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10 Awesome Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Published: February 17, 2022  - Last updated: March 17, 2024

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In the heart of the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica is the city of Liberia. It’s nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca (the white city) for the white gravel once used on the city’s roads and the whitewashed buildings around town.

Chances are you may find yourself here during your trip as it has one of only two international airports in Costa Rica. This is an excellent starting point for your vacation – even if you don’t plan to stay right in the city.

Liberia really is a gateway to the amazing beauty of Costa Rica as it’s centrally located with a lot of different easy day trips nearby. Whether you find yourself here at the start of your trip or at the end, there’s plenty to keep you busy to fit in one more adventure.

To help plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of my favorite things to do in Liberia. It includes everything from tours to seeing one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica , a mini-African safari, great spots for craft beer, and an incredible art gallery – all within easy driving distance from Liberia. Hopefully, this gives you some ideas for planning your own epic Costa Rican adventure.

Don’t have time to read the full article?  Check out our list of our absolute favorite things to do in Liberia:

• Explore Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park on this epic tour .
• Try the craft beer at Numu Brewing Company or Captain J Match Brewing Company.
• Hike to La Leona Waterfall on this 3-hour excursion .
• Take this boat safari to see the wildlife at Parque Nacional Palo Verde.
• Spend the afternoon floating on the famous blue water at Poza Los Coyotes.

10 Best Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica

1. rincón de la vieja volcano.

Around an hour and 15 minutes away from Liberia (60 km/37 miles) is the incredible Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. As the name suggests, it is home to the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano – an active volcano! But the huge park (35,000 acres!) is also home to hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

One of the best ways to see this area is with a full-day adventure tour. This tour includes transportation and incredible activities like ziplining through the tree canopy , stunning waterfalls, horseback riding, water sliding, a spa visit complete with a mud bath and hot springs, and even lunch!

If you plan to do some hiking, I recommend the short 20-minute trail to the Las Pailas (boiling mud pots) – a cool feature of the area where the mud is so hot it actually bubbles in small pools! Another good hike is the Catarata La Cangreja trail (about 3 miles each way) which leads to a beautiful waterfall.

The park is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) and costs $17 USD for adults and $5.60 USD for kids – if you don’t have a tour booked. While you can explore this park on your own, tours are quite popular here.

Related Read: Visiting Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park is also one of the best things to do in Tamarindo .

2. Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz

In the center of the Old Town area of Liberia is Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz . Look for the gazebo with a red roof and a white-stone fountain!

This is a fun place to be to get a feel for the area with street vendors and food trucks, and there’s often live music on the central stage. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists.

In the park, you’ll also find the Central Church of Liberia (pictured above.) This interesting cathedral stands out with its all-white color and shape.

Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz is good during the day as well as in the evening to grab a bit to eat and sit on one of the nearby benches.

3. Visit a Local Brewery

There’s nothing I love more than getting a taste of the local area with some excellent craft beer. There are two breweries out near the airport in Liberia that are great stops for a cold beverage while you wait for your flight. You might like it so much you’ll grab some cans to take with you while you explore Costa Rica or take home!

Numu Brewing Company is located in an industrial park very close to the airport. Their full-flavored beers are inspired by the Costa Rican climate and feature tropical fruits. Try a few samples of the various beers on tap or pick up cans to go. Favorites here include the Chorotega IPA with hints of tropical fruits mixed in with a signature hops flavor, or the Liberiana Kölsch with a subtle maltiness and fruity notes.

Captain J Match Brewing Company is also in the Liberia airport area and is a small microbrewery that is gaining popularity. The beer here aims to represent the Guanacaste region of the country with local flavors. Try the Flamingo Mosaic Pale Ale or the refreshing San Juanillo Summer Ale. The owner here is great too, and will take you through the process of how all the beers are made.

Related Read: Check out the best things to do in Montezuma for more local breweries to visit.

4. Ponderosa Adventure Park

Located less than 15 minutes outside the city, Ponderosa Adventure Park is a fantastic stop for the whole family in Liberia. The main attraction is the safari tour with animals like giraffes and zebras, but there are also waterfall and zipline tours here too.

