Liberia Costa Rica

More and more tourists are discovering the delights on Costa Rica. There are volcanoes, waterfalls, mud pools, hot springs, forests, terrific beaches and an abundance of flora and fauna. The city of Liberia Costa Rica is a great base for exploring the Guanacaste Province, full of whitewashed buildings constructed from local clay and designed in the colonial style.

The Daniel Oduber International Airport is just south of the city and serves several American cities. The protected area and World Heritage Site of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park is close to Liberia Costa Rica and contains the dormant Cerro Von Seebach and the Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Maria volcanoes. The most recent eruption here occurred in 1998. There are many hiking trails and rivers from which to explore and see over 300 species of birds, including toucanets, quetzals and eagles. Animals such as monkeys, cougars and jaguars are also resident.

Wildlife can also be seen on a guided rowboat trip down the Corobici River. There are no rapids on this stretch of water and it is calm enough to take children along to see the monkeys, iguanas and birdlife such as heron, kingfishers, ospreys and cormorants. Scuba divers can book a diving trip, enjoying the clear, azure waters close to Liberia Costa Rica with an opportunity to see sea turtles, sharks, whales, rays and giant mantas. Instruction is available to beginners to the sport. There are also tours to the area known as the Hacienda, a popular scenic destination nearby to Liberia Costa Rica. There are waterfalls, volcanic mud pools and the change to go rock climbing, canyoning, horseback riding and zip lining. 

There is another tour to the Buena Vista Canopy, a densely forested region where the adventurous can zip line through the treetops, after instruction in safety from the guides. Another thrill is in store as the participants slide down 420 meters of waterslide, the longest one on Costa Rica. Next, comes a horseback ride to the hot springs, where it's time to relax in one of the hot pools and take a turn in the outdoor sauna, made from rocks and an exhilarating mud bath.

The area is very fond of fiestas and they include the Fiestas Comunales de Liberia, which involves a mass bullfight. The El Dia de la Anexion celebrates the coming of independence of Guanacaste Province from Nicaragua in 1824 with rodeos, horseshows, marimba bands and parades.