AN EPIC JANUARY IN TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA

January is always a fun month in Tamarindo. There are big celebrations for the New Year, and then the party continues with fun activities and local events all month long. There is a festive vibe, it’s always sunny, and the beers are always cold. But this January, in particular, is going to be especially exciting, as there are two big music festivals in Tamarindo going on that are going to bring in more people than ever. What better way to start off 2020 than some fun music in paradise?

The first festival is called Ocaso, which is an annual event in Tamarindo that has gained quite a following. Locals look forward to it every year and people travel from around the world to come to experience the magic! Enjoy an incredible mix of underground music from top DJs at various locations around Tamarindo from January 9-13. This five-day event is sure to be unforgettable. The concerts are mostly held a few nights at Crazy Monkey which is an open-air, upstairs bar that looks out over the town and the ocean, and a few nights at La Senda, an amazing little amphitheater area in the jungle where the stars are incredible. Both are beautiful locations and ideal for dancing the night away. 

A bit of info on Ocaso pricing. Very affordable!

So, if you really want to do January right… Come on down and start off with Ocaso, and then roll right into BPM Festival, the second big event happening in January this year. It’s almost like they planned it that way ;).

The BPM Festival is an annual electronic music festival that is sure to get everyone dancing. BPM, which stands for Bartenders, Promoters, and Musicians, is a world-renowned event and it is coming right here to Tamarindo this year! What began in 2008 as a post-New Year’s gathering of industry professionals has grown to a huge party of DJs, artists, and music lovers who want to enjoy quality sounds together. For many years, the festival was held in Playa del Carmen and has since moved to a few different locations including Portugal and Brazil. This year, BPM will return to Central America with its first-ever event in Costa Rica! The festival is going to be held January 15-19 2020 in Tamarindo, the perfect mix of beautiful scenery, lots of options for activities, comfortability, and convenience. This is the perfect chance to come to enjoy the beach, enjoy the sunshine, party at the festival, and even try something new like surfing or ziplining to get out into nature a bit.

There is no question why the festival picked Tamarindo as the perfect location to host their big return to Central America. Tamarindo, especially in January, is the ideal location for an event like this. The weather this time of year is hot and dry, which is perfect for spending plenty of time outside. And year-round, the vibe and the people in Tamarindo is the perfect mix of chill and fun. It is a unique mix of locals, ex-pats, and travelers with interesting stories from all across the globe, so the crowd is sure to be a good one. Visitors and locals alike will welcome the excitement that the festivals are going to bring to the town and everyone will be enjoying the energy. There is no better backdrop to dance the night away than the breathtaking beaches and incomparable sunsets of Costa Rica.

And of course, there are lots to see and do on the other days that you are not at the festivals. During the few days in between the two events or if you decide to add some time before or after, the list of incredible things to do and places to see in Costa Rica are endless. 

One of the main attractions that bring folks from far and wide to Tamarindo is world-class surfing. Why not mix in a Tamarindo surf trip with your festival experience? Whether you have never even touched a surfboard before or you are a seasoned professional, there are waves for everyone. Mixing in some surf lessons or taking some time to rent a board and head out on your own during your time at BPM is the perfect way to get a true Costa Rica experience. Plus, nothing cures a hangover like a swim in the ocean 😉 You absolutely can’t leave without trying it! Lessons at Iguana Surf start at just $45 per person, and board rentals start at just $10. Additionally, if you decide to take a lesson with Iguana, all of your board rentals will be 50% off for your entire trip! So, whenever you have some downtime, you can paddle out and get a little breather and a little exercise too! Come on in to the shop at any time, and we will help you figure out what is best for you to ensure you have the surfing experience of a lifetime! 

If surfing isn’t your jam, the surrounding area around Tamarindo is filled to the brim with other fun activities and incredible places to see. “Surrounded by national parks with an abundance of lush jungles and white sand beaches complimented by warm blue water and breathtaking sunsets,” said a press release on BPM Festival, “the surfing town and beyond offers the perfect opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica.” This is true – it is one of the most breathtaking places there is. You will want to make sure you are taking full advantage of making the trip all the way down by trying out some of the activities as well. From zip-lining to white water rafting, to ATV’s, to wildlife tours, to a sunset catamaran cruise (with an open bar!), there is something for everyone. There are always deals going on for all of the tours at Iguana Surf, so we will help you set up the perfect package to compliment your festival experience! 

If you want to travel to other parts of Costa Rica to see some more sights (which I would definitely recommend), Tamarindo is conveniently located close to lots of beautiful areas. Renting a car is affordable and easy, or there are tons of bus and shuttle options as well. Nosara or Santa Teresa are relaxed surf towns just a couple of hours south or head north towards Rincon De La Vieja or Arenal to see volcanoes, wildlife, and gorgeous waterfalls. You can get to the capital, San Jose, in about 4 hours if you want to experience some of the city life, and then from there, you can jet all the way over to the Caribbean coast if you want to. Puerto Viejo is a popular destination with a similar vibe to Tamarindo, where you can surf and party and enjoy a little more of the Caribbean culture. The things to do and places to see are endless! Costa Rica is a gorgeous country so you might as well try to see as much of it as possible while you are here. 

With the festivals and so many other activities and places to do and see, you will certainly not be bored in January in Costa Rica. Be sure to pack in lots of action, but make sure you have some time to just relax and enjoy the beach as well. There is nothing quite like a Tamarindo sunset. What a way to start the year! Time to get packing! Contact us for more info!