Guanacaste is one of those places where the best memories happen outside the rental. The beaches and surf are part of the appeal, but the day you spent chasing waterfalls, ziplining through the jungle, or watching the sun drop into the Pacific from a catamaran — that's the day you'll tell people about. Here are the three day trips we recommend to every guest.
A quick note: We've partnered with Localbird, a local concierge service, to make booking these experiences seamless for our guests. The links below take you straight to their booking page, where you'll get curated, vetted experiences and real human support.
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1. Diamante Eco Park — Two Adventures in One Day
Spend the whole day at Diamante and kill two birds with one stone. They have one of the longest zip line courses in Central America (the dual-line over the ocean is the moment everyone Instagrams), plus an animal sanctuary with sloths, toucans, monkeys, and even big cats. Easy win for families, groups, and anyone who wants adrenaline and wildlife on the same ticket.
Best for: families, groups, first-time visitors, anyone who wants a full day planned for them.
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2. Sunset Catamaran Cruise — The One Everyone Remembers
Open bar, great food, snorkeling stops along the way, and a Pacific sunset that genuinely looks fake. This is the trip our guests message us about afterward more than any other. The cruises depart from almost every beach town along the coast, so you can find one within a short drive of wherever you're staying.
Best for: couples, groups, celebrations, anyone whose first time in Costa Rica deserves a moment.
Book a sunset catamaran cruise →
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3. Chase a Waterfall — La Leona + Rio Negro Hot Springs
Costa Rica's waterfalls are the kind of place that resets your nervous system. Our top pick is the guided La Leona adventure — it pairs a stunning canyon waterfall with the Rio Negro hot springs, so you get the rush and the recovery on the same day.
La Leona Waterfall + Rio Negro Hot Springs — the adventure pick. You'll wade through a river canyon, scramble over rocks, and swim into a hidden gorge — then unwind in the natural hot springs afterward. Wear water shoes. Worth every minute.
Prefer something easier? Llanos de Cortes is the more relaxed waterfall option — a short walk down to a wide, gorgeous falls with a swimmable pool at the base. Bring a picnic. Perfect with kids or anyone who wants the wow without the workout. Our concierge can set this one up directly — just ask.
Best for: nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone who wants the most photogenic day of the trip.
Book La Leona + Rio Negro Hot Springs →
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Want More Than the Top 3?
These are our three favorites — but they're just the beginning. Through our partnership with Localbird, our guests get access to a full local concierge: surf lessons, ATV tours, sportfishing, horseback rides on the beach, private chefs, airport transfers, and personalized itineraries built around your trip.
Tell them what you're into and they'll do the rest. No more piecing it together from a dozen different booking sites.
Browse all experiences & talk to a concierge →
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See you in Costa Rica.
— Sarah Breitlander
