When you travel to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, you’re entering more than just a region of sun-drenched savannas, volcanoes, and waterfalls—you’re stepping into the heart of Costa Rican culture. At Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, a member fo the exclusive Enchanting Hotels collection, located at the base of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, guests experience a living connection to Guanacaste’s rich traditions, from its cowboy roots and Chorotega indigenous heritage to its vibrant music, flavorful cuisine, and deep respect for the land. It’s a destination where cultural travel meets eco-adventure, offering authentic experiences that celebrate the essence of Costa Rica.
More than just a hotel, Hacienda Guachipelín is a working ranch, a steward of tradition, and a place where guests can connect with Guanacaste’s cultural identity while enjoying adventure and nature. From Chorotega heritage and cowboy traditions to farm-fresh cuisine and local music, your stay is enriched with experiences that celebrate the soul of this remarkable region.
Guanacaste: A Land of Cultural Legacy
Guanacaste is known across Costa Rica for its strong cultural identity. The region was annexed to Costa Rica in 1824 through the Annexation of Nicoya, and it has maintained a distinct flavor ever since.
Here, traditions run deep. Guanacastecos are proud of their sabanero (cowboy) heritage, Chorotega ancestry, folkloric dances, and marimba music—all of which are reflected in daily life, celebrations, and cuisine.
A Hacienda with History
At Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, the cultural experience begins the moment you arrive. Set on a working cattle ranch at the base of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the hotel maintains a strong connection to its rural roots. You’ll see ranch hands on horseback, and participate in a range of activities including working in the stables and the corral, saddling and preparing horses, herding cattle and horses and checking cattle in distant pastures.
The hacienda’s design—rustic yet elegant—is inspired by traditional Guanacaste architecture, with wood, clay tiles, and open-air common areas that echo the style of historical estates.
Our recommendation: Celebrate a milestone at this history-rich, beautiful hacienda immersed in the tropical dry forest. With 79 rooms and suites designed to give you a rustic yet elegant experience, multiple restaurants, a recently updated pool, and a world-class Spa.
Embrace the Sabanero Spirit
One of the most iconic symbols of Guanacaste is the sabanero, or Costa Rican cowboy. At Hacienda Guachipelín, guests can ride horseback along scenic trails once used by sabaneros to herd cattle. You’ll learn how horses remain an essential part of ranch life and how these traditions continue to shape the region’s identity.
Horseback tours to waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic viewpoints not only offer incredible scenery, but a cultural connection to a way of life that’s still alive and thriving.
Our Recommendation: Take the Cowboy for a Day Tour and spend the day with an authentic Sabanero experiencing first hand the daily activities of the Guanacaste cowboy and cowgirl.
Discover Chorotega Indigenous Heritage
The Chorotega people, the region’s original inhabitants, left a rich legacy in ceramics, language, and agricultural traditions. While staying at Hacienda Guachipelín, you can explore this ancestral influence through cultural tours or excursions to nearby artisan communities, such as Guaitil, known for its hand-crafted pottery made using ancient techniques.
The hotel also honors Chorotega heritage in its gardens, spa treatments using volcanic clay and medicinal plants, and the very name “Guachipelín,” which has indigenous roots.
Our recommendation: Experience the Thermal Health Spa Treatment – Blue Zone Immersion, a luxurious blue corn and chocolate spa treatment at our Simbiosis Spa.
Farm-to-Table Guanacaste Cuisine
Food is a powerful expression of culture, and at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, the kitchen celebrates Guanacastecan flavors through locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.
Expect hearty dishes like gallo pinto, traditional meat soup, and Guanacaste Corn Rice, as well as cheese and dairy from the ranch itself. The La Hacienda Restaurant, Nekajui Garden, Guanacaste Catina and the Coffee Corner bring together sustainability and tradition, offering a culinary journey that connects guests with the land and its bounty.
Our recommendation: Don’t miss trying Peyibaje and Heart of Palm Soup or Green Plaintain Ceviche for lunch or dinner.
Music, Dance, and Celebrations
Marimba music is the heartbeat of Guanacaste. Its vibrant, melodic tones accompany local festivals and bring joy to everyday gatherings. Guests at Hacienda Guachipelín often have the chance to experience live music, folkloric dance, or cultural nights that showcase the rhythms and stories of the region.
If you’re visiting in late July, consider planning around Guanacaste Day (July 25)—a celebration of the Annexation of Nicoya filled with parades, traditional dress, music, and delicious food.
Our recommendation: Enjoy the marimba music at the Guanacaste Cantina during your stay. Don Justo, the Hacienda Guachipelin resident musician, entertains guests with the melodic marimba music
A Cultural Experience Beyond the Ordinary
Whether you’re riding across the volcanic plains on horseback, learning about Chorotega pottery, or simply sipping fresh coffee on the terrace overlooking the forest, your experience at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín goes beyond adventure—it’s a cultural immersion.
This is a place where eco-tourism meets heritage, and where every detail—from the food on your plate to the music in the air—tells the story of Guanacaste’s roots.
For travelers seeking authentic Costa Rican culture, Hacienda Guachipelín offers more than just adventure—it provides a deep connection to Guanacaste’s traditions, landscapes, and people. Whether you come for the volcanoes and hot springs or the stories and flavors of the land, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of what makes this region so special.
Come discover the cultural heart of Costa Rica—where the past is alive, the traditions are strong, and the experience is unforgettable.
