Sights in Liberia
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Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja
Active Volcán Rincón de la Vieja (1895m/6217ft) is the steamy main attraction here, but the region bubbles with fumaroles, tepid springs and steaming, flatulent mud pits. (If this doesn't sound like fun, you've never read Dr Seuss). All these can be visited on well-maintained but sometimes steep trails, and if you haven't visited Yellowstone National Park, this is a good substitute.
The park is home to 300 bird species as well as morpho butterflies, tapirs, monkeys and pumas. Watch out for ticks, especially in grassy areas, and wear closed shoes and trousers. About 700m (2296ft) west of Las Pailas ranger station, the Sendero Cangreja leads 5km (3mi) to Catarata La Cangr…
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A
Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción de María
The pleasant Parque Central frames a modern church, Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción de María. The park is also the seasonal hangout of the Nicaraguan grackle, a tone-deaf bird that enjoys eating parrot eggs and annoying passers-by with its grating calls.
If this iglesia doesn't cut it for religious splendor, walk six blocks northeast of the park along Avenida Central where you'll find the oldest church in town, popularly called La Agonía (though maps show it as La Iglesia de la Ermita de la Resurección).
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Playa del Coco
Playa del Coco is the most easily accessible of the peninsula's beaches. Its name is actually derived from the cocoa-colored sand that lies between its two rocky headlands, though it can appear a bit dirty at times, especially with the detritus of all the beachside bars. On weekends, the town is consumed with a small-time beach-party atmosphere; during the week, it's fairly quiet.
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Statue
In the meantime, a statue of a steely-eyed sabanero, complete with an evocative poem by Rodolfo Salazar Solórzano, stands watch over Av 25 de Julio, the main street into town. The blocks around the intersection of Av Central and Calle Central contain several of the town's oldest houses, many dating back about 150 years.
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Municipal Museum
The tourist office has a tiny museum of local ranching artifacts - cattle-raising is a historically important occupation in Guanacaste. There has also been talk of reopening a museum of sabanero culture in La Gobernación, the old municipal building at the corner of Av Central and Calle Central.
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Africa Mía
About 9km south of Liberia is a private wildlife reserve with free-roaming elephants, zebras, giraffes, ostriches and other animals. Splurge for the deluxe African Safari Wildlife Tourin an open-top Hummer with a stop at a waterfall.
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B
La Agonía
Walking six blocks northeast of the park along Av Central brings you to the oldest church in town, popularly called La Agonía (although maps show it as La Iglesia de la Ermita de la Resurección). Strolling to La Agonía and around the surrounding blocks makes a fine walk.
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Old City Jail
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Museum of Archaeology
A new museum featuring the collection of ex-president Daniel Oduber is scheduled to open in late 2010. The museum will be located in the old city jail, a castle-like building worth a look.
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