Private 1-Day Tour To Nicaragua From Riu Guanacaste/Riu Palace

Guanacaste and Northwest , Costa Rica

Private 1-Day Tour To Nicaragua From Riu Guanacaste/Riu Palace

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(1 reviews)

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

"Visit Nicaragua with the safety and comfort of a private tour for your group in a comfortable and pleasant air-conditioned minivan, equipped with all the corresponding safety measures. On a day trip from Costa Rica to Nicaragua for the first time, You'll be able to see the highlights of the southern part of the country, including boating, shopping and wildlife viewing, all in a single day.

You will be picked up promptly from your hotel at 5 am and taken to the border, where your guide will help you through every step of the crossing, which takes approximately 30 minutes. The guide will facilitate the process and take care of all passport and visa procedures. From here, we will travel to enjoy a good breakfast and start the day.

We will visit the Catarina Viewpoint, the Masaya Handicraft Market, the Volcano Park Museum, the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral and, finally, the Islets of Nicaragua, and then return to the starting point.

Available options

Private 1-Day Tour To Nicaragua From Riu Guanacaste/Riu Palace

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Includes all the activities to do.

Costa Rica taxes.

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Nicaragua taxes.

Breakfast

Bottled water.

Pick up and drop off at the Hotel, Condominium or House

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up from your hotel promptly and taken to the border where your guide will assist you every step of the crossing, which takes approximately 30 minutes. The guide will facilitate the process for you and will take care of all the passport and visa procedures. From here we will travel to have a good breakfast to start the day.

Here you can enjoy an incredible view over the crater of the dormant volcano, Granada and Lake Nicaragua. You will be allowed to walk freely for a while before getting back on the bus and heading to the next stop.

An Inactive volcano where you will have the opportunity to stand right next to its crater and listen to it rumbling and spewing gases. An incredible view.

Stop 5

An old colonial city near Lake Nicaragua. Make a stop at the Church of La Merced, considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Granada. It is flanked by a large tower that houses the church bells. You will go up the stairs and reach the roof of the church. From here, you will have a panoramic view of the city of Granada, the Mombacho volcano and Lake Nicaragua with the islets. This is the perfect place to take photographs of the beautiful city and the surrounding area.

Lunch in Granada

Your last stop is a one-hour boat ride on Lake Nicaragua to see the Nicaraguan islets at sunset. Your guide will stop at Monkey Island which consists only of monkeys who will come out and take food from your guide on the boat! You will then return to Costa Rica, stopping along the way to pick up some snacks for the trip home.

Return to the starting point

What's not included

Alcoholic beverages.

Tips.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a private tour or activity. Only your group can participate.

If you are traveling with pets, we would appreciate it if you indicate it in the comments of your reservation.

About Guanacaste and Northwest

Guanacaste and Northwest Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning Pacific beaches, lush national parks, and vibrant cultural heritage. This region offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Costa Rican experiences, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and rich traditions.

Top Attractions

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

This national park is home to the active Rincón de la Vieja volcano and offers a variety of eco-tours, including hiking, mud baths, and waterfall jumps.

Nature Half to full day USD 10-15 for entrance

Las Baulas National Marine Park

This park is a critical nesting site for the endangered leatherback sea turtles. Visitors can witness nesting season from October to February.

Nature 2-3 hours for a guided tour USD 15-20 for a guided tour

Santa Rosa National Park

This park is known for its historical significance in Costa Rica's fight for independence and its diverse ecosystems, including dry tropical forests.

Historical Half to full day USD 10 for entrance

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, peppers, and spices, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Ceviche

A fresh seafood dish made with raw fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, cilantro, and sometimes tomatoes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Chifrijo

A popular bar snack consisting of a base of rice, beans, and pork or chicken, topped with pico de gallo and avocado.

Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Popular Activities

Zip-lining Waterfall rappelling Hiking Surfing ATV tours Beach lounging Yoga Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season, offering ideal conditions for beach activities, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures. The weather is sunny and warm, with minimal rainfall.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (especially in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Guanacaste is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty theft and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport • 10 km from Liberia

By bus

Liberia, Tamarindo, Santa Cruz

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are reliable but can be crowded during peak times.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Tamarindo Nosara Liberia

Day trips

Playa Conchal

20 km from Tamarindo • Half day

A stunning beach known for its unique shell-covered shoreline and clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Palmares Wildlife Refuge

30 km from Nosara • Full day

A beautiful wildlife refuge offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic views of the Pacific coast.

Hacienda Guachipelin

30 km from Liberia • Full day

An adventure park offering a variety of activities, including zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, and horseback riding.

Festivals

Fiestas de Guanacaste • July Tamarindo International Film Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons (May-June, September-November) for fewer crowds and lower prices
Hire local guides for a more informative and authentic experience, especially when exploring national parks and wildlife refuges
Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the culture
Pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen, as the region's climate is warm and sunny year-round
Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities