fbpx Skip to content
The Explorer's Passage Logo The Explorer's Passage Logo The Explorer's Passage Logo
  • Adventures
    • Africa
      • Mount Kilimanjaro
    • Asia
      • The Annapurna Circuit
      • Everest Base Camp Trek
      • Upper Mustang Trek
      • Mongolia Adventure
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
        • Arenal, Costa Rica
        • Classic Costa Rica Adventure
        • Guanacaste, Costa Rica
        • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
        • Tortuguero, Costa Rica
    • Europe
      • Iceland Trek
      • Mont Blanc
    • Middle East
      • Jordan
    • North America
      • Yukon Adventure
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Easter Island
      • Galapagos Islands
      • Peru
        • Inca Trail Trek
        • Peru Festival
        • Machu Picchu Adventure
        • Salkantay Trek
      • W Trek
  • Why Us
    • Why Us?
    • Our Founder
    • Our Team
    • Testimonials
    • Sustainability
    • Travel Styles
      • Private Travel
      • Solo Travel
  • Trip Resources
    • Trip Activity Level
    • Trip Support
      • Travel Insurance
      • Travel Documents & Essentials
    • FAQs
  • In the News
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • (855) 208-6800
Guanacaste, Costa RicaThe Explorer's Passage2023-08-15T18:17:38-04:00

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

DAYS

9

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy

HOST CITY

Liberia,          Costa Rica

FROM

$2,995USD

Request More Information

Learn more about
our Costa Rica trip:

Customize this Trip

Guanacaste

Experience the wild side of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region with The Explorer’s Passage! Begin your trip with four nights near Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Here you’ll discover beauty and thrills as you hike, bike, raft, ride, and/or zipline through the tropical forest in search of volcanoes and waterfalls. Your Guanacaste adventure ends with several days at Playa Hermosa, a coastal town known for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches – the perfect destination for kayaking, snorkeling, and basking in the tropical sun.

Explore Guanacaste with TEP

Customizable Itineraries

Looking for more? Let us tailor this itinerary to your exact interests, activities, and trip length. In addition to Guanacaste, we also operate trips to other popular destinations such as Arenal, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, and the Osa Peninsula. We have extensive expertise in these incredible locations and would be happy to customize a trip that includes your dream destinations and excursions.

We Take Care of Everything

We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your Costa Rica trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Costa Rica has to offer. Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience. All you have to do is show up at the airport in Costa Rica!

Responsible Travel

Mother sea turtles laying their eggs on Playa Ostional in Costa Rica

The Explorer’s Passage is a member of Sustainable Travel International, a partner/supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, as well as a supporter of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). We very proudly incorporate the principles of these organizations throughout your trip.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


0 / 180

Click below to Learn More
About Costa Rica 

Trip Highlights

  • Get your heart pumping at Hacienda Guachipelín, where adventure awaits in your own backyard. Choose from a menu of activities that includes hiking, biking, rafting and horseback riding through this lush paradise.
  • Hike to an active volcano through the dry tropical jungle of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Afterward, cool down in the blue waters of La Cangreja Waterfall.
  • Kayak and snorkel in pristine blue waters off the coast of Playa Hermosa, and see for yourself why this area is named “Beautiful Beach.”
  • Go spelunking in the limestone caves of Barra Honda Caverns National Park, a vast network of over 40 limestone caves.

TRIP COST

From $2,995 USD per person

Pricing starts at $2,995 USD

Single Supplement Hotels: from $495

Single Supplement Tents: from $550


More questions? Read more about pricing here

START DATES

Custom Dates Available

*To inquire on a custom date, please contact us!

DURATION

9 Days / 8 Nights 

*If you are interested in a shorter or longer trip, we can create an itinerary based on your interests that combines various destinations throughout Costa Rica. Please contact us HERE.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Various Options*

Choose between 3.5 Star, 5 Star or 5+ Star Accommodation Options 

*Read about your Accommodations in Guanacaste

MAX. GROUP SIZE

All Private Groups

No minimum or maximum number of guests.

 

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy*
Activities: hiking, kayaking & snorkeling 

*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information

Please Note – the Trip Activity Level Guide is for guidance only and provides a general sense of what you should expect on our trips. Actual times, distances, and elevation can be outside the ranges outlined below.

Easy

Trips designated “Easy” are perfect for first-timers, or travelers looking for a mild physical challenge. Hikes, treks, and horseback rides are short and terrain is typically flat, at an elevation not exceeding 5,000 feet. On paddling trips, river currents move swiftly, thus minimal paddling is required.

Adventure Travel

Moderate

“Moderate” trips are more active and require a bit more endurance. Hikes, treks, and horseback rides includes occasional steep ascents. Elevation can occassionaly reach up to 15,000 feet. River currents are moderate and some stretches include Class 1-2 rapids.

