Guanacaste Province, Province in northwestern Costa Rica
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.
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.
The province maintains strong ranching traditions, with local cowboys called sabaneros contributing to regional customs through their horse-riding skills and cattle management techniques.
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.
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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