Things To Do
in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a traditional cantón seat in Guanacaste province known for its strong folkloric culture, lively festivals and warm, hospitable residents. The town sits inland on the Nicoya Peninsula, surrounded by dry tropical forest and within easy driving distance of popular Pacific beaches. Visitors will find a compact central park, colonial-era church architecture, small museums and regular artisan markets that showcase Guanacaste traditions.
Santa Cruz is a great base for combining cultural experiences—rodeos, music and food—with nearby outdoor adventures like surfing, wildlife tours and volcano hikes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at a local sodas, savoring dishes like Gallo Pinto and fresh tropical fruits. After breakfast, take a stroll through the historic center of Santa Cruz, where you can admire the vibrant colonial architecture and visit the charming central plaza. Don't forget to stop by the Museo de la Cultura to learn about the rich history and traditions of the area.
In the afternoon, explore the local artisan markets, where you can find beautifully crafted souvenirs and handmade goods by local artisans. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the open-air restaurants, trying local specialties like ceviche or casado. After lunch, visit the nearby Parque Nacional Palo Verde, where you can join a guided boat tour to observe the abundant birdlife and unique wetland ecosystems.
As evening falls, return to Santa Cruz and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the town square, where locals gather to socialize and enjoy live music. Dine at a local restaurant, experiencing the flavors of Costa Rican cuisine while trying dishes like tamales or olla de carne. To end the day, stroll through the illuminated streets and enjoy the vibrant nightlife, perhaps catching a traditional dance performance.
Start your day early by heading to Playa Tamarindo, known for its beautiful sandy beaches and ideal surfing conditions. After arriving, take a surfing lesson with a local instructor to catch some waves, or simply relax on the beach soaking in the sun. Enjoy a light breakfast at a beachfront café, sipping on fresh juice while watching the surfers ride the waves.
In the afternoon, grab a paddleboard or kayak and explore the coastline, discovering hidden coves and enjoying the stunning ocean views. Alternatively, you can join a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant underwater world of marine life. After an active afternoon, indulge in a delicious seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant, enjoying the fresh catch of the day.
As the sun sets over the Pacific, enjoy a picturesque sunset walk along the beach, capturing the breathtaking colors reflected on the water. Afterward, dine at one of Tamarindo's popular beachfront restaurants, where you can savor fresh fish and delectable desserts. To wrap up the night, consider visiting a local bar for live music or a beach bonfire under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $30-50 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in-town) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich folkloric culture and lively traditional festivals
- Close access to beaches, wildlife reserves and volcanoes
- Friendly locals and strong sense of community
- Lower prices and fewer crowds compared with major tourist hubs
- Limited nightlife and amenities compared to larger beach towns
- Fewer ATMs and ATM reliability can be an issue in rural areas
- Some roads are unpaved and require a sturdy vehicle
- Seasonal heat and mosquitoes in the green season
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Soy alérgico/a a..." - I am allergic to...
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Santa Cruz
Visit one of these nice places.
The town’s lively central square with the church, traditional architecture and local life—excellent for street photography, portraits and festival shots.
Historic church façade and interiors that reflect colonial influences; evocative at dawn or dusk for soft architectural light.
Volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, bubbling mud pots and dense dry forest provide dramatic nature photography opportunities.
Wide sandy beaches, turquoise water and colorful fishermen’s boats—great for sunrise, surf action and coastal lifestyle images.
Boat tours through rivers and mangroves reveal crocodiles, herons and other wildlife—ideal for wildlife and bird photography, especially at golden hour.
During fiestas and folkloric nights capture traditional dances, colorful costumes and energetic rodeo scenes—bring a fast lens and be respectful of participants.
Food in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Costa Rica’s iconic breakfast of rice and beans sautéed with onion and cilantro; available at nearly every breakfast spot and market stall.
Must-Try!
A typical lunch plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad and a choice of meat or fish; the best places to find it are local sodas and family comedores.
Fresh raw fish cured in citrus juice with onion, cilantro and peppers; widely available at coastal comedores and seafood stands near Sámara and Junquillal.
