Tamarindo - Discovering Costa Rica

Travelling to Tamarindo

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Tamarindo, a pretty good destination in Costa Rica (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Tamarindo and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Tamarindo, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Costa Rica, here's everything to know about Tamarindo for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a small town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its world-class beaches, great surf, and vibrant nightlife. It's situated in the province of Guanacaste, in the northwest part of the country, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Tamarindo offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including surfing, fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding, zip-lining, and much more. It's also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it an exciting and fun-filled place to explore. The closest airport to Tamarindo is Liberia International Airport, which is located about an hour's drive away.

What to visit in Tamarindo

Sure, here are some popular tourist attractions in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: 1. Tamarindo Beach - This is one of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica known for its surf, white sand, and beautiful sunsets. It is also a great spot for swimming, fishing, and exploring.
2. Las Baulas National Marine Park - This is home to the endangered Leatherback turtle and a popular spot for turtle watching tours. 3. Monkey Park - A small wildlife rescue center where visitors can see and learn about a variety of species, including monkeys, snakes, and birds. 4. Tamarindo Estuary - This is a wide estuary that separates Tamarindo Beach from Playa Grande. It is a great place to go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and wildlife watching.
5. Rincon de la Vieja National Park - This is a protected area with a volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Guanacaste Adventure and Horseback Riding Tour - This tour takes you through the Guanacaste countryside on horseback, and includes stops at waterfalls, hot springs, and a zip line adventure.
7. Barra Honda National Park - This park is located about an hour from Tamarindo and is known for its underground cave system, which visitors can explore with a guide.
8. Tamarindo Farmers Market - This market happens every Saturday morning and offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.
Each of these attractions offers a unique experience and opportunity to explore the culture and nature of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Costa Rica, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Tamarindo.

When to go on holiday to Tamarindo

The best time to visit Tamarindo is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, you will experience plenty of sunshine, little rain, and temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (28-33 degrees Celsius) making it perfect for outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and hiking.
However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and don't mind the occasional rain shower, the green season which runs from May to November can also be a great time to visit. This time offers lower hotel rates and fewer tourists. Just note that September and October can be particularly rainy.
Overall, the best time to visit Tamarindo depends on your preferences, but the dry season from December to April is generally the most popular time to go.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Tamarindo

To get to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, you have several options: 1. By air: The nearest airport is Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica. From there, you can take a taxi or private transfer to Tamarindo which is about 1.5 hours away.
2. By bus: You can take a bus from San Jose or Liberia to Tamarindo. The trip from San Jose takes around 5-6 hours and from Liberia around 2 hours.
3. By car: You can rent a car and drive to Tamarindo. The drive from Liberia takes around 1.5 hours and from San Jose around 4-5 hours.
4. By shuttle: There are several shuttle services that operate from Liberia airport, San Jose and other popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. They provide door-to-door service and are a convenient way to get to Tamarindo. I hope this information is helpful!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Tamarindo, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Tamarindo

Sure thing! Here are some typical foods you can find in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: 1. Gallo Pinto: A traditional breakfast dish made from rice, beans, and sometimes mixed with vegetables.
2. Casado: A typical Costa Rican dish that consists of rice, beans, plantains, salad, a choice of meat (such as chicken, beef, or fish), and sometimes comes with a tortilla.
3. Ceviche: A delicious seafood dish made with raw fish, shrimp, or sometimes octopus marinated in lime juice, onions, and peppers.
4. Arroz con Camarones: Rice with shrimp cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
5. Patacones: A popular appetizer or side dish made with smashed and deep-fried twice-ripe plantains.
6. Salsa Lizano: This is a popular condiment in Costa Rica that is used on many dishes. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that complements the food well.
7. Chifrijo: A hearty and delicious dish made with rice, beans, fried pork chunks, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips.
8. Olla de Carne: A traditional beef soup with a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, yucca, carrots, and cabbage.
Enjoy your culinary adventures in Tamarindo!
You can find general info about typical foods in Costa Rica here.

Is Tamarindo an expensive destination for tourists?

Tamarindo, Costa Rica is generally considered a mid-range to high-end destination, and therefore can be more expensive compared to other destinations within the country. It is a popular beach town and caters to a wide range of tourists, including surfers, families and luxury travelers. Accommodation, activities and dining options in Tamarindo can be more expensive than other parts of Costa Rica, but there are still budget-friendly options available. It's important to research and compare prices for accommodations and activities, as well as consider alternative options outside of Tamarindo for a more budget-friendly trip.

Where to find accomodation in Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a popular destination in Costa Rica, and there are several areas where you can find a good accommodation to visit the town. Some of the best areas to consider include: 1. Tamarindo Beach: This is the main area of Tamarindo, and it's where most of the bars, restaurants, and shops are located. It's also where you can find the famous Tamarindo Beach, a great spot for swimming, surfing, and relaxing.
2. Langosta Beach: This is another beautiful beach located next to Tamarindo Beach, just a short walk or drive away. It's a quieter area with some upscale resorts and villas, and it's a great spot for surfing.
3. Playa Grande: This is a beautiful and secluded beach located just north of Tamarindo. It's perfect for a peaceful and relaxing stay away from the crowds and noise of the town.
4. Hacienda Pinilla: This is a large resort community located a few kilometers south of Tamarindo. It's a great spot for golfers, with a beautiful 18-hole golf course, and it offers a variety of accommodations from villas to luxury resorts.
You can check hotel prices at Tamarindo here:
Booking.com

Is Tamarindo a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Tamarindo is generally considered a safe place for tourists in Costa Rica. However, it is always recommended to take basic precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night, keeping your valuables in a safe place, and sticking to well-lit and busy areas. Additionally, it is important to be aware of common tourist scams and to research any potential dangers or risks before traveling to Tamarindo or any other destination.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Costa Rica here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Tamarindo.

What type of travelers will enjoy Tamarindo the most?

Tamarindo is a destination that has something to offer for everyone, but it is generally more popular among younger travelers and couples. The town is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches with great surfing, and the abundance of adventure activities. Families with children can also enjoy the area's many outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting. Additionally, Tamarindo has a variety of restaurants that can cater to different dietary needs, making it a great destination for foodies as well.

How to get around Tamarindo

To move around Tamarindo (Costa Rica), you can use different modes of transportation such as walking, bicycling, taxi, or car rental. The town is small, so it is easy to explore it on foot. You can also rent a bicycle to move around more quickly and easily. Taxis are widely available and can be easily flagged down on the street. If you plan on exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car may be a good option to have more freedom and flexibility to explore different places.

What to see around Tamarindo

Sure, here are some nice places that you can visit in a day trip from Tamarindo, Costa Rica: 1. Rincon de la Vieja National Park: You can go for a hike and see the volcanic canyon, hot springs and waterfalls.
2. Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs: Witness the majestic volcano and relax in the natural hot springs.
3. Palo Verde National Park: Take a boat ride on the Tempisque River to see crocodiles, monkeys, and birds.
4. Ostional National Wildlife Refuge: Watch thousands of turtles nest or hatch on the beach.
5. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Experience the unique ecosystem of the tropical cloud forest and stunning views.
6. Liberia: Explore the historical city of Liberia and visit the famous Guanacaste Museum.
7. Papagayo Peninsula: Relax on the white sand beaches or indulge in water sports activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, or paddle-boarding.
8. Conchal Beach: Spend the day on a beautiful beach and swim in the crystal-clear water.
For every travel information about Costa Rica you can click here.

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