Adventure Travel

Advanced

Trips marked “Advanced” require strong physical stamina, as we’re often active for 8+ hours per day. Hikes, treks, and horseback rides include traversing more rugged and mountainous terrain, at elevations that can reach up to 15,000 feet. Rivers currents are moderate to swift and often include paddling white water through Class 1-3 rapids.

Adventure Travel

Explorer

TEP’s most physically demanding trips fall into the “Explorer” category. Expect 8+ hours of activity per day. These trips are demanding, yet attainable for those seeking the challenge. Hike, trek, and horseback ride on rugged and mountainous terrain with frequent steep ascents. Elevation may exceed 15,000 feet. Rivers currents are moderate to swift and often include navigating white water through Class 1-3 rapids.

Adventure Travel

More Questions? Speak to one of our Adventure Consultants at 855-208-6800 to determine if this is the right trip for you OR Read more about the Trip Activity Level Guide

Landscape image of Playa Sámara on the Guanacaste Coast

SAMPLE TRIP ITINERARY

Daily Overview

Day 1: Arrive in Guanacaste

Day 1: Arrive in Guanacaste

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! After arriving at Liberia Airport, transfer to Hacienda Guachipelín, your home base for the next four nights. Spend the rest of the day settling in, exploring the grounds, and experiencing the pura vida of this beautiful country.

Day 2: Hiking to Las Pailas and La Cangreja Waterfall

Day 2: Hiking to Las Pailas and La Cangreja Waterfall

The day begins with a scenic guided walk to Las Pailas trail in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Once in the park, you’ll be led through the jungle – past bubbling mud pits and fumaroles that steam from the ground – until you reach the best views of the volcano. Then, it’s a 3 mile/5 kilometer hike to reach Cangreja Waterfall. Be sure to keep your eyes open for monkeys, coatis, armadillos, and birds. In the afternoon, relax with a picnic lunch beside the clear blue falls.

Day 3: Hacienda Guachipelín Adventure Day

Day 3: Hacienda Guachipelín Adventure Day

Today’s optional activities include inner-tubing on Rio Negro, swinging through the jungle canopy on ziplines, riding horseback on scenic forest trails, and relaxing in the Rio Negro Hot Springs. The choice is yours!

Day 4: Hacienda Guachipelín Adventure Day

Day 4: Hacienda Guachipelín Adventure Day

It’s your second day at Hacienda Guachipelín, and the options are endless. Consider taking a different hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, or setting out on a mountain bike. Or maybe you’ll opt for one (more) long soak in the hot springs.

Day 5: Transfer to Playa Hermosa

Day 5: Transfer to Playa Hermosa

Say goodbye to the verdant jungles of Guanacaste, and hello to the beach! To break up today’s long drive, stretch your legs at Santa Rosa National Park as you wander multiple ecosystems, including dry tropical forests, mangrove estuaries, and beaches. The afternoon and evening are yours free to enjoy the beautiful beachtown of Playa Hermosa.

Day 6: Kayaking and Snorkeling at Playa Hermosa

Day 6: Kayaking and Snorkeling

The morning’s guided coastal kayak tour offers a unique view of Playa Hermosa from sea level, followed by snorkeling for an incredible view below the water’s surface. After snacks on the beach and lunch at a local restaurant, spend the rest of the day exploring on your own.

Day 7: Spelunking in Barra Honda Caverns National Park

Day 7: Spelunking in Barra Honda Caverns National Park

Today you will visit the limestone caves of Barra Honda Caverns National Park. Outfitted in rock climbing gear, you will have the chance to go deep into this labyrinth of limestone caves for a closer look at these incredible rock formations, as well as the unique plants and animals that call these caves home.

Day 8: Beach Morning and Afternoon Catamaran

Day 8: Beach Morning and Afternoon Catamaran

Enjoy your last full day in Costa Rica at your own pace. Spend the morning lounging on the beach or exploring the town, then set sail on an afternoon catamaran boat ride before watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. 



Day 9: Depart Costa Rica

Day 9: Depart Costa Rica

Take advantage of your last few hours in Costa Rica by soaking up the sun on Playa Hermosa. In the afternoon, transfer to Liberia International Airport for your flight home.

Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

 

Ready to Book? Call Us

Learn More Below

Client Testimonials

Read what our clients are saying about this once-in-a-lifetime experience:

Annie O.

“Thanks so much to The Explorer’s Passage for planning an awesome trip to Costa Rica for us! We had so much support and help before and during our trip. “

Rafael V.

“Everything was amazing. Federica, Maikol, and Carly all made sure we made the most out of the Costa Rica experience. They were professional, fun, and very knowledgeable about the country.“

A black and white logo of the TripAdvisor 2020 Travelers' Choice Award, given to The Explorer's Passage

Trip Accommodations

Relax in the comfort and luxury of 3.5 star 5 star, or luxury accommodations – featuring some of the finest hotels in Guanacaste.

