Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is located at the base of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, next to the town of Curubande and the popular Rincón de la Vieja National Park, in the northern province of Guanacaste.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin has been helping visitors enjoy the natural beauty of our ranch and the neighboring national park, Rincon de la Vieja for over 20 years.

Natural hot springs, Canyon & Canopy Tours, virgin forests, waterfalls and volcanic mud pots are just some of the many attractions you can enjoy during your stay at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, together with its strong involvement in ecotourism, Hacienda Guachipelin continues its traditional work of raising cattle and horses.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín is a comfortable hotel catering to nature lovers and adventure travelers alike.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín has 40 rooms and all of the rooms have private bathrooms with hot water. Our rooms are composed of simple buildings, with inviting porches for sharing your afternoon adventures with fellow travelers.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

View More Photos of Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero is a rain forest ecotourism lodge, a leader among this tropical country’s hotels and resorts with an extra touch in style, comfort and personalized service.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero lies along Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean Zone, an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land between the sea on one side and the Tortuguero-Lagoon on the other.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero offers one or two or three day packages that include transportation, meals, naturalist guides, tours to the Tortuguero National Park canals, the village of Tortuguero, the Turtle Museum of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. Additional activities include fishing trips for Tarpon, Snook, among other species. Kayaking is available so you can explore some of the canals on your own if you have a chance.

Tortuguero is the most important nesting site in the entire Western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. The season starts around mid July and ends by October and you could be able to take one of our night walks to search for green sea turtles.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero offers 80 standard rooms with views to the gardens and forest that surrounds us. The rooms offer private bathroom, hot water, ceiling fan, reading lamps, wooden bench outside your room to sit and admire the gardens.

Laguna Lodge's open air restaurant is located in front of the Tortuguero lagoon, providing beautiful views of the forests nearby, you will also admire the boats of local people passing by to the local village. Meals are served buffet style with a variety of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. Coffee, tea, and cookies are available 24 hours a day at the restaurant. The decoration of our restaurant and bars include woods that have been collected at our beach area and treated in our workshop.

Introduction to Central Pacific Costa Rica

The closest beaches to San José, and some of the country's most popular, are found on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast. Options here range from the somewhat seedy Puntarenas and the cut-rate, fun-in-the-sun Jacó, to the jungle-clad hillsides of Dominical, and the ecotourist mecca of Manuel Antonio. The climate here is considerably more humid than that farther north in Guanacaste, but it's not nearly as steamy as along the south Pacific or Caribbean coasts.

Jacó and Manuel Antonio are two of Costa Rica's more developed beaches, while Puntarenas, a former seaport, is just a little over 2 hours from San José. If you're looking to get away from it all without traveling too far or spending too much, Dominical and the beaches south of Dominical should be your top choice on this coast.

By FROMMER'S

The Teribes

Térraba is the main settlement of the Teribe indigenous people of Central America. The Teribe were moved here in 1710 after a team effort on the part of Franciscan missionaries leagued with the Spanish militias. Atlhough those who remained in Panama have managed to retain much of their culture, those in the Costa Rican reserve have lost most of their heritage. Teribes own only some 10% of the reserve’s land; the remainder has been sold to outsiders attracted by the expansion of the PINDECO/Del Monte plantation.

The Asociación Cultura Teribe is the main activist organization here. Over the course of the past few years, they have completed a number of projects including a rancho cultural (meeting place), tree nurseries, a health clinic, and have offered a number of workhops — ranging from Teribe spiritual teachings to workshops for locals; they have also opened a small museum.

A medical clinic will also preserve traditional remedies, and a garden with medicinal plants has been started. Visitors who are genuinely interested in the Teribe culture are welcomed. Contact the Asociación Cultural Indígena Teribe (ACIT) or the Comisión Cultura Teribe who will show you around and exchange ideas. Visitors are requested not to shoot pictures indiscriminately. Donations may be made in the form of checks and made out to the Asociación Cultural Indígena Teribe and mailed to them at Terrabá, Buenos Aires, Puntarenas.

by Harry Pariser

Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja’s varied ecosystem provides visitors with an exciting array of outdoor activities and destinations. 35,000-acre Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to many of the area’s favorite locales, though several hotels outside of the park boast natural gems, as well.

National Parks:

Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Created in 1973, Rincon de la Vieja National Park has evolved a small tourist infrastructure over the years but remains one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets. Natural trails, a seasonal waterfall, steaming fumaroles, a small volcanic crater, and bubbling mud pots highlight the park’s most popular Las Pailas trail, and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano beckons to hikers willing to make the 8-hour roundtrip trek to its crater.

