North Guanacaste harbors an important portion of the costa rican cultural and natural patrimony. Not in vain there is a significant number of protected areas, including coastal, mountainous, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems, where life develops with exuberance.

It is situated in the northern part of the country, and covers the pacific coast of Costa Rica, since the limit with Nicaragua to Punta Cerritos, located 22 km. west from de city of Santa Cruz. It covers an extension of approximately 100 km. of the Pacific Coast. In the past, this region has had its natural vocation in the cattle raising and in the agriculture. Currently, nevertheless, the incomparable beauty of its landscapes, that go from the tropical dry forest to the forest montano low and its hot climate, as well as its fertile nature, have done of Guanacaste one of the most concurred places by the local and international tourism. Besides an important backup in the Pole of Tourist Development of the Papagayo’s Gulf, there is the Daniel Oduber International, where a large quantity of flights arrives charter and regular flights from the United States.

North Guanacaste has two main tourist centers that are Liberia (central of stopover distribution, scale and excursion) and Santa Cruz, and three other tourist centers: El Coco, Tamarindo and Flamingo. The landscape of the coast is exceptional. There are beaches of white sands and a peaceful sea qualified by intense blue, especially the ones located inside Papagayo’s Gulf (Nacascolo, Virador, Iguanita and Panama). It is one of the regions of greater development, based on hotels of high investment with potentiality of direct demand.

This Unit includes the southwest coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Its north limit is the Punta Cerritos and its south with river Bongo outfall, with a length of approximately 110 kilometers in front of the coast.

The main tourist center of the South Guanacaste Unit is the Nicoya city, located at 30 kilometers of the coast that works as a distribution center and stop break for the tourist that travels to the south Guanacaste beaches and the travelers to other passages. The second tourist center is the village of Sámara, located over the coast, which gives it a central position in relation with the whole passage territory.

The main resources of the unit are the beaches. It has a extended potential for the development of beach combined products and natural resources such as the spectacular arriving of the turtles Lora in the Wild Life National Refuge Ostional and the estuary and mangrove swamp of the south side, specially those who divide the beaches of Islita, Bejuco, San Miguel, Coyote and Guiones. The mangrove swamp are excellent conserved and are ideal sites for the bird sight and other type of fauna as well as the practice of light sports as the “kayaking”.

It has an efficient public transportation and well as ferryboats (Paquera community and Naranjo beach), which make the communication between several regions points easy. Similarly, the bridge over the Tempisque River gives a quick access to all the central and south region of the Peninsula.

It also has several airdromes (Tamarindo, Carrillo, Islita) that make possible the quick and safe entrance to the main tourist destinations of south Guanacaste.

Activities

The possible tourist activities are varied, which could be related with the rest, health, culture, adventure and nature, as well sports and recreational aspects.

HORSEBACK RIDING

A pastoral region, Guanacaste offers this activity in coastal areas and in the mountains and their communities. Horseback-riding tours are available through tourism operators or family-owned farms that rent horses.

HIKING

There is no end to the diversity of hiking options available for observing various natural, historical, architectural, cultural, religious and commercial attractions.

RECREATIONAL CYCLING

The region offers a variety of picturesque roads and adventure or leisure sites that allow touring on regular or mountain bikes. Beaches and mountains are among the most interesting riding destinations.

ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES

There are sites and buildings of architectural or historic interest and National Monuments that are considered must-see places, mainly in Abangares, Bagaces, Cañas, Liberia, Santa Cruz and Nicoya.

CUISINE

Typical towns are characterized by sodas (small restaurants serving local food), cafes and restaurants where visitors can sample the cuisine of Guanacaste. Cañas, Tilarán, Liberia and mainly Santa Cruz and Nicoya stand out as communities with traditions in typical food and drink.

BIRD-WATCHING

Bird-watching is possible mainly in protected areas. Many sites offer the opportunity to “get with the birds,” with Palo Verde, Curú, Isla Bolaños and Tenorio among the biggest.

TREETOP ADVENTURES

There are several options for visitors to observe the goings-on in the forest canopy, including various monkey and bird species.

