Liberia

Liberia is the capital of Guanacaste province in northwestern Costa Rica and serves as a transportation hub for travelers heading to the coastal areas and national parks of the region. The city spreads over a grid pattern with wide streets lined by low residential buildings, shops, and some colonial structures made of stone.

The founding took place in 1836 on land that once belonged to the colonial administration of Nicaragua before the region became permanently part of Costa Rica. Throughout the 20th century, the settlement grew steadily into a regional center through the expansion of agriculture and connection to the road network.

The city is often called Ciudad Blanca, a name that refers to the traditional white limestone walls of older buildings. Many locals still maintain the habit of keeping their houses in this color, which shapes the historic core.

Most visitors use the city as a stopover on the way to the beaches or volcanic areas and stay only briefly to refuel or run errands. The airport lies around 12 km (7.5 miles) west of the center, which makes arrival by taxi or shuttle straightforward.

The surrounding area is home to three-toed sloths, which sleep in trees during the day and become active only at dusk, making them rarely visible to visitors. Some ranches offer the chance to observe these animals during special night walks.