The safari tour is a must-do if you come to Ponderosa. Make sure you buy at least two bags of carrots (under $2 USD per bag) at the reception desk before you leave! You’ll get to feed giraffes and zebras right from your safari vehicle on the 90-minute drive through the savannah area.

You can spend an entire day here taking part in all of the activities, including swimming near the La Perla waterfall, kayaking , ziplining , and horseback riding on the tropical forest trails. If you are planning to take part in multiple tours, I recommend purchasing the full-day pass for $73.45 USD. That gets you access to every activity except horseback riding, which can be purchased separately.

The adventure park is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

5. La Leona Waterfall Hike

Getting up close to one of Costa Rica’s spectacular waterfalls is something you have to do while you’re here and is one of the top Liberia activities. But sometimes waterfalls can be difficult to find, or the roads are too rough for a rental vehicle , so it’s nice to take the guesswork out of it with a tour like the La Leona Waterfall Hike .

This three-hour excursion is only $45 USD follows the jungle trails around the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano to the stunning La Leona Waterfall. The highlight is swimming right near the waterfall and grabbing a few pictures here too!

What’s great about this tour is you also get some bonus stops like at a local café for coffee and fruit before the hike and then a visit to the Poza La Pipa – a secluded swimming area with turquoise-blue waters where the Blanco and the Colorado rivers cross through.

6. Parque Nacional Palo Verde

This national park is one of the best spots to see wildlife – especially birds. Spanning more than 45,000 acres, Palo Verde is one of the most densely populated areas of migratory birds in all of Central America.

During the rainy season, floodwaters from the Tempisque River create huge marshes here that attract all types of birds . Then in the dry season (typically from December to May), the marshes shrink to form smaller pockets of water throughout the park. It’s best to plan a visit here during the dry season as roads can be completely impassable after heavy rains.

To see the most wildlife, find one of the smaller bodies of water and just sit and wait. You’ll likely spot lots of birds and may even be lucky enough to see some howler monkeys or capuchin monkeys. Or head out on the 20-meter (66 feet) boardwalk at Laguna Palo Verde – another great place to see the animals that call this park home.

Another option is to get out on the water with a guide on a boat safari. This particular safari costs $130 USD and you’ll spend 1-hour and 20 minutes cruising down the Tempisque River in search of exotic birds and other wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, and monkeys. A traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant is also included in the price.

To get here, it’s about an hour’s drive from Liberia – you’ll follow the main Inter-American highway to the city of Bagaces and then turn onto a gravel road, following that for about 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the entrance of the park. You can also take a bus to Bagaces and then Uber or taxi down the gravel road to the park.

7. Tio Leo Coffee Tour

This is a fantastic stop in Liberia, as Tio Leo is so much more than a coffee shop! While you can buy coffee here, the real attraction is the three-hour tour where you’ll learn all about the various crops harvested here, including coffee beans.

The tour, led by Tio Leo himself, includes a walkthrough of the coffee plantation, tours of sugarcane extraction, coffee roasting, a short cooking class to make empanadas, and a chocolate tour where you’ll get to grind cocoa beans to make your own chocolate milk! It really is one of the best coffee tours in Costa Rica .

Tours are $39 USD for adults, $20 USD for kids, and under 5 are free. They are offered daily starting at 8 am and 12 pm, with additional tours offered during the summer starting at 3 pm. Bring hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen for the tour.

Getting to Tio Leo Coffee is really convenient if you’re near the airport as it’s less than a 10-minute taxi ride or drive away. It’s perfect for stopping in before your flight or as one of your first stops on your way out of Liberia.

8. La Vieja Waterfalls Hike

Seeing a waterfall (or two or three!) is an absolute must while you’re in Costa Rica. If you’re not planning on renting a car or don’t feel confident in trying to find hidden waterfalls on your own, a tour is really the way to go. The La Vieja Waterfalls Hike tour is an incredible way to see two waterfalls in one morning!

The tour starts with a pick-up in Liberia and then a short 25-minute drive for a quick coffee and breakfast stop at a small village coffee shop. Then only 10 minutes later is the first waterfall – the spectacular La Oropendola Waterfall at the slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. If swimming near a waterfall has been a dream of yours, then this is the place! You’ll have time to swim in the bright turquoise pool with the 82-foot waterfall cascading down behind you.

The second waterfall is a short hike along a nearby trail with a bit of climbing and some caves to walk across. Then the La Leona waterfall will come into view after a quick swim to get there! After, you’ll have a short visit to Poza La Pipa – a swimming area where two rivers meet, forming canyons and beautiful scenery. You’ll finish the tour with a Cosa Rican lunch in downtown Curubande.

The tour is a bit pricier at $185 USD per person, but with it including transportation and even a meal, this is a pretty good deal. You don’t have to worry about finding the waterfalls yourself and having a guide to tell you about the area is really handy. If you are interested you can book it online in advance here .

9. Poza Los Coyotes

This is a beautiful hidden gem only 20 minutes from Liberia that is a favorite with locals and only opened to the public in 2020. For less than $2 USD, you get access to Poza Los Coyotes and its natural pools, a cave, a canyon, and a waterfall.

To get here, plan to drive along the main highway for about 10 minutes before turning onto an unpaved road for the final few minutes of the journey. The road is accessible to all vehicles, so you don’t need an SUV or truck. You can also take a taxi or Uber from Liberia.

When you arrive, make sure to rent a tire (for less than $2 USD) – you’ll want it, later on, to float through the cave or on the natural pools. Also, bring a blanket or towel to sit on when you want to take a break from swimming.

The water here is a gorgeous shade of turquoise because of all the minerals in the water from the mountains around the Rincón de la Vieja volcano.

You’ll be able to swim or float on your tire around the cave and in the natural pools. The canyon and waterfall area is great for photos, but not for swimming as the river current is too strong. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here or even the entire day if you want!

10. Rain Forest, Wildlife, Waterfall and Chocolate Private Tour

This tour is a fantastic choice for a one-stop-shop of some of the best things to experience in Costa Rica ! The tour combines the beauty of the Llanos de Cortés waterfall, a chocolate tour on a local farm, and the chance to see sloths and other wildlife up close.

This is a full-day tour spanning six hours, starting first thing in the morning with pick-up at 7:30 am. While it is a more expensive tour at $250 USD, it has some incredible experiences (led by an expert guide) as well as lunch and transportation included.

Start off with a chance to explore a Tree Chocolate Farm. You’ll get some of the history of cocoa and chocolate, see the entire production process, from the harvest of the fruit to sampling of the amazing organic chocolate.

Then, escape to the Llanos del Cortés Waterfall, where elegant curtains of water cascade over the rocks. Cool off with a swim here or enjoy the view from the nearby beach.

Finally, head to Finca Verde Lodge – a private nature reserve at the base of Tenorio Volcano. The short hike through the rainforest is the perfect chance to spot wildlife like sloths, toucans, butterflies, and tree frogs. Lunch is also served here for some extra time to enjoy the views.

Don’t forget to book your tour in advance here !

Related Read: Have plans to fly into San Jose? Well, here are some awesome day trips from San Jose that you can do!

Where to Stay in Liberia, Costa Rica

Liberia doesn’t have a huge selection of hotels to choose from. However, that doesn’t mean you can find a great place to stay before or after your holiday. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of hotels in Liberia!

Hostel Dodero – $

For budget travelers, Hostel Dodero is arguably the top choice. It’s centrally located, clean, comes with friendly staff, and is well-reviewed! The property also has a beautiful garden and terrace area.

Rooms have shared bathrooms, and some rooms have their own patios. Rates begin at $20 USD per night. You can check availability and book a stay online here on Booking.com and here on Hostelworld .

Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino – $$

For those with a moderate budget, Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino is a good option in town. The hotel has a pool, includes breakfast, a fitness center, and modern rooms. The garden is particularly nice, especially if you’re interested in bird watching.

The rooms are modern and comfortable, and some rooms overlook the garden. Rates start at $126 USD for a one-night stay. Check availability and book online here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport – $$

If you’re a luxury traveler, there really aren’t many options in Liberia. However, the Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport is a beautiful hotel conveniently located by the Liberia airport. It comes with all the features and service you’d expect from a Hilton Hotel.

