Most coastal tropical areas are filled with natural beauty, along with plenty of rain and lots of stifling humidity. Tamarindo, located on Costa Rica's northern Pacific Coast, has an edge on the competition. It actually has a dry tropical climate, with sunshine almost every day of the year. Even during the rainy season, showers generally last only a few minutes, usually in the late afternoon. When the sun returns, everything sparkles, and the sunsets are especially spectacular after the rain.
Tamarindo has a 3.5km white sand beach and warm blue water on its western border. National parks lie to the north and south, and beautiful blue mountains line the eastern border. The area is pristine, with howler monkeys playing in the trees, along with wild parakeets. Giant iguanas often frequent restaurants, begging for a handout. Leatherback turtles use the northern section of the bay to lay their eggs.
Tamarindo is a small town with a population of about 2,000. It's one of the most multi-cultural communities in Costa Rica, with people of many ethnicities living closely together: Costa Ricans, North Americans, Italians, Germans, Swiss, French, and Argentinians. Each group has added its own flavor and flair to Tamarindo's rich heritage and traditions.
Eateries in Tamarindo include a French bakery, Italian cuisine, fine steaks, succulent fresh seafood, chicken dishes, typical Costa Rican fare, and good ol' hamburgers and French fries. Little stands dot the area near the beach, selling local snacks and delicacies. Be sure to sample the locally grown, freshly-squeezed fruit juice - delicious!
Costa Rica is well known for welcoming visitors, and Tamarindo is no exception. The people are warm and friendly and never seem to get in a hurry. Life moves slower in Tamarindo, and a simple trip to the market might take hours when neighbors run into each other and turn it into an opportunity for a nice long visit. You won't have to be in Tamarindo long to fall in love with its natives.
Some of the many attractions in Tamarindo include eco-adventures, superb sport fishing, golf, ATV tours, sailing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, diving, canopy tours of the rain forest, and jungle boat rides. The town has an amazing nightlife, too, and many local musicians often perform impromptu jam sessions. If you have enough energy after exploring all day, you can dance the night away to the reggae rhythm of a live band.
If, by chance, you do everything there is to do in Tamarindo, not to worry. It's only minutes away from the beautiful resort town of Flamingo, the gorgeous beaches of Playa Conchal, and the wonderful swim beach at Ocotal.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Holle Abee.
Tamarindo has got everything you need to live the tropical dream--iguanas, beaches, reggae, and amazing Costa Rican vacation homes for you to lounge in whenever you need a break from your tropical dream!