Papagayo Hotels in Costa Rica
Best Hotels And Things To Do In Gulf Of Papagayo
In the northern corner of Guanacaste, the Golfo de Papagayo has been developed to offer luxurious accommodations in one of the sunniest and warmest regions of the country. Facing the large bay backed by low forested hills, top area hotels offer gorgeous ocean views overlooking the pristine beach. A prime attraction of this area is its close proximity to the international airport of Guanacaste in the town of Liberia which is only about a half hour away. Here one can stay at all-inclusive resorts with luxurious spas relaxing in comfort, or take day trip tours to area attractions such as hiking in Santa Rosa National Park, go surfing, go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Best Things To Do In Gulf Of Papagayo
Santa Rosa National Park & Liberia City Tour
Commemorating Costa Rica’s victory at the 19th-century Battle of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa National Park now protects one of Central America’s last dry forest fragments—this diverse habitat shelters jaguars, monkeys, peccaries, and birds like the beautiful Turquoise-browed Motmot. Hike the park and then explore Liberia, nicknamed "The White City" for its historic white adobe houses. Stroll the charming downtown with your guide, learn about local history, and pick some souvenirs.
Tenorio River Whitewater Rafting Class III & IV
The beautiful Tenorio River is known as the best rafting river in Guanacaste. The pure white-water flows from Tenorio Volcano in the Guanacaste Mountain Range. The rafting route combines nearly 20 kilometers of rapids with magnificent landscapes surrounded by tropical forests. No experience is required, but good effort is needed on this world-famous class III and IV river. A delicious lunch will be provided to fuel the energy burned on the way down. Check out our Costa Rica whitewater rafting tour.
Bosque del Mar, a premier Papagayo hotel, is your gateway to Guanacaste nature’s wonders.
El Viejo Wetlands Boat Tour
El Viejo Wetlands and the traditional Casona are located in Filadelfia, Guanacaste. El Viejo is a working hacienda with a unique 5,000-acre wildlife refuge recognized internationally for its exuberant wetlands and dry forest flora and fauna. This tour combines a nature boat safari on the Tempisque River, crossing a hanging bridge on foot, and a traditional sugar cane mill visit at the old hacienda. You will enjoy a delicious traditional lunch at the end of your tour.
The Congo Trails Canopy Tour
The Congo Trail canopy tour is located within a tropical dry forest surrounded by the beautiful native trees of the Guanacaste province. Before the action starts, professional guides will brief you on how to enjoy a safe yet thrilling ride. A short walk leads to the first platform, from where you will fly through the trees along a system of cables, admire the natural canopy, and feel the adrenaline! With some luck, you may even spot the troops of howler monkeys that the trail is named for!
Casa Conde Beachfront Hotel, a well-located Papagayo Hotel, is your key to exploring the local attractions.
Borinquen Thermal Resort Day Pass
A full day of fun exploration awaits at the Borinquen Hacienda! Your day pass includes a horseback ride to magnificent waterfalls, a tree-top adventure in the canopy-zip lines, and the hot springs facilities at this unique property in Rincon de la Vieja Volcano´s foothills. Experience vibrant forests, listen to the roaring waters of rivers and waterfalls, discover the legacies of ancient cultures, and spot elusive species of birds, lizards, and mammals.
Diamante Ecoadventure Park Adventure Pass
A day at Diamante ecoadventure park is fun-filled and includes an exciting zip line course with the longest ride—a nearly mile-long ocean view line Superman-style, a 30-foot free fall quick jump, and a hanging bridge over crocodiles. This is Costa Rica’s best and only ocean-view dual zip line, allowing guests to share this experience with family and friends, riding side by side. Diamante’s zip line is designed and engineered for fun; it uses state-of-the-art carbon lines and an automatic braking system.
Andaz Hyatt Papagayo Hotel is, a Papagayo Hotel gem, lets you experience the area’s natural enchantment.
Hacienda GuachipelÃn, One Day Adventure Pass
The adventure pass combines the best experiences in one action-packed day! It includes thrilling activities like a canopy tour and rappelling through the Rio Blanco Canyon, a tubing adventure down the Class III rapids of the Rio Negro River, a horseback riding adventure, a visit to a waterfall, and finally, a chance to soak in the volcano-heated thermal waters, steam, and mud bath. A hearty lunch is included to fuel your adventures.
Four Seasons Resort, a Papagayo hotel icon, opens the door to your perfect vacation.
Boat Tour Expeditions
See the unique Papagayo Peninsula in comfort on a boat trip! Swim in the warm Pacific Ocean and do fun activities. Our friendly crew and great boats are ready to take you and your family on a fantastic adventure. Relax in nature and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Sea Kayak and Snorkeling
Uncover the secrets of the Papagayo Gulf with a sea kayak adventure! Paddling across the calm waters lets you soak in the natural beauty of Guanacaste up close. Enjoy breathtaking views around you, from the endless blue horizon to the vibrant colors beneath the water’s surface. Dive into the underwater world and spot colorful tropical fish with a snorkeling stop!
Guatil Pottery & Shopping Santa Cruz
In Guaitil near Santa Cruz, Costa Rican artisans inherit pot-making skills from their Chorotega ancestors. Influenced by the Olmecs, the Chorotega developed unique pottery reflecting their culture and surroundings. The Nicoya region’s calm bays attracted pre-Columbian traders, making it a center for exporting pottery. These functional and decorative pieces depict humans, native animals, and even human-bird figures, possibly deities. Witness potters at work and explore Santa Cruz, with a chance to savor a local lunch.
Step off the beaten path! El Mangroove Hotel, a top Papagayo hotel, immerses you in nature’s paradise.
Wildlife Observation In Gulf Of Papagayo
Near Papagayo Gulf, two beautiful parks protect the last remaining fragments of tropical dry forest in Central America and the evergreen forest at the volcano Foothills. Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja National Parks house a huge diversity of local flora and fauna. These parks are of utmost importance for the last jaguar populations in Costa Rica. While visiting, you have good chances to spot peccaries, monkeys, coatimundis, and, with luck, even tapirs, puma, anteaters and jaguars. Spot whales and dolphins in season! as the Gulf boasts a rich marine ecosystem.
For Costa Rica birdwatching enthusiasts, these are some of the birds you may encounter: Crested Guan, Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, King Vulture, Roadside Hawk, Pacific Screech-Owl, Black-headed Trogon, Keel-billed Toucan, Turquoise-browed Motmot, White-whiskered Puffbird, Laughing Falcon, Crested Caracara, Yellow-naped Parrot, Long-tailed Manakin, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Rufous-naped Wren, Streak-backed Oriole.
Getting To Gulf Of Papagayo
The Gulf of Papagayo is a 45-minute, 40-kilometer (25-mile) drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR). If you’re traveling from elsewhere, several transportation options are available to get you to these beautiful beaches.
Private Transfer by Bus
Relax on a scenic 5-hour, 257 km (160-mile) land transfer from San José in a private car with our bilingual drivers.
By Plane
Domestic and charter flights from SJO directly to Liberia International Airport followed by a land transfer to Papagayo Hotels.
Shuttle Services
Opt for a more budget-friendly option with multiple stops.
Visit Gulf Of Papagayo Beaches With Costa Rica Sun Tours
Wake up to amazing ocean views at a beautiful Papagayo Gulf hotel, surrounded by green hills. Relax on pristine beaches and explore Guanacaste’s culture and nature. Make your dream getaway a reality – contact us today!
