Riu Guanacaste Half and Full Day Tours - Fun Things to do

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Things to do near Riu Guanacaste

Enjoy a day of adrenaline and adventure on this zipline tour, with incredible views of the Arenal Volcano or maybe a day at the Vida Aventura Natural Park is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation that you are looking for.

Riu Guanacaste

Riu Guanacaste Hotel is a superb modern resort on Costa Rica’s north-west coast. Offering many on-site activities, including tennis, swimming, and volleyball, Guanacaste enjoys a less humid climate than the rest of Costa Rica, making it a popular destination for young and old alike.

A treasure trove of delights in the area – Things to do

Riu Guanacaste Horseback Riding
Riu Guanacaste Horseback riding

There are plenty of activities to enjoy and places to visit in the area around the Riu Guanacaste Hotel. Whether you love the outdoors or the tranquility of the beach you will find something that excites you. Here is the Hotel Website

With beautiful terrain and many successful stables, the Guanacaste area is heaven for horse and pony enthusiasts. Book lessons and head out on the trails at professionally run private ranches. Or visit one of the many adventure centers in the countryside. Try zip-lining, rappelling or whitewater rafting in breath-taking surroundings.

There are few better ways to see local beauty spots like Rincon de la Vieja than with expert adventure companies who let you combine the enjoyment of nature with the thrills of adventure.

Take a tour of one of Guanacaste’s nature reserves and see the heart of Costa Rica. The country is proud of its natural wonders, and near to Riu Guanacaste, you will be able to spot exotic animals, from charismatic tapirs to gorgeous birds. Stumble upon natural wonders like the Viento Fresco Waterfall and take the plunge into the pure mountain waters.

Or reach some of the country’s least visited, but most wonderful beaches via the nature reserves. Secluded coves like Nancite are only reachable through the Santa Rosa National Park, so fuse your love of nature with your passion for the beach in a perfect day out.

 

The best time of year to enjoy the hotel

There are no really bad times to visit Guanacaste, but those seeking a true beach experience should head over during the “dry” season between November and April. Expect hot, dry conditions that are ideal for perfecting that tan, playing golf or taking a dip in the swimming pool. During the dry season, the tourist attractions of the region will be up and running, with everything available for you to have as relaxing a trip as you wish.

Riu Guanacaste Adventure Tours
Riu Guanacaste Adventure Tours

The “wet” season is still a fine time to fly out to Guanacaste, however. From around May until November, the tropical rains bring a wonderful natural diversity into bloom.

For those seeking the full spectrum of color, the widest possible range of animal life to see, and lush green hills that make perfect holiday snaps, they could be the right time to book.

The weather is still warm enough to enjoy surfing and swimming, but Guanacaste the natural attractions of Guanacaste can really shine, and with fewer visitors, crowds are thinner and sight-seeing can be more pleasant.

Getting to the resort is easy at any time of year.

Most visitors arrive by plane at nearby Liberia Airport and take buses or taxis to the resort. But you can also find many hire car businesses in the town of Liberia, as well as maps in local tourist information centers. Driving gives you much more flexibility in visiting local attractions and is well worth considering.

Hotel air view the Pool

Guanacaste resort is also a fabulous place to enjoy an active holiday. Play golf at the fabulous Reserva Conchal course, rent tennis courts or enjoy water sports like water-skiing or paragliding. Head out snorkeling or scuba diving to see the spectacular marine life or just spend your time relaxing with a favorite book on the pristine tropical beaches. And surf fans, don’t forget to try the region’s famous waves. There are surf shops and tutors on hand to initiate learners and waves that will satisfy the experienced.

A classic destination

So if you are looking for a natural extravaganza or just a week on an idyllic tropical beach, Guanacaste may be the perfect destination. Every day can involve a new activity and be packed with beautiful sights, all from the comfort of a world-class hotel.

Making the most of your time

Whether you are traveling in a large group or enjoying a romantic break away, the complex and surroundings of Riu Guanacaste offer visitors a warm welcome with fine dining, nightlife, and attractions to suit every taste. When you arrive, ask the concierge for particular highlights of the season; depending on when you are visiting, this could be a placid boat trip to a secluded cove or the lively celebrations of Costa Rica’s Independence Day in September.

At Hotel Riu Guanacaste the dining options are mouth watering: from Furama’s Asian fusion buffet to the fine dining of Tucan, seafood is always a specialty in Costa Rica and your pleasure will be so much the better for it. Enjoy your stay.

