Costa Rica
The world's happiest country? No need for an army? A life expectancy of 80 years? 98% literacy rate? Carbon neutral by 2021? What more can you say about Costa Rica? The rest of us could learn a thing or two...
The secret is out, Costa Rica is one of the most spectacular countries in the World. Virgin cloud forests, pristine white sand beaches, and biodiverse rain forests carpet the country. Logistically Costa Rica is easy to get to with Liberia International Airport offering direct flights from more than ten North American destinations. The minimal time difference (similar to Nicaragua) ensures guests enjoy every hour of their stay.
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When Peninsula Papagayo opened its' doors in 2004 it became Central America's first environmentally friendly 5-star resort community. We personally own two of the 29 private luxury villas on the peninsula. Casa Caiman and Villa Nambi are the only fully staffed villa rentals in papagayo. We are also the only villas that include a boat... much less two! The premier coastal development in Central America committed to preserving 70% of the land as a nature preserve; a commitment that holds true today. This abundance of nature is what makes Peninsula Papagayo one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The region is home to more than 500,000 species representing 5% of all life forms on the entire planet.
Viridian Experience Peninsula Papagayo Villas
Things To Do On Peninsula
From ocean adventures to world-class dining and wellness, Peninsula Papagayo offers endless ways to relax, explore, and connect with nature. Guests of our villas enjoy exclusive access to the peninsula’s private clubs, beaches, and experiences—each just moments from your doorstep.
Prieta Beach Club
Set along one of the peninsula’s most picturesque beaches, Prieta Beach Club offers an elegant, yet relaxed, coastal retreat. Through our membership, Viridian guests gain exclusive access to this private beach club with the purchase of a day pass. Enjoy two ocean-view pools, a large hot tub, a full-service spa with hot and cold therapy, and well-appointed locker rooms. The club also includes a coworking space, juice bar, two restaurants, pool and beach service, and an activities center offering a range of water sports. Families can take advantage of the Kids Club, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., where children ages 4–12 enjoy supervised games and creative activities while parents unwind in paradise.
Casa De Playa by Andaz
For a more casual seaside experience, Casa de Playa by Andaz offers an inviting blend of beachside dining, handcrafted cocktails, and relaxed coastal sophistication. The pool is set directly on the sand, it’s the perfect place to unwind with your feet in the ocean and a drink in hand as the sun sets over the Pacific. They have kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment and more! Day pass through our Viridian concierge.
Papagayo Park
A vibrant new addition to the peninsula, Papagayo Park offers a blend of recreation, relaxation, and family fun. Guests can enjoy tennis, pickleball, and padel courts, a lap pool, fitness areas, and a pump track surrounded by lush tropical scenery. With dedicated kids’ spaces, pools with slides, a gelateria, and a casual restaurant, it’s a lively hub designed for every age and interest.
High Ropes and Zip Line Course
Experience Costa Rica from above on the peninsula’s high ropes and zip line course. Suspended among the treetops, this adventure combines scenic forest views with an exhilarating challenge—perfect for travelers seeking both adrenaline and awe in a safe, guided setting. Group guided tours and private tours are available!
E-Bike and Mountain Bike Tours
Explore the peninsula’s scenic beauty on two wheels. Peninsula Papagayo features a growing network of trails suitable for every rider—from leisurely coastal rides to more challenging forest routes. Guided tours include top-quality bikes, safety gear, and panoramic viewpoints, offering a thrilling way to experience the natural side of the peninsula. E-Bikes and Mountain Bikes are both available!
Nature and Adventure Centers
The peninsula’s Adventure and Nature Center is your starting point for exploration. From guided rainforest hikes and snorkeling excursions to kayaking, diving, and wildlife tours, expert naturalists lead guests through the diverse ecosystems that make Costa Rica one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Spa Experiences
Relax and rejuvenate with access to world-class spas across Peninsula Papagayo, including the Prieta Spa, Four Seasons Spa, and Onda Spa at Andaz. For the ultimate indulgence, enjoy private in-villa treatments ranging from massages to facials—all arranged seamlessly by your Viridian concierge for a truly effortless wellness experience.
Jet Ski
Enjoy the thrill of exploring Peninsula Papagayo by water with jet ski rentals available throughout the area. The easiest place to launch is Nacascolo Beach, where you can rent multiple jet skis for family or friends and cruise the coastline together for an unforgettable adventure.
