Guanacaste is becoming more and more accessible for people with disabilities.

Guanacaste is an excellent reflection of Costa Rica’s wealth — from the magnificence of its land and sea to the warmth and folklore of its people. For travelers with disabilities, discovering all this natural and cultural richness has long been a challenge, but one that continues to evolve.

Accessible wooden boardwalk with yellow markings leading across a sandy area towards a calm bay. — Providing easy access to the water for everyone. This accessible boardwalk ensures a smooth path from the shore to the beautiful bay, perfect for families and all visitors.

Woman in a wheelchair observing animals through a yellow safety fence while a guide provides information. — Enjoying an inclusive wildlife encounter! A guide shares insights as a woman in a wheelchair observes animals through a protective barrier, making nature accessible for all.

Guanacaste is one of Costa Rica’s most attractive destinations. It offers world-famous beaches, stunning active volcanoes, and a vibrant local culture. Travelers with disabilities can now enjoy much of this beauty thanks to the ongoing efforts of both public and private organizations. Il Viaggio Travel and its non-profit foundation, the Costa Rican Network for Accessible Tourism, are two of the leading organizations working tirelessly to make this a reality.

Il Viaggio Travel is a travel agency specialized in accessible tourism for people with disabilities. The company works closely with local tourism providers throughout the Guanacaste region to expand and improve accessibility options, ensuring that more and more travelers with different disabilities can experience the area’s natural wonders.

The biodiversity of Guanacaste is truly impressive. The tropical dry forest is home to majestic wildlife, including big cats such as jaguars and pumas; several species of monkeys like the white-faced capuchin and the howler monkey; other mammals such as deer, coatis, and sloths; and an incredible variety of birds including toucans, scarlet macaws, and many migratory species like herons and hummingbirds. The region also hosts countless insects and butterflies.

Visitors with disabilities can enjoy observing many of these species in their natural habitat — in national parks, wildlife refuges, and sanctuaries where rescued animals are cared for.

Woman in a wheelchair smiling on an accessible scuba diving boat, with a tropical beach and ocean visible in the background. — Getting ready to dive! Enjoying the sun on an accessible boat deck before a scuba diving adventure.

Woman in a wheelchair ready for an accessible safari float, sitting in a raft by a river, with a guide preparing the oars. — Embarking on an exciting accessible safari float! Ready for adventure on the river with expert guidance.

Beneath the ocean’s surface lies an entire world we barely know — a world not built for humans, yet deeply connected to us. Through technology and innovation, we’ve found ways to explore its depths and marvel at the life it holds.

Additionally, many local tourism providers offer experiences that allow travelers, with and without disabilities, to immerse themselves in Guanacaste’s cuisine and traditions.

Adventure activities such as surfing on the beaches or floating safaris on the rivers are very popular across Costa Rica and are also possible in Guanacaste. While some activities are still limited depending on the type of disability (as of 2023), accessibility continues to improve year by year.

Historic Casona de Santa Rosa building in Costa Rica with a long, gentle accessibility ramp leading to the side entrance. — Preserving history while ensuring universal access: The Casona de Santa Rosa features an accessibility ramp alongside its main stairs.

If you are a traveler with a disability and would like to discover more about Guanacaste’s natural and cultural treasures, contact Il Viaggio Travel for information on the accessible experiences we’ve verified and that you can enjoy with confidence.