Corn-based specialties and local tamales often appear at markets and during fiestas—try them at holiday markets and community events.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small central market where locals buy produce, snacks, and prepared foods—great for trying gallo pinto, empanadas and fresh fruit juices.
Weekly or seasonal fairs that sell fresh produce, artisan foods, grilled meats and special sweets—perfect for sampling local flavors and buying homemade goods.
Seafood-focused stalls near nearby beaches that serve ceviche, fried fish and coconut rice; best for casual seaside meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly “hola” or “buenos días”; handshakes are common for first meetings and a light kiss on the cheek may occur in more familiar contexts.
Respect local religious spaces, festivals and farming practices—ask before photographing people during ceremonies or celebrations.
Time is often more relaxed in small towns—appointments may run late, but be punctual for official meetings or tours.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural homes; public displays of aggression or confrontation are frowned upon—politeness and indirectness are valued.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Cruz
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is commonly added in restaurants—if service is good, leaving a small extra tip is appreciated. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is normal; small tips for hotel staff, tour guides and drivers are welcome.
Cards are accepted at many restaurants and hotels in tourist areas, but small businesses and markets are cash-only—carry Costa Rican colones for purchases and have some US dollars as backup. ATMs are available in town but can be sparse outside peak areas; notify your bank before travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, sunny days with little rain—peak tourist season with hotter temperatures and busier beaches; bring sun protection, lightweight clothing and book accommodation ahead during holidays.
Afternoon or evening showers are common but mornings are often clear; the landscape is lush and wildlife viewing can be better, plus lower prices and fewer crowds—pack a light rain jacket and insect repellent.
Transition months that can offer a mix of good weather, fewer visitors and better deals—check local forecasts and be prepared for variable conditions.
Santa Cruz at Night
Hiking in Santa Cruz
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple trails loop through volcanic terrain, waterfalls, hot springs and dry forest—options range from short walks to multi-hour hikes with diverse scenery.
Wetland and mangrove trails combined with guided boat tours for birdwatching and seeing riverside wildlife; best during the dry season when animals concentrate at water.
Several smaller waterfalls and swimming holes near Santa Cruz and along routes to Rincón de la Vieja provide pleasant half-day hikes—good for cooling off after a trek.
Short coastal walks and headland trails that connect beaches and offer ocean vistas, tide pools and sunset viewpoints—suitable for gentle hiking and photography.
Airports
How to reach Santa Cruz by plane.
Main international airport serving Guanacaste (about 45–75 minutes by car from Santa Cruz depending on exact location); offers regional and international flights and is the most convenient entry point for this region.
Small domestic airport on the southern Nicoya Peninsula—useful if transferring from other coastal towns, requires a ferry or additional driving depending on itinerary.
Costa Rica’s largest international airport located near San José (about 3.5–5+ hours drive depending on traffic and route); an option for international flights when combined with domestic travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population is mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry) with strong Guanacastecan cultural identity.
The region reflects historical Chorotega influences in traditions, crafts and place names, though indigenous populations are smaller than in some other provinces.
A growing number of foreign residents and retirees live in Guanacaste, particularly in coastal communities, contributing to an international presence in nearby beach towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Costa Rica—local matches and youth leagues are common and match days attract community interest.
Very popular on nearby Pacific beaches; many visitors and locals take lessons and compete in regional events.
Traditional Guanacaste rodeos and cattle-related events are cultural fixtures during fiestas—spectators can experience local horsemanship and music.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Cruz.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited in small towns—look for rice-and-bean dishes, salads, vegetable stews and egg-based meals; communicate preferences clearly and seek out cafés or tourist-oriented restaurants for more variety.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are available in larger towns and beach resorts but may be scarce in rural Santa Cruz—pack snacks and plan ahead; when dining, use phrases like “soy vegano/a” or “sin gluten” and ask about ingredients.
Cross-contamination can occur in traditional kitchens; always communicate allergies in Spanish and carry essential medication like antihistamines and an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed.