National Flag of Costa Rica

Costa Rica… a small country in Central America that boasts beautiful beaches, waterfalls and lush greenery that are sure to leave you wanting for more. 2012 is the perfect year to explore this diverse tropical paradise and here are 10 Great Reasons to Vacation in Costa Rica.

10. A Plethora of Coastal Towns to Discover and Explore

Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

Some of the most interesting aspects of Costa Rica are the cute little towns outside of the big cities. From the adorable Caribbean coastal towns of Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, to the rain forest vacation spots in La Fortuna, to the Pacific side of Guanacaste Beaches. A Tamarindo Vacation rental is a great hub to rent a place for a couple weeks, just under an hour from Liberia National Airport. Then drive to all the destinations your imagination can handle.

9. Adventure Activities & Experiences Abound

Costa Rica ATV Tours

If you’re looking for the freedom to explore the backcountry of Costa Rica consider an off-road experience. You can drive through Costa Rica in an off-road vehicle with or without a guide. For beginners you can go to a local ATV rental shops and take a tour with a local to show you around some of the beautiful hidden areas in Costa Rica.

8. Rich & Vibrant Culture

Costa Rica Festivals

Costa Rica boasts many activities that will submerge you into a culture not quite like any other. The country is known for its many carnivals, parties, and horse shows. Be prepared to learn cultural history’s on a local level, and taste the authentic Costa Rican cuisine.

7. Explore Active Volcanoes

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Check out Arenal one of Costa Rica’s Volcanoes. Arenal , Poas and Irazu, are a few of the beautiful active volcanoes that abound throughout the mountainous region of Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular. During the day you can soak in the thermal waters at one of the many spas or head to one of the near by rivers to go rafting. Finish off the night in a Costa Rica Vacation Rental where you can prepare a nice home cooked meal and enjoy a cozy bed to sleep in.

6. Discover the Rain Forest

Monte Verde Cloud Forest

Perhaps you want a more leisurely stroll through the rain forest; There are lots of tours that take hikes through the rain forest to view animals and plant species during the day or night. Monte Verde also boasts a skywalk for those not so keen on zip lining. Horse back riding through some of the quite beach towns or up in the rain forests are also a tranquil way to spend you vacation.

5. Adventure Travel Activities for Adrenaline Junkies

Whitewater Rafting Costa Rica

For all those adrenaline junkies out there Costa Rica offers great activities like repelling down a waterfall, class 4/5 white water rafting, scuba diving with sharks and stingrays, bungee jumping and sky diving.

4. Some of the World’s Best Beaches

Playa Samara / Carillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If your main goal this vacation is to get a tan the beaches in Costa Rica are stunning. Costa Rica boasts beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts. There are beaches that have restaurants and tide pools for kids and family’s, beaches that get amazing surf breaks, as well as beaches that are great for camping and adventure. Tamarindo and Langosta Vacation Rentals offer superb locations to great surf beaches such as Grande, Negra, Langosta, Avellanas, and Casitas just to name a few.

3. Warm Tropical Oceans Like No Other

Costa Rica Fishing

Of course, no vacation would be worthwhile without a chance to frolic in the ocean. Costa Rican vacations would offer many hours of fun scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, sport fishing, windsurfing, etc. The boundaries are limitless. Skip the cold Atlantic currents and go for the warm yet refreshing waters of Costa Rica’s oceans by selecting one of the many stunning Costa Rica rental properties on offer today.

2. It’s the Dry Season

Costa Rica Climate

Dry Season is upon us. As far as the seasons and weather, Costa Rica is a very temperate climate. There are two seasons in Costa Rica. The rainy season is from May to mid-November and summer is from mid-November to April.

1. Nature Lovers & Naturalists, Come on Down!

Costa Rica Birds

You have got to experience the nature in Costa Rica, known for its network of reserves and National Parks. From numerous Volcanic National Parks to forest reserves and wetlands, a Costa Rica vacation would offer great diversity for the entire family. From mountainous ranges, to tropical, dry, and cloud forests. Costa Rica is a naturist’s wonderland. There are over 10,000 identified species of plants, 850 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies, and 500 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, combined (Greenspan, 1997). Book a Costa Rica Vacation Rental to start to experience a new world you never could have imagined.

