arranged upon request. Boat sizes vary from 27 feet to more than 30 feet. Normally, all sport-fishing packages include soft drinks, water, fruits and/or snacks. We do not operate these tours but we can include a tour in your itinerary.

Advice: Camino Travel recommends that you practice catch & release sport fishing.

Other activities available: horseback riding tours, all terrain motorcycle rentals, and sea kayaking

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