The rooms are comfortable and attractive. Plus, there’s a good on-site restaurant and an outdoor pool with plenty of spots for lounging. A one-night stay starts at $110 USD. Check availability and reserve a room here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

While Liberia may be a city you simply pass through after arriving in Costa Rica, there are some great things to do in Liberia and the surrounding area while you’re here – even if only for a short time. There are some hidden gems and local tours mentioned above to help you explore this area before heading to your next destination.

I hope you have a few ideas and enjoy your time in beautiful Costa Rica and enjoyed this blog. Also, be sure to check out more of our blogs such as:

Where to stay in Tamarindo

Things to do in Nosara

Things to do in Samara

Wednesday 15th of November 2023

Looks like Captain J. Match Brewery is permanently closed! But thank you for your many tips and guides for our upcoming trip to Costa Rica in January

Mari Zimmerman

Wednesday 13th of September 2023

Thank-you for your interesting and informative blog. We hope to go to Costa Rica in 2024. I just learned that a friend of mine has an AirBnB for rent there. She loves Liberia and told me how easy it is to get there. I will be referring to your information again.

©Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock

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.

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Experience the real Liberia. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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…

With whitewashed walls and twin pillars flanking the front door, La Agonía typifies the Spanish colonial architecture that earned Liberia its 'White City'…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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May 29, 2019 • 5 min read

Pura vida. Pure life. You’ll hear the expression frequently throughout your visit to Costa Rica, as a sincere wish for your time in this natural…

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Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary (From Liberia): The Best Highlights

White clouds float over green mountains. Hanging bridges sway deep inside mist covered tropical forests. Ocean waves crash on pristine beaches. White waterfalls plunge into turquoise pools. There is never a dull scenery in Costa Rica! The abundance of natural resources in the country and a conscious effort of conversation also make it home to several species of birds and animals. It comes as no surprise that this Central American country is a bucket list travel destination for many people around the world. If you are among them, we have got you covered for your trip planning. We created this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary covering the best highlights of the country.

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Watch our YouTube video below about the essence of Costa Rica and get inspired to book that ticket!

Table of Contents

Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary

To help you plan how to best spend your 10 days in Costa Rica, we shortlisted an assortment of destinations that will give you a glimpse of different diverse ecosystems. The itinerary has been optimized in such a way that you get a taste of beaches, cloud forests, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, wildlife, but without much hassle of long distance travels.

This itinerary is perfect for you if you plan to enter and exit via Liberia airport, one of the two international airports in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources :

Check out Costa Rica Activities to plan your Costa Rica trip. If you have a shorter vacation in mind, consider these 5-day itinerary options.

You can check this Costa Rica itinerary for 2-weeks, if San Jose airport works better for you as points of arrival and departure .

The most convenient way of getting around in Costa Rica is to  rent a car .

Must-have things on your Costa Rica packing list:  Reef Safe Sunscreen ,  Insect Repellent , and  Rain Poncho . You can read our full packing guide and download the free packing checklist for the Costa Rica trip.

Day 1: Fly in to Liberia – Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls

After flying in to Liberia airport during the first half of the day, reserve your afternoon for some relaxation and rejuvenation, typical Costa Rica style! Go on a lazy nature walk to explore the Rio Negro series of waterfalls in the jungle. Then pamper yourself by soaking in the Rio Negro hot springs by the river. The setting is therapeutic. During your time at the hot springs, you can also try a volcanic mud bath, which is fun and healing at the same time.

For the first couple of days, you can base yourself in the Rincon de la Vieja area, about 30 minutes drive from the Liberia airport. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is a good accommodation option because it is located near the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Also, the stay here includes free access to all the waterfalls of the area as well as the Rio Negro hot springs, which otherwise you would need to purchase a pass for.

If you arrive in Costa Rica during the second half of the day, treat it as your Day 0. Relax with a nice dinner and a good night’s sleep before you begin your travel adventures the next day.

Day 2: Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Oropendola Waterfall

Start early on Day 2 of your Costa Rica trip to visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The park has two main sectors, Santa Maria and Las Pailas. The latter is the one next to the Hacienda Guachipelin property and thus the one you can visit easily on this day. Las Pailas sector has a few trails – the crater trail of Rincon de la Vieja volcano, trails to couple of waterfalls and a trail by the same name as the sector, Las Pailas.