Strangler figs amaze every park visitor. The giant trees begin life by latching onto an existing tree trunk, slowly growing stronger until they eventually surround their host and strangle its life away. They are easy to spot with their huge root systems that snake along the forest floor and immense, but hollow, trunks, the only remaining memory of their long-lost hosts. Rincon de la Vieja National Park also contains the largest population of Costa Rica’s national flower, the Cattleya skinneri, a type of purple orchid.

Rincon de la Vieja’s volcano is considered to be gently active. Though it has experienced no major eruptions in recent years, it habitually belches up steam and ash. Santa Maria Volcano, the tallest in the park, towers at 6,286 feet, while the national park’s lowlands hover at just 1,969 feet above sea level. This 4,000-foot altitude change allows for several different microclimates that range from hot and dry to cool and misty.

The Red Pond and Blanco River Pool: A hike or horseback ride from the Las Pailas park entrance, this dynamic duo offers beautiful and natural surrounding. The Red Pond is a red and white solid rock formation, created by lava runoff many years ago. Its neighboring Blanco River pool is a quiet, tranquil pool of clear water surrounded by only forest and birdsong. Round trip, including time spent relaxing and enjoying these two natural wonders, will last three or four hours.

Waterfalls:

Oropendula Waterfall: Just four miles from Rincon de la Vieja National Park’s Las Pailas entrance, this 82-foot tall waterfall tumbles into an incredible, emerald green pool. Visitors can hike through the dry forest or rent horses to get there.

Las Chorreras Waterfall: This beautiful double waterfall teams up with the Blanco River to create a beautiful blue pool at its base where many visitors enjoy taking a dip in the cool waters. These waterfalls are just a mile from one of the area’s premiere hotels, but anyone can hike or rent horses to get there.

La Cangreja Waterfall: A four and a half mile hike from Rincon de la Vieja’s Las Pailas entrance, these falls are found within the park’s borders. Dissolved copper salts give the waterfall a celestial blue color, a striking sight against the gray cliffs behind it. A small pool at its base is wonderful for cooling off after the hike.

La Victoria Waterfall: Accessed by a steep trail, the hike to this 115-foot waterfall is not for the faint of heart. For those that make the journey, a moss-covered canyon and beautiful greenery await.

Hidden Waterfalls: Almost two miles farther west of La Cangreja Waterfall, the Escondidas Waterfalls are actually a group of four continuously cascading falls set into the Agria Ravine. A calm bathing pool sits at the base of one waterfall.

Playa del Coco

High-adrenaline tours, wildlife encounters and beautiful sunsets make up the days and nights in Northern Guanacaste, where diverse ecology and ecotourism allow visitors to walk along miles of golden and gray-sand beaches, float down the tranquil Tempisque River, and explore acres of national parks, wildlife refuges, and a private African safari park.

Beaches (from north to south):

Gulf of Papagayo: The Gulf of Papagayo is dotted by 12 golden-sand beaches separated by gray cliffs that jut out into the Pacific Ocean. The calm coves’ protected waters are ideal for beginner swimmers, young children and visitors just wishing to relax.

Many of Papagayo’s secluded beaches are best accessed by canoe or sea kayak. Their sparkling sands dance with scuttling hermit crabs, and the gulf’s resident howler monkeys will boldly call out to you during a relaxing sunbath. Make a date to watch the sunset from one of these gentle strips of sand – Papagayo is known for some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica.

Playa Panama: Just a mile south of Papagayo, Playa Panama is a bay within a bay. The resulting waters are nearly wave-free, and perfect for floating the afternoon away. Playa Panama is very popular with vacationing Costa Ricans, who often set up camp on the beach.

Playa Hermosa: Not to be confused with Jaco’s neighbor of the same name, Northern Guanacaste’s Playa Hermosa is an elegant, mile-long strip of gray-sand beach. Tide pools mark its northern and southern points, and its bay is always filled with fishing boats, sailboats and even the occasional cruise ship.

Playa del Coco: Shaped like a horseshoe, Playa del Coco is one of Guanacaste’s most popular and accessible beaches. Hard-packed gray sand is ideal for walks down its mile-long beach, and the waves are often strong enough for boogie boarding fun.

Playa del Coco is the best departure point for trips to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock, both located in Santa Rosa National Park. These surf breaks are world famous and some of the best in Costa Rica, though not for the faint of heart. Witch’s Rock is particularly well-known for its appearance in the classic surf movie Endless Summer 2.