PHOTOGRAPHY

This is a most popular tourist activity owing to Guanacaste’s climatic conditions and wealth of flora and fauna, as well as its varied natural, cultural and architectural landscapes.

DIVING

This adventure or recreational activity is becoming more and more popular in Guanacaste, thanks to its excellent dive sites and the specialized companies that normally offer services abroad. Important sites include the Gulf of Papagayo and the Santa Catalina islands.

SHOPPING FOR HANDICRAFTS

The handicrafts of Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya are made of pure clay using the traditional and ancient techniques of the Chorotega indigenous group. Ornaments, urns, flowerpots, vases, plates, decorative whistles and other figures are fashioned and may be bought for their fine finish and interest in several parts of Guanacaste. Visitors can also acquire other kinds of handicrafts fashioned out of jícaro (a kind of gourd) or the thipa plant, from which various paper products are made.

SPORT-FISHING

This is one of the Pacific region’s main attractions. Artisan and recreational fishing are possible, but of greater interest are the tournaments in which several world billfish records have been broken. The fish are returned to the water after weigh-in.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

In the provincial capitals, especially on Sundays at around ten a.m., concerts by the National Bands of Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela and San José may be enjoyed. This traditional activity normally takes place in the Central Park of each province. In addition, throughout the year communities celebrate historical, religious, sporting, civic and artistic events, and hold fairs to raise funds for community development.

RURAL TOURISM ACTIVITIES
AND SERVICES

Rural tourism activities and services offered in the North Guanacaste and their corresponding locations within the region are as follows:

Activities: Río Tempisque and Palo Verde National Park tours for observing crocodiles, birds, monkeys and more.

Activities: Sampling food prepared with solar energy.

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PLAYA LAGARTO – PLAYA PITAHAYA

This section of the coast features rocky beaches to the north (Lagarto, Manzanillo) and sandy ones to the south. In the north, Lagarto is distinguished by its artisan-fishing activities. Though beautiful, this stretch of coast offers few services for tourists. Toward the south are beaches such as El Coco, Marbella and Pitahaya, where visitors can walk and swim in the ocean. At the north end of this stretch, Playa Pitahaya features an attractive cove. Surfers like these beaches for their waves.

PLAYA AZUL

A small beach, Playa Azul has strong surf and blue waters. Its midsection (to the north) features a rocky promontory (Punta Eriza) from which visitors can enjoy an extensive, breathtaking view of the entire coast stretching from the north to Punta Trinidad (San Juanillo) in the south. The beach is suitable for walking and observing the scenery. Caution is advised when swimming, especially in the southern part of the beach.

PLAYA PLEITO AND PLAYA SAN JUANILLO

Lush with coastal greenery, these beautiful, small coves are connected by a rocky platform that joins Punta Trinidad and Punta Pleito to the north. Playa Pleito features a lovely bend at its south end that is ideal for swimming. San Juanillo’s special feature is a beautiful point (Trinidad) made up of a tongue of fine sand that forms a cove with little surf to the north and stretches a hundred meters to the south, there forming the cove of Playa Cocal.

PLAYA OSTIONAL

Long and wide with strong surf, this beach joins Playa Nosara in the south, from which it is separated by Punta División. Ostional enjoys worldwide prestige, because it is here and in Nancite (in Santa Rosa National Park) that the largest number of olive ridley turtles come to nest, especially from July to November. For this reason, Ostional and the entire coast southward to Punta Guiones are included in the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. The most scenic part of the beach is the rocky coast toward the north.

PLAYA NOSARA

This beach features a lovely estuary and a large mangrove swamp (Río Nosara) that can be toured by boat or kayak to observe the vegetation and wildlife, especially birds. Nosara’s town and outskirts offer all kinds of services for tourists, including horseback-riding and kayaking tours.

PLAYA PELADA

At Pelada’s north end is Punta Nosara, which separates this beach from Playa Nosara. Great for walks and relaxation, Pelada features a rocky point in the south that offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the beach and Playa Guiones stretching south. Visitors may enjoy horseback riding, sunbathing, sport-fishing and snorkeling at this beach.

