It doesn’t matter if you’re here for a week or a year: Somehow, when it comes to the country’s sights and wonders, you’ll always be a little short on time. They’re that numerous, that must-visit, that breathtaking. And these national parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica are absolutely part of the mix.
And so, as you struggle to whittle down your vacation list, we thought we’d throw a few of our favorite national parks into the mix. Bear in mind, that there are more to visit, even in our province alone. And, if you’ve already visited our top five, then get in touch and we’ll fill you in on our next five picks!
And now, in alphabetical order:
Las Baulas National Marine Park
Distance from Hacienda Pinilla: 25 kms / 15.5 miles
Just a short drive from Hacienda Pinilla, you’ll find one of the most incredible national parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Las Baulas, named for the endangered leatherback turtles that nest and hatch on its shores. (Note that this park is often mistranslated as Marino Las Baulas National Park but it’s really Las Baulas, or Leatherbacks National Marine Park.)
Sprawling an expansive 43,240+ acres, Las Baulas features just 1,900 land acres. And that’s because the majority of the park’s protected acreage reside in the Pacific Ocean. Because here, turtles gather in what is one of the world’s largest leatherback nesting sites. This is made all the more important by the fact that leatherback sea turtles are endangered, their world populations declining. Las Baulas is an important piece of the planet’s leatherback conservation efforts.
That said, populations are still declining. And that means that leatherback sightings are not a given – not even during nesting season. Your best bet is to check in with concierge Cris, who can advise you on whether leatherbacks are currently (or expected to be) nesting during your visit. Not the right time? Don’t worry; you can also visit nesting olive ridley turtles at nearby Ostional!
Barra Honda National Park
Distance from Hacienda Pinilla: 71 kms / 44 miles
Here’s one you won’t find listed on many lists – but we think it should be! Because, if you’re looking to step off the beaten path and do something that few rarely do, then Barra Honda National Park should definitely find itself in the mix.
Because here, Costa Rica’s wonders lie beneath the surface, in subterranean caves that promise spelunking, stalactites and stalagmites, and some of the country’s rarest natural experiences. And it’s all courtesy of Mother Nature who, 70 million years ago, began knocking at tectonic plates to send ancient coral reefs and soft limestone surging to toward the sky.
Over the millennia, other forces took over. Rain and erosion chipped away at Mother Nature’s formations. Weather created ideal conditions to build biodiversity into these incredible caves. And the forests above matured and grew. Today, not even half the caves (current count: 19 of 42) have been explored – and yet, they’ve already revealed the secrets of their formations, underground wildlife, fossils, and pre-Columbian artifacts.
If you want to explore Barra Honda safely, you’ll need to book a guided cavern tour. A seasoned guide will take you into the park’s famous triplets: Terciopelo (Fer de Lance), Santa Ana, and Trap caverns.
Palo Verde National Park
Distance from Hacienda Pinilla: 95 kms / 59 miles
When it comes to Costa Rica birdwatching, there’s a lot of emphasis placed on Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota, and a handful of other locations. And yet, one of the country’s most lauded, most incredible, and most astounding birdwatching destinations is right here, at one of the best national parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Welcome to Palo Verde National Park, a veritable birdwatching paradise. Yes, even amongst Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity and 900+ resident and migratory bird species. Because here, Palo Verde’s 45,500 land and water acres serve as a biologically critical wetland sanctuary: 15 diverse habitats that cross from river to evergreen forest, marshes to salt ponds, mangroves to pastureland.
And all this? Well, it hosts up to 250,000 birds at one time and the largest populations of waterfowl and shorebirds in Central America. In other words, that birdwatching paradise we promised. And yet, it’s not just birds you’ll spot; Palo Verde is also home to a variety of reptile and mammal species, from armadillos and howler monkeys to crocodiles and Costa Rica’s largest jaguarundi populations (they’re a small wildcat).
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Distance from Hacienda Pinilla: 115 kms / 72 miles
You’ll find no round-up of Guanacaste national parks that doesn’t include Rincón de la Vieja National Park. That’s because this is one of the best, if not the best national park in the country. Yeah, we said it. And we meant it, because this national park is a true showstopper: Home to an active volcano, long tradition, and striking sights, Rincón de la Vieja National Park and its eponymous volcano promise thrills of a natural variety.
