Costa Rica Info

Liberia is the head of the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It emerged in the second half of the eighteenth century under the name of Pueblo de Guanacaste, as a result of the establishment of a parish in aid of its location, albeit without legal foundation. Liberia is approximately 4 hours from the capital of Costa Rica and the access is very easy by car. He was often called “The White City” because in the past, its streets were made of “gravel”, a dusty material of white color.  Its climate is hot and dry from November to May and wet from late May to early November, with heavy rains in September and October. It has an average annual temperature of 27 degrees C and extremes are of historical 12.8 º C and 40.1 º C.

The town of Guanacaste, Liberia today, arose from 1769 around a hermitage, but without formal legal act of foundation. In 1787, it became part of the municipality of Leon in Nicaragua. In July 1824 their neighbors declined the invitation of the government of Costa Rica to join that country, but became part of it in 1826, due to an Act of Congress of Central America, which added to Costa Rica throughout the territory of the former Party of Nicoya. Gradually shifted to Nicoya as the main population of the territory and was erected in the header of the Department of Guanacaste.  In 1836 received the title of town and in 1854 changed its name to Liberia. In 1856, the city was renamed “Moracia,” in honor of Juan Rafael Mora Porras, president of the republic at that time. After the coup that gave the latter, the city finally came to be known as “Liberia”.

Actualy, tourism is given a lot to this zone, which has an airport that receives daily international flights: Daniel Oduber Airport in Costa Rica, so it is common to see foreigners walking along the outskirts of the city. It is a city known for some by their folklore and customs. The climate is typical summer weather. One of the main attractions of the area is the proximity to the beaches and the many hotels that are in them. Places like the Gulf of Papagayo have been greatly developed in recent years and the growth continues. With the arrival of more international flights to the area tourism has emerged as the largest partner for the development of the city of Liberia. It is currently installed in the area several high technology companies. The first is Ad Astra Rocket Company and is located on the campus of the University EARTH (La Flor). Undoubtedly, the zoo Africa Mia became one of the top attractions in Liberia. Giraffes, wild boar, ostrich, oryx, zebras and bongos try to captivate the national and foreign tourists traveling to this part of Costa Rica.

Parts of the developments are the offspring that took some of the exotic animals as “Tico”, the dromedary of six months. Hippos and rhinos could complete the exotic menu of interesting animals of this place. Some of the airlines that fly daily to Liberia in Costa Rica are: American Airlines, Continental, Delta. The group Taca has already had permits from the respective ICT so it will soon be added to this list. There are also charter flights from Canada to companies Sunwing and Sky Service. Daniel Oduber Airport receives an average of 38 weekly flights, with an average of 1,118 passengers per day. Only in January 2005 over 32 thousand tourists entered the city of Liberia for this airport. In 2005 the number of passengers from this airport in Costa Rica was almost 400,000 passengers. Only during the 2007 season (December-April) is expecting more than 200,000 passengers. The British airline First Choice Airlines is flying from London, England, at the airport in Liberia since May 2007.

Puntarenas is the largest province of Costa Rica, is located to the west and stretches over two thirds of the country’s Pacific Coast. Is located about 75 miles from the capital San Jose and its biggest attraction are their beaches and friendly style of life. Puntarenas has a size of approximately 11,277 square kilometers and extends from Guanacaste into the southern part of Costa Rica to the border with Panama.

Because Puntarenas is so large and covers an area so big, the province is normally divided into two big parts which facilitates the travel through the area. The north part that extends north to Manuel Antonio National Park and the South part that includes Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula, and places like Pavones, all located in Costa Rica. The northern area of Puntarenas, near Guanacaste is a beautiful zone with nice beaches and tropical forest with a warm climate. It is home to an impressive collection of flora and fauna, making it the ideal site for an eco adventure or simply relaxes in their glorious surroundings.

There are many things to see and do in the North Pacific area of Puntarenas in Costa Rica, from quiet walks on the beach to float in the clear waters that flow along the Cordillera de Tilaran. It is the ideal place for those seeking both peaceful holidays and agitated vacations. The north Pacific has a large number of beautiful national parks and refuges that are able to visit for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of this area of Costa Rica. The most popular attraction is the Manuel Antonio National Park with has a magnificent beach and lush green mountains. This place has dozens of excellent restaurants and hotels which are very close from each other, which makes this attraction very attractive to people of all ages.

One of the most beautiful zones in the north Pacific of Puntarenas in Costa Rica is the Nicoya Peninsula which has a perfect warm climate all the year. Also have splendorous islands that can be visited by sailing tours. One of these islands is the famous Tortuga Island which has a beautiful beach with white sand and blue clear waters. The beaches and islands of this area allows the practice of a high quality diving.

