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Puntarenas & Island of the Gulf

Guanacaste is the sunniest part of Costa Rica and therefore a popular region for beach vacations. The inner part of the region also has a lot to offer, from livestock farming and fruit cultivation to tourism. The inhabitants of the region are known for their ability to throw extravagant fiestas, such as the Costa Rican bull fight. While the bull is never tortured or killed, the bull-riders don’t always appear to be as lucky…

Here is a choice of the most important sights to see:

Rincón de la Vieja national park

The park belongs to the volcanic Cordillera de Guanacaste and is located an hour’s drive from Liberia and about two hours driving distance from the most popular beaches. The national park is especially inviting to hikers. Romantic waterfalls and volcanic phenomena, such as bubbling mud pits, sizzling stone fields, sulfuric thermal springs and refreshing creeks form a natural SPA under the open sky. Two overnight stays in the park’s lodges are a great way to round off the experience. Tours on horseback through the savannah-like landscape in the deeper regions of the Cordillera are also a one of a kind adventure.

Palo Verde national park

A paradise for bird lovers. Especially between December and April, numerous rare bird species and migratory birds can be observed in the swampy mangrove fields along the banks of the rivers Rio Tempisque and Rio Bebedero. Giant crocodiles and iguanas also live here. Boat tours are offered.

Sea turtles

Several beaches in the province Guanacaste serve as egg deposition spots for sea turtles. Between October and May, the giant leathery animals can be viewed at night along the Playa Grande, north of Tamarindo. On the Playa Ostional, north of Nosara, another spectacle of nature, known as the Arribadas, occurs once a month shortly after the full moon has risen, when thousands and thousands of sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches.

Puntarenas/Puerto Caldera

The port cities Puntarenas und Puerto Caldera are often visited by cruise lines. The typical land excursions head to Monteverde, Manuela Antonio or to the volcanoes in the central valley.

Manuel Antonio

The most important sight on the central pacific coast is the Manuel Antonio national park. It is located directly by the ocean and offers interesting hiking trails and breathtaking beaches in secluded bays. An ideal place to combine a nature experience with a beach stay! Besides sloths, coatis, iguanas, and water birds, the capuchin monkeys are the biggest attraction. The park is closed on Mondays. Around the park and in the town Quepos, an important touristic infrastructure with a wide range of hotels, bars, and restaurants has formed.