Let’s begin with its origin, which dates back to a pre-Columbian princess whose father disapproved so heartily of her lover that he threw him into the volcano. With anger and heartbreak, the princess retreated to the mountaintop where she grew to be the “old woman” (“la vieja”) with healing powers – healing powers that evolved into the volcano’s mineral-rich, healing hot springs and volcanic mud.
Today, many centuries later, many still visit la vieja’s corner in search of restorative soaks. But well recommend you also visit for its Las Pailas trail, which is one of our hands-down favorites in the country. That’s because it leads past waterfalls and through tropical dry forest, into scrubby moonscape and by flowing rivers, on the way to bubbling mudpots, volcanic vents, mini-volcanoes, boiling hot springs (look but don’t touch!), steaming fumaroles, and more.
Not enough adrenaline to scratch the adventure itch? If the park’s craters (there are nine!) are open – availability is dependent on volcanic activity and, thus, safety – you can also take the hike to the main crater. On a clear day, you can see both the Pacific and Nicaragua!
Guanacaste National Park
Distance from Hacienda Pinilla: 126 kms / 78 miles
Though this park carries our province’s name, you won’t find it atop every list of national parks. That’s because it’s often side-stepped in favorite of neighboring Santa Rosa National Park, home to famous Costa Rican battles, triumphs, and history. And, while we love Santa Rosa, we deeply appreciate the story that Guanacaste National Park can tell.
Because this park was founded in 1989 both as a habitat bridge and a gesture of hope – as proof that you can literally “grow a national park.” The heart and brainchild of Dr. Daniel Janzen, an evolutionary ecologist and conservationist, this park emerged from what was once flagging pastureland. With a plan to help struggling cattle ranchers, Dr. Janzen purchase the land and began to rebuild this biological corridor.
Today, Guanacaste National Park is one of our top national parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica and a critical big cat habitat and important roaming ground for these massive felines, many of which are endangered in this range. Over the years, it has also become an important ecosystem for resident and migratory bird species, as well as proof that reforestation and conservation efforts not only work, but also have a vital impact on their land and communities.
Stay Here: Villa Almendro
3 Beds | 3 Baths | 8 Guests
Whether it’s your first time in Costa Rica or if you’re back and looking to do something a little different, you’ll love Villa Alemendro’s two levels overlooking a lake.
Here, within Hacienda Pinilla, this luxurious condo welcomes you with French doors and a shaded porch, a spacious veranda and views to tall trees and the lake. And indoors, you’ll be treated to three bedrooms and three baths of luxury living and airy interiors – a window into the glories and wonders of exotic Costa Rica and a tropical vacation.
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Stay Here: Villa Tranquila
8 Beds | 10 Baths | 32 Guests
For larger groups, this former bed-and-breakfast offers a respite from everyday life in a mansion outfitted for luxury and fit for royalty. Named for the tranquility and calm that the home inspires. Villa Tranquila has serenity and well-being to spare – the perfect pairing to your adventurous days, out exploring the national parks of Guanacaste.
For here, surrounded by thatched roofs and waving palms, this spectacular villa invites you to relax into your vacation. A private chef (included) prepares three daily meals. The 1,500-square-foot rancho bids you relish the outdoors. The private pool washes away your stress. And every detail inspires a vacation unlike any you’ve previously experienced.
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Free Concierge Services with your Vacation Rental
Did you know that, when you reserve your Hacienda Pinilla vacation home with us, you gain access to our full concierge services? And by that, we mean an on-the-ground expert whose job is to explore, engage, and do everything. Cris knows her national parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica!
When you book with us, we’ll get in touch to help you plan all the details of your stay. Our job is to get to know you, so we can help you plan the trip of your dreams. Whether you just need help arranging transportation or would like a full itinerary – everything from your airport shuttle to a full trip’s worth of activities, private chef services, and golf cart rental – we’re happy to help.
Even better, our concierge services are always free. So, why wait? Get in touch and let’s get started!