PLAYA GUIONES

Long and wide, Playa Guiones is great for walking, horseback riding and sunbathing, and it has good waves for surfing. A wide variety of tourist services is available near this beach and those to the north.

PLAYA GARZA

Set in a beautiful bay with moderate surf, this beach features an estuary to the south, where the Río Garza empties to form a mangrove swamp. To the north, on the other side of Punta Garza, is a rocky beach called Playa Rosada (Pink Beach) due to the color of its sand. A small fishing community, Garza offers sunbathing, swimming, walking and sport-fishing tours.

PLAYA BARCO QUEBRADO

This beach is set in a beautiful cove with moderate surf. Surrounded by tall, rocky cliffs that give it special appeal, Barco Quebrado is perfect for swimming and observing the surrounding landscape, which features a forested area. To the south lies another attractive beach called Barrigona.

PLAYA BUENA VISTA

Playa Buena Vista is a large beach with moderate surf and lush vegetation. At its north end lies an estuary; to the south is the mouth of the Río Buena Vista. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and walking. Some parts of the shore feature slightly sharp drop-offs. Trips on ultralight planes are organized from this spot.

PLAYA SÁMARA

Some four kilometers long, this beach features moderate surf, mangrove swamps and ample coastal greenery, including manchineel trees, coconut palms and creepers such as beach bean. Near the center of the beach stands an enormous old strangler fig that is one of Sámara’s hallmarks. To the south, off Punta Indio, lies Isla Chora. This Blue Flag beach offers activities such as sunbathing, walking, horseback riding, swimming, mountain biking and boat or kayak trips, as well as various services allowing tourists to enjoy the beach by day and music and good food by night.

PLAYA CARRILLO

Located five kilometers from Sámara, this lovely bay features a beautiful beach with calm surf. Swimming is very safe, especially on the south end, where a large number of coconut palms parallel to the beach and street provide shade to visitors and beautify the coast. Carrillo is also great for sunbathing and walking along the beach. Its southern stretch features a rocky hill from which visitors can see the bay in all its splendor. Surrounding this point is a very safe bay for anchoring artisan- and sport-fishing boats. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag.

PLAYA CAMARONAL

Some three kilometers long, this large, open beach has moderate to strong surf. Near its south end is the mouth of the Río Ora, which must be forded with caution to reach this and other beaches to the south (Islita, Bejuco, San Miguel) or north (Carrillo, Sámara). Known as a nesting site for giant leatherback and olive ridley turtles, Camaronal features a wildlife refuge that protects these magnificent reptiles. It’s also great for camping and fishing.

PLAYA ISLITA

Shaped in a half-moon, this cove with little surf owes its name to the little rocky island next to Punta Islita at the northeast end of the bay. Two estuaries enhance the beauty of its landscape, which can be viewed in full from the heights of the road to the south that leads to Corozalito, where high cliffs can also be seen. Besides swimming and sunbathing, enjoyable activities include walking, horseback riding, four-by-four and quadricycle tours, mountain biking and boat trips for fishing and diving. This is a Blue Flag beach.

PLAYA COROZALITO

This small beach features a wide estuary and a mangrove swamp, excellent for observing flora and fauna. Tourists frequent the beach on horseback.

PLAYA BEJUCO

A very large beach with moderate to strong surf, Bejuco has an extensive mangrove swamp that stretches behind the beach to the mouth of the Río Bejuco. Near the south end lies Punta Bejuco, which lends even greater scenic beauty to this popular surfing beach.

PLAYAS SAN MIGUEL Y COYOTE

The access road leading to these two beaches runs over San Miguel hill in the north, which offers an impressive view of the open coast. Though the two beaches make up the same stretch of coast, they are separated by the Jabilla mouth and estuary, home to a large mangrove swamp. The surf on these beaches is strong and continuous. San Miguel is three kilometers long, while Coyote stretches almost five kilometers to the estuary of the same name. This area is great for boat trips, relaxation, sea-gazing, walking and horseback riding, as well as observing the plant and animal life of the mangrove swamps.

