Tamarindo is a beach town located in the Guanacaste Province on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Liberia Airport. It’s known for its beaches and it’s a great area for surfing. There’s a ton of restaurants and bars which makes nightlife enjoyable. Be sure to check the sunset at the beach, it’s a view you’ll never forget.
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WHERE WE STAYED
Vrbo: Casa Leo Loco
Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
1 hour 10 minutes from Liberia Airport
WHAT TO EXPECT
Language
In Tamarindo, you can get away with not speaking Spanish. Most of the workers speak English.
Currency
— The currency in Costa Rica is the Colón. As of right now, 1USD is equal to 610.74 CRC.
— Restaurants and stores take both USD and credit cards.
— I recommend carrying a few Colón for the beach and tip.
TRAVELING DURING COVID
We went for a week in January 2021 flying out of JFK (NY). At the time, Costa Rica was not requiring negative Covid tests to enter (check if regulations have changed). Health insurance is required to enter Costa Rica (around $20) – I’ll link the insurance we used here. A health pass form is also required and that can be filled out 48 hours before travel, linked here. This is absolutely necessary as they ask you to show proof during check-in and when boarding the plane.
As for the plane ride, on our way there we took Delta Airlines (JFK to ATL; ATL to Liberia). On the way back we took a direct flight with Jetblue Airlines (LIR to JFK). I felt very safe in the airports and on the plane. Masks were required and there were 2 people per row (usually fits 3). Snacks were given on the plane in a Ziploc bag which included an 8oz water bottle, goldfish, chocolate, napkin, and a mini packet of hand sanitizer (snacks may vary but always given in a baggie). If you’re not content with those snacks, I do recommend packing your own snacks/food. Also, bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it at the airport – it’s more convenient.
ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA
Once we arrived everything was pretty smooth sailing. The Customs line was a bit long but the warm air and the excitement of being in Costa Rica makes you get over that really quick. There was a liquor store and money exchange in the airport. The employees at the liquor store recommended we purchase from there since it was “duty-free”, which means they don’t charge taxes. A shuttle met us outside to take us to our car rental company. Renting a car is cheap but they get you with the “mandatory insurance” that varies between $200 – $500 depending on the one you choose.
Once we picked up our car, we were on our way to Tamarindo. A fruit stand is on the way where you can pick fresh fruits called Puesto de Sania (location linked here). There are many local restaurants on the way if you’re hungry. I highly recommend checking them out to get the flavors of Costa Rica. We went to Tradicionales Mi Tierra Restaurante on the way to Tamarindo (no google location available).
ACTIVITIES IN TAMARINDO
1. Playa Tamarindo
We spent a lot of our days at the beach. There’s so much going on around there: food, music, surfing. Coco Locos are a very common alcoholic beverage that is sold on the beach. The sunset is beautiful here, be sure to witness that.
2. Playa Langosta
This beach is located about 10 minutes south of Tamarindo. It’s a pretty chill and relaxing beach. The sand is white and super soft and if you take a stroll down the beach you can find little crabs walking around. Swimming pools form during hide tide. Be aware of the currents, they can get really strong.
3. Yoga on the Beach
It was so nice to get out of the house early and get the day started with yoga. It’s only $5 per class (bring a beach towel or mat). Classes are every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday at 7:30 am! The instructor’s name is Fabiola – I linked her Instagram page here.
4. Live Music
Restaurants on the beach will have live music and performances during dinner time. We went to El Be Beach Club – they had fire performers.
5. Snorkeling
Snorkeling in general is a fun activity. We kayaked to a little island near the beach called Isla Capitán and snorkeled there. Our tour guide, Jerson, was very nice and spoke English very well. Unfortunately, the location we went to was pretty rocky and it made it hard to snorkel.
6. Tattoo
If you’re really feeling adventurous and want to get a tattoo, The Drifter’s Ink Tattoo is a really good shop. The owner, Levi, is responsive and works well with you to create exactly what you want. I sent him what I wanted and he did an amazing job!
7. ATV
Although we didn’t get a chance to do ATV, it seems like a really fun activity to do around town. There are a few places that you can rent an ATV and prices are around $75.
8. Surfing
Tamarindo is known for its surfing and there are tons of great places to get surfing lessons or rent surfboards. Rentals are around $15.
9. Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park
This food truck park has a variety of cuisines on site. They offer empanadas, arepas, cocktails, delicious churros, and even vegan food. They also have games and kid-friendly. Every Thursday they have a DJ on site and drinks are 2 for $10.
RESTAURANTS
- BREAKFAST
- Costa Juice
- NOI Bistro
- Breakfast Grinds
- Mandarina Tropical Juice Bar
- LUNCH
- NOI Bistro
- Pico Bistro
- Nogui’s Restaurante
- DINNER
- Pangas Beach Club
- El Be Club
- Nogui’s Restaurante
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF TAMARINDO
1. Playa Conchal
This beach is about 45 minutes from Tamarindo. The sand is made of hundreds of millions of crushed shells. This beach is much smaller than the others and it’s quiet and relaxing.
2. Rincón de la Vieja National Park – each activity was an extra cost
Volcano Hike
The volcano hike is $16 per person and was really cool to see. Takes about 2 hours to complete the hike.
Extreme Zip Line & Tarzan Swing
Ziplining is offered at the park ($60 per person). The zipline has 12 platforms with 7 cables and a Tarzan swing. This activity is about an hour.
3. McDonald’s in Liberia
When traveling we love to try local food but we were so curious how Costa Rican McDonald’s differed from the ones in the US. I ordered the Premium CBO and it was delicious. It’s fried chicken, creamy mustard sauce, white cheddar cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions. If you ever get a chance to try it, I highly recommend it.
HOTEL SUGGESTIONS
1. Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel
2. The Coast Beachfront Hotel
3. Wyndham Tamarindo
4. Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel
5. Villa Amarilla Beach Front Hotel
PACKING SUGGESTIONS
As most girls do, I overpacked. I tried to bring as many outfits that would fit in my carry-on suitcase, but to be honest – it wasn’t needed. Especially because Tamarindo is a beach town, those fancy outfits weren’t necessary. Unless you plan to go out to a fancy dinner every night, then I say it’s ok. In Tamarindo, it is acceptable to go anywhere with your bathing suit. For the most part, that’s all I wore on vacation – a bathing suit, jean shorts, and my straw hat that I’ll link here. Also, curling iron was completely unnecessary. I wore my hair naturally the entire time.
PACKING LIST:
1. Multiple bathing suits
2. Denim shorts
3. Flips flops
4. Cute sandals
5. Cute dinner outfits (2-3)
6. Coverup
7. Straw hat
8. Undergarments
9. Toiletries/essentials
10. Sneakers (if going hiking)
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope this travel guide was helpful and you get a chance to visit Tamarindo. It was a very beautiful town. If you ever have a chance to visit, let me know what was the best thing about it!
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