Guanacaste Province, Province in northwestern Costa Rica
Description
Guanacaste is a province along the northwestern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, characterized by dry tropical forests, volcanic ranges, and wide cattle ranches. The region divides into eleven cantons, with Liberia serving as the provincial capital and gateway to beaches and protected natural areas.
History
The region originally belonged to Nicaragua and chose to join Costa Rica through a popular vote in 1824. This decision permanently altered the territorial boundaries of both countries and shaped the development of the province.
Culture
The province maintains strong ranching traditions, with local cowboys called sabaneros contributing to regional customs through their horse-riding skills and cattle management techniques.
Practical
Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia offers direct flights from North America and serves as the main entry point for coastal destinations. The dry season from December to April brings little rain and makes travel easier on unpaved roads inland.
Did you know?
The national parks contain active volcanoes and dry forest ecosystems where howler monkeys, iguanas, and hundreds of bird species live. Some beaches serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles that return to the coast each year to lay eggs.
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
68.6 km
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
44.8 km
Lake Arenal
52.3 km
San Lucas Island
77.2 km
Playas del Coco
34.8 km
Hacienda Santa Rosa
50.3 km
Tenorio Volcano National Park
50.9 km
Solentiname Archipelago National Monument
94.3 km
Puente La Amistad de Taiwán
26.7 km
Las Baulas National Marine Park
52.5 km
Santa Rosa National Park
64.8 km
Volcán Tenorio
49.9 km
Orosí Volcano
61.2 km
Palo Verde National Park
9.3 km
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
44.9 km
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve
102.5 km
Playa Negra
54.1 km
Guanacaste National Park
44.9 km
Ostional Wildlife Refuge
62.8 km
Church of Saint Blaise of Nicoya
32.7 km
Playa Conchal
45.2 kmGuanacaste Conservation Area
52.1 km
Area de Conservación Guanacaste World Heritage Site
52.1 km
Barra Honda National Park
29.7 kmCerro Pelado
42.6 km
Selvatura Park
67.2 kmCurú Wildlife Refuge
88.4 km
Estadio Asociación Cívica Jicaraleña
61.2 km
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