Playa del Coco is also one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling locations in the country. Diving tours depart daily for the rich waters of Bat Island and Santa Catalina Island, and sailboat tours regularly take snorkelers to reefs and underwater volcanic formations.

Playa Ocotal: Just two miles south of Playa del Coco, Playa Ocotal is quieter and more relaxed than its busy neighbor. A small gray-sand beach lines the waterfront.

National Parks, Private Parks and Wildlife Refuges:

Africa Mia: One of Guanacaste’s newest and most unique attractions, Africa Mia safari park is a treat for all. Giraffes, antelope and zebra roam the open savannah, the lovely El Salto waterfall rumbles in the distance and visitors happily feed the park’s ostriches, dromedaries (one-humped camels) and deer. Located just one hour away from your Playa del Coco hotel, this is an ideal day trip for the entire family.

Guanacaste National Park: Adjacent to Santa Rosa National Park, 86,000-acre Guanacaste National Park boasts several habitats from lowland dry forest to mountainous cloud forest. Two volcanoes – Orosi and Cacao – frame the park, and researchers can often be found perusing its lands for new discoveries. Guanacaste National Park is about a one and a half hour drive from Playa del Coco. Read more...

Lomas de Barbudal Wildlife Refuge: Backing up to Palo Verde National Park, this tranquil wildlife refuge helps to protect endangered rosewood and mahogany trees. The 6,500-acre park is also home to 250 bee species – about 25 percent of the world’s total – as well as 200 bird species. There is a small network of hiking trails throughout Lomas de Barbudal, and most visitors are accompanied only by wildlife and the occasional researcher. At just one and a half hours from Playa del Coco, Lomas de Barbudal is a convenient and memorable day trip. Read more...

Palo Verde National Park: This 45,500-acre wetland sanctuary is the largest component of the larger Tempisque Megapark, which also includes the Caballero Wildlife Refuge, Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve, Barra Honda National Park and the newly-added Cipanci Wildlife Refuge.

More than 300 bird species make their homes here, including herons, storks, spoonbills, egrets, ducks, scarlet macaws and toucans. Monkeys, bats, American crocodiles, coatimundis, armadillos and jaguarundi join their avian neighbors, and make a trip to Palo Verde National Park one that is not soon forgotten. Just south of Lomas de Barbudal, Palo Verde National Park is located just over an hour and a half's drive from Playa del Coco. Read more...

Santa Rosa National Park: One of the oldest national parks in Costa Rica, Santa Rosa sprawls out over almost 96,000 acres. The park serves as one of the most important nesting sites for several turtle species, and is also a symbol of national pride: Costa Rica has only been invaded three times by foreign armies, and each time, the would-be conquerors were defeated in Santa Rosa.

Reaching Santa Rosa National Park is a challenge, but it’s worth the 1.5 hour trip. More than 250 bird species, 50-60 bat species, 115 mammal species, 4000 moth and butterfly species and thousands of insects make their homes here. Visitors may hike miles of trails, explore the historic La Casona building and Monument to the Heroes, or simply relax at one of the park’s beautiful ocean overlooks. Santa Rosa National Park is also home to famous surf breaks Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock. Read more...

Rivers:

Tempisque River: Beginning at the Guanacaste Mountain Range, the Tempisque River travels 90 miles south to empty into the Gulf of Nicoya. The river cuts right through Palo Verde National Park, and many river tours float along its waters in search of white-faced monkeys, American crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Day Trips:

Rincon de la Vieja National Park: A mere 90-minute drive from Playa del Coco, Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers well-groomed trails, towering volcanoes, boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and amazing natural beauty. Full-day tours depart daily and include transportation, a guided tour, lunch and unforgettable memories. Read more...

Monteverde Cloud Forest: One and two-day tours depart almost daily, climbing from Costa Rica’s dry savannah into the country’s most celebrated cloud forest. Walk through the canopy along hanging bridges, swing among the trees on the country’s first canopy tour and experience one of the most bio-diverse regions in Costa Rica. Views from Monteverde seem to stretch out forever, and on a clear day you can see straight out to the Pacific Ocean. Read more...

Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna: One and two-day tours depart almost daily, traveling to one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations. The majestic Arenal Volcano sets off lava light shows nearly every night, and the area’s hot springs are famous for their restorative properties. Read more...

Barra Honda National Park: Go on a caving expedition at Costa Rica’s most famous and labyrinthine caves. Known for its spectacular rock formations and incredible views, visitors will witness geological formations created more than 50 million years ago. Hike through the ancient caves and discover the park’s weaving waterways on a full-day trip from your Playa del Coco hotel. Read more...

Nicaragua: Discover the beauty of one of Nicaragua’s most colorful cities, Granada. Gaze at its canary yellow church, walk through its colonial streets and swim in nearby Laguna de Apoyo. Purchase souvenirs at the eclectic Masaya market and drink in the views of the town’s active Masaya Volcano.

Playa Hermosa

High-adrenaline tours, wildlife encounters and beautiful sunsets make up the days and nights in Northern Guanacaste, where diverse ecology and ecotourism allow visitors to walk along miles of golden and gray-sand beaches, float down the tranquil Tempisque River, and explore acres of national parks, wildlife refuges, and a private African safari park.

Nearby Beaches (from north to south):

Gulf of Papagayo: The Gulf of Papagayo is dotted by 12 golden-sand beaches separated by gray cliffs that jut out into the Pacific Ocean. The calm coves’ protected waters are ideal for beginner swimmers, young children and visitors just wishing to relax.

Many of Papagayo’s secluded beaches are best accessed by canoe or sea kayak. Their sparkling sands dance with scuttling hermit crabs, and the gulf’s resident howler monkeys will boldly call out to you during a relaxing sunbath. Make a date to watch the sunset from one of these gentle strips of sand – the Northern Pacific coast is known for some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica.

Playa Panama: Just a few miles north of Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama is a bay within a bay. The resulting waters are nearly wave-free, and perfect for floating the afternoon away. Playa Panama is very popular with vacationing Costa Ricans, who often set up camp on the beach.

Playa Hermosa: Not to be confused with Jaco’s neighbor of the same name, Northern Guanacaste’s Playa Hermosa is an elegant, mile-long strip of gray-sand beach. Tide pools mark its northern and southern points, and its bay is always filled with fishing boats, sailboats and even the occasional cruise ship.

Playa del Coco: Shaped like a horseshoe, Playa del Coco is one of Guanacaste’s most popular and accessible beaches. Hard-packed gray sand is ideal for walks down its mile-long beach, and the waves are often strong enough for boogie boarding fun.

Playa del Coco is the best departure point for trips to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock, both located in Santa Rosa National Park. These surf breaks are world famous and some of the best in Costa Rica, though not for the faint of heart. Witch’s Rock is particularly well-known for its appearance in the classic surf movie Endless Summer 2.

Playa del Coco is also one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling locations in the country. Diving tours depart daily for the rich waters of Bat Island and Santa Catalina Island, and sailboat tours regularly take snorkelers to reefs and underwater volcanic formations.

Playa Ocotal: Just two miles south of Playa del Coco, Playa Ocotal is quieter and more relaxed than its busy neighbor. A small gray-sand beach lines the waterfront.

National Parks, Private Parks and Wildlife Refuges:

Africa Mia: One of Guanacaste’s newest and most unique attractions, Africa Mia safari park is a treat for all. Giraffes, antelope and zebra roam the open savannah, the lovely El Salto waterfall rumbles in the distance and visitors happily feed the park’s ostriches, dromedaries (one-humped camels) and deer. About an hour's drive from Playa Hermosa, Africa Mia is an ideal day trip for the entire family.

Guanacaste National Park: Adjacent to Santa Rosa National Park, 86,000-acre Guanacaste National Park boasts several habitats from lowland dry forest to mountainous cloud forest. Two volcanoes – Orosi and Cacao – frame the park, and researchers can often be found perusing its lands for new discoveries. The park is located less than 90 minutes by car from Playa Hermosa. Read more...

Lomas de Barbudal Wildlife Refuge: Backing up to Palo Verde National Park, this tranquil wildlife refuge helps to protect endangered rosewood and mahogany trees. The 6,500-acre park is also home to 250 bee species – about 25 percent of the world’s total – as well as 200 bird species. There is a small network of hiking trails throughout Lomas de Barbudal, and most visitors are accompanied only by wildlife and the occasional researcher. The refuge is a one and a half hour drive from Playa Hermosa. Read more...

Palo Verde National Park: This 45,500-acre wetland sanctuary is the largest component of the larger Tempisque Megapark, which also includes the Caballero Wildlife Refuge, Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve, Barra Honda National Park and the newly-added Cipanci Wildlife Refuge.

More than 300 bird species make their homes here, including herons, storks, spoonbills, egrets, ducks, scarlet macaws and toucans. Monkeys, bats, American crocodiles, coatimundis, armadillos and jaguarundi join their avian neighbors, and make a trip to Palo Verde National Park one that is not soon forgotten. A few miles south of Lomas de Barbudal, budget about two hours to reach Palo Verde from Hermosa Beach. Read more...

Santa Rosa National Park: One of the oldest national parks in Costa Rica, Santa Rosa sprawls out over almost 96,000 acres. The park serves as one of the most important nesting sites for several turtle species, and is also a symbol of national pride: Costa Rica has only been invaded three times by foreign armies, and each time, the would-be conquerors were defeated in Santa Rosa.

Reaching Santa Rosa National Park is a challenge, but it’s worth the 1.5-hour trip. More than 250 bird species, 50-60 bat species, 115 mammal species, 4000 moth and butterfly species and thousands of insect species make their homes here. Visitors may hike many miles of trails, explore the historic La Casona building and Monument to the Heroes, or simply relax at one of the park’s beautiful ocean overlooks. Santa Rosa National Park is also home to famous surf breaks Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock. Read more...

Rivers:

Tempisque River: Beginning at the Guanacaste Mountain Range, the Tempisque River travels 90 miles south to empty into the Gulf of Nicoya. The river cuts right through Palo Verde National Park, and many river tours float along its waters in search of white-faced monkeys, American crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Day Trips:

Rincon de la Vieja National Park: A mere 90-minute drive from Playa Hermosa, Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers well-groomed trails, towering volcanoes, boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and amazing natural beauty. Full-day tours depart daily and include transportation, a guided tour, lunch and unforgettable memories. Read more...

Monteverde Cloud Forest: One and two-day tours depart Hermosa almost daily, climbing from Costa Rica’s dry savannah into the country’s most celebrated cloud forest. Walk through the canopy along hanging bridges, swing among the trees on the country’s first canopy tour and experience one of the most bio-diverse regions in Costa Rica. Views from Monteverde seem to stretch out forever, and on a clear day you can see straight out to the Pacific Ocean. Read more...

Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna: One and two-day tours depart Hermosa daily, traveling to one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations. The majestic Arenal Volcano sets off lava light shows nearly every night, and the area’s hot springs are famous for their restorative properties. Read more...

Barra Honda National Park: Go on a caving expedition at Costa Rica’s most famous and labyrinthine caves. Known for its spectacular rock formations and incredible views, visitors will witness geological formations created more than 50 million years ago. Hike through the ancient caves and discover the park’s weaving waterways on a full-day trip from your Playa Hermosa hotel. Read more...

Nicaragua: Discover the beauty of one of Nicaragua’s most colorful cities, Granada. Gaze at its canary yellow church, walk through its colonial streets and swim in nearby Laguna de Apoyo. Purchase souvenirs at the eclectic Masaya market and drink in the views of the town’s active Masaya Volcano.

How to Get to the Gulf of Papagayo

Bus:

Costa Rica’s excellent public bus system will take you as far as Playa Panama, just five minutes south of the Gulf of Papagayo. Buses depart San Jose once daily, and the six-hour ride costs about $5. Buses from Liberia depart many times daily, and the one-hour trip costs less than $1.50. When you reach Playa Panama, take a $5-10 taxi ride to your Papagayo resort. Bus schedules and prices change frequently, so please call ahead for more detailed information: (506)2-221-7202 or (506)2-680-0392.

Private shuttle buses are also available to the Papagayo area. A comfortable, air-conditioned van will take you to the Papagayo Gulf from many popular Costa Rican towns, including San Jose, Monteverde, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Arenal. The trip costs about $45 per person each way, and 24-hour advance reservations are required. Contact 1-800-517-7893 for reservations.

Car:

From San Jose or the Juan Santamaria International Airport, take the West Interamerican Highway (Route 1) to Liberia. From Liberia’s main road, turn right and follow signs to Papagayo. Cross a small bridge; 200 yards later, you will see another road with signs that will lead you to your Papagayo hotel. This trip will take 4-5 hours by car.

From Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport, head out to the main road and turn right, following signs to Papagayo and to your hotel. This trip will take about 30 minutes.

Air:

Visitors can fly directly into the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, or take a local flight from San Jose. Nature Air and Sansa Air offer 40-minute flights daily from San Jose to Liberia starting around $80. Contact 1-800-517-7893 for reservations.