PLAYA BONGO

South of Coyote, Playa Bongo is a long, open beach that stretches several kilometers. Near the north end is an area called Caletas that is great for surfing. Five kilometers south of here lie the mouth and estuary of the Río Bongo, which marks the border between the Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces. Some three kilometers further south is Playa Manzanillo, a beautiful beach lush with vegetation. This beach is well frequented by the residents of Cóbano and other towns. Visitors can rent horses, walk on the beach, enjoy the ocean, take boat trips, kayak and camp.

PLAYA POCHOTE

South of Manzanillo lies Punta Pochote, which features a small rocky cove, profuse vegetation and beautiful scenery. The beach is good for walking, enjoying the ocean and sunbathing.

NICOYA

Considered by scholars to be the oldest city in the country and the heart of the Chorotega nation, Nicoya has well defined sectors: park, Catholic church and various commercial centers including the local market, where typical food and drink are sold.

The town is located at 123 meters above sea level. Recent years have seen increased urban development, and the town features suitable tourism development as well as a large health center. Nicoya is a must-stop on the way to Sámara and Carrillo beaches; travel time has been shortened with the opening of the La Amistad bridge.

IGLESIA COLONIAL DE SAN BLAS

Located in downtown Nicoya, this beautiful church occupies the site where the country’s first parish church was built in 1544. Inside the church is a small but interesting religious-historical museum. Beside the edifice is a lovely urban park where both locals and visitors gather. Patron saints’ feasts are celebrated annually on December 15.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE “LA YEGÜITA”

The feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe is preceded by a series of pre-stages: countdown of days and wood chopping on November 1; the “Pujagua” corn grinding on December 8; La Atolada festival on December 9; La Ramada festival on December 10; La Víspera (eve) on December 11; and Virgin of Guadalupe Day on December 12.

The day begins at five in the morning with la alborada (dawn song); like the day before, there is music, fireworks and a meal shared in the “casa del patrón del Alba” (“house of Alba’s patron”). At ten in the morning the procession begins, accompanied by the dance of La Yegüita.

At six p.m. the ceremony of the nine members of the Confraternity for the next year begins, held at the Confraternity’s premises. Only women vote in the election of the nine.

GUAITIL AND SAN VICENTE POTTERY

The residents of Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya (towns with more than 5,000 years of tradition in pottery) fashion beautiful work out of clay using the traditional and ancestral techniques of the Chorotega indigenous group, which once inhabited this part of the country. Pieces include ornaments, urns, flowerpots, vases, plates and ceramic whistles. Very distinctive ovens are used to fire these exquisite pieces. Souvenirs may be purchased in the two communities, where pottery sales make up the residents’ main source of livelihood. This lovely tradition is handed down from generation to generation; in addition, the time-honored techniques are taught to students at Guaitil’s primary school, who fashion beautiful pieces to be sold to visitors.

SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz holds the distinction of being the national folklore city, thanks to its commitment to keeping its traditions and customs alive, including traditional dance, musical instruments, food and drink. The town features a pleasant, well laid out park, as well as a variety of shops and public services.

Nearby natural tourist attractions include stunning beaches such as Ostional, Blanca (Flamingo), Tamarindo and Grande. Tourism development has been substantial in recent years, mainly on the coast, where large hotels have been established along with a range of services and activities, including golf..

FEAST OF SANTO CRISTO DE ESQUIPULAS

Santa Cruz’s effigy of Christ was brought from Guatemala in 1840. The celebration unfolds in phases: La Víspera (eve): On January 13, the Cristo de Esquipulas is moved from Arado, where it is kept, to a house on the outskirts of Santa Cruz, where it is prepared for the procession on the afternoon of the 14th. Neighbors prepare themselves to go see the Christ, thus starting an entire procession of worshippers. The Christ passes through streets adorned with palms, malinche (flamboyant tree) flowers and multicolored streamers.

La Festividad (the feast): January 15 is the day of the Patron Saint, and a procession is made through Santa Cruz accompanied by los indios promesanos (indigenous people offering vows to the Christ), the National Traditional Queen and her Court of Honor, the Priest and the faithful. Afterwards, mass is held in the church in honor of the saint.