However, if you have 10 days in Costa Rica, you may not want to spend multiple days hiking on different trails of the same national park. So, you need to choose a trail or two for your hikes.

If you are looking for a nice and easy hike, choose the Las Pailas sector for your hike in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park . It is a circular trail of 3.2 km (2 miles) going through tropical rain forests and tropical dry forests. While walking on the well paved trail admiring the interesting vegetation, look out for birds and animals, particularly howler monkeys and spider monkeys, hanging out discreetly around you. But the most interesting part of this Las Pailas trail is the variety of secondary volcano activities like volcanic mud pots, water pots, fumarolic lagoon and more. It is fascinating to watch how amusing our planet is.

Difficult Hikes

If you want a tougher hike, consider one of the waterfall trails or the volcano crater trail. If you decide to do the waterfall hike but are spoilt for choice between the two waterfalls, Catarata La Cangreja and Catarata Escondido, we would suggest La Cangreja waterfall . The gorgeous white waterfall tumbling into a turquoise natural pool is totally worth the effort of the 10 km (6.2 miles) hike.

Oropendola Waterfall

On your way out from Rincon de la Vieja National Park, take a quick trip to the Oropendola waterfall located just outside the boundaries of the national park. From the parking lot, you can access the waterfall by an easy walk, including few shaky minutes on a constantly swaying hanging bridge.

Enjoy the views of this wildly beautiful waterfall from the viewing deck. Or take the iron stairs to go down into the emerald pool for a swim and for enjoying the splash of the waterfall.

If you prefer organized guided tours, you can also check the following tour options that offer guide, lunch and transportation including free pick and drop from hotels in the Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo areas and/or the resorts in the Gulf of Papagayo.

If you prefer a private tour, here is an option –

There are ziplining and river tubing options in the area apart from the hot springs. So you can check this to ur for these experiences.

Day 3: Liberia to Monteverde – Monteverde Night Walk

On Day 3, check out from your hotel in Rincon de la Vieja and start your journey towards Monteverde, the cloud forest haven of Costa Rica . The trip should take between 2 and 2.5 hours, without any stop.

Apart from its cloud forests, this mountain town is also known for several exciting activities and attractions, and hence your next couple of days in Monteverde are going to be packed. So you might as well take the first day easy.

Afternoon Relaxation and Sunset

After arriving in town, treat yourself to a filling lunch at one of the many nice restaurants of Monteverde . Post lunch, spend a cozy relaxing afternoon in your hotel room or at a coffee shop, sipping a cuppa and reading a book, while enjoying the cool climate and lush mountain views. This afternoon in Monteverde can be the epitome of your much needed tranquility.

As the afternoon progresses, head towards one of the vantage sunset points in Monteverde to see the perfect orange sun setting over the Gulf of Nicoya with the backdrop of the mountain landscape.

Monteverde Night Walk

If you are re-energized after all the day’s rest, you can still fit in a Monteverde activity on this Day 3 of your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. With various ongoing conservation efforts, Monteverde has retained its natural biodiversity and thus is home to several species of flora and fauna. So, you are never far from the elements of nature in Monteverde.

But, as the sun goes down, a layer of mystery seems to engulf the forests of Monteverde which come alive with all kinds of sounds in the darkness of the night. This is when you get the chance to spot several nocturnal birds, mammals, arthropods, amphibians and reptiles. The best way to experience this night time forest of Monteverde is by going on a guided night tour. Check this out for all the details on how you can plan your Monteverde night walk.

Day 4: Monteverde – Zip-lining and Hanging Bridges

This day of your Costa Rica 10 day trip is bound to give you the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Go on a zip-lining and hanging bridges combo tour. Experience the cloud forests of Monteverde from close quarters and get transported to a different world of solitude and serenity, while still experiencing an adrenaline boost.

Based on your preferences, you can also choose to go for either the hanging bridges walk or the zip-lining tour, if not both. Most adventure parks in Monteverde offer both the tours, individually and as combo, which you can also pair with some other lighter activities, based on the package you purchase. Sky Adventures and Selvatura Park are the most prominent among all the adventure parks in Monteverde.

