From Papagayo, we recommend taking VIP helicopter tours to Arenal or Rincón de la Vieja. Enjoy in one day a helicopter tour, hot springs, and adventure activities with our helicopter tours.
National parks and reserves include Santa Rosa National Park, which protects a small remnant of the world’s last tropical dry forest. The small stand of oaks near the entrance to Comelco Ranch suggests the park’s original habitat.
One of the best national parks in Guanacaste is Rincón de la Vieja. Its location and size offer access from the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the Cordillera de Guanacaste. The drier Guanacaste side contrasts with the lush vegetation on the volcano’s eastern slope.
Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste National Park is a vital leatherback (baulas) sea turtle nesting site. The sea turtles come ashore from November to April to nest at Playa Grande on the Norther Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. If you do make it to the area for this fascinating display of nature at her finest, please do be respectful of the animals and always work with one of the local guides or organizations.
Explore the local beaches, at the top of the list is Playa Nacascolo. A stunning and tree-lined broad beach, it has crystal clear waters and no waves. Another idyllic beach is black-sand Playa Manzanillo, with views of Playa Iguanitas, Playa Panama, Playa Hermosa, and Penca, which are on the other side of the gulf.
Naturally, water sports are popular at Papagayo. Sea lovers can enjoy a fun day of leisurely beachcombing, kayaking, snorkeling, jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, body-surfing, or boogie boarding—not to mention surfing.
If you can’t bring your board, you can easily rent one from any number of local surfboard rental companies. Never caught a wave before? Lessons and surf pros to teach them are also plentiful.
Remember, most Costa Rica beaches are not swimming beaches. Always use some kind of floatation device when you’re out on the waters.
Sailing and parasailing round out the offerings.
For more organized activities, canopy tours, guided hikes, and day tours to Barra Honda National Park (caving) are available in abundance.
A day trip to colonial Granada in nearby Nicaragua will take you farther afield, but still a very do-able day trip.
Finally, you and your group might want to try your hand at sport fishing in some of the best sport fishing grounds in the world.
With Adventure Air you can coordinate your exclusive vacation and transfers by helicopter or private airplane to these areas and many others.
Our experts will recommend the best place to land. In addition to the best places to land, we can also set you up with the most exclusive tours and the best hotels, as well as will provide you with assistance throughout the reservation process y throughout your stay.