In addition to these activities, cultural shows are organized from January 14 to 18: traditional dance, music from Guanacaste and marimba, plays and poetry readings, as well as “retahílas” (witty dialogues between two people) and “bombas” (spontaneous recitations of love), with all the drollness typical of the residents of this community holding the title of national folklore city. As a complement to the events, handicrafts and souvenirs from the festivities are sold. The events take place around two main locations: the Plaza de los Mangos, where the bull-riding stage is set up; and Parque Bernabela Ramos, where cultural activities are held.

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ISLA BOLAÑOS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Located in Bahía Salinas, this island has an area of 25 hectares and a maximum altitude of 81 meters. Rocky Isla Bolaños’ major importance lies in its seabirds, including frigate birds and brown pelicans..

BAHÍA JUNQUILLAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

This wilderness area is characterized by its dry forests and their guanacaste, rain and legume trees. It also contains mangrove swamps featuring black and red mangroves. Animals that may be observed include spider, Congo and white-faced monkeys, white-tailed deer and iguanas. Trails, a camping and picnic area, restrooms, public telephone and other services are available. Though Bahía Junquillal is the refuge’s main attraction, it also comprises Jicote and Cuajiniquil bays and Islas Los Muñecos.

RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK

Comprising the massif that contains Rincón de la Vieja volcano, this national park has an area of 14,083 hectares and is divided into two sectors: Las Pailas and Santa María. The park contains nine volcanic cones and one lake, La Jilgueros. Pailas Sector: Trail (7.5 km) to the Von Seebach (1,898 meters above sea level) and Rincón de la Vieja (1,806 meters above sea level) craters; trail to las pailas (2.77 km); trail to La Cangreja (5.1 km) and Escondidas (4.3 km) waterfalls; trail to the Río Blanco pool (600 m); trail to fumaroles and mud volcanoes.

Santa María Sector: Trail to Enchanted Forest waterfall (1.1 km); trail to Pailas sector (8 km); trail to coldwater springs (1.6 km); trail to hot springs (2.75 km). In the vicinity of the administrative office there are restrooms, picnic areas and a camping ground, as well as a historical house and sugar mill. The park may also be accessed from Buenos Aires de Upala.

SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK

This park has two sectors: Murciélago and Santa Rosa itself. Located in the northern part of the Santa Elena peninsula, Murciélago features several beaches, including El Hachal, Danta, Coquito, Santa Elena and Blanca. The administrative area offers parking, picnic tables, bathrooms, drinking water and camping. There are also viewpoints and trails.

The Santa Rosa sector shelters the largest tract of tropical dry forest in Central America. Wildlife here includes white-tailed deer and Congo and white-faced monkeys. This area features two beaches: Naranjo, which permits camping, and Nancite, which is operated as a biological station and where olive ridley turtles come to nest. Finally, Santa Rosa has great historical importance as the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa.

This sector offers several trails and viewpoints, as well as other points of interest such as the Monument to the Heroes of 1856 and 1955 and the historical house, which was completely rebuilt in 2002.

VOLCÁN TENORIO NATIONAL PARK

Located in Guanacaste’s Cordillera Volcánica, this park features several life zones, including low montane rainforest, very wet tropical forest and very wet premontane forest. Its maximum altitude is 1,916 meters above sea level. Plant species include palms, ferns, bromeliads and orchids. In terms of animals, there are white-faced and Congo monkeys, giant anteaters, pumas, tapirs and peccaries. Birds include a variety of trogon birds and bellbirds.

The park offers parking, drinking water, outhouses, researcher accommodations, information, trails and viewpoints that allow visitors to enjoy its features. These attractions and the hot springs are located not far from the administrative office, and are connected by a trail called Misterios del Tenorio (Mysteries of Tenorio). It is simply wonderful to swim in the sky-blue river, and to take in the park’s natural environs.

GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARK

At just over 32,000 hectares, this park contains Orosí and Cacao volcanoes, which are its main attractions. It is divided into three sectors: Maritza, Pitilla and Cacao.

