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If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection to Costa Rican culture, Tamarindo is a great place to experience it all. Located in the stunning Guanacaste province, this is a vibrant beach town that offers something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best spots for dining, shopping, and playing—an invitation to discover Tamarindo’s true character and charm.
Is Tamarindo, Costa Rica worth visiting?
Absolutely! Tamarindo is a gem on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, celebrated for its warm temperatures and perfect balance of relaxation and excitement, particularly during the dry season from December to April. This lively town is a hub for surfing, snorkeling, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal spot for thrill-seekers and beautiful beach lovers alike.
Although it can feel tourist-driven during peak season, Tamarindo still holds authentic experiences for those who know where to look.
How to get to Tamarindo from Liberia airport
There are several transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets when traveling from Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport to Tamarindo.
- Shuttles: Shuttles are a cost-effective alternative, transporting multiple passengers between common destinations. Fares range from $20 to $39 USD per person, depending on the provider and schedule. It’s advisable to inquire about potential additional charges if the shuttle isn’t fully booked.
- Public Bus: For budget-conscious travelers, public buses are the most economical choice, with fares around $3 USD. The journey involves taking a bus from the airport to the Liberia bus terminal, then transferring to a bus heading to Tamarindo. The total travel time is approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on connections. This method requires some familiarity with local bus schedules and may involve longer travel times.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available at Liberia Airport and offer direct transportation to Tamarindo. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with fares ranging from $90 to $120 USD. While convenient, this option is more expensive compared to shuttles or buses.
- Car Rental: Renting a car provides flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. The drive from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo is approximately 67 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The best restaurants, bars and cafés in Tamarindo
In downtown Tamarindo, you’ll find multiple restaurants and cafés, all within walking distance and each with its own charm. There are dining options for every taste, from authentic local meals to internationally inspired fine dining—some with live music and tropical settings. Tamarindo is a gem on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, providing good reason to explore its rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
- Start your day right with breakfast at Breakfast Grinds, where you can join locals upstairs for a well-priced meal overlooking beautiful Tamarindo Bay.
- For a Costa Rican coffee experience, pair a freshly baked pastry with a fragrant cup at Café Tico.
- If you’re in the mood for an authentic Costa Rican meal, head to the woman serving food from her car in the town center, just across from Hotel Diria. Around noon, you’ll find both locals and tourists in line, ready to enjoy hot, homemade traditional food. Be sure to ask for a “casado,” a hearty dish that blends rice, black beans, fried plantains, cabbage salad, a vegetable (usually squash), and your choice of chicken or fish.
- For a refreshing mid-afternoon treat, grab a fruit smoothie at Pura Vida Smoothies in the outdoor food court for about $2.50, or enjoy a Costa Rican Michelada—a chilled local beer with lime juice.
- For a laid-back vibe and a classic burger and fries, stop by Surf Shack.
- At Green Papaya, you can relax on swing seats and enjoy “after-surf healthy food” in a fun atmosphere.
- Tamarindo also has several fine dining options, catering to international tastes with fresh, local ingredients; try La Pachanga, Seasons, or Langosta Beach Club for tried-and-true favorites.
- If you’re looking for something unique, check out Volcano Brewing Company for a locally brewed craft beer, often served alongside live music.
- For casual, fresh dining in a vibrant setting, head to Jardín Tamarindo Food Truck Park to try different cuisines among tropical gardens.
- At RURAL, expect high-quality ingredients and a farm-to-table vibe.
- El Pelicano is another great place for seafood lovers, with fresh ingredients and local flavors that embody Costa Rica’s culinary charm.
Where to play in the Guanacaste province
Surfing in Tamarindo
A top Costa Rica surf spot: Tamarindo is indeed a haven for surfers of all levels! It boasts some of the best waves in Costa Rica with easy access to surf shops and lessons. Whether you’re a beginner looking to ride your first wave or an experienced surfer chasing bigger swells, this vibrant town caters to everyone. Families will love Blue Zone Surf School, while the region’sbeautiful beaches and consistent breaks attract seasoned surfers. If you prefer swimming to surfing, try SNUBA Costa Rica, where you can glide through clear waters alongside rays, whales, and colorful marine life.
Wildlife in Tamarindo
Beyond the waves, Guanacaste offers plenty of activities for every type of traveler. On land, La Senda’s double labyrinth provides a unique and memorable evening outing. Nature enthusiasts can explore Marino Las Baulas National Park at Playa Grande, a crucial nesting site for leatherback sea turtles and home to over 150 bird species. For a more adventurous day, head to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, just an hour away, where waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes create an unforgettable experience.
Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss the Tamarindo Estuary, an accessible gem teeming with crocodiles, iguanas, crabs, and monkeys. Kayak or boat tours through the mangroves allow close encounters with Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity. Nearby, Santa Rosa’s valleys invite visitors to horseback ride, zip-line, or enjoy farm-to-table dining. For a relaxing escape, the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall and Poza los Coyotes are perfect spots to connect with nature.
Day trip from Tamarindo
Cap off your day with a sunset catamaran tour along the coast, a breathtaking way to soak in the region’s beauty. Divers will also find plenty to explore at the Catalina Islands, just 30–40 minutes offshore, where vibrant schools of fish, manta rays, and sharks thrive in crystal-clear waters. In Guanacaste, the combination of stunning landscapes, exciting adventures, and laid-back charm guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Shopping in the town of Tamarindo
Tamarindo has no shortage of souvenir shops, but for unique finds, explore these local favorites. EK Art Jewelry offers handmade silver and gemstone jewelry, while Girlfish and Azul Profundo have breezy beachwear for this trip and the next. Pick up a book for your flight home at The Bookstore of the Waves and discover a story by a local author. If you’re in town on a Wednesday or Saturday, visit the Tamarindo Feria (Farmer’s Market) for artisan foods, crafts, and other handmade goods.
Where to stay in Tamarindo: Occidental Tamarindo
Dreaming of a getaway in nature, exquisite cuisine, and impeccable service? Occidental Tamarindo has everything you need and more! Nestled on Langosta Beach, just minutes from Tamarindo and 50 km from Liberia Airport, this all-inclusive resort will captivate you with its ideal location, stunning beach, and breathtaking natural surroundings.
The on-site team goes above and beyond to enhance your stay, and the numerous activities available will satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re a fan of land sports, passionate about dancing, ping-pong, or karaoke, or prefer water adventures like aqua aerobics, catamaran sailing, or kayaking, there’s something for everyone. With only 198 rooms, the hotel offers an intimate and peaceful atmosphere, ideally located at the heart of lush greenery and just steps away from a white sand peninsula. Come enjoy a modern and welcoming setting designed to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
The Transat package at Occidental Tamarindo includes:
- Return Economy Class flights
- Round-trip transfers between the airport and the hotel
- All meals, including two à la carte dinners during the week
- Service of a representative at destination
- Daily activity programme
