Guanacaste, in northwestern Costa Rica, is a particularly interesting province with many natural, cultural and folkloric attractions.
Guanacaste is very diverse geographically and topographically, and its area covers from the entire volcanic mountain range of Guanacaste to all the plains and the coast, from the border with Nicaragua to almost the south of the Nicoya Peninsula.
This diversity of altitudes, climates and microclimates, makes the province has a unique biodiversity of flora and fauna.
It is also the region where 90 percent of the country’s tropical dry forests are preserved, a habitat that is even more endangered than the tropical rainforest.
Guanacaste Beaches
Some of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica are along the coast of the province, distributed in different cantons, starting from the north with La Cruz, Liberia, Carrillo, Santa Cruz, Nicoya and Nandayure.
Some of the best known beaches are Roca Bruja, Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo, Avellanas, Playa Negra, Samara, Guiones, Nosara, Barrigona, San Juanillo, Matapalo, Nacazcolo, Virador and Playa Carrillo.
All beaches are different and cater to the different tastes and interests of visitors, from those who like surfing, diving, snorkeling to those who like totally calm waters and no waves.
National Parks of Guanacaste
The province is also home to a diversity of national parks distributed throughout the province.
The Guanacaste Conservation Area, including Guanacaste National Park, Orosi Volcano, Cacao Volcano and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, protect a diversity of microclimates and forest types.
On the high peaks there is a wonderful cloud forest, while on the slopes grows a transitional montane forest, which, in the lower parts, is transformed into a tropical dry forest.
The area is so extensive and varied that even on the Caribbean-North Zone slope, there are abundant tropical rainforests.
Other national parks, such as Las Baulas, Ostional and Junquillal protect important extensions of beaches and estuaries, as well as mangroves and dry tropical lowland forests.
Diría National Park, for example, in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula, near Santa Cruz, protects the last forests, some primary, of the peninsula, which was ecologically devastated some 40 years ago and is now in a state of accelerated recovery.
People and culture
The people of Guanacaste are known nationally and internationally for their sense of welcome, and their welcoming way of treating visitors.
Several specialty foods are native to Guanacaste, among them Gallina Achiotada, rosquillas and various other products made from corn.
Some of the cities of the province are considered the cradles of the folklore of the area and the country, such is the case of Santa Cruz and Nicoya.
Airports
Guanacaste has a modern international airport where many large international flights arrive, something that has boosted tourism due to the ease of transportation.
The airport is located near the city of Liberia. In addition, there are several airstrips in the area for domestic flights, such as in Tamarindo and Nosara.
Hotels
Guanacaste has a developed, wide and very diverse hotel infrastructure. There are lodging establishments for all budgets and tastes, starting with economic establishments, such as hostels and cabins, passing through standard establishments, such as 2 and 3 star hotels, to high end or superior level hotels, 4 and 5 stars.
There are also other forms of lodging, such is the case of AirBnB, house rentals, condominiums or villas.
Tours and activities
Guanacaste offers dozens of activities and tours, for all tastes. Among the most popular adventure tour activities are:
– Canopy
– Canyoning
– Rappel
– Quad Biking
– Horseback Riding
– Scuba Diving
– Sport Fishing
– Golf
– Surfing
And there is also an extensive list of eco-tourism activities, aimed at those who want to discover the natural beauty of the province. Among these are:
– Tours to national parks
– Bird watching
– Snorkeling
– Scuba diving