Restaurant Dining
Our Viridian concierge will secure your reservation to enjoy dining across Peninsula Papagayo’s exceptional collection of restaurants. The Four Seasons features fresh seafood and wood-fired dishes off the grill, while the Golf Clubhouse offers casual fare and an upscale steakhouse for elegant evenings. At Andaz, enjoy a relaxed setting with vibrant bites and tapas-style dining. Sit down at Prieta Beach Club for a leisurely lunch or scenic dinner by the ocean, and unwind at the Marina’s casual dive bar for a laid-back drink with stunning waterfront views. Additional options within Exclusive Resorts round out a diverse and flavorful dining scene across the peninsula.
Surf Lessons
Discover Costa Rica’s surf culture with lessons tailored to your skill level at Prieta Beach or the Four Seasons surf shack. Professional instructors, warm Pacific waters, and gentle breaks make it ideal for beginners or those looking to refine their technique. For more experienced surfers, our captain can take you by boat to legendary breaks like Witch’s Rock or Ollie’s Point for a truly unforgettable day on the waves.
Snorkel
The calm, turquoise waters surrounding Peninsula Papagayo make for incredible snorkeling right off the beach or from the water with our private captain. Guests are welcome to use our snorkel equipment at the beach or while out on our boats, with additional gear available to rent if needed. For those who prefer a guided experience, paid snorkeling tours are also available, beginning at several beaches across the peninsula.
Golf
While staying at one of our Viridian villas, guests have access to the private Four Seasons Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course, one of the most exclusive and scenic courses in Central America. Fully renovated in 2023, this 18-hole masterpiece winds through sea cliffs and lush hillsides, offering breathtaking ocean views from every fairway. To play, guests must stay at a villa with an active golf membership or at one of the peninsula’s resort hotels. Thanks to its private nature, play is unhurried and serene. Early morning tee times are ideal to enjoy cooler temperatures and soft coastal light. Each villa includes a set of men’s and women’s clubs for guest use.
Fishing
The waters off Peninsula Papagayo are world-renowned for exceptional sportfishing, and our setup is designed to deliver the ultimate experience. Step aboard our 40’ Barker Boatworks motor catamaran, equipped with outriggers, downriggers, GPS, quad engines, and professional-grade gear. A custom 23-foot carbon tower, flown in from Australia March 2025, helps our captain spot fish even faster, giving you the best chance at landing yellowfin tuna, marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, snapper, and wahoo. Fishing is excellent year-round, whether you’re an experienced angler or simply out for a day of adventure on the water. Included in your Viridian villa rental!
Tubing, Wakeboard, Wakesurf, Foilboard
Papagayo Bay is the perfect playground for water sports and family fun. Head out on one of our Viridian boats for a day of adventure—try tubing, wakeboarding, or wakesurfing, or experience the thrill of flight on a hydrofoil. With calm waters and stunning scenery, it’s an unforgettable way to enjoy the sunshine and create lasting memories on the bay. Included in your Viridian villa rental!
Private Beach Picnic
Let your full-time captain whisk you away on a Viridian boat to one of the peninsula’s secluded northern beaches—half-day outings on both boats are included with your stay. While you explore hidden coves or sea caves, your private chef prepares a beachside barbecue or a custom menu of your choice. Your butler will pack a picnic basket and cooler for the perfect setup under the shade. The golden hours between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. are ideal for this unforgettable experience, ending with a breathtaking sunset cruise back across the bay.
Things To Do Off Peninsula
For guests craving even more adventure, Costa Rica’s wild beauty awaits just beyond Peninsula Papagayo. From rainforest canopies to rushing rivers and volcanic landscapes, every experience captures the spirit of exploration this country is known for. Our Viridian concierge will plan and confirm every detail in advance—so all you have to do is show up ready for adventure.
ATV Tours
Get off the beaten path and experience Costa Rica’s rugged landscape up close. Guided ATV tours take you through winding jungle trails, river crossings, and panoramic hilltops with incredible ocean views. It’s an exhilarating way to explore the Guanacaste countryside and discover the natural beauty beyond the peninsula.
