GO LOCAL AT SANTA CRUZ

Folklore comes alive in Santa Cruz, a land of proud Guanacastecans. Civic fiestas honor this legacy with displays of sabanero abilities in the town rodeos, cattle exhibitions, traditional cuisine and the harmonious beat of the marimba (a native version of a xylophone).

Experience Costa Rica’s cowboy culture on your own at several ranches located throughout the region. Hacienda tourism is the new trend in the industry, which consists of large, working ranches opened up to the public by their owners. Visitors can horseback ride through the savannah and dry forests, milk cows, herd cattle, dine with the family and become sabanero for a day.

GATEWAY TO PARADISE

Considered the most colonial of Costa Rican cities, Liberia safeguards its heritage through simple adobe architecture topped with red-tile-roofs. It’s locally known as the “white city” because many of its buildings are made with ignimbrite, a rock that gives them a pale washed color. Culture and tradition come alive every July in Liberia, where colorful fiestas feature rodeos, typical dancing, savory food and plenty of partying.

Wherever you’re coming from or whatever your final destination may be, Liberia is a mandatory stop. If you’re traveling by land it’s the perfect place to take a break from the driving, fill up on gas, and enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, museums, nightlife and the vibrant north Pacific life.

However, the fastest way to get there is flying directly into Daniel Oduber International Airport. Around 40 flights arrive every week from the United States through four different airlines. Flying from San José via charter services is also a good idea, since it saves you about three hours on the road and the low rates make it quite affordable. Public transportation, taxies and car rentals are available at the terminal for your convenience.
Liberia is located at the heart of northern Guanacaste and the road forks a hundred times taking you to the numerous beaches located in the region, so take your pick and enjoy the ride.

PLAYA HERMOSA
The mounts at Hermosa beach raise your heels just high enough to give you the most amazing panoramic view of the ocean. Down on the shore, white sand meets blue waters and mild waves invite you in for a splash.

Luxury accommodations as well as inexpensive lodging are available in this beautiful cove surrounded by dry forest. Hermosa is a popular destination among those looking for the perfect tropical setting.

The possibilities are endless at Coco beach, the most developed coastal town in the region. Although it still retains much of its fishing village personality, hotels, restaurants and bars now cater to young tourists looking to have fun in the sun.

The central plaza is lined with palm trees and benches, the perfect spot to relax with a cooling snow cone in your hand, the whisper of the crashing waves and the view of the grand ocean.

PLAYA OCOTAL
Small and cozy, Ocotal beach offers its visitors a surprisingly large menu of fun adventures to choose from. Snorkeling aficionados swear by its soft corals where sea horses are frequently spotted. Many scuba diving and fishing tours use Ocotal as their starting point because it’s simply beautiful and conveniently located close to the Gulf of Papagayo.

If you’re looking to take it easy on the beach, relax at the tide pools where warm crystal water makes you forget all your worries.

PLAYA FLAMINGO
Flamingo beach is picture perfect. Mild breeze comes in from the ocean, bringing foamy waves into the land. Turquoise waters, white sand, a mile-long (1.6 km) shore, deluxe resorts, nightlife and many restaurants make it the “Acapulco of Costa Rica.” It has also been dubbed the sport fishing capital because it features the country’s largest marina.
Many ex-pats and foreigners find a new home in the charming hills of Flamingo and real estate has become a very prosperous business. In addition to all its tropical paradise qualities, this region also offers all the benefits of a larger city including an internationally renowned English speaking high school.

PLAYA CONCHAL
Everything about Conchal beach is enticing. The shell-powder sand is unique in the region, the sparkling waters are snorkeling heaven and the deluxe infrastructure makes you want to stay on permanent vacation.

Costa Rica’s largest luxury resort is located here. The first-class mega development boasts an 18-hole golf course, superb architecture and pampering fit for kings and queens.

PLAYA TAMARINDO
Tamarindo beach is an interesting mixture of a fishing village turned surfing town, resort district and ecological haven. Simply put, Tamarindo has it all. Little restaurants of all sorts line up along the main road. You’ll find bed and breakfasts, hotels, cabins and lodges left and right. With so many options, its no wonder this beach is every visitor’s favorite.
When the clock strikes 5:00 p.m. be sure to head to the sand and enjoy the collage of yellows, oranges and blues in the sky. The sun rests on the ocean and the reflection on the water offers double the spectacle. The view of the sunset at Tamarindo is beyond compare.

HAD ENOUGH YET?
We only named a few of the many beaches located in the region, but some of the Pacific Ocean’s greatest treasures are tucked away in coves or protected by mountains. Explore Langosta, Avellana, Pan de Azúcar, Grande, Brasilito, La Penca or any of the other beaches in northern Guanacaste.

PARQUE NACIONAL SANTA ROSA
The shore may be Guanacaste’s prime destination, but its biggest ecological assets are located inland. Santa Rosa National Park heads the list with its historic value and 10 different habitats including mangroves, swamps, and evergreen and dry forests.
The park provides a home to more than 150 species of mammals, 250 birds, 100 reptiles and amphibious, and more than 10,000 varieties of insects, including 3,140 species of day and night butterflies.

Two beaches, Nancite and Naranjo, are located within the park and more than 10,000 ridley and hawksbill turtles visit them every year to lay their eggs. The nesting site is protected by the National Park System in the hopes of rescuing the endangered species.
Santa Rosa also marks the historical spot where Costa Ricans defended their independence during a battle against foreign invaders in 1856.

REFUGIO DE VIDA SILVESTRE ISLA BOLAÑOS
Colonies of brown pelican seek protection in Bolaños Island Wild Life Refuge, an icon of conservation of marine birds. The 61-acre (25 ha) island is one of only four reproduction sites for their species as well as the sole nesting location for frigate birds, American oystercatchers and boobies.

Located a mile (1.5 km) off the coast, near Punta Descartes in northwestern Guanacaste, this stony mountain is made up of accumulated sediment rock dating back to 40 million years ago. Because of the rough terrain vegetation is scarce and the existing forest looses its foliage completely during the dry months. The white-sand beaches around the island are filled with seashells and all kinds of crustaceans.

PARQUE NACIONAL MARINO LAS BAULAS
Giant leatherback sea turtles may travel all over the world but they always come back to Costa Rica to lay their eggs. The main nesting sites are located in Las Baulas National Marine Park which includes beaches Grande and Langosta, and the offshore area where the turtles spend the majority of their breeding season.

Leatherbacks are the largest of the planet’s seven species of turtles, averaging 770 pounds (350 kg) and more than 5 feet (1.5 m) in length. Witnessing the life cycle of these ancient giants is a moving experience that reminds you of how fragile nature is and what a great responsibility we have to protect it for future generations.