Introducing Northwestern Costa Rica
Awash in hot springs and waterfalls – with an unrivaled collection of national parks and wilderness areas, cloud forests of quetzals, and endless savannah exploding into raucous color come rainfall – there is no end to this region’s gifts.
In a few days, your journey can take you from the slopes of active volcanoes to a landscape of bubbling fumaroles. Begin with the organic farms and pristine cloud forest of the Monteverde-Santa Elena ecoplex, and finish in the rare dry tropical forests of Parque Nacional Santa Rosa. Northwestern Costa Rica may be heavily touristed, but the variety of attractions and number of remote spots means that it can be as small (or as big) as you want it to be.
A large portion of this region is the open, dry cattle country of Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s equivalent of the American West. While you’re traveling in Northwestern Costa Rica, keep an eye out for sabaneros (cowboys). They’re easily recognized by their straight-backed posture, casual hand on the reins, holster-slung machetes, and the high-stepping gait of their horses.
Guanacastecos take pride in their unique origin and culture and it’s not uncommon to see flags proclaiming an independent Guanacaste. Following the independence of Central America from Spain, the newly independent provinces formed the Central American Federation. Then, Guanacaste was part of Nicaragua, though border disputes resulted in skirmishes with Costa Rica. But, on July 25, 1824, Guanacastecos voted to separate and join Costa Rica.
Although most visitors make a beeline towards Arenal and Monteverde, it’s worth exploring the far-flung corners of the region – you’ll be rewarded with cheaper accommodation, fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.
Activities in Northwestern Costa Rica
Interamericana Norte
Despite Tico speed demons and lumbering big rigs, the Interamericana, which bisects the travel hub of Liberia, offers a wide-angle view of the region.
Arenal Route
If you’ve got your own wheels and a little time, take the road from Ciudad Quesada to the Arenal area – you are in for one beautiful ride.
Northwestern Costa Rica destination guides
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Strung between two lovingly preserved cloud forests is this slim corridor of civilization, which consists of the Tico village of Santa Elena and the Quaker settlement of Monteverde.
Hotels in Northwestern Costa Rica
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Northwestern Costa Rica
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Northwestern Costa Rica
Apartments in Northwestern Costa Rica
La Fortuna & Around
You'll be forgiven if your first impression of La Fortuna is somewhat lacking, what with all the tourists and uninspired cinder block architecture.
Need to know
Entertainment in Northwestern Costa Rica
Liberia
The sunny, rural capital of Guanacaste has long served as a transportation hub connecting Costa Rica with Nicaragua, as well as being the standard-bearer of Costa Rica’s sabanero culture.
Shopping in Northwestern Costa Rica