Make reservations in advance to stay in basic to grim eight-bed dorms with electricity but cold showers. Researchers get priority, but there’s occasionally some room for travelers. Travelers can get their meals (US$6 to US$10) in the onsite cafeteria with reservations. From the park entrance it's about 7km on a paved road to the research station.
Research Station
Northwestern Costa Rica
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor
24.07 MILES
One of the principal laying grounds for endangered olive ridley and leatherback turtles, this wildlife refuge (locally called by its shorter name, 'La…
2.3 MILES
Santa Rosa is the southern sector of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste. Some 30km of hiking trails weave through this tropical dry forest, offering…
Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja
18.98 MILES
Given its proximity to Liberia, this park (about 160 sq km) feels surprisingly uncrowded and remote. Named after the steamy main attraction – the active…
0.49 MILES
La Casona is the main edifice of the old Hacienda Santa Rosa. The battle of 1856 was fought around this building. There are wonderful displays detailing …
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Bahía Junquillal
9.77 MILES
The quiet bay and beautiful protected beach at Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Bahía Junquillal provide gentle swimming and snorkeling opportunities…
16.05 MILES
Don’t cruise through La Cruz without stopping at this oddly shaped ‘tourist and cultural center’ on the western edge of town. You might stumble across an…
Reserva Biológica Lomas de Barbudal
27.56 MILES
Forming a cohesive unit with Palo Verde, the 26 sq m Lomas de Barbudal is an option for more off-the-beaten-track independent hiking. You can explore the…
24.45 MILES
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…
Nearby Northwestern Costa Rica attractions
0.48 MILES
Climb up the steep staircase behind La Casona to reach a lookout point with a stunning view of three volcanoes. The monument itself was built to honor the…
0.49 MILES
La Casona is the main edifice of the old Hacienda Santa Rosa. The battle of 1856 was fought around this building. There are wonderful displays detailing …
2.3 MILES
Santa Rosa is the southern sector of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste. Some 30km of hiking trails weave through this tropical dry forest, offering…
4.33 MILES
On the road to Playa Naranjo, and about 8km from shore, you’ll pass a trailhead for the Mirador Valle Naranjo. It’s a short 600m hump to this viewpoint…
5. Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Bahía Junquillal
9.77 MILES
The quiet bay and beautiful protected beach at Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Bahía Junquillal provide gentle swimming and snorkeling opportunities…
12.86 MILES
With the addition of Parque Nacional Guanacaste (345 sq km) in 1989, the Area de Conservación Guanacaste became part of a protected nature corridor…
7. El Mirador Centro Turistico
16.05 MILES
Don’t cruise through La Cruz without stopping at this oddly shaped ‘tourist and cultural center’ on the western edge of town. You might stumble across an…
18.86 MILES
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…