Exploring Costa Rica Guidebook

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GUANACASTE NORTH

FROM a heavenly coastline, Guanacaste stretches east from the Pacific Ocean over dry, rolling savannah that bursts into verdant life at the first drops of the rainy season. Some of Costa Rica's most majestic volcanoes rise from this expansive province, spilling rivers, lakes and forest down onto the farm and cattle lands that make up much of the territory.

CAÑAS

CAÑAS, an agricultural and cattle town, has become more and more a place where tourists first to get to know Guanacaste. Recognized as a city in 1912, it is known as the Friendship City of Costa Rica because of the hospitality of residents.

LIBERIA

THE capital of Guanacaste, known as The White City, is a tidy, attractive and growing, thanks to the influx of tourism and the proximity of the airport. With a nicely maintained central park, rich history and some colonial architecture, Liberia shouldn't be missed.

RINCON DE LA VIEJA MIRAVALLES

Long lost in the shadow of nearby Rincón de la Vieja, the charming community around Miravalles Volcano recently began building a tourism infrastructure from scratch. Gorgeous views of Lake Nicaragua and the Papagayo Gulf reward hikers, a tree awaits rappelers to descend down its hollow core, and the bulls just can't wait to take you for a ride.

RINCON DE LA VIEJA

Horseback riding, bubbling mud pits, geysers of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen are just a few of the attractions surrounding this volcano and its national park. Differences in altitude and rainfall offer rich diversity of habitats, wildlife.

LA CRUZ & SANTA ROSA

The last town before the Nicaraguan border, La Cruz is a popular destination for nature lovers and surfers, and one of Costa Rica s most important historic areas. Peñas Blancas, 20 km. north of La Cruz is the official Nicaraguan border crossing.

LOS CHILES-UPALA

CAÑO Negro Wildlife Refuge became the first designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in the country in 1991, and is now the area's main attraction. Los Chiles, on the border with Nicaragua, was a brewing ground for CIA activity during the 1980s Contra war, and is now an alternative to avoid the eternal wait at the Peñas Blancas border crossing.

NORTH BEACHES

GUANACASTE beaches are as diverse as the province itself. You can choose from among white sand, black sand, secluded ones with little inns, or those booming with luxurious resorts. All ready to enchant you with beautiful scenic views.

PENINSULA DE PAPAGAYO

Known for excellent diving, snorkeling, fishing and sailing, this part of the peninsula also has spectacular beaches that are bathed by beautiful sunsets. It also boasts some of the most luxurious hotels in the country.

PLAYA PANAMA

About 3.5 km from Playa Hermosa. Formerly for camping, but government regulations changed that to protect flora and fauna. Peaceful with fairly safe waters.

PLAYA HERMOSA

COOL waters and a protected gray-sand beach make this beach a peaceful getaway, but a bevy of new construction projects makes one wonder: for how long? Playa Hermosa, which means beautiful beach in Spanish, is 9.5 km. west of Sardinal.

PLAYAS DEL COCO

ONE of the most popular beach towns for Ticos, however, many tourists pass this beach up for the more attractive and clean waters of nearby towns when it comes to playing in the waves. For a jump-off point for diving, though, Playas del Coco is pretty much number one, with a wide selection of dive shops and attractive tours. Playas del Coco also boasts a popping nightlife, lots of bars and restaurants and quieter sections north and south of town, 7 km. west of Sardinal.

PLAYA OCOTAL

THREE km. west of Coco, tranquil, dark-sand beach, ideal for snorkeling, diving and fishing.

PLAYA OCOTAL

THREE km. west of Coco, tranquil, dark-sand beach, ideal for snorkeling, diving and fishing.

PLAYA POTRERO

FROM Coco, turn right at Congo Trail Canopy tour sign on top of bus stop, just past turnoff for Playa Hermosa. Fastest route from Playas del Coco is bouncy, 16-km. Monkey Trail, passable only in dry season; 4WD required. The Beach Times (thebeachtimes.com), weekly newspaper covers this section of coast.

PLAYA PRIETA / PLAYA PENCA

PLAYA PAN DE AZUCAR

PLAYA FLAMINGO

FROM main beach highway, 35 km. west of Belén turnoff. Protected, white-sand beach, about 3 km. south of Potrero. One of the best resort areas in the province.

PLAYA BRASILITO

ABOUT 4 km. south of Flamingo, discreet beach and fishing community w/new development along main road.

PLAYA CONCHAL

This beach is known for having, instead of sand, tiny, tiny bits of shell, hence the name Conchal, which means shell in Spanish.

PLAYA REAL

PLAYA GRANDE

About 15 rough km. south of Playa Real, great surfing by day, turtle watching by night in season.