Stretching from the border of Nicaragua down to the mid-Pacific region of the province of Puntarenas and ending near Playa Negra at the Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste is the second largest of Costa Rica’s provinces.
Also known as “the Gold Coast”, this is one of the most interesting areas of Costa Rica, both as a tourism destination as well as for those looking to invest or retire in Costa Rica.
This area can be most easily reached via the Daniel Oduber International Airport, which is located 4 miles south from Liberia. This is the second international airport in the country, after the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, and serves cities like Toronto, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Newark, Minneapolis and London. It can also be reached by taking the Interamerican Highway from San Jose, which will take about 4-5 hours drive through fantastic landscapes. Some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches can be found along this coast, just to mention a few: Flamingo, Conchal , Hermosa, Potrero, Playas del Coco and Ocotal. Due its dry and warm climate and with more than 300 days a year of sunshine, this region contains some of the most popular areas for resorts and spas as well as 3 unique golf courses: Hacienda Pinilla Golf & Country Club, Garra de León Conchal Golf & Beach Resort and the Four Seasons Resort ( this last one for hotel guests only).
Comprised of a combination of lowland dry forest, vast windswept plains of golden waving grasses, impressive volcanic mountain ranges, cloud and rain forest, fascinating national parks, including world-class fishing ,and of course miles of beautiful coast line bathed by pristine beaches, Guanacaste is a land of riches!
Interesting places to visit:
La Casona
Located in the Santa Rosa National Park. This historic monument was the site of three major battles and is now a museum.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Remote active volcano with fumaroles, boiling mud pots and thermal springs. Can be reached by nature trails. The region also contains many private reserves.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve
This remote location contains rare flora and fauna.
Playa Grande
Important turtle nesting site. Good surfing is assured on this very pretty beach.
Blue Lake Waterfall - 90 feet high, it is totally blue because of the copper in the water.
Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge/Las Baulas National Marine Park - nesting sites for leatherback turtles (Oct-March).
Guaitil
Small indigenous village maintaining the traditions of the Chorotega. Residents continue to make and sell excellent pottery.
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
One of the two sites for nesting of the Olive Ridley turtle.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
An abundance of wildlife including the resplendent quetzal. Guided hikes are available.
Isla Bolanos Wildlife Refuge
Nesting site for brown pelicans and magnificent frigate birds. A lovely outing on a boat.
Las Pumas - largest private shelter for wild cats in Latin America.
Africa Mia- Offers African safari.
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