Guanacaste: water, tourism and developmentCEFR B1
21 Apr 2026
Adapted from Liz Carrigan, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Erick Morales Oyola, Unsplash
Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s driest province and a popular tourist area because of its beaches and arid tropical landscapes. Although Costa Rica protects a large share of its territory and aims for renewable electricity, the province’s climate and history shape local pressures. The dry season usually runs from December to April and temperatures can reach 35 degrees Celsius.
Historically much land was cleared for cattle pastures and burned to keep grazing land. That loss made tropical dry forests one of the most threatened ecosystems. The province’s historical marginalisation has meant a weaker state presence and limited planning capacity, which makes enforcing environmental rules difficult.
Since the early 2000s, and especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, real estate speculation and lifestyle migration have accelerated. Digital nomads and wealthier buyers bought coastal property, raising vacancy rates in places such as Tamarindo and Nosara. Water emerged as the most pressing issue: developers and large hotels often secure water while nearby communities face shortages. A 2026 investigation and the regulator ARESEP reported declining water quality and contamination linked to ageing infrastructure and underinvestment. Local communities have protested and organised to defend their right to water.
Difficult words
- arid — very dry area with little or no rain
- ecosystem — a community of living things and their environmentecosystems
- marginalisation — process of leaving a group with less power
- speculation — buying property hoping to sell for profit
- vacancy rate — percent of empty houses or buildingsvacancy rates
- contamination — presence of harmful substances in water
- infrastructure — systems and structures for public services
- underinvestment — insufficient money spent on necessary upkeep
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can growth in tourism and real estate affect local access to water in Guanacaste?
- What actions could local communities take to defend their right to water?
- How does the long dry season change the choices people and businesses must make?
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