Liberia, Costa Rica

Conchal Beach is considered by many to be one of the most exotic beaches in Costa Rica. Its brilliant white colour comes from small broken shells and coral. The sea is crystal clear with turquoise blue undertones. The beach is located just 2 km from Playa Brasilito and very close to Flamingo and Tamarindo. Apart from working on your tan and snorkelling, you can book a horse riding tour.

Tamarindo is a fairly small beach town, known for beaches with strong surf like Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta within walking distance from downtown. Playa Negra and Playa Avellana are slightly further away, but can easily be reached by car. Nature lovers won't want to miss Playa Grande to the north — it is a major nesting site for huge leatherback turtles. Visitors can enjoy miles of soft, pristine sand and crystal-clear waters, helping to give the region its reputation as a tropical paradise.

Las Baulas National Park offers an often-overlooked natural getaway just outside the crowded beaches of Tamarindo. Take a tour of the park’s vast network of mangrove forests on a relaxing boat trip — howler monkeys, crocodiles and tropical birds will be your companions on this trip. Head to the beach for a chance to see the magnificent leatherback turtles. The turtle nesting season is from October till February. Except for the turtle nesting season (October-February), which is allowed to stay on the beach until 5:00 PM.

The Flamingo Beach is one of Costa Rica's most popular beaches with fine white sand, clear clear blue waters, lagoons, vegetation and lots of activities on offer. The coastline is dotted with secluded beaches with mountains jutting out into the sea and creating quiet and secluded lagoons. The area is possibly best known for its scuba diving opportunities. There are several dive shops in town which provide service to the Catalina Islands and the Bat Islands. The waters around these islands are teaming with marine life, including the majestic giant pacific manta.

If visiting just one country per trip is not exciting enough for you — hop over to the neighbouring Nicaragua! Discover the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of Granada — the oldest colonial city in the Americas that is still thriving in its original location. On your way there, visit the active Masaya Volcano and the extinct Apoyo Volcano, cruise by boat to small islands on Lake Nicaragua. Tours include border-crossing assistance and hassle-free transportation for the smoothest experience possible.

Las Catalinas is a new beach town developed in 2006 along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Its purpose is to create a way of life that is healthy, sustainable, fulfilling and fun. In practical terms, it means that Las Catalinas was founded based on the principles of New Urbanism — a compact, car-free and fully walkable town within easy reach of the beach. A maze of small shaded streets connects houses, shops, restaurants, small hotels and inns, pedestrian streets, plazas, parks, and recreational facilities — all surrounded by a lush rainforest. On the other side is the Pacific Ocean you'll two of the finest beaches in all of Costa Rica with great swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, boogie boarding, and snorkelling. Don't miss out on the opportunity to go diving next to Las Catalinas islands!

Playas del Coco is one of the oldest beach communities in Guanacaste Province, located about 32 kilometres (20 miles) from the town of Liberia. The beaches here are known for the beautiful sunsets — the beach faces north so there is always a shadow and the sun sets over the hills or in between land and an island. Enjoy relaxed atmosphere, paved sidewalks, tree lined beach walks and a gradual surf.