Guanacaste: Hacienda Guachipelín

Hacienda Guachipelín | Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Located next door to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Hacienda Guachipelín combines relaxation and adventure for a uniquely Costa Rican experience. Fill your days with onsite excursions and nature tours, and spend your evenings enjoying authentic farm-to-table meals at La Hacienda Restaurant, or a soak in the Rio Negro Hot Springs that are heated by the nearby volcano. Pamper yourself with a mud bath at Simbiosis Spa, or wake up with guided sunrise yoga and meditation (also available at sunset). All 79 rooms (including standard, superior, and suites) at Hacienda Guachipelín offer air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms, allowing you to live in modern comfort in the heart of the tropical dry forest.

Hotel website

3.5 Accommodation - Playa Hermosa: Villas Sol

★★★½

3.5 Star Accommodation

Villas Sol | Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort is an all-inclusive resort on a sunny hillside overlooking Playa Hermosa and the Papagayo Gulf. With 54 comfortable guest suites, a tranquil bay for water sports, and magnificent tropical gardens, this resort offers an intimate, family-friendly experience with modern amenities like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. The resort features two restaurants, a bar, a spa, an infinity pool, and a fitness center, as well as a shuttle to the pristine Blue Flag beach.

Hotel website

5 Star Accommodation - Playa Hermosa: Casa Conda Beach Front Papagayo

★★★★★

5 Star Accommodation

Casa Conde Beach Front Papagayo | Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Casa Conde Beach Front Papagayo is an all-inclusive boutique hotel immersed in the jungle. Located on nine hectares of dry tropical forest on the edge of Playa Panama, with views of the Bay of Papagayo, the hotel boasts a front row seat to all kinds of wildlife. In addition to its natural wonders, the property offers two restaurants and four bars, plus recreational facilities, including ping pong tables, a volleyball court, and two pools. The fifty air conditioned rooms offer an assortment of amenities, and may include a jacuzzi, ocean view and/or a balcony.

Hotel website

5+ Star Accommodation - Playa Hermosa: Bosque del Mar

5+ Star Accommodation

 Bosque del Mar | Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Bosque del Mar is located steps from Hermosa beach, in the Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste. As you unwind to the sound of waves in this eco-friendly treehouse-like setting, you will experience first-class hospitality, service, and gastronomy. Each suite (consisting of  Junior, Garden view, Oceanfront, and Penthouse) is characterized by comfort and privacy, and each includes WiFi, air conditioning, and a terrace. 

Hotel website

Extra Support

Personal Attention Before Your Costa Rica Adventure

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to you before your adventure to Costa Rica. We get very involved with our clients before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, and trip experience. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip.

Staff Support

Our knowledgeable support staff take care of the details of your in-country transportation, lodging, meals, tours, park fees, and activities. We’ve even scheduled in a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.

Ready to Book? Contact Us

Guanacaste, Costa Rica Photos

Mother sea turtles laying their eggs on Playa Ostional in Costa Rica
Immaculate Church of Concepcion de Maria in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Bird’s eye view of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste

More Trip Inspiration:

The Explorer's Passage2023-07-10T19:12:31-04:00
Argentina
Gallery

Argentine Patagonia

Experience El Calafate, El Chaltén & Ushuaia and explore the diverse landscape of Patagonia

 

EXPLORE

 

Argentina | Days: 7+ | From: $2,995

The Explorer's Passage2023-07-10T12:45:34-04:00
Hiker with outstretched arms on a cliff by a glacial lake and Las Torres granite tower peaks on the W Trek in Patagonia
W Trek
Gallery

W Trek

Hike in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile

 

EXPLORE

 

Chile | Days: 6+ | From: $2,350

Kyle Longstreet2023-07-10T12:49:24-04:00
Easter Island
Gallery

Easter Island

Discover the ancient culture and history of Easter Island / Rapa Nui

 

EXPLORE

 

Chile | Days: 5 | From: $2,495

Previous123Next
VIEW ALL ADVENTURES

Call Us

Please click on the Call Us button above to speak with one of our Consultants. We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure.

Email Us

Please click on the Email Us button to contact us. One of our Adventure Consultants will reply as quickly as possible.

At The Explorer’s Passage, we define adventure as immersing ourselves in the world’s most spectacular scenery, while walking in the footsteps of history’s greatest adventurers and visionaries.
Learn More


FacebookTwitterInstagram

We Proudly Support




Search the Site

Site Map`
For Travel Agents
Careers
Photo Credits
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Site Map
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
© Copyright The Explorer’s Passage, Inc.   |   All Rights Reserved 
FacebookTwitterInstagram