Known for its beautiful beaches and peaceful atmosphere, Tamarindo is a tropical idyll on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
Stunning surf spots, unbeatable fishing, and plenty of infrastructure for luxury travelers make Tamarindo a popular spot with visitors young and old from around the world.
Costa Rica is epitomized in Tamarindo, which boasts stunning tropical beaches like Playa Conchal and Playa Flamingo that unfurl up and down the coast.
Fishermen and women from around the world come to Tamarindo for its stunning fishing grounds and its fleet of ships captained by locals.
Surfers have seen Tamarindo in their dreams. With perfect breaks dotting the region, there's no better place to catch a wave.
Tamarindo is entirely walkable and offers a welcome respite from crowded city life.
While visitors can expect plenty of great Costa Rican specialties, the town also has a French bakery, La Panaderia de Paris.
Top-rated restaurants in Tamarindo include Longboards BBQ and Pangas Beach Club. The average cost of dinner for two in the city is about ₡50,000 at a low-key restaurant.
Tamarindo is tropical, so the weather is pleasant all year long. Mid-November through August will provide the best weather, while September through March is leatherback turtle season.
The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR), located in Liberia, is about 45 minutes from town. Taxis and shuttles abound, but a local bus from Liberia is the best way to see the countryside and costs about ₡2,000.
The city is connected to the rest of the country by the 155. Although hilly, the route is fine for driving and reaches San Jose in about four hours.
Buses operate throughout the country. A 6-7 hour ride from San Jose with Alfaro bus company costs approximately ₡5,700. Do note that tickets can sell out two months in advance.
Both budget and luxury hotels can be found in Tamarindo. Budget-friendly options include Blue Trailz, which also has a surf camp. More upmarket options such as Hotel Jardin del Eden are popular among luxury travelers.
Calle Central - the main beachfront avenue is filled with shops and restaurants and plays host to a farmers market on the weekends.
Playa Langosta - this area, a bit off the main drag, borders the Las Baulas National Park and contains numerous resorts.
Playa Grande - just north of town, this area is home to a wonderful beach and some more laid-back hotels and restaurants.
While Tamarindo does not have any malls, there are many shops and local vendors in town, especially along the waterfront in the town center. Costa Rican crafts are a popular purchase. Those looking for a summer dress can expect to pay about ₡25,000.
Tamarindo's grocers are plentiful and well stocked. The cost of a dozen eggs in town is about ₡1,500, while a loaf of bread will run about ₡1,000.