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Central America Costa Rica Liberia, Costa Rica Do & See Guanacaste National Park

Overview

Guanacaste National Park

The guide was updated: 2023-11-28

East of Santa Rosa National Park, this park is a bird watcher's paradise for a good brisk walk or a leisurely stroll along its winding paths right into the woods. While looking out for exotic birds and their nests, you can also spot other park dwellers such as Capuchin monkeys or collared peccaries, and thus explore Costa Rica's wildlife at its best.

Useful Information

Address: Guanacaste National Park, Guanacaste Province
More Info: costa-rica-guide.com/nature/national-parks/guanacaste-np
Opening hours: Daily 8am–4:30pm

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Only 24 km (15 miles) northeast of Liberia, the Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a display of ecological diversity that spreads over more than 34,000 acres with two volcanoes, 32 rivers and streams, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna. While guided hiking and horseback riding trails will allow you to come closest to Costa Rica's impressive wildlife, you can also take a day-long hiking trip to the top of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano and witness its activity, as well as take in the great views of the Nicoya Peninsula and the Lago de Nicaragua.

Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde National Park

The Palo Verde National Park is located 45 km (28 miles) south of Liberia. Over 300 species of birds, including Costa Rica’s largest population of waterbirds call this park their home. Mischievous monkeys, cute coatis and toothy crocodiles are here as well. Take a boat tour of the Tempisque river to appreciate the unique ecosystem in this part of Guanacaste.

Barra Honda Caves

Barra Honda Caves

Barra Honda is unlike any other of the National Parks of Costa Rica: its main draw is an extensive, intricate system of limestone caverns, adorned with a variety of whimsical forms and figures. It took underground streams over 70 million years to carve out this natural wonder. Speleologists and spelunkers from around the world are drawn to Barra Honda. The deepest of the caves — Santa Ana — drops to 249 m (817 ft) below the surface, while La Trampa has the deepest precipice – a 30 m (98 ft) vertical entrance. Not for the fainthearted!

Santa Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park northwest of Liberia is one of the oldest natural reserves in Costa Rica, founded in 1971 to protect the natural habitat: the savanna, deciduous forest, marshlands and mangrove woodlands. Nestled in the Gulf of Papagayo, and reaching far into the ocean's depth, the park and its beaches are great for watching sea turtles coming ashore, while the inland boasts a whole different variety of flora and fauna, such as the flowering Bignoniaceae trees and howler monkeys.

Ponderosa Adventure Park

Ponderosa Adventure Park

Ponderosa Adventure Park is private wildlife reserve that allows you to get close and personal with more than 290 exotic animals, and to enjoy both the calming nature and thrilling adventures. Besides getting to know the country's fascinating variety of flora and especially fauna, horseback riding trips and zip-line rides are only some of the other experiences that await you here.

Guanacaste National Park

Guanacaste National Park

East of Santa Rosa National Park, this park is a bird watcher's paradise for a good brisk walk or a leisurely stroll along its winding paths right into the woods. While looking out for exotic birds and their nests, you can also spot other park dwellers such as Capuchin monkeys or collared peccaries, and thus explore Costa Rica's wildlife at its best.

Gulf of Papagayo Beaches

Gulf of Papagayo Beaches

The Gulf of Papagayo and its coastline are a major tourist magnet. Thanks to its splendid beaches, Guanacaste province is an excellent choice for waterside pursuits. Playa Panamá is one of the most attractive beaches in Guanacaste province, perfect for enjoying a swim as well as beautiful views over the ocean — take a walk along the shore, and savour drinks and treats only a stone's through away. Playas del Coco is laid-back during the day but vigorous at night, so a great night out after a chilled day of sunbathing can best be enjoyed here. Do also try out some of the water sports practiced here. Playa Hermosa is a grey sand beach perched between two mountains and, in fact, seldom as crowded as its neighbours. Head here for having a calm day in tranquil surroundings.

Llanos del Cortés Waterfall

Llanos del Cortés Waterfall

Visiting a waterfall is on almost every traveler's bucket list but finding one in the rather flat and dry region around Liberia might seem like a challenge. And yet, Llanos del Cortés raises its magnificent cascades in the middle of nowhere, amidst arid landscapes, and it barely has any comparable rivals — at least within Costa Rica.

Ermita de La Agonia Church

Ermita de La Agonia Church

Right in the heart of Liberia, this ancient church is a jewel of beauty from days gone by, which still remains of great significance for the people of Liberia today. A remnant of Liberia's spirited past, this cultural sanctuary allows you to catch a breath after a day of sightseeing and take in its devotional and inspiring atmosphere.

Guanacaste Museum

Guanacaste Museum

The Guanacaste Museum is committed to safeguarding the natural, social, ethnic, cultural and artistic history of the province. Featuring temporary exhibitions as well as various projects that are all meant to preserve the area's history, this former city jail boasts an authentic experience of Costa Rica's rich culture by displaying both interesting artefacts and architectural exhibits.

Simbiosis Spa

Simbiosis Spa

After experiencing a volcano visit at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, take the experince one step further by immersing yourself into a volcanic mud bath or swimming in a volcanic clay water pool. Apart from massages and treatments all featuring volcanic by-products, the Simbiosis Spa at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin also offers a sauna where you can reach an even deeper state of relaxation.

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