Diria National Park
The Diria National Park is set near the town of Santa Cruz on the Nicoya Peninsula. The park protects some of the last remaining old growth forests on the peninsula and is a part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. Its trails offer good hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
This park was initially created as a wildlife refuge in 1991 to preserve forests on the Nicoya Peninsula. It became a national park in 2004.
The 12,000-acre (5,500-ha) park also protects important watersheds, including those surrounding the Diria, Verde, Tigre, and Enmedio rivers. These rivers are important sources of water for the town of Santa Cruz.
Over 380 species of trees have been identified within the Diria National Park, including tropical hardwoods like mahogany and pochote. At higher elevations there are evergreens and large bromeliads. The park also protects several endemic plant species – including the Pitcairnia bromeliad and a type of Stenocereus cactus – that are only found on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Two trails extend from the park’s ranger station. While hiking along these trails, you may see wildlife, including white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, peccaries, anteaters, deer, skunk, and iguanas. Over 140 bird species live within the park, as do several species of snakes.
One trail leads to the impressive Brasil Waterfall. This is a nice place to take photographs, swim, or relax.
There is a basic dormitory at the ranger station that allows travelers to stay overnight. Research groups and scientists often stay here.
Experiences in Diria National Park
Explore hand-picked Diria National Park tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
City Walk Guided Tour
Where to stay in Diria National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Diria National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hotel Mundo Milo Lodge
Hotel Mundo Milo is a small boutique eco-resort in Junquillal. With beach access of 350 meters away it is the perfect spot for your tropical vacation.
Hotel Playa Negra
Hotel Playa Negra offers oceanfront cabins next to Playa Negra's amazing reef break. Surfers will delight in the awesome waves off this pristine beach in Costa Rica's sunny and dry Guanacaste. Playa Negra is a caramel-colored beach, punctuated by rock outcroppings and tide pools. For those seeking escape from more developed tourist destinations in the Guanacaste region, this is just the spot.
Cabinas Las Olas
The wonderful cabinas of Las Olas are situated in the North Pacific of Costa Rica in the sunny Province of Guanacaste. Playa Avellanas white Sand Beach, located on a Mangrove Reserve permits you to discover nature intact right from the hotel. Las Olas is a beautiful hotel interested in a balance between human and nature. It is conveniently located near the popular beaches of Playa Negra and Tamarindo.
Seis Playas Hotel
Seis Playas Hotel is located in Tamarindo, an eclectic seaside town that’s set along the central coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Tamarindo is the most developed town on the peninsula, but has managed to retain a laidback vibe.
Wyndham Tamarindo
Wyndham Tamarindo is designed so that guests can get the most out their stay in the seaside town of Tamarindo. Staying here you’ll have access to the hotel’s well-maintained section of the beach, and have easy access to Tamarindo’s most famous attractions.
Lucky Monkey
The Lucky Monkey property contains two three-story vacation houses in Tamarindo. It's a large house with enough room for either 10 or 14 guests – it's up to you if you want to rent the extra room. Guests come here for the panoramic view and lots of space. The amenities are basic, and the property is perfectly suited to people who plan on spending a lot of time a the beach.
Hotel Pasatiempo
Hotel Pasatiempo is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. This hotel has adorable rooms and a gorgeous pool area.
Jardin del Eden
The luxury beach hotel of Jardin del Eden, or "Garden of Eden" in English, is located on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the sunny province of Guanacaste. The town of Liberia and the international airport are a short drive away from the popular beach community of Tamarindo and this magical hotel.
Mar Rey Hotel
The Hotel Mar Rey is located in the sunny Province of Guanacaste in the beach town of Tamarindo. Tamarindo is just an hour from the Liberia International Airport and four from San Jose Airport. The bustling multi cultural community of Tamarindo lends itself to splendid surroundings and nearly perfect weather.
Tamarindo Diria
Tamarindo Diria sits directly on the golden sands of Playa Tamarindo in the north‑west province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The hotel’s address places it within a short walking distance of the town’s main boulevard, where restaurants, shops and the bustling nightlife are concentrated, while the Pacific Ocean stretches out just beyond its front doors. Its location makes it convenient for travelers who wish to combine beach time with easy access to local amenities.
Casa Amor
Casa Amor is a 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom house that overlooks a verdant strip of Tamarindo beach. It’s ideal for groups of 4, but there is a sleeper sofa in case you have any extra guests.
Occidental Tamarindo Hotel
Occidental Tamarindo Hotel sits on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This region has warm tropical sunshine, outstanding white sand beaches, and an abundance of marine life.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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