Costa Rica Family Vacation

New Years is just around the corner and now is the time to get your priorities for 2012 in order.  You probably have some ideas of how you would like to spend your next year: spending more time with family, enjoying life, traveling more, saving some money, the list goes on and on.  This holiday season why not start your year off right by taking your family on a trip of a lifetime and buy some plane tickets and book a Costa Rica vacation rental.  Take your family on an adventure that includes tons of new experiences, foods, culture, and a whole lot of fun.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country to visit during the chilly months of December and January.  The weather is very warm with a breeze and very little rainfall.  Your family will love going back to work and school from their winter vacations with a nice tropical glow and tons of stories to brag about to their peers and co-workers.  If your looking to save a little money as well this year you could check out hotel deals or a self-catering Costa Rica rental properties if your trying to budget. This can help save on food to give you a little extra to spend on great activities and instead enjoy just a few unforgettable meals out on the town.

Villa Langosta Pool View

Maybe some of your New Year’s resolutions include getting in some more exercise.  Vacation rentals in Tamarindo offer beachfront properties that you can crawl out of bed and surf in the morning.  If your looking to ease into the whole exercise concept you can instead enjoy long walks on the beach and catch some of the most beautiful sunsets around. 

Is trying new things is on your bucket list.? Some new activities for you and your family may include zip-lining, or exploring the rain forest.  Perhaps some paddle boarding or kayaking would fill your need for some sunshine. Maybe some foreign cuisine is more your flavor.  You can try the typical Costa Rican Casados, which include the delicious and local Gallo Pinto and the sweet plantain also called maduros.  There are also a variety of fresh fish caught and prepared on a daily basis on local fishing boats.

An enjoyable stay at one of the many fine Tamarindo vacation rentals may just be the holiday your family needs before starting the busy year, and what better way to ring in the New Year then with family.  Accomplish some of your New Years resolutions early this year and explore the beaches, rainforests, and beautiful cities in Costa Rica.  Don’t let another year go by with regrets of working too much, not spending time with the family, and doing the same old trips year in and year out.  Ring in the New Year with some adventure and an amazing tan!

Fiesta - Bienvenidos en Costa Rica

10. Who wants to see a ball drop on TV when you can get you and your family together and enjoy the warm Costa Rican weather and activities.

9. Great excuse to take advantage of those post-Christmas sales when you get home and save money on your belated gift shopping.

8. Instead of spending countless hours putting up and taking down Holiday decorations, grab a Costa Rica vacation rental and save yourself the hassle of taking them all down come January.  Your neighbors will understand, after all you were on vacation.

7. Instead of waiting for your kids to come home after midnight bring them to one of the many discothèques and show them the kid in you and dance the night away.  You can all return to your vacation rental at the end of the night and laugh at how ridiculous you looked.

6. Who wants a holiday ham when you can have fresh wahoo with mango chutney?

Fiesta en Playas Del Coco

Image via revistautopia.com

5. Instead of waking up the next morning in your Tamarindo vacation rental wishing you had called it a night a bit earlier; plan a surf session or a day of ATV-ing to get the family out and about.

4. Can’t pick out that perfect New Year’s outfit? No worries, throw something on and put on some flip-flops, Champagne and Guaro will be flowing and music will be pumping.

3. Sand resembles snow without the hassle of blizzards, black ice on the roads, or those dangerous icicles. 

2. Start your New Years resolutions early and do something you have never done before.  Learn to surf, Kayak, quad, snorkel, or practice your Spanish.

1. White Christmas is so last season. Unlike the states, December falls in the middle of the Costa Rican summer, meaning the lowest precipitation levels of the whole year, and the average temperature is around 80F. Get a Tamarindo or Langosta vacation rental reserved today and enjoy some sun and sand to reel in the New Year!!

This December, Horizon Pacific is proud to announce La Buena Vida #8 as the featured property of the month. La Buena Vida #8 is located just a short walk from the beach and downtown area.

This beautiful condo is located in secured tranquil complex. The complex offers security, parking and a beautiful secluded pool. The large open condo includes 3 bedrooms (1 king size bed and 3 queen size beds), 3.5 bathrooms and spacious living areas.

Enjoy waking up in this beautiful Tamarindo vacation rental and enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio overlooking the jungle with monkeys and natural wildlife. Each room in the condo includes air conditioning and fans. The large living room/kitchen offers gorgeous wood and wicker furniture, plasma TVs, stainless steel appliances and more.

