Hacienda Pinilla – Travel Guide
Hacienda Pinilla offers a blend of authentic Costa Rican heritage and modern amenities, including a championship golf course, a world-class beach club, and equestrian facilities. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities, from surfing at the renowned Playa Avellanas to mountain biking, hiking through tropical dry forest, and relaxing at the exclusive beach club.
All about Hacienda Pinilla
Getting around Hacienda Pinilla
Golf Carts
This is a popular and convenient option for getting from your rental property to the Beach Club, golf course, or other amenities within the community. Concierge services can assist with golf cart rentals.
Bicycles
You can rent a bike to get some exercise while exploring the paved roads or the over 45 kilometers of mountain biking paths on the property.
Private Shuttles and Taxis
Your concierge can arrange private shuttles for airport transfers or pre-arranged taxis for a group dinner in a nearby town. This is a good option if you want to avoid driving entirely.
Rental Cars
Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore the region on your own schedule. There are car rental offices on the property, such as Enterprise at the JW Marriott Guanacaste, and others in nearby towns and at the Liberia airport. Although main roads are paved, an SUV with high ground clearance or a 4×4 is recommended for a more comfortable ride on unpaved side roads, especially if you’re staying in a hillside vacation rental.
Hacienda Pinilla FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Getting to your hotel in Hacienda Pinilla, Costa Rica, is most conveniently done by flying into Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, as it’s the closest major airport. From LIR, Hacienda Pinilla is about a 75-kilometer drive, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Here are the main transportation options available from the airport to the resort area: Private shuttle, rental car, taxi, and public bus.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Officially licensed taxis are colored red or orange; if a taxi is any other color or lacks the inverted yellow triangle on the doors, it’s a `pirate taxi` operating illegally. When boarding the taxi ask the taxi driver `Puede poner la maria, por favor?` (Could you please turn the meter on?), otherwise, you will pay a higher price. For a taxi, call Penas Blancas Shuttle Service (tel. 506-8313-1419), Costa Rica Airport Shuttle (tel. 506- 8313-1419), or Riu Palace Guanacaste Shuttle (506- 8313-1419).
Should I rent a car in Hacienda Pinilla?
Hacienda Pinilla covers over 4,500 acres of land, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore its various beaches, restaurants, and hiking trails at your own pace. For a simple drive from Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), the trip takes about 1.5 hours.
Is Hacienda Pinilla a walking city?
Hacienda Pinilla is not a walkable city in the traditional sense, but a large, spread-out resort community that covers more than 4,500 acres. You can’t walk from one end of the property to the other or to a nearby town like Tamarindo, which is a 30-minute drive away.
Some areas have private paths that lead to the beach, and the golf course is accessible on foot from some properties.
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Is the Hacienda Pinilla area dangerous? Are there any areas I should avoid?
Hacienda Pinilla is a large resort community with a strong focus on security. It is a gated community with controlled visitor access, and security guards patrol the neighborhoods regularly. The property also features 24-hour security services, surveillance cameras, and a K9 unit.
It is generally recommended to avoid walking alone on poorly lit or deserted streets and beaches, especially at night.
What are the customs for tipping in Costa Rica? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for colones upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
I do not speak Spanish. Will many people speak English in Costa Rica?
No, about 90 percent of Costa Ricans speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest that you purchase a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays of less than 90 days. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or to go to another country).
Are Vaccinations required to visit Costa Rica? Are there any other precautions I should take?
No, there are currently no vaccination requirements to visit Costa Rica. There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US.
Zika is a risk in Costa Rica. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For the latest updates visit the CDC page https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.
What kind of food is available in Costa Rica?
A typical breakfast is hearty and consists of Gallo Pinto (rice and beans – sometimes served with scrambled eggs). Lunch is solid too, the typical dishes are Casado (rice and beans, served with meat or fish, fried plantains, cheese and corn tortilla), Ceviche (fish marinated and cooked in lime juice, coriander, and pepper). There is not a dinner culture in Costa Rica. An afternoon snack consists of bread and coffee.
Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?
No, the water is not drinkable in Costa Rica. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase.
What do I do if I need medical attention in Hacienda Pinilla?
Pinilla Urgent Care: Located in the Hacienda Pinilla area, this clinic provides immediate medical attention, with services including general consultations, an ambulance service, and air medical transport. They also offer home visits and are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
Other Nearby Clinics: In the nearby town of Huacas, you can find the Beachside Clinic, which offers 24-hour emergency services and has its own lab and ambulances. In the general region, medical services such as Paradise Medical Services also operate and have bilingual staff.
Top Attractions
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club
Provides players with a chance to play golf as it was meant to be played, peacefully amongst friends and nature.
Pinilla Canopy Tour
A trip through the Tropical Dry Forest with 8 ZIP LINES and 10 platforms suspended in trees.
Rio Celeste Hiking
The experience for nature lovers and explorers to be able to observe different microclimates.
Kayak Monkey Tour
Discover local wildlife including howler monkeys on an adventurous outdoor activity.
Unique Experiences
ATV Zipline from Tamarindo: Get off the beaten path and discover what Costa Rica is famous for—its natural beauty. Discover the Guanacaste region`s hidden gems and diverse wildlife as you zip through the jungle canopy on seven exhilarating ziplines at Monkey Jungle.
Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall : Discover the secluded Llanos de Cortes waterfall and visit a wildlife sanctuary to observe sloths and other native animals. Your guide will share insights about the region and help you spot wildlife, making this a perfect escape.
What to expect while traveling
