Garza, Guanacaste

Located just off Route 160 in Guanacaste, the town of Garza is a charming beachside community. Home to many high-end hotels and resorts, Garza is an ideal base of operations for visitors hoping to catch some waves at Playa Garza to the southwest, and many of the beachfront accommodations overlook the scenic waters of the Playa Barco Quebrado.

Surf's Up

Playa Garza is approximately one and a half miles from Garza proper, and is one of the most remote stretches of the Guanacaste coast. Most surfers favor more consistent beaches such as Playa Guiones to the northeast, as the waves as Playa Garza are considered to be a little unreliable. However, during high tide, there is one spot where waves can be chest high or bigger, and the north and south ends of the bay work well during strong swells. If you want to try your luck, paddle out during low to mid tide.

Kick Back in Style

Even if you're just passing through, Garza has some luxurious places to stay. The Nosara Playa Garza Hotel is a popular spot with tourists, and is known for its delicious homecooked cuisine and welcoming family atmosphere. The rooms are spacious, and the hotel is directly across the street from the beach - ideal for working on your tan or spend a lazy afternoon lounging on the pristine white sand.

Another popular place to stay is the L'acqua Viva Resort and Spa. Boasting traditional cabana-style rooms and surrounded by palm trees, this luxury hotel offers guests a range of beauty and therapeutic spa treatments - perfect if you're looking to indulge yourself after a scenic drive along the Guanacaste coast.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Back to Nature

The Ostional Wildlife Refuge lies a short distance from Garza, and this picturesque conservation area is the second most important nesting site of Olive Ridley, Leatherback and Pacific Green sea turtles in Costa Rica. Encompassing the quaint village of Ostional, this refuge extends three miles out to sea, and is home to hundreds of species of bird and marine creatures.

To reach this remarkable animal sanctuary, you can take a domestic flight from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport to the Nosara Airport, or enjoy a scenic drive along Route 160. A short distance from Ostional Wildlife Refuge, you can also relax on the pristine beaches of Playa Samara, or take a boat ride out to the Isla Chora.