Just a couple minutes to town you can enjoy international restaurants, boutiques, street vendors and more. In town you can book a tour and learn how to surf, explore unforgettable scuba diving, zip lines, sunset sails and more.

When booking your tropical getaway find the perfect vacation rental in Tamarindo at La Buena Vida #8. Here you can relax and enjoy the exotic jungle, flush flora and amazing beaches. Instead of being stuck in the cold for the holidays with a hectic schedule enjoy surfing in Costa Rica and relaxing in your Costa Rica vacation rental.

Contact us today for more information on La Buena Vida #8 and we will assist you in booking your next Tamarindo vacation rental!

Costa Rica’s coastlines have more awesome beaches than can be listed in a single post, so we’re going to take a look at them in smaller groups and this week we begin our journey with a photo tour of the Top 10 Beaches of Guanacaste which is located in the North West of Costa Rica.

1. Tamarindo

Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Tamarindo is one of the most well renowned beaches in Costa Rica and not without reason. There are amazing sunsets and a wonderful nightlife. You have a huge variety of Tamarindo Vacation Rentals or beautiful hotels to chose from. Tamarindo is definitely a place to catch some good surf and sun bathing.

2. Bahia Salinas

Playa Bahia Salinas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Bahia Salinas is the North most beach in Costa Rica. It offers tons of great activities and Natural parks to visit there. You can also enjoy some wind surfing and kite boarding as well as a fun nightlife and a visit to Bolanos Island.

3. Potrero

Playa Potrero, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Potrero is a beautiful beach off the beat and path. The town offers white sand beaches with beautiful views of boats and fishing. It is a quiet little town with a lot of residential. Houses are simultaneously beautiful and simple all wrapped up into one. Not too many hotels around here but you can reserve a Costa Rican Vacation Rental not too far from here.

4. Samara / Carillo

Playa Samara / Carillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Samara/ Carillo is a quite beach town a little less developed but still offers a beautiful and calm beach that’s simplicity is part of its charm. One to check out if you desire a mellow day with just you, the sun, and the sand.

5. Flamingo

Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Flamingo, also not too far from Tamarindo or Portero, offers white sand beaches and sport fishing locations. Fun and lively nightlife that locals also enjoy. Several restaurants and a couple of casinos. Lots of great Costa Rica Vacation Rentals, condos and villas.

6. Playa Del Coco

Playa Del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Del Coco is close to many other beaches and not that unique in the actual beach activities. However, the nightlife here is fantastic and a great place if you have a night with some time to kill with friends. Perfect to experience some Costa Rican nightlife.

7. Ocotal

Playa Ocotal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If staying in Playa Del Coco you should definitely check out the snorkeling and scuba in Ocotal beach not to far from there. Beautiful but mellow at night, definitely a place to come check out.

8. Pan de Azucar

Playa Pan De Azucar, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Pan de Azucar, or better known as Sugar Beach, is also close to Flamingo and is a great place if you are looking to escape the crowds. A very mellow beach with the wonderful ocean at your fingertips, great for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.

9. Grande

Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If you happen to have a Tamarindo Vacation Rental you should also take a walk over to Grande. You can take a short boat ride across the Estuary for a dollar or two. Walk along the beautiful stretch of beach here or bring along a surfboard for some amazing surf.

10. Panama

Playa Panama, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Panama is a different style of beach, which offers a more unique dark sand beach and a variety of more exclusive resorts. Beautiful and elegant and a great place to kick back and relax.

11. Hermosa

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

I know we said top 10 beaches but as Mike Poynton (thanks Mike) correctly pointed out it’s criminal not to include Playa Hermosa which has great location, scenery and a cool vibe in a list of the top beaches in Guanacaste – so here it is. ;)

And that’s wrap… our guide to the Top 10 Beaches of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

After you arrive at your Tamarindo vacation rental explore the town and relax on the beach then head out of town and explore. Below are the top 5 activities to do outside of Tamarindo within a 30 minute drive.

Turtle Nesting – Drive 15 minutes away in the evening to the Las Baulas National Park and await the nesting of the Leatherback turtles. This park is the largest nesting colony on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Witness turtles laying their eggs or babies heading to the sea.

ATV Touring – Drive 20 minutes to Brasilito and rent ATVs from a local company. Take these ATVs out for the day and drive to the various beaches in the area (Playa Avellanas, Playa Conchal, Playa Flamingo and more). Sight see and enjoy the area outside of Tamarindo.

