Find the Best Places to Stay in Bagaces, Costa Rica

The town of Bagaces itself is small and traditional, with a handful of local restaurants, a few shops, and access to some of the prettiest waterfalls in the region, including the popular Llanos de Cortés. But the real reason people stay in Bagaces isn’t the town, rather than the land and countryside around it.

This is one of the most geologically interesting areas in Guanacaste, full of bubbling mud pots, thermal rivers, and rare dry forest ecosystems that are hard to find anywhere else in the country.

For those who like to mix adventure with wellness and want a quieter alternative to the coast, Bagaces is a smart pick. Here you can go waterfall rappelling or water tubing while also experiencing relaxing massages or innovative spa treatments.

It works well as a standalone destination or as a stop between the beaches and the mountains. Travelers flying in or out of Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia often find it ideal for splitting their time between inland adventure and coastal relaxation with way less travel time involved. It’s close enough to the airport to be convenient, yet remote enough to feel like a true escape.

From here, it’s easy to access the Miravalles and Tenorio volcano areas, visit the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve, or head north toward Rincon de la Vieja.

This eco-lodge is set on a large private reserve outside town, surrounded by dry forest and set above a thermal river that winds its way through a dramatic white canyon. Staying here is less about checking into a hotel and more about stepping into an experience. The lodge blends into the landscape, and the focus is on outdoor adventure, wellness, and relaxation. Guests spend their time soaking in mineral hot springs, hiking quiet trails, biking through forest paths, or zip lining across the canyon.

At the same time, the property is well appointed, with comfortable rooms, elevated design, and good food. You’ll find spa treatments, peaceful yoga decks, and staff who go out of their way to make sure your stay is as relaxing or as active as you want it to be. What makes it work is how everything feels low-key and thoughtful. It doesn’t pretend to be a beach resort or an all-inclusive. It’s very much rooted in the land it occupies.

Because Rio Perdido is the only high-end option in the region, most travelers staying in Bagaces are here. That doesn’t mean it’s overdeveloped or overrun. Quite the opposite, in fact. Most of the time, it feels like a hidden retreat, tucked far from the main roads. Guests come for a few nights to soak in the river, explore the nearby volcanoes and reserves, and then move on to other parts of Guanacaste or elsewhere in Costa Rica. It’s a great experience for those who love to immerse themselves in nature and wildlife.