And if you want more action after enjoying a day watching wildlife, you can go directly north to Jaco Beach, a town in eastern style. If you are looking for excellent waves do not hesitate to go the north, to the province of Guanacaste to enjoy the beautiful beaches like Mal Pais or Hermosa  that are located in the Nicoya peninsula. There are also less congested beaches that stretch along the coast with hidden paths of vegetation. These beaches are a paradise for those who want peace and quiet. Because the coastline is in heavy waves, it becomes very attractive to surfers but can be treacherous for swimmers. The area has a lot of hotels, cabins and resorts, so you will find accommodation throughout the year. The price of the real estate is increasing mainly in the lands near the most famous beaches and near the province of Guanacaste.

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… C: wait… SD: wait…

The north Pacific coast of Guanacaste in Costa Rica offers some of the best beaches in the world in places like Tamarindo, Flamingo Beach and Hermosa. Hermosa Beach is located on the Hermosa Bay in Sardinal and is located in the northern province of Guanacaste about 20 minutes from Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. Hermosa Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica and offers visitors a crystal-blue water and beautiful scenery, making it one of the most popular destinations for the tourist foreign and domestic.
Hermosa Beach is a quiet beach, making it the ideal refuge for those who only wish to engage in leisure and enjoy the sun. With a temperature of warm water and ideal climatic conditions all year, Hermosa Beach is the perfect refuge with accommodation and restaurants very convenient for all budgets. However is not a place full of tourist like others as Jaco Beach or Tamarindo.

This beach is the winner of the prize “Blue Flag” award given to beaches in Costa Rica that demonstrates high standards of environmental care and excellent security facilities. Near Hermosa Beach, just seven kilometers north is located Playas del Coco that is another important place to visit in Guanacaste. Hermosa Beach lives up to its name because it has an idyllic beauty and splendor environments with beautiful surroundings. It is a beach with two kilometers of gray sand surrounded by a tropical forest with a string of volcanic rock which makes Hermosa Beach more than a great family destination fit for the enjoyment of any person.

Hermosa Beach is the perfect place in Costa Rica for swimming or scuba diving because it provides incredible opportunities for diving and snorkeling safaris for those who love being in the sea. Besides being one of the best places to scuba diving in Costa Rica, tourists can also be fun by renting kayaks, sailboats, windsurfing equipment, canoes, bicycles and water skies at any store that exists on the beach. The local tourist companies also offer package tours to fishing as well as catamaran rides along the coast of Hermosa, for those who prefer a more tranquil holiday.

For those who want to enjoy tourism activities on land, is easy to find guided tours on horseback to the surroundings, like trips to the nearby mangrove swamp. If you wish, you could also make a trip to the incredible Arenal Volcano and relax in the spa that is very close. This site is one of the main tourist attractions of Costa Rica.

La Cruz is the tenth canton of the province of Guanacaste and was founded in the year 1969. Most of its economically active population (at least 70%) is working in activities related to animal husbandry, agriculture, fisheries and tourism. Its high economic growth is due to the opening of the Inter-American highway and the arrival of tourists attracted by the beauty of the area. The limit southeast of La Cruz in Costa Rica, is formed by the line of the Cordillera de Guanacaste, where are located the Orosi  Volcano, the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the Volcano Arenal Volcano and the Miravalles which are important tourist attractions. La Cruz in Costa Rica has a full supply of public and private services, especially health and education.

La Cruz in Costa Rica is an important part of the province of Guanacaste. It is a beautiful area with scenery typical of the North Pacific of Costa Rica. Near the La Cruz there are several attractions such as stunning beaches and interesting national parks.

This border region, which lies on the boundaries of what is known as Mirador de La Cruz, from where tourists can see beautiful and breathtaking sunsets with stunning sceneries that are simply limited by the Pacific Ocean. The beaches at La Cruz in Costa Rica are wonderful and are well known both for the local tourism and the international tourism. The best known beaches near La Cruz are: Cuajiniquil, Salinas and Manzanillo Bay among others. In this region can also be found the Bolaños Island Biological Reserve, which has an important biological wealth of marine life.

This beautiful landscape and the proximity to the Santa Rosa National Park are its greatest tourist attractions. In the Santa Rosa National Park is located the Casona de Santa Rosa that have been preserved since the mid-nineteenth century and is a monument to the country’s history. In addition, the park protects a wide variety of flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest making it extremely attractive for the ecotourism.

