Costa Rica “Guanacaste”
The province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica in the far west of the country, comprises the bulk of the territory that was annexed to the country on July 25, 1824. Because its extention is the second largest province in the country, but also the more depopulated. Its northern border with the Republic of Nicaragua, on the east by Alajuela, Puntarenas to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean. Its main city is Liberia.
Guanacaste is named in honor of the country’s national tree. Its geography is plain, rugged by the Cordillera de Guanacaste to the border with Alajuela, and with some higher areas in the Peninsula of Nicoya. It is divided politically in 11 regions. The economic potential of Guanacaste lies in their tourism, since its beaches are a great scenic attraction, and its warm climate is ideal for the visitors. In Liberia is the second international airport in Costa Rica, named Daniel Oduber International Airport.
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the area was inhabited by indigenous people called Chorotegas, one of the cultures of Mesoamerica. In the southern part inhabited the Corobici, which belonged to the Intermediate Area. The first church was built outside of Nicoya in the seventeenth century. In the eighteenth century, some neighbors of Rivas established their homes and farms in the northern part of the Nicoya peninsula. The place was named Guanacaste, since there was a famous Guanacaste tree which grew in the area.
In 1826, through an Act of Congress of Central America, the entire territory of the Party of Nicoya was annexed to Costa Rica. In 1836 the population of Guanacaste was declared capital of the territory of Guanacaste, later turned into province. However, in 1854, the name of this city was changed to Liberia.
In the territory of Guanacaste was fought on March 20, 1856, the Battle of Santa Rosa, in which the Costa Rican army defeated the forces of William Walker that tried to extend its dominance throughout Central America. In Guanacaste you can enjoy much of the Costa Rican traditions, for example you can enjoy the music of the “marimba”, folk dances, meals and other demonstrations of the culture of the zone, also the tourist have to visit the volcanoes Orosi, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles, or learn a little more about the struggles for Costa Rican independence in the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa.
The area has several of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica, for example among the most visited there are Culebra Bay in the Gulf of Papagayo, Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Grande, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Avellanas, Playa Brasilito, Playa Samara, Playa Nosara, Puerto Carrillo and others. It also has national parks (protected areas) as the Guanacaste Conservation Area, the largest in the country, Palo Verde National Park, and places like the caves of Barra Honda, Miravalles Volcano, and the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. For its tourist attraction and the sun and the beaches, the region is the destination of many foreign tourists who visit Costa Rica. For that reason it has the Daniel Oduber International Airport that receives international flights that allows to avoid the land displacement from the capital San Jose.
Some of the most famous festivals in the province of Guanacaste are the popular celebrations of the city of Santa Cruz, in January, where you can enjoy dancing, games, local foods and sports, also the festivals of Playas del Coco, in February, and the civic celebration of Liberia in the months of February and July.
In regards to Costa Rica tourism, there is no area in the country that tops the popularity of the Guanacaste Province. Development here has been a constant in past years, and if you want to find some of the best Costa Rica beaches, well then, you can hardly go wrong in Guanacaste. The beautiful Guanacaste beaches stretch from the border of Nicaragua on down to the attractive Nicoya Peninsula. There is a beach here to fit pretty much any taste, from small coves, to sandy, resort-laden hangouts. Some travelers to Guanacaste Costa Rica opt to stay in one of the area villages, where you can find some well-priced accommodations. Perhaps the ultimate in Guanacaste accommodations is the new Hilton Papagayo Resort, which enjoys a bayfront location on the Pacific Ocean. Those looking for all inclusive Costa Rica resorts will surely want to consider this Hilton offering, especially since it can be reached from the Liberia airport in just 20 minutes.
Golfers traveling to Costa Rica will find that Guanacaste is fast becoming a golf destination of repute, and now that the international airport in Liberia is finished, visitors can fly straight to this part of the country, effectively eliminating the need to have to arrive in San Jose first. An arid and hot region once dominated by dry, tropical forestland, the Guanacaste Province is now much more wide open, as many of the trees were sacrificed both for lumber and to create pastures for the area cattle ranches. Known as the “Wild West” of Costa Rica, among the most interesting features here are the “Sabaneros”, or cowboys of Guanacaste. The overall beauty of the Guanacaste Province has encouraged more and more tourists to invest in, or purchase Costa Rica real estate here. The stunning Guanacaste beaches are generally what lure investors in, and the northern highlands of Guanacaste Costa Rica also play a large part in attracting both tourists and prospective expatriates.
It pretty much seems that the Guanacaste beaches are always bathed in sunshine, and one-time fishing villages like Tamarindo are now quick-becoming resort towns. Those booking a Guanacaste vacation package will find a nice array of options, with many of the new Guanacaste resorts among the top hotels in the country. The Guanacaste hotels have choices to suit most any budget, and as much as the Guanacaste beaches are popular with surfers, fishing is still a prime pursuit here. For those looking to add Costa Rica sportfishing to their Guanacaste vacation package, that can surely be arranged. Maybe you want to try scuba diving, or go horseback riding. Perhaps you want to take a sailing tour on a large catamaran, or go jet skiing. Pair activities such as these with a side trip to the inland Arenal National Park, and you are sure to effectively comprehend just why so many visitors to Costa Rica choose to head to Guanacaste.
The eastern border of the Guanacaste province makes for quite a different setting than that found along the coast. Some of the most notable Costa Rica volcanoes are found on the eastern edge, and they give way to the Cordillera de Tilaran and Cordillera de Guanacaste mountain ranges. Animal watching and hiking are just some of the activities enjoyed in this more lush region. The Rincon de la Vieja National Park is just one of the inland places that you can explore in Guanacaste. Take a canopy tour here and you will be rewarded with some pretty amazing views of the parks below. White water activities are on the rise in Rincon de la Vieja, and the hot springs located near the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano are a good place to relax tired muscles. You can book your adventure tours in this park through one of the area hotels or lodges, such as the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin and the Curubanda Lodge. Ideal for nature-lovers, you can even enjoy cattle ranch activities at each; something that is sure to make for some great Costa Rica travel memories. If you have visited Costa Rica, but have never made it to the Guanacaste Province, it might be time to look into a return trip.
