Quick Tamarindo, Costa Rica Travel Guide
One of my favorite trips with my fun friends!! Costa Rica is the perfect mix between relaxing and adventuring :) We went on this trip for labor day weekend which is typically the “rainy season”, but I think it rained 1 time which was great. We quickly learned that Tamarindo is very touristy which I honestly didn’t expect, and with that come $$! Prices here were about the same as they were in California, so if you are looking for a inexpensive central America trip then I would probably look other places like Belize, Nicaragua, or other parts of Costa Rica :) All in all it was so much fun and definitely would love to go back.
Flights: Liberia: More expensive for a direct flight, but its only about 30 minutes to the city after you land. If you’re balling on a budget, I think this makes more sense if theres only 1-2 people that you are with.
San Jose: Direct flights are cheaper, but we had to book a shuttle into town and it is 4 hours!!! We ended up flying in with a red eye so it was nice to sleep on the way into town and then.
Shuttle Reservations: you can use shared shuttle or rent a private one. We ended up having 8 people with us so the private one was only $50. :)
Accommodations: Airbnb - Charming Villa Sleeps 8: This is where we stayed and the private pool
Airbnb - Wish List : places that we almost picked
Jardin Del Eden: Gorgeous Boutique Hotel
Ocho Artisan Bungalow: relaxing and romantic
Golf Carts: If you plan to stay in the town mostly and have rides to the farther away activities then renting a golf cart is perfect!! They were super fun and easy to use.
Activities: Zip-lining, River tubing, and Horseback riding plus the Hot Springs in Rincon De La Vieja National Park - Reservations : this was a full day trip that started early in the morning about 6:30am . we got picked up from our Airbnb and traveled about 2 hours north. The most intense zip lining i have ever done!! the natural hot springs were the perfect way to end the day. Remember to bring cash for tipping :)
Catamaran Snorkel Sunset Cruise: drinks and dinner are provided and we there were so many whales and dolphins to watch. (bring your own alcohol).
Sunday Funday Beach/Pool Crawl : My favorite activity of the trip!! We met so many fun people on the bus while traveling to different spots along the coast. One stop was at a resort with an infinity pool, went to some black sand beaches, and then a beach with a fun DJ set up.
Restaurants: The Roof: Gorgeous roof top with fun games and good food.
Green Papaya: In the mood for a margarita?? This is your place
Dragonfly: Beautiful restaurant with amazing entrees.
Sharky’s: Awesome sports bar with fun people, great deals on drinks, and jello shots!!
Other Options: click here
Nightlife: El Garito: DJ and dancing. We ended up getting there a little early so we got a table with some free drink!
Pacifico Bar: super fun bar right on the beach with live music
Sharkys After Dark: just go to dinner here and then wait a little and it turns into table dancing and god knows what lol very fun and met a lot of awesome people!
