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Ponderosa Adventure Park
Wildebeests, zebras, giraffes and other African animals are right at home in the dry Guanacaste heat, as you can see at this private wildlife reserve. The…
©Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock
Liberia
The sunny rural capital of Guanacaste has long served as a transportation hub to Nicaragua, as well as being the standard-bearer of Costa Rica’s sabanero (cowboy) culture. Today, tourism is fast becoming a significant contributor to the economy. With an expanding international airport, Liberia is a safer and more chilled-out Costa Rican gateway than San José.
Most of the historic buildings in the town center are in need of a paint job (some locals dream of it becoming a historic district like Nicaragua's Granada), though the ‘White City’ is pleasant, with a good range of accommodations. Still, it’s largely a launch pad for exploring Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja and the beaches of the Península de Nicoya, rather than a destination in itself.
The area may be transformed by Discovery Costa Rica, a billion-dollar, 2200-acre (890-hectare) theme park due to be built between 2018 and 2020.
Explore Liberia
- PPonderosa Adventure Park
Wildebeests, zebras, giraffes and other African animals are right at home in the dry Guanacaste heat, as you can see at this private wildlife reserve. The…
- LLa Agonía
With whitewashed walls and twin pillars flanking the front door, La Agonía typifies the Spanish colonial architecture that earned Liberia its 'White City'…
- PParque Central
The somewhat shady but not particularly picturesque Parque Central frames Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción de María. The park is also the seasonal hangout of…
- MMuseo de Guanacaste
The wheels of development grind slowly here in Liberia. The intention is that this historic building will no longer be just the former city jail or…
- SSabanero Statue
Near the entrance of town, this statue of a steely-eyed sabanero (cowboy), complete with an evocative poem by Rodolfo Salazar Solórzano, stands watch over…
- LLa Gobernación
This old municipal building is little more than a landmark in the center of town, but it occasionally hosts interesting exhibitions or live music…
- IIglesia Inmaculada Concepción de María
There’s not much to see here, but the big white church is a useful landmark. It's opposite Parque Central.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Liberia.
See
Ponderosa Adventure Park
Wildebeests, zebras, giraffes and other African animals are right at home in the dry Guanacaste heat, as you can see at this private wildlife reserve. The…
See
La Agonía
With whitewashed walls and twin pillars flanking the front door, La Agonía typifies the Spanish colonial architecture that earned Liberia its 'White City'…
See
Parque Central
The somewhat shady but not particularly picturesque Parque Central frames Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción de María. The park is also the seasonal hangout of…
See
Museo de Guanacaste
The wheels of development grind slowly here in Liberia. The intention is that this historic building will no longer be just the former city jail or…
See
Sabanero Statue
Near the entrance of town, this statue of a steely-eyed sabanero (cowboy), complete with an evocative poem by Rodolfo Salazar Solórzano, stands watch over…
See
La Gobernación
This old municipal building is little more than a landmark in the center of town, but it occasionally hosts interesting exhibitions or live music…
See
Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción de María
There’s not much to see here, but the big white church is a useful landmark. It's opposite Parque Central.
Guidebooks
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