Penas Blancas is often mistaken for being a border town, but is in fact a border post along the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. While buses are the best way to cross borders between countries due to restrictions on rental vehicles, car hire in Penas Blancas is an ideal way to explore the Guanacaste area. This is a place of stunning natural beauty with numerous scenic beaches including the Playa Guacamaya, Playa Grande, Playa Coyotera and Playas del Cocos, ideal for water sports, swimming, sunbathing and horseback riding on the sand. A popular activity in Guanacaste is bull riding, with bull rings in nearly every town. History enthusiasts may wish to visit the Eco-Museum of the Abangares Mines, where you can visit the Gunpowder House and find out more about the machines that were used to mine and later transport gold.