Lolas at Playa Avellanas – Drive 20 minutes to Playa Avellanas and enjoy a day on the beach at Lolas. A local restaurant located on the beach made with beautiful wood chairs and tables. This great restaurant is home to Lola a large pig that plays in the ocean and lounges on the beach. Enjoy the day relaxing, eating and receive a massage on the beach.

Golfing at Hacienda Pinilla – Drive 15 minutes to Hacienda Pinilla beach resort and community and enjoy an amazing 18-hole golf course on 7,300 yards situated next to the coastline.

Local Fiesta/Rodeo – Depending on the time and location enjoy a local fiesta! Filled with great food, rides, bull riding and more this local event is a must see if the time is right. Villareal (located 5 minutes from Tamarindo) is a great fiesta that is live in December and May usually. These fiesta last 5 to 6 days and offer local music, cuisine, culture and good times.

So the next time you are looking to book your vacation rental in Costa Rica remember all the fun activities to enjoy in Tamarindo. Find your perfect Tamarindo vacation rental and jump out of town to explore the many activities the area has to offer.

Let us know if you need help in booking your Costa Rica vacation rental, activities tours and more! Pura Vida.

Image Credit: realadventures.com

Those winter months are coming and it’s about time to get out your winter clothes.  If you are not quite ready to dive into the brisk winter air, instead check out a Costa Rica Vacation Rental and come and enjoy the beautiful winter months in the sun, sand and surf.  There are amazing activities in the beautiful beach town of Tamarindo, here’s a taste of what you can expect to find there.

Image credit: rumshopryan.com

It’s that time of year again, Christmas decorations are starting to go up, deals and discounts at retail stores everywhere, and the Sunday paper is nothing but advertisements and coupons.  Thanksgiving is known for amazing food, family, and entertainment.  A new idea this holiday season is to check out Costa Rica Vacation Rentals.  Sure it might be a little harder to find a holiday turkey and seasonal dinner but you will not miss out on amazing food and a great time.

In Costa Rica the average annual temperature is around 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the coolest months of the year are November, December and January.   This translates to amazing winter weather.  Rainy season is pretty much done and high tourism hasn’t kicked in yet.  This lets you experience Costa Rica at its finest.

Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to spend with your closest friends and family, a holiday set aside for reconnecting with your loved ones and sharing an evening together.  This year why not blow last years Thanksgiving out of the water and plan a Holiday that will never be forgotten!

Take an adventure filled vacation to the sun and sea and visit Costa Rica.  Costa Rica Vacation rentals is a great place to look at beautiful rentals for your families visit to the beautiful awe-inspiring coasts to enjoy the warm weather for your holidays.

Tamarindo is a great town for a family trip. Located on the Guanacaste peninsula this beach town offers great family adventures and activities. Find the perfect Tamarindo vacation rental and book a home, condo or villa and bring the family together and cook your Thanksgiving dinner a block from the beach. Or forget about cooking and head to one of the international restaurants located in town and sit back and relax!

There are also wonderful activities for all ages including but not limited to: surfing, kayaking, riding quads, zip lining, nature tours, as well as a fun and energetic night life.  Tamarindo Vacation Rentals offers the adventures of Costa Rica with a “Pura Vida” feel of relaxation during the day, and vast entertainment at night.

Get the family together and come enjoy the beautiful beaches and Costa Rican community for a Thanksgiving to remember.  Contact us today for more information!

The second largest airport in Costa Rica will now offer a more efficient travel proces.  In the past affordable flights usually had to be booked through the San Jose Airport, which is located anywhere from 2 to 5 hours away from a beautiful beach location. With a newly renovated Liberia airport, locals as well as tourists can expect shorter lines, increased number of flights to choose from, and new quality shops and restaurants to enjoy while waiting for a flight.

If hesitant in the past to come visit the awe-inspiring Costa Rican coast, now is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a new $41 million passenger terminal just an hour away from spectacular beaches, zip lining and nature tours, as well as hotels and luxurious costa rica vacation rentals.

Book your flights today and check out Tamarindo Vacation Rentals to reserve your stay in the stunning and tropical Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We offer a variety of rental luxury homes, house, condos & more. We can also assist you in booking your flight and tours in the area! Get ready for a trip of relaxation, adventure and sun in Costa Rica. Contact us now!

For more information on the LIR Airport please visit Tico Times.