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Considered
the most complete destination in Costa Rica,
Guanacaste is a seductive territory everyone
longs to visit.
With an area of 6,933 square
miles and population of about 400,000,
Guanacaste has a varied topography ranging
from highlands featuring active volcanoes to
pastoral and fertile lowlands. Within its
boundaries are very important protected
areas and a scenic Pacific shore featuring
crystal blue waters lapping the warm, sandy
beaches. |
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The
Lowlands
The Pan American highway leads visitors to
Guanacaste by land, passing by scattered
cities and villages from which several
destinations can be reached.
Passing the Puntarenas
intersection and traveling deep along the
winding road that leads to Liberia, little
by little the landscape changes to vast
extentions 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 cut across the road. 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 centres, as well a musuems are
otpions to stop along the road and learn
more about Guanacaste's lowlands. Lomas de
Barbural Biological Reserve and Palo Verde
National Park are the largest protected
areas to visit in this region. |
The
Highlands
Driving along the Pan American highway,
villages and cities are scattered on both
sides of the road that lead visitors to
Guanacaste's highlands featuring, for
instance, Tenorio Volcano National Park and
its neighbour Miravalles Volcano. A very
nice road leads to these two spectacular
natural sanctuaries. Don't miss a visit to
Miravalles Forest Reserve.
Leaving Liberia, Rincon 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
fice volcanoes belonging to the Guanacaste
Cordillera, 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 the visitor
to travel along the slopes and the higher
areas of the volcano with very rewarding
experiences in bird watching as well as
wildlife watching, not to mention the
splendid vegetation and gigantic trees that
protect the forest. 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 last largest protected area of
dry forest, an area ranging from the savanna
to the slopes of Guanacaste's volcanic range
on the eastern side of the the territory.
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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 judges. 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.
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Sports
and Fun
Guanacaste possesses two well defined
weather seasons. The green season from
mid-May to the end of November, and the
golden and sunny season from early Decemeber
to mid-May. The sunny season offers a
spectacular setting for visitors in search
of a place to rest and recover.
Most of
Guanacaste's beaches are breezy and good for
relaxing. They are also excellent for
recreational sports such as volleyball or
parasailing. For those interested in
practising kayaking or windsurfing, you will
find the perfect place in Guanacaste. Other
water sports ranging from deep sea fishing
to snorkeling, from scuba diving to water
skiing can be enjoyed everyday.
Due to the fact that the sun shines 295 days
per year, Guanacaste is also called the
gateway to the sun. But the magnificent
nighrt scenery should not be ruled out. A
fantastic moon dresses up the subtle veil of
darkness while stars glimmer brilliantly.
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Liberia the capital of
Guanacaste, is located 125 miles north of
San Jose on the Pan American highway, about
a 3 hour drive. From Liberia heading west on
excellent roads, visitors can find the of
Guanacaste's beaches. Plenty of traffic
signs along the road show the way.
Most major beaches along the Guanacaste
coastline offer air access. Several commuter
companies fly in and out on a daily basis
from San Jose to the Liberia airport or some
of the local strips.
The average temperature in Guanacaste is 30C
or 86F. Visitors should wear comfortable
clothes made of natural fabrics - cotton
sundress, T-shits and shorts are perfect for
daytime wear.
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