Nestled along the Pacific Coast, Tamarindo Costa Rica is a hub of activity but also a perfect place for relaxation. We love this vibrant beach town and have visited it twice in the last 3 years. We hope you will also love the beauty and charm of Tamarindo Costa Rica.
How to get to Tamarindo Costa Rica
To get to Tamarindo, you can fly into Liberia international airport, and then either rent a car or take a shuttle. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Liberia. Tamarindo is also a great stop if you’re heading down the Guanacaste coast, as it helps break up the drive, and is quite a different experience than the tiny surf towns, such as Nosara.
The drive is pretty straightforward, but depending on your route, the last portion may be on dirt roads. Beware of potholes, especially in the wet season, which runs from May to September. We highly recommend you download the Airalo app, a digital eSIM card for your cell phone to stay connected and to use the Waze app for navigation. It seems to be more reliable in Costa Rica than Google Maps. Pay attention to your app’s directions, as signage is limited.
We’ve felt very comfortable driving in Costa Rica and have used a couple of different international car rental companies, with easy pick-up and drop-off at the Liberia airport. Some of these companies work out of offices immediately adjacent to the airport, so you may need to take a short shuttle ride to get to the car rental location – super easy!
But if you’d prefer to not drive, there are several shuttle services that will take you directly to Tamarindo from the airport. These are convenient but should be arranged ahead of time so your driver can meet you at the airport.
What to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica
Tamarindo boasts some of the best surf beaches in Costa Rica. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner – there are plenty of surf shops renting boards and providing lessons. It’s also a great beach to simply soak up the sun. Playa Tamarindo, the town’s main beach, offers a lively atmosphere in peak season, with the beach abuzz with activity – surfers riding the waves, beachcombers strolling along the shore, and locals selling coconut water straight from the husk. We love the beach-front restaurants, especially for a mid-day break from the sun or a sunset dinner. The sunsets here are stunning!
For those craving a bit more seclusion, a short walk away lies Playa Grande, a pristine stretch of sand known for its excellent surfing conditions and nesting leatherback turtles.
A short drive inland leads to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, with waterfalls, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Guided hikes through the park offer a glimpse into Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, with chances to spot howler monkeys, colorful birds, and maybe even jaguars.
For thrill-seekers, zip-lining through the forest canopy or white-water rafting can be a fun adventure in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. And for those seeking a more laid-back experience, a leisurely boat tour in Palo Verde National Park offers a tranquil journey through mangrove forests, with opportunities to spot crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic birds.
Our favorite thing to do is just exploring the town of Tamarindo – popping into little shops, bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Costa Ricans, or Ticos and Ticas as they’re called, are super welcoming; we always feel right at home wherever we go. We also love the local fresh local produce, which makes for the best smoothie bowls in the world!
To fully experience Tamarindo you need to embrace the “Pura Vida” lifestyle – a mantra that embodies Costa Rican culture. Whether sipping on a latte as the sun rises or a tropical cocktail as the sun sets, Tamarindo is a great place to just relax and slow down. Pura Vida.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Tamarindo?
Check out our post about Tamarindo’s restaurants and our recommendations for where to stay!
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