Guanacaste, located in the northwestern corner of Costa Rica, is a land of dramatic contrasts — from golden beaches and dry forests to lush mountains, active volcanoes, and cascading waterfalls. While the beach town of Tamarindo is best known for surfing and sunsets, it also serves as a perfect launch point for exploring some of Costa Rica’s most iconic national parks, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
Whether you're a nature lover, hiker, wildlife watcher, or simply looking to get off the beaten path, the Guanacaste region offers endless adventures within just a couple of hours of Tamarindo.
• Distance from Tamarindo: 10–20 minutes
• Highlight: Sea turtle nesting, mangroves, beaches
Located just north of Tamarindo, Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas is one of the most important leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the Pacific. The park protects Playa Grande, Tamarindo Estuary, and surrounding mangrove habitats. From October to March, visitors can join guided night tours to witness leatherback turtles nesting — an unforgettable experience.
• Distance from Tamarindo: ~2 hours
• Highlight: Dry tropical forest, historical significance, wildlife
One of Costa Rica’s oldest national parks, Santa Rosa protects some of the last remaining tropical dry forest in Central America. It's a haven for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, howler monkeys, coatis, and over 250 species of birds. The park also preserves the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa, an important moment in Costa Rican history.
• Distance from Tamarindo: ~2 hours
• Highlight: Volcano, waterfalls, hot springs, hiking trails
This park is home to the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, an active stratovolcano with fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and geysers. The park offers a variety of hiking trails through cloud forests and volcanic terrain, leading to spectacular waterfalls like La Cangreja and Oropéndola. It's also a great spot for wildlife spotting, including toucans, tapirs, and even pumas (though rarely seen).
• Distance from Tamarindo: ~1.5–2 hours
• Highlight: Wetlands, birdwatching, boat tours
Located near the Tempisque River, Palo Verde is a wetland and floodplain ecosystem famous for its birdwatching. During the dry season (December to April), thousands of migratory and resident birds gather here. Take a boat tour along the river to spot herons, spoonbills, crocodiles, and iguanas.
• Height: 1,916 meters (6,286 ft)
• Activity: Active
• Highlights: Fumaroles, boiling mud, crater views, hot springs
The most prominent volcano in Guanacaste, Rincón de la Vieja, offers volcanic activity you can see up close. While summit access is currently restricted due to activity, surrounding trails offer access to bubbling mud pots, volcanic vents, and scenic waterfalls. Nearby eco-lodges also offer natural hot springs and mud baths sourced from the volcano itself.
• Height: 2,028 meters (6,654 ft)
• Activity: Dormant
• Highlights: Hot springs, geothermal energy, scenic views
Less visited but incredibly beautiful, Miravalles Volcano is surrounded by lush forest, geothermal plants, and natural hot springs. Visitors can hike, horseback ride, and relax in therapeutic mud pools and thermal waters with stunning mountain views.
• Height: 1,916 meters (6,286 ft)
• Activity: Dormant
• Highlights: Río Celeste waterfall, rainforest hiking
Located slightly farther from Tamarindo (~3 hours), Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to one of Costa Rica’s most photogenic natural wonders — the Río Celeste, a sky-blue river created by a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals and river water. The hike through the rainforest to the Río Celeste waterfall is a must-do for photographers and nature lovers.
• Distance from Tamarindo: ~1.5 hours
• Highlight: Wide, curtain-like falls with a swimmable pool
Near Bagaces, this picturesque 60-foot-wide waterfall is one of the most accessible in the region. The short walk from the parking area takes you to a refreshing swimming hole, perfect for cooling off in the Guanacaste heat.
• Located in: Rincón de la Vieja area
• Highlight: Emerald green water, canyon setting
Tucked into a lush canyon, Oropéndola is a striking 25-meter waterfall that plunges into a vibrant turquoise pool. It’s often included as part of a combo tour with hiking or hot springs in the Rincón de la Vieja area.
• Located in: Rincón de la Vieja National Park
• Highlight: Rewarding hike, remote setting
This waterfall requires a challenging hike (about 5 km one way), but the reward is a stunning cascade set in pristine rainforest, falling into a deep blue natural pool — ideal for adventurous travelers.
While Tamarindo is known for surfing, nightlife, and beachfront relaxation, it's also an ideal base for eco-adventures. With national parks, volcanoes, and waterfalls within easy reach, you can wake up by the ocean and be surrounded by tropical forest or soaking in a hot spring by lunchtime.
Whether you're interested in wildlife watching, hiking volcanic trails, chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring Costa Rica’s ecological treasures, Guanacaste offers it all — and Tamarindo puts it within reach.