White Water Rafting
From June through October, Costa Rica’s rainy season fills the rivers with just the right amount of flow for an incredible day of white-water rafting. Surrounded by lush jungle and mountain scenery, you’ll navigate exciting rapids before cooling off in a natural waterfall pool. There are several river options to choose from, but our top pick is an experienced outfitter based in Cañas, about an hour and a half from the peninsula. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline, nature, and pure Costa Rican adventure.
Volcano & Hot Springs Excursion
Spend the day exploring one of Costa Rica’s iconic volcanoes. Hike through tropical forest trails, spot monkeys and toucans, and unwind in the natural thermal hot springs that flow from the volcanic slopes. A favorite day trip for both adventure and relaxation, it’s the perfect balance of excitement and rejuvenation.
Waterfall Adventures & National Parks
Costa Rica is home to 28 National Parks filled with lush rainforest, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. One of our favorites, Rincón de la Vieja National Park, lies just east of Liberia—about an hour and a half from Peninsula Papagayo. Here, you can hike through tropical forest trails ranging from 30 minutes to over two hours, passing boiling mud pots, natural hot springs, and stunning waterfalls along the way. It’s a breathtaking combination of adventure, scenery, and the raw beauty of Costa Rica’s volcanic highlands.
Zip Line & Canopy Tours
For an unforgettable perspective of Costa Rica’s rainforest, experience one of our favorite canopy adventures. Stay close to home with the brand-new high ropes and zip line course right here on the peninsula, or venture about 45 minutes offsite to Diamante Eco Adventure Park, known for its expansive zip lines soaring above the jungle canopy. In addition to the thrills, Diamante offers the chance to see jaguars, mountain lions, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and colorful tropical birds up close—a perfect blend of adrenaline and wildlife.
Horseback Riding
For a more relaxed way to explore the countryside, enjoy a guided horseback ride through rainforest and jungle trails near Playa Conchal, about an hour and a half from the peninsula. It’s a wonderful experience for both kids and horse lovers, offering scenic views and gentle terrain. The best time to ride is early morning or late afternoon to stay cool—just throw on some pants, saddle up, and enjoy the adventure.
Volcano Adventures
Home to 67 volcanoes, six of which remain active, Costa Rica offers some of the most awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes in the world. The most famous, Arenal Volcano, is a must-see destination where you could easily spend days exploring its diverse surroundings. Enjoy activities like waterfall rappelling, nighttime nature tours, and the cloud forest coffee experience—each showcasing the remarkable biodiversity and energy of this volcanic region.
Helicopter Tours
For a truly unforgettable perspective of Costa Rica, take to the skies on a private helicopter tour. Safe and reliable operators just beyond Liberia Airport offer scenic flights that soar above jungle rivers, active volcanoes, and the country’s dramatic Pacific coastline. Keep an eye out for sunbathing crocodiles below and end the journey with a breathtaking sunset over the ocean. If it fits within your budget, this experience is simply unmatched.
Visit Playa Coco
Located just across the bay from Peninsula Papagayo, Playa Coco is the closest beach town to the resort community and an easy spot to explore for a change of pace. The town offers plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants, with favorites like Zi Lounge and CocoNutz serving up laid-back local flavor. It’s about a 45-minute drive, or a quick 25-minute boat ride—your captain can drop you right on the beach (just remember to keep your phones dry!).
Visit Tamarindo
The largest and most energetic beach town in Guanacaste, Tamarindo offers a vibrant mix of surf culture, nightlife, and coastal charm. Known for its beginner-friendly surf break at the river mouth (just be mindful of the local crocodiles—seriously), it’s a great spot to spend the day on the waves. As evening falls, the town comes alive with music, dancing, and open-air restaurants. Stop by Sharky’s, Costa Rica’s first and only sports bar, where you can catch nearly any game while soaking up the local energy.
Sensoria Land of Senses
Just about 1.5 hours from your villa on Peninsula Papagayo lies Sensoria, a private rainforest reserve where eco-luxury meets untamed nature. Explore jungle trails leading to clear waterfalls and volcanic thermal pools, stay mindful of exotic wildlife like sloths and toucans, and experience serene wellness sessions amid the forest. Whether you’re hiking, soaking, or simply breathing deeply in the canopy, Sensoria offers an immersive escape from the coast.