Matapalo Beach

Matapalo Beach is truly one of Costa Rica’s tourist gems. Many people miss out on the Guanacaste region if they fly into San Jose, but the sands of Matapalo and the vibrant tourist activities that can be accessed from the hotel are actually very easy to reach.

Enjoy the surf, the sun and the spectacle of tropical nature at its most appealing. Be pampered by the Guanacaste Hotel staff and explore the hospitality of Costa Ricans in a stunning beach location.

How and when to visit Matapalo Beach

With Costa Rica’s variable climate, it is important to know the best time to visit Matapalo Beach so that holidaymakers avoid being soaked as they sunbathe on the pristine sands. The north-west region of Costa Rica generally enjoys a dry, warm period from December through to April, when temperatures allow for long afternoons lazing on the beach. But this is also high season for tourists, meaning that the beautiful beach sees a few more visitors. It won’t be crowded, but you might not enjoy the seclusion that you want.

Take the drive to Matapalo between June and July during the northern Summer, when Costa Rica’s tourist infrastructure livens up after a brief break. You might experience a little rain, but for long periods the beach will be sunny and warm, you will be able to find a secluded cozy spot, and the country around Matapalo will be a riot of gorgeous greens and colors.

Nice footage showing you the beach:

A sandy jewel that’s easy to get to from Riu Guanacaste hotel

Matapalo Bay enjoys all of the features of a modern resort, with the chance to find true relaxation in secluded beaches nearby. From the resort, you can organize snorkeling, fishing or diving excursions, letting you make the most of the pure blue waters and abundant marine life of the region. Book Shuttle Here

Head out on a boat to see the bay by sunset, or try pony-trekking in the interior. Or just enjoy the sporting delights of Riu Guanacaste, with tennis, golf and swimming you will always be entertained.

For adventurous holidaymakers, a trip to Cape Matapalo is a must. Be guided by an expert 4×4 driver or rent your own and find some of the most wonderful secluded coves in the Matapalo Beach area.

Ride the Pacific surf, swim at the picturesque Pan Dulce beach or walk the dramatic cliff-lined coastline and take some stunning holiday snaps. Take a walk to King Louis falls and swim in the pool beneath or take a nature tour of the forest with an experienced guide. Spot monkeys, try tree climbing and waterfall rappelling or take advantage of local knowledge by enlisting an expert to explain the dazzling plumage of the local birdlife.

Staying at the beach also lets you explore the surrounding region, which is filled with wonderful tourist opportunities. Take a tour of the Arenal Volcano region and relax in hot springs, book an adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting adventure and learn how to handle a steed at the equestrian center in Tamarindo. Get in shape on the tennis courts or perfect that tan on the unspoiled beaches, and enjoy one of Costa Rica’s finest tourist attractions.

A beach experience that can’t be missed

For all visitors to Guanacaste, Matapalo is a beach that should be seen and savored. With the attraction of seclusion and exciting attractions, Matapalo allows that rare blend of relaxation and entertainment. Sunbathe and take in unique outdoor experiences. Let the pure blue Pacific waters hypnotize you, or rush in to make a splash with a board in hand. Everyone can have the holiday that they want, however energetic, in a tourist haven like Matapalo. Read more about Matapalo Beach Here

Do not miss this experience!

Ask us any questions.

Julie N
Julie N
2022-12-04
River tour Super tour with a great guide on the river followed by an amazing meal cooked by the family. Would definitely recommend anyone to go.
Patricia M
Patricia M
2022-08-18
Best personalized tour experience ever. I don’t normally write reviews, but I really have to do this!!! I just returned from a fabulous week in Costa Rica. Stayed at the W Hotel Reservation Conchal. Hired Issys Tours to pick me up from the airport to the hour drive to Guanacaste. The driver, Adolfo, was excellent. My sister and I were a bit hungry and he was nice enough to stop at a fruit stand for us to buy fresh fruit. We weren’t interested in tours but he convinced us to do one tour to Palo Verde. Michael was our driver to Palo Verde and was so knowledgeable of historical information, when he dropped us off at the hotel, we booked another tour. Michael was absolutely phenomenal. Best experience ever. We had last minute flight changes as we decided to take a flight to Panama at 5:00 am. I contacted Esteban who arranged to have a driver arrive promptly to the hotel at 3:00 am. I highly recommend Issys tours. I will be returning to Costa Rica in June 2023 and will be making all my transportation arrangements with Issys Tours. They are flexible, professional, knowledgeable and have excellent work ethics.
John C
John C
2022-08-14
Issys Tours treated our family like their own family...Thank you so much for the wonderful memories. We will cherish them foreve Spectacular experience in Costa Rica thanks to Issys Tours Costa Rica!!! My family and I want to thank Esteban and his staff for treating us like family!!! Highly recommended if you are interested in visiting Costa Rica!!! Issys Tours Costa Rica catered to all our needs, from reliable round-trip airport transfers to private boat excursions and more!!! Their private round-trip transfer was punctual, friendly and safe. Issys Tours booked our Buena Vista Mega Combo tour and their awesome private concierge, Michael, went above and beyond to make sure my family and I were safe and had an enjoyable experience. Thanks to Esteban, Issys Tours was able to book us on a few last minute excursions to visit the sloth sanctuary at Bijagua Rana with our wonderful and knowledgeable guide, Manuel, where we had many sloth encounters as well as other wild animals. This was a major highlight of our visit thanks to Issys Tours. Following our awesome visit to the sloth sanctuary, Esteban added a special visit for my family to the Café&Cacao Tour, where we learned about coffee and chocolate. Next, we headed to El Sabor De Doña Carmen for a delicious and authentic Costa Rican lunch and visited their majestic butterfly sanctuary. To top off our wonderful and perfect day, Esteban offered my family a private sunset boat tour with Captain Eduard and Carlos, who safely brought us to visit the mangroves and swim at the beautiful Playa Nacascolo. Again, my family and I are so grateful for taking care of us and treating us like your family!!!
Haroldtruckie
Haroldtruckie
2022-08-10
Costa Rica Rain Forest, Hot Springs and Volcano Traveling with a Group of 6 can be challenging but not for the Issues Tour Group. This tour required a long drive with a very early departure from our hotel. Our guide Mike made it fun and interesting pointing the special feature of Costa Rica as we drove. The vehicle was comfortable, clean and had more than enough room for our group. Plus our guide gave us full instructions on the must haves as we prepared for our trip. We made a stop for breakfast and it was delicious. Our weather was not the best but our guide didn't let that stop him from making it the best possible for us. The rain forest was amazing in the off and on morning rain was we were prepared with all the correct gear. The hot springs was refreshing and eased the pains in our sore joints and muscles from the rain forest hike. The volcano was buried in clouds all day but that didn't detract from a great day had by all in our group. We finished with a wonderful meal that was absolutely amazing. The flavors in the foods and drinks were simply amazing!!!!
Josh B
Josh B
2022-07-30
Great time in Costa Rica First, they picked us up at the Airport round-trip, also we did fishing, captain Eduard and sailor Carlos provide me an amazing techniques and tips so I caught a rooster fish, we did 2 more excursions (Mega Combo and Palo Verde ) Michael our guide was very attentive and kind with us, he explained us a lot about Costa Rica and the best of all was the food. I highly recommend Issys Tours, of course I will contact these guys again.
Alexandria L
Alexandria L
2022-07-25
Waterfall and sloth encounter tour Michael did a fantastic job at giving us the tour of the waterfall and the sloth encounter. His knowledge of where to find sloths, monkeys, frogs and many other animals made our tour nothing short of memorable. We even got to see a sloth on the ground. We recommend him and Issy’s tours for your Costa Rica experience!
SylviaI
SylviaI
2022-07-12
Awesome Coffee and Cacao Tour We took a private coffee and chocolate with Issy’s Tours. Our guide Norberto picked us up at our resort and was very knowledgeable about the area we drove through. Danny and Wilson fro the Coffee and Cacao Tours in Alajuela gave us a great experience. We finished up with an authentic Costa Rican lunch and a butterfly garden. Truly enjoyed our time. Would recommend 100%!
ezequiel
ezequiel
2022-07-07
increible paseo excelente atencion de parte de esteban y sus colaboradores , siempre amables y dispuestos para que la pasemos genial, muy buena atencion y execelentes precios , cuando vuelva a costa rica los elegiremos de nuevo por supuesto
benjamini s
benjamini s
2022-07-04
Great company to work With without any doubt , I have no words for these guys , my wife and I planned a family trip to costa rica , with my 2 children of 6 and 10 years old ,we decided to book with Issys Tours for our excursion in Arenal volcano , we had a lot fun , we crossed the suspension bridges, my children enjoyed the butterfly garden a lot,we also had a delicious costa rica lunch and the incredible hot springs. Excellent company , very responsible ,experienced and attentive to my request.
Lashanya I
Lashanya I
2022-06-28
Costa Rica My cousin and I had an amazing tour guided by Isis. He was so professional and took pride in his work. We saw waterfalls, coffee/cocoa tour, sloth, and ate a great authentic meal. We highly recommend this tour.