The development of tourism along with the rest of the region has contributed generously economically speaking to the town of La Cruz in Costa Rica, as many are working in jobs related to tourism and some locals have turned their homes into small hotels and restaurants. The arrival of tourists (domestic and foreign) to the beaches of this region has been growing steadily which has been steadily increasing the demand for luxury hotels and lodging houses that have been developed throughout the coastal area. This fact has caused a significant increase in the prices of real estate.

El Coco Beach in Costa Rica offers all the warmth of a typical fishing village with gentle sea breezes and morning activities and people very warm and cheerful. The beach where the village is located extends around the place from start to finish, which makes it perfect for the enjoyment of visitors. The village offers a service port very adequate for sailing small boats.

El Coco Beach in Costa Rica is a coffee sand bay beach with blue water, gentle waves of a moderate, suitable for swimming, diving and practice other water sports such as fishing, one of the most striking activities in the area. About 3 kilometers long, the beach has small rocky cliffs at the ends. Near the beach there are several islets whose surroundings are filled with all kinds of marine life. Characterized by a strong tourism development El Coco has many hotels, cabins, chalets, bungalows and camping areas, as well as restaurants, bars, discos, casinos and other places of entertainment for those who like a fun night. From the beach you can see a beautiful landscape that is really stunning in the afternoon. Despite its heightened tourism development and be one of the most popular beaches, El Coco Beach in Costa Rica retains its beautiful natural scenery to the delight of the tourists.

Costa Rica North Pacific Coast - El Coco Beach

To the north El Coco borders with Playa Hermosa and with Playa Ocotal to the south, which are also very popular. It is located relatively close to the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, and the access roads are in good condition. El Coco Beach in Costa Rica is just 40 minutes from Liberia and can be reached by the route 21, direct to the Daniel Oduber airport road; once you get there you will arrives at the crossing of the community. From this point you have to take ten kilometers to the west, until this magical place filled with sun, sand and sea.

El Coco Beach in Costa Rica is a very popular sport fishing place and is one of the largest towns of the province of Guanacaste. It is primarily known as the gateway for surfers to reach Point Ollie’s and Witches Rock, where the waves are great. This bustling beach is a main point of scuba diving and has many tourist companies of diving, established here.

There are variety of tour operators and travel agents in town. You can choose a day of sailing, diving or visiting the various national parks and volcanoes in the area. The townspeople will be able to advice of the best places to visit. They are very kind and helpful as most people of Costa Rica. Despite the fact that this land is very quiet, the authorities in the town suggest to tourists not to neglect their belongings. During the high season the tourism and rural police monitored 24 hours a day for the safety of foreign and national tourists. However, visitors should be awaiting their belongings, to avoid being overtaken by thieves.

Uvita is described by many as an area with an incredible biodiversity, one of the richest in the world. Uvita is located in the southwest of Costa Rica with beautiful beaches and scenery divine. Of the entire spectacular beaches located in Costa Rica, Playa Uvita is one of the most splendid beaches that you can find in the south Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is located in the province of Puntarenas barely 16 kilometers fromr Dominical, a main point of surfing in the area. Playa Uvita is within the Whale National Marine Park

It is located far away from San Jose and the best way to reach Playa Uvita is to fly to Juan Santa Maria International Airport and from there take a bus to Quepos and Dominical. From there you can take another bus to Playa Uvita, which is a short trip. Another alternative for tourists is to fly to South Palomar Airport and then drive to Playa Uvita.

Uvita in the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica

You can travel throughout the year as it has a glorious weather almost all the time. Playa Uvita is a beautiful beach with 2 miles of white sand with moderate waves and crystal blue water. Because this beach is part of Ballena National Marine Park any hunting or fishing of marine life is strictly prohibited. However, conditions are ideal for swimming and tourists can enjoy a variety of water sports. The best feature of Playa Uvita is its beautiful scenery with its estuaries and mangrove swamps as well as the enchanting atmosphere of the nearby town.

The horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving are popular activities, while those who prefer a more relaxed and peaceful vacation can enjoy a walk along the shore or taking a sunbath on the beach and enjoy a beautiful landscape and the marine life that offers Uvita Beach. It’s a relatively quiet beach without so many tourists so you can also take a tour to Isla del Caño or Isla Violines, Whale Island or walk a few miles to the forest or the mountains.

Playa Uvita accommodations are at a very reasonable price with many guest houses, hotels and rustic cabins. If you want to stay on the beach you will found rooms and cabins for rent. There are also enough bars and restaurants to eat, and sodas (small cafes) that offers local delicacies.