North Pacific
Considered the most complete destination in Costa Rica, Guanacaste
is a seductive region everyone longs to visit.
With an area of 6,933 square miles and a population of about 450,000,
Guanacaste has a varied topography ranging from highlands featuring
active volcanoes to pastoral, fertile lowlands. Within its boundaries
are very important protected areas and a scenic Pacific shore featuring
crystal blue waters lapping at warm, sandy beaches.
The lowlands
The Pan-American Highway leads visitors to Guanacaste, passing by
scattered cities and villages from which several destinations can
be reached. Passing the Puntarenas intersection and traveling deep
along the winding road to Liberia, the landscape changes little
by little to vast extensions running along both sides of the road.
The eastern side is crowned by the main mountain range while the
flatness of the western side promises stunning sunsets over its
wide-open spaces.
Several rivers, a few of them leading to protected areas, cut across
the roadway. Rafting stations offer visitors the chance to follow
the current while bird watching and admiring nature. Interesting
options, indeed, before getting to the beach.
Cattle haciendas, ecological lodges, ecotourist centers, and museums
are options to visit along the way and learn more about Guanacaste’s
lowlands. Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve and Palo Verde National
Park are the largest protected areas in this region.
The highlands
Villages and cities scattered along both sides of the Pan American
Highway lead visitors to Guancaste’s highlands. A very nice road
leads to two spectacular natural sanctuaries, Tenorio Volcano National
Park and its neighbor Miravalles Volcano. Don’t miss a visit to
Miravalles Forest Reserve.
Beyond Liberia, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park offers
the dramatic experience of an area featuring an active volcano in
a relative period of calm. The largest of the five volcanoes belonging
to the Guanacaste Cordillera, it is composed of nine separate volcanic
craters. A refuge for birds and wildlife, the slopes of the volcano
are superb for horseback riding and contemplation of nature.
Perfectly designed trails allow visitors to travel along the slopes
and the higher areas of the volcano with very rewarding experiences
in bird watching as well as wildlife spotting. Splendid vegetation
and gigantic trees, bubbling mud holes, clean cool rivers, dramatic
waterfalls and river pools embrace visitors, while inviting them
to relax.
Further north, Santa Rosa National Park is the largest protected
area of the dry forest, an area ranging from the savanna to the
slopes of Guanacaste’s volcanic range on the eastern side of the
territory.
Ocean and beaches
Traditionally known as a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers,
Guanacaste is also a charming experience for those interested in
relaxation and fun.
Guanacaste’s beaches comply with most of the requirements upon which
a good beach is usually judged. Water quality, view, texture of
sand and the limited presence of mosquitoes and other pests are
probably the most specified criteria. There is general agreement
that Guanacaste’s shores rank very well when it comes to these factors.
From calm waters with great swimming, to the finest sand beaches
with magnificent panoramas, these shores are now receiving international
recognition. Generous palm trees rise up from the beaches giving
shade to sunbathers. Spectacular sunsets are a regular component
of the scenery along the Pacific coastline of this province.
Sports and fun
Guanacaste possesses two well-defined weather seasons. The green
season goes from mid-May to the end of November, and the golden,
sunny season runs from early December to mid-May. The sunny season
offers a spectacular setting for visitors in search of a place to
rest and recover from the cold that usually affects the temperate
climates at this time of year.
Most of Guanacaste’s beaches are breezy and good for relaxing. They
are also excellent for recreational sports such as volleyball and
parasailing. For those interested in practicing kayaking or windsurfing,
you will find the perfect place in Guanacaste. Other water sports
ranging from world-class, deep-sea fishing and water-skiing to snorkeling
and scuba diving are enjoyed in this region every day.
Lush vegetation and breathtaking views are also part of the contrasting
components of Guanacaste’s beaches. An early morning or late afternoon
horseback ride along the beach or through the hills dotting the
province’s coastline is exceptionally rewarding.
Due to the fact that the sun shines 295 day per year, Guanacaste
is also called a gateway to the sun. But the magnificent night scenery
should not be ruled out. A fantastic moon dresses up the subtle
veil of darkness while stars glimmer brilliantly. A visit to tropical
Guanacaste gives one the sense of being closer to heaven… the stars
and moon look so touchable at night, and falling stars play their
fantasy music.
Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste, is located 125 miles north of
San Jose on the Pan-American Highway, about a 3-1/2 hour drive.
From Liberia, heading west on excellent roads, visitors can find
the best of Guanacaste’s beaches. Plenty of signs along the road
lead the way.
Most major beaches along Guanacaste’s coastline have air access.
Several commuter companies fly in and out on a daily basis from
Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber
International Airport in Liberia.
The average temperature in Guanacaste is 30°C or 86°F. Visitors
should wear comfortable clothing of natural fabrics-cotton sundresses,
T-shirts and shorts are perfect for daytime wear.
The Enrique Baltodano Hospital is located in Liberia and there are
other smaller medical centers around the province. You can always
make an appointment with a local doctor or dentist via your hotel
for any medical needs.
The above information is courtesy of Costa Rica Institute of Tourism
(ICT).