Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s sunny northwest — famous for its beaches, but packed with volcanoes, rivers, wildlife and waterfalls just inland from the coast. If you’re flying into Liberia (LIR) or staying at the Guanacaste beaches, here are the adventures worth building your trip around, from a local operator’s point of view.
1. Hike (and swim) La Leona Waterfall
Our favorite for a reason: a guided hike through a river canyon to a waterfall you can swim beneath, only 20 minutes from Liberia. You wade through turquoise pools, climb short rope sections and explore caves — an authentic adventure that travelers rate the #1 thing to do in Curubandé. See La Leona tours.
2. Go river tubing on the Río Colorado
Bounce down 3 km of Class I–III rapids in an individual tube — exciting but family-friendly, with guides the whole way. It pairs perfectly with the waterfall hike on our Combo Tour.
3. Explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park
This active volcano is Guanacaste’s adventure hub, with trails past bubbling mud pots, fumaroles and forest full of wildlife. The Las Pailas loop is the classic short hike.
4. See the blue water of Río Celeste
About two hours away in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste’s electric-blue river and waterfall are unforgettable. Visit on a full-day tour — and read La Leona vs Río Celeste to see which suits your trip.
5. Soak in volcanic hot springs
The Rincón de la Vieja area is dotted with natural hot springs and volcanic mud baths — the perfect way to relax tired muscles after a hike.
6. Spot wildlife
Guanacaste’s forests are alive with howler and white-faced monkeys, sloths, birds and bats. On the La Leona hike, guides point them out as you go — one of the things families remember most.
7. Relax on the Guanacaste beaches
Tamarindo, Playas del Coco and the Papagayo Gulf offer sunsets, surf and seafood — the perfect balance to a day of adventure inland.
How many days do you need in Guanacaste?
Three to five days lets you combine one or two adventure days (waterfall hike + tubing, or a Río Celeste trip) with beach time. Because La Leona is so close to Liberia, it’s easy to slot in on an arrival or departure day.
FAQ
What is Guanacaste known for? Beaches, sunshine, volcanoes (Rincón de la Vieja and Tenorio), waterfalls and wildlife — plus adventure activities like waterfall hikes, tubing and hot springs.
What are the best things to do near Liberia airport? La Leona Waterfall is the closest adventure (about 40 minutes), making it ideal for an arrival or departure day. Rincón de la Vieja National Park and the beaches are also within easy reach.
What’s the best adventure in Guanacaste for families? The La Leona Waterfall hike — with a private tour for younger children — plus river tubing on the combo tour.
When is the best time to visit Guanacaste? The dry season (December–April) is sunniest and busiest; the green season (May–November) is lush and quieter, with occasional afternoon rain.
Internal links: Group tour · Combo tour · Río Celeste full-day tour · Waterfalls near Liberia · How to get to La Leona from Liberia.
