Liberia Costa Rica

Set within the northwest reaches of Costa Rica, the Guanacaste province has easy access to some of the country’s most tempting draws – white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and impressive, volcano-studded rainforests.

Liberia is the capital city and as such acts as a gateway for the entire province. The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport allows for uncomplicated travel to and from the area, and there are a nice variety of car rentals and transport services to get you where you want to go.

Whether you’re coming from another part of Costa Rica or an entirely different country, you won’t have any trouble getting to Liberia and on to the places that you’re dying to visit.

Things to do in while in Liberia Costa Rica

The town itself is steeped in history – for a while, it traded hands between Nicaragua and Costa Rica – and has all of the amenities that generally accompany a larger city. Most people, however, don’t spend much time in the city and prefer to move on to the Pacific coast beaches or inland rainforests that are set nearby.

If you do end up spending the night in Liberia, however, you’ll get a glimpse of an authentic Costa Rican town. Cruise the city’s central park and sip on Jugo de Caña (sugar cane juice) or slurp down some Copos (snow cones) from local vendors. There are several tasty restaurants to choose from and an assortment of comfortable hotels as well.

Costa Rica Vacations

Liberia is your gateway to all Costa Rica

That said, there are some mighty fine places to both the east and west of Liberia.

Head west and you’ll hit the Pacific Ocean and a smattering of chilled-out beaches. There is Playa Hermosa, a quiet community that borders a calm section of ocean that’s great for swimming, or Ocotal, which is known for its outstanding sport fishing and superb scuba diving. Tamarindo is held in high esteem by many and for good reason—it has solid surfing, nice international restaurants, and a fun nightlife.

To the east of Liberia are mountains and rainforests, including the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. This park, some two hours from Liberia, has abundant forests and is threaded with hiking trails. Visitors to the park can ride horses, take mud baths, or swim beneath waterfalls—a great alterative to time spent along the sunny Guanacaste beaches.