El Carmen Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit El Carmen
Popular places to visit

Nicoya Colonial Church
You can find out about the history of Nicoya with a trip to Nicoya Colonial Church. Discover the area's countryside and mountain views.
Recaredo Briceno Park
Explore the great outdoors at Recaredo Briceno Park, a lovely green space in Nicoya. Discover the area's countryside and mountain views.
La Casa de la Cultura
You can spend time studying the exhibits at La Casa de la Cultura during your travels in Nicoya. Wander the parks or discover the area's countryside.
Activities

Rain Forest Canopy Tour from Tamarindo: Zipline, Hanging Bridge
AU$84
per adult
100% of travellers recommend

Palo Verde Boat Tours, Ortega
AU$137
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Our pick of the best El Carmen Hotel Deals

Hotel Diria Santa Cruz
Calle Central, Frente al Banco Nacional, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attraction Parque Bernabela Ramos is located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (62 reviews)
"It’s a comfortable and enjoyable place to stay. The pool is great, and there are hammocks beneath the coconut trees, perfect for unwinding. The air conditioning works well, though there’s no refrigerator in the room. Still looking forward to trying the continental breakfast, but expectations are ..."
Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Rancho Humo Estancia
Río Tempisque, Nicoya, Puerto Humo, San Antonio, Guanacaste
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$351 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
AU$351
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Palo Verde National Park is located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
"Room was nice. Air conditioner workedwell. Bed was comfortable. Restaurant with pool view and nature view was soothing and romantic in the evening. It is very remote. and relaxing. We went there for birding photography. Found out best time for that is in December. No entertainment or tv. Boat ride ..."
Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

Ultimate Group Getaway: Huge modern home on private lot 5 min drive from Samara.
Sámara
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Sámara. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Samara Beach and Buena Vista Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Beautiful home in great location
"We enjoyed the house. We had a few hiccups with the appliances but nothing that truly impacted our stay. It is a nice property with beautiful views with howler monkeys in the trees. Pool was a favorite of our kids and the location is just minutes from Samara beach access and the shopping and ..."
Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Stunning Modern Ocean View with Private Pool
Samara
Stay at this villa in Sámara. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Samara Beach and Carrillo Beach are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
Amazing Villa!!
"My family stayed at the villa for March Break and it was amazing. Perfect place and amazing location. 5 minutes from town with lots of restaurants, shops, etc. The Villa had a fantastic view and was very clean! Will be back at some point!"
Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

LOOK AT THIS VIEW and VILLA!
High Elevation/180 Degree Beach/Ocean/Jungle View
SAMARA
Stay at this villa in Sámara. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
You simply MUST stay here!
"This property is exactly as in the photos - that view is truly that spectacular. Howler monkeys greeted us upon arrival. We had to refill the hummingbird feeder twice during our stay. And we even had some red macaws fly by one morning. We enjoyed the view from the patio rain AND shine! The house ..."
Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Hotel El Regalo
1,5 km del Cruce de Nicoya, Carretera Santa Cruz, Nicoya
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nicoya. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nicoya Colonial Church and Iglesia de San ...
7.8/10 Good! (49 reviews)
"Hotel was clean and Staff was very nice. 👍"
Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Other neighbourhoods around El Carmen

Casitas
While Casitas may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Nicoya Colonial Church and Recaredo Briceno Park.