Climate:
Guanacaste offers a warm and sunny climate, especially from December to May our Golden Season. While short afternoon showers provide a refreshing break during the other months, Guanacaste remains Costa Rica’s beach province with the most consistent and pleasant weather year-round.
Cuisine:
Guanacaste’s cuisine is cantered around corn and features the distinctive smoky flavour of wood-fired cooking, giving its dishes a unique touch.
- Corn Rice: A hearty soup made with corn and shredded chicken.
- Mazamorra: A traditional drink made with tender white or purple corn.
- Pork Tamales: Corn dough filled with pork and vegetables, wrapped in a banana leaf.
- Horchata: A chilled beverage made from rice, cacao, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Currency:
As in the rest of Costa Rica, the official currency is the Costa Rican Colón. The rate of exchange changes weekly, being minor differences in the fluctuation and controlled by the Central Bank of Costa Rica. While U.S. dollars are widely accepted, we recommend carrying some colones for a smoother experience and to fully immerse yourself in local life. Credit cards are accepted almost anywhere.
Local Jargon:
When visiting Guanacaste, knowing these local words will help you connect with the culture:
- Bomba: Traditional rhymes often recited in social gatherings, reflecting the daily life of Guanacaste locals. Example: “The leaves of the tamarind mix with those of the coconut, my mother doesn’t want me to marry, and neither do I! Uyuyui bajura!”
- Marimba: A musical instrument that represents Costa Rican folklore.
- Chonete: A typical Costa Rican fabric hat.
- Coyol Wine: An artisanal alcoholic drink from the coyol palm, especially popular in Guanacaste.
- Retahila: A playful sequence of expressions, usually in rhyme, spoken one after another.
- Tope: A parade of horse riders, showcasing their best cowboy attire.
- Bull Riding: A Costa Rican tradition where a rider, called a “montador,” tries to stay atop a wild bull as long as possible.
- Bullfight: A local tradition where a group of “improvised bullfighters” dodge a bull in an arena, known as a “redondel.”
Must-See:
- Roca Bruja (Witch’s Rock): Located at Playa Naranjo, this secluded and untouched paradise offers a blend of nature, viewpoints, and a stunning beach with perfect surfing waves and vibrant wildlife. It is part of the Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste.
- Ostional: Witness the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles coming ashore simultaneously at Ostional Beach—a phenomenon that can only be experienced in Costa Rica.
Guanacaste Traditions:
Guanacaste locals are known for their warmth and friendliness, so don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a smile. The sound of the marimba gives the region’s folk music a distinctive charm. During local festivals, you’ll experience traditional bull riding, horse parades, folkloric dance performances, and the vibrant traditional costumes that add even more beauty to this remarkable land.
Guanacaste is well known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and the warm hospitality of its people, making Guanacaste a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking unforgettable experiences.
Contact us for more information for deluxe resorts and destination management services in our destination.