The Maritza sector is located on the slopes of Orosí volcano, at 650 meters above sea level. It shelters a dry to wet forest that gives birth to rivers and streams, a variety of birds and a large population of collared peccaries. Available services include drinking water, outhouses, trails and general information. Located one kilometer south of La Cruz, the Pitilla sector’s main feature is its wet forest. Birds and other animals can be seen on the trails, as well as a spectacular view of Lake Nicaragua.

The Cacao sector is located on the slopes of the volcano of the same name, at some 1,100 meters above sea level. Trails connect dry forest to wet and cloud forests. With the proper permit, visitors may climb to the top of the volcano.

VOLCÁN MIRAVALLES PROTECTED AREA

This protected area’s main attraction is its volcano, the tallest one (2,028 meters above sea level) in Guanacaste’s Cordillera Volcánica, Bagaces canton. Its slopes feature hot springs that may be enjoyed at the pool in Guayabo. Volcanic fumaroles can also be visited. There are beautiful waterfalls in the area, such as Cabro Muco and the waterfall on the grounds of the college in La Fortuna, near to which are several lakes. In addition, this area is home to Costa Rica’s only geothermal electricity production project.

LAS BAULAS NATIONAL MARINE PARK AND TAMARINDO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Both these wilderness areas are located mainly in the Playa Grande area and in the Tamarindo estuary; however, they also include Playa Carbón, Playa Ventanas and Playa Langosta, Morro and Hermoso hills and the San Francisco and Ventanas mangrove swamps. Nesting giant leatherback turtles are the park’s main tourist attraction. Largest of the world’s sea turtles, the endangered leatherback is protected in Costa Rica.

The refuge’s main attraction is its mangrove swamp, with its fast-growing trees. Most common mangrove species here include red, black, white and piñuela. These mangrove forests are ideal breeding grounds for fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Reptiles, amphibians and birds may also be seen here. Tours are available for observing nesting leatherbacks and touring the Tamarindo estuary.

LOMAS DE BARBUDAL BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE

North of Palo Verde, this preserve is especially famous for the numerous insect species that make it an exceptional site for entomological research. The area also features several different habitats—savanna, riverine forest, gallery forest and deciduous forest—as well as rivers with excellent swimming holes. A great many yellow cortez trees flower here during the dry season, especially in March, flooding the entire area with their color. Barbudal’s fauna includes Congo and white-faced monkeys, deer and many birds.

BARRA HONDA NATIONAL PARK

Located 22 kilometers northeast of Nicoya, this park’s 2,295 hectares protect an important geological feature: a system of calcareous caverns with stalactite and stalagmite formations. At 450 meters high, Barra Honda hill is made up of ancient coral reefs pushed up out of the earth by tectonic faults.

Around 19 caverns have been explored. Terciopelo is most accessible and is open to the public. Its stalactites and stalagmites are formed by calcium carbonate in the cavern ceiling dissolving upon coming into contact with water. The park offers parking, drinking water, outhouses, lodging, information, trails and viewpoints showing landscapes of the Río Tempisque.

DIRIÁ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Located in Santa Cruz, this refuge protects the area’s hydrographic basin system and around 1,500 hectares of forest. Above 700 meters, evergreen species prevail, hosting moss and gigantic bromeliads.

OSTIONAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Ostional was established as a refuge to protect the olive ridley turtles that nest on this shore. The most important nesting area stretches from a place known as La Roca to the Ostional estuary. In addition to the olive ridley, which nests in the refuge year-round, giant leatherback and green turtles nest from September to February, as well as the occasional hawksbill. Olive ridleys can lay more than 100 eggs each on the refuge’s beaches. Once a year, a phenomenon called la arribada (“the arrival”) occurs between September and November. For three to seven days, hosts of olive ridleys descend upon the refuge to lay thousands of eggs. In order to make reasonable use of this resource, the law permits eggs to be taken from Ostional for commercial purposes. This activity is coordinated with the Ostional Development Association, as are guided turtle-watching tours.

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