Things to Do in Paraiso, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

About Paraíso, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Paraíso means “paradise” in Spanish, and this quaint town offers a slice of it. It might not be as busy as other Guanacaste destinations, but any traveller looking to relax on vacation knows that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

This peaceful destination welcomes visitors with stunning natural beauty. It’s right in the middle of lush green forests and rolling hills, with some of the best beaches just a short drive away. Whether it’s hiking, birdwatching, or surfing you want to do, the town lives up to its name as a paradise for nature lovers.

Before we get to it, don’t get your Costa Rican towns confused: there’s a village with the same name in the town of Cartago, which is a city located southeast of the capital, San José.

If it’s a quiet, hidden destination in Costa Rica you’re looking for, then you’ve found the right article. Here’s all you need to know about Paraíso, Guanacaste:

How to Get to Paraíso, Guanacaste

By Plane

Paraíso is in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia.

By Car/Taxi

From Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste, Paraíso is 75.8km (47mi) away. The drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic.

From San José, the Costa Rican capital, driving to Paraíso along National Route 27 takes 4.5 hours, covering 241 km (149.75mi).

Best Time to Visit Paraíso, Guanacaste

Just like the rest of Costa Rica, the best time to visit Paraíso is in the dry season from December to April. The lack of rain and warm temperature is great for exploring Paraíso’s natural attractions, from the beach to the forests. However, since this is the high season, expect prices to be much higher.

Meanwhile, the green season is from May until November. The heavier rainfall gives this time of year its name—the foliage, particularly in Guanacaste, turns green and lush. Despite the showers, it’s a beautiful time of year to see Paraíso’s local flora and fauna. An added perk is cheaper pricing and fewer crowds this time of year.

READ NEXT: Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Things to Do at Paraíso, Guanacaste

Choose your own beach adventure

Paraíso has a central location close to some of Costa Rica’s best surf spots. If you’re looking for a mix of great surf and nightlife, the popular Playa Tamarindo is less than an hour away. Meanwhile, you can cross to smaller and more secluded beaches like Playa Junquillal, Playa Blanca, and Playa Negra in less than 15 minutes by car. With the option to choose between livelier beaches and more relaxed ones, Paraíso is a scenic middle ground.

Explore the Guanacaste Terrain 

The province of Guanacaste is filled with national parks, lush forests, and eco-lodges. Rincón de la Vieja, Tenorio Volcano, and Marino Las Baulas are some of the national parks you can’t miss in the area. Zipline through the valley, go horseback riding or follow a hiking trail to beautiful waterfalls and gardens.

Learn About Water Conservation at Guanacaste Water Center

One of the sustainable attractions in Paraiso is Guanacaste Water Center. It’s a community centre for education on the conservation of water and resources in Guanacaste. 

Visitors can go on a 3-hour tour and learn about various environmental topics, try a honey-tasting activity, and go on a relaxing nature walk for USD$25 per person. There are also workshops that study the local wildlife, conservation, and protection efforts, as well as volunteer opportunities at the center’s native trees and plant nursery.

Where to Stay in Paraíso, Guanacaste

For a sustainable jungle bungalow: Mundo Milo EcoLodge

Built-in the middle of a jungle, Mundo Milo EcoLodge offers palapa-roof bungalows decorated in Mexican, Persian, and African styles. These come with private bathrooms with hot-water showers, air-conditioning, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a private terrace with beautiful garden views. On-site, there’s a wooden restaurant, a swimming pool, and activities like darts, board games, and ping pong.

For a lodge with king beds: Guacamaya Lodge

This lodge is a lush property in Paraiso surrounded by mountains and gardens, and it’s only 9 minutes away on foot from Junquillal Beach. The rustic-style rooms are spacious and elegant, with a choice of king room, studio, bungalow, and standard room. There are also impressive amenities on-site, such as an outdoor pool, tennis courts, massage services, and a bar and restaurant with local, Swiss, and vegan options.

For an entire beach home: Villas Paraiso

For a private home in Paraiso, this villa is a great option, especially for families. The air-conditioned property has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave. Outside, there’s a small outdoor pool, a private beach area, a terrace, and BBQ facilities. 

Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near Paraiso, Guanacaste

La Flaca Marisquería y Taberna

This fantastic place serves some of the best seafood in town and at great prices, too. Try the mixed fish ceviche, pollo a la flaca, and garlic shrimp. They also have vegetarian options available.

Restaurante Tatanka

For some Italian flavour, this restaurant in Hotel Tatanka serves delicious thin-crust pizza, pasta, and fresh seafood. You can’t go wrong with any of their pizza offerings, from anchovies to Hawaiian, paired with an ice-cold beer.

Restaurante Lochito’s

This spot serves a variety of cuisines, from Costa Rican, Latin, to vegetarian. There’s definitely a dish that will meet every craving, but we recommend the arroz con pollo, Casado, seafood pasta, and chicken skewers.

The Bottom Line

While it’s not exactly one of the most popular destinations in Guanacaste, Paraiso has a lot to offer for those willing to make the journey. If you’re looking for a more hidden destination that’s not too far from Costa Rica’s stunning beaches and jungles, Paraíso is a small town that’s worth the visit.

If you’re heading to Guanacaste, add this hidden gem to your itinerary! Would you visit Paraiso, Costa Rica?