Monteverde Hanging Bridges

Walking on the hanging bridges is a hiking activity of about 2 to 2.5 hours. You follow the well marked nature trail which also takes you through a series of high and long suspension bridges. As the bridges are constructed near the canopy level, you can enjoy unique perspectives of the forests, including eye level sightings of several birds and monkeys at the forest canopy.

Typical of cloud forests, the forests often wear blankets of passing clouds. So, when you walk on the hanging bridges, some of which are as high as 164 feet, you get the feeling of walking over the clouds!

You can go for a self-guided tour or a guided tour. While you can definitely enjoy the hanging bridges on a self-guided walk, on a guided tour, the naturalist guide can help you with better wildlife sightings. And you also get to learn more about the natural biodiversity of the area.

For comparisons of different hanging bridges tours of Monteverde, and details on how to book the tour, what to expect and how to prepare for the tour, read this post on hanging bridges of Monteverde .

Monteverde Zip-lining

If walking over the clouds on the hanging bridges gives you a high, how about taking the experience one notch higher? On the zip-lining tour in Monteverde, you get the feeling of flying over the cloud forest!

The zip-lining tour also takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Staying attached to the zip-line through a harness, you zip across from one platform to another. As you glide in air, enjoy the views of the vast expanse of the cloud forests. Some tours include an optional Superman zip-line at an extra fee. If you opt for this, you get to experience a bird’s eye view of the forest as you slide along the zip-line in a Superman like position.

Zip-lining in Monteverde is a guided activity (of course!). The group of zip-lining tour customers is always accompanied by a professional crew. They will guide you about safety features, assist you with the gear, and help you with take-off and landing on every line.

For comparisons of different zip-lining tour providers of Monteverde, and details on how to book the tour and what to expect, read this post on zip-lining in Monteverde .

Here are some snaps from our zip-lining adventures at Sky Adventures and Selvatura Park in Monteverde.

For organized guided tours, check out these options here and here . Also, you can check the tours on Viator below –

Day 5: Monteverde – Bird-watching and Cloud Forest Hiking

The next day in Monteverde is also filled with activities, but they are more calming than thrilling, like birding and hiking. But you will be burning a lot of calories as the day involves quite a few hours of walking.

The previous day you walked over the clouds of the cloud forest and zip-lined high above the cloud forest canopy. Today, it is time to keep your feet on the ground (pun intended) . Explore the cloud forests of Monteverde from inside. Go for hiking in the cloud forest reserves, after going for (an optional) birding tour in the morning.

Curi Cancha Reserve

Around 400 species of birds have been recorded in Monteverde. Many of these birds, with their brilliant colors and amusing behavior, are a delight to watch. One such bird is the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Monteverde is one of the very few places in Costa Rica where you can spot this majestic looking bird. Otherwise, you can spot Quetzals in San Gerardo de Dota or Los Quetzales National Park , which are not part of this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.

The best way to enjoy the birds of Costa Rica is by going on a bird-watching tour. Curi Cancha Reserve in Monteverde is a great birding destination as it has several nature trails including some along open landscaped spaces, which make bird sighting easier.

Go for an early morning tour for better chances of birding and also to fit in other activities for later in the day. You can go for self-guided tour from 7:00 am onward, whereas the guided tour starts at 6:30 am. Read this post for details on the trails and viewpoints of Curi Cancha reserve and how to book the tour .

This guided bird-watching tour with a local guide includes entry tickets. If you have transport and bought the entrance tickets, here is another excellent option .

If you are not a birding enthusiast, you can skip Curi Cancha and instead start the next activity earlier.

Hiking in the Cloud Forest Reserve

There are 3 major reserves in Monteverde, each special in its own way. You can include any one of these 3 reserves in your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. None will disappoint the nature lover in you.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Established by the Quakers, the pioneers of the Monteverde community settlement, this reserve has 8 trails of lengths varying between 0.2 km (01. mile) and 2 km (1.12 miles), with some intersections/ connections among them. Apart from the cloud forests, Monteverde Reserve has several other attractions like diverse vegