Three Perfect Days in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

With coastlines along the Caribbean Sea to the east and Pacific Ocean to the west (and tropical forests, plains, and lowland mountains in between), Costa Rica is a dream destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a leisurely, laid-back vacation.

The vibrant beach town of Tamarindo, in the coastal Guanacaste region of northwest Costa Rica, puts you in the heart of the area’s gorgeous landscapes and in close proximity to Pacific Coast beaches. This is where you’ll find world-class surfing and fishing, friendly neighborhoods, resort communities, and great food and culture.

The beautiful natural landscapes and ocean views of Tamarindo are the backdrop to a community centered on the pura vida lifestyle — one of living simply and joyfully in the moment — found in the town’s laid-back pace, warm authentic hospitality, and many eco-conscious attractions and activities.

A vacation in Guanacaste offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun in every season. Golfing, horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking, swimming and snorkeling, surfing, fishing, tennis, and pickleball are just a few of the adventures to be had.

Nearby, there’s even more to enjoy, including boat tours through the mangroves at Las Baulas National Marine Park, sunset sails and catamaran cruises, or simply spending an afternoon on the beach or in Tamarindo’s town center visiting boutique shops, historic sites, and art galleries.

Our knowledgeable Vacation Concierge team is always available to help you plan your Costa Rica vacation. For now, we’re sharing an example of an ideal itinerary for three perfect days in this tropical paradise — complete with plenty of fun, sun, and adventure.

DAY 1: Beach Time and Learning How to Surf

On your first full day in Tamarindo, wake early for breakfast on the patio to take in the fresh air, blue skies, and ocean views. Your Local Host can make sure the kitchen is stocked with your favorite food and drinks, plus everything you’ll need for your stay.

After breakfast, pack up towels and sunscreen and head over to Tamarindo Beach for a day of surf and sun. Tamarindo is known for the consistency of its waves, making it an ideal spot for a private or small-group surf lesson. An expert instructor will have you up on your board and on the water in no time, whether you’re new to the sport or just need a refresher. It’s a great activity for couples, families, or friend groups to do together.

Post-lesson, take a walk along the beach and then grab a casual lunch at nearby El Mercadito Food Court, where you can explore different options and choose whatever you feel like trying that day. This upscale, open-air, covered dining hall houses about 10 different vendors, featuring really good local cuisine, Mexican food, Asian options, pizzas, burgers, and more. Once you order, settle in at one of the tables and enjoy the friendly atmosphere and variety of global flavors (the arepas and poke bowls are particularly yummy), taking time to refuel before getting back to the beach

In the afternoon, relax by the pool at the luxurious Langosta Beach Club and explore the soft sand and clear water of Langosta Beach. Just south of busier Tamarindo Beach, this scenic stretch of coastline has got a different vibe — a little quieter and more relaxed, with white-foam waves and plenty of tide pools and shells — and is a perfect place to spend a few peaceful, water-side hours.

For dinner that night, you’ll enjoy reservations at L’Estanco Hidden Garden, a stunning restaurant that feels worlds away from the streets of Tamarindo. The lush garden setting is a magical backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Service is friendly and attentive, and the menu features a delicious merging of Mediterranean and Peruvian fusion cuisine.

From fresh, delicate ceviche to start (with three options to choose from) to main courses such as garden beef, asparagus risotto, and lamb tajine, to crafted cocktails and the “dessert of the day,” everything is beautifully prepared and plated, making for a special end to your first day in Costa Rica.

DAY 2: Las Baulas National Marine Park

A visit to Las Baulas National Marine Park is an excellent way to learn about the region’s biodiversity. The park is convenient to your Equity Estates home, and areas such as Playa Grande can be reached in about 20 minutes. At Las Baulas, visitors can spend the day outdoors, exploring mangroves and protected beaches, walking coastal trails, spotting birds, monkeys and other wildlife, or going sea kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling.

During turtle nesting season (typically October through March), guided night tours in the park are another fun way to explore, offering an opportunity to observe leatherback sea turtles coming ashore to nest.

While exploring Las Baulas, don’t forget to take a break for lunch. The chic Pots & Bowls café in Playa Grande is a great choice for anyone looking for fresh, healthy food.

The space itself is lovely, with open-air covered seating and lots of greenery. And the food is fresh and creatively prepared. The sweet and sour chicken waffles, coconut pancakes, and eggs benedict with short rib are popular choices from the all-day breakfast menu, while the shrimp tacos, chifricoco, and tuna crispy rice cakes are the perfect size for mid-day meals. Pots & Bowls also serves cold-pressed juices and a variety of smoothies for an extra refreshing treat.

That afternoon, enjoy siesta time comforts at your Equity Estates home. Nap indoors or by the pool, go for a swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach.

For dinner, you’ll love an in-home, private dining experience with Chef Daniel Guadamuz. Chef Daniel  grew up in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula (one of the world’s official “Blue Zones”), a short distance from Tamarindo, and offers an authentic culinary experience that showcases the bright flavors of Guanacaste.

Combining the traditions of local cooking with professional techniques he learned through culinary school, his dishes include favorites such as ceviche, patacones (fried green plantains), coconut rice and beans, Creole mango salad, a classic vigorón with pork loin, and surf & turf. The menu will be curated and customized ahead of time based on your preferences, and everything will be taken care of, so you can sit back and relax before, during, and after your meal.

DAY 3: See the Sights, Shop & Explore the Flavors of Tamarindo

On your final full day in Costa Rica, keep your schedule flexible, but make loose plans to spend the day in town and immerse yourself in the Tamarindo experience.

Start with a breakfast of banana bread French toast or the “Big Bang” at Santa Rita Café or opt for fruit, pastries, and coffee if you prefer something a little lighter. Afterward, explore The TAM (Tamarindo Artisanal Market), a second-floor, air-conditioned market where you can shop, watch artists at work, sample food, and even take a workshop.

Wander through the nearby Tamarindo Farmer’s Market and watch the skaters at Oneida Park. Browse The Bookstore of Waves (with books in English and Spanish, as well as postcards, puzzles, and small gifts). And hit up some of the colorful local boutiques for clothing, jewelry, and other items.

If art’s your thing, pay a visit to Art Gallery Café Junior Rodriguez, Bliss Family of Artists!, and the Art Gallery Malu Moreira, or drive over to the Tamarindo Art Gallery to view the pieces on exhibit.

For lunch, you can’t go wrong with La Palapa Seafood & Grill (located right on the beach) or Pangas, an elegant beachfront spot with on-sand dining under lush shade trees near the estuary.

Afterward, explore the beauty of the estuary with a two-hour guided Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour or treat yourself to a private catamaran tour along the “Gold Coast.” Or consider sampling the beer (and enjoying the views) at Volcano Brewing Company’s street-side tasting bar.

For dinner, you’ll have reservations at Dragonfly Bar & Grill, a Tamarindo favorite for over 20 years. Tucked away in a cozy spot near the town center, it’s home to seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, as well as a nice selection of wines, cocktails, and craft beers — all served in a charming open-air dining room that’s softly lit to create a romantic, easy ambiance.

Salads, starters, specials, entrees, creative sushi items, and desserts make up the multi-page food menu. Everything is good, though the Costa Rican croquettes and the Thai BBQ pork ribs (when they’re available) are top picks, along with the whole grilled red snapper, seafood linguine, and Tico shrimp roll options. But if you can, save room for dessert: the carrot and blueberry cake or the traditional tres leches cake are a sweet end to a fabulous three days in Costa Rica.

At Home in Tamarindo with Equity Estates

Set within the private, gated community of Tamarindo Park, Equity Estates’ spacious Tamarindo home is a completely new build, retaining just the basic elements of the prior structure.

Thoughtfully designed in a modern, tropical style, the five-bedroom residence blends coastal Costa Rican touches with high-end finishes. The curated décor showcases local artists, as well as custom-made, locally sourced wood details — elements that connect the home to the community.

Inside you’ll find well-appointed bedrooms with ensuite baths, an open floor plan with a chef’s kitchen, air conditioning, and large windows and sliding glass doors that bring light and spectacular views into the home.

Outdoors, there are two levels of living space for relaxing and entertaining — a main-level patio with private pool, BBQ, and cozy seating and an upper-level, rooftop terrace with a second BBQ and panoramic views of Tamarindo Bay, Playa Langosta, and the beautifully landscaped neighborhood.

Minutes from the beach and a short walk from Tamarindo’s town center, the home offers both quiet relaxation in a lush, tropical setting and the convenience of restaurants, shops, and other attractions just 10 minutes away.

Your Vacation Concierge will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless by arranging reservations for activities, transportation, and dining. Leave the details to us and can even arrive at a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice from the local market.

Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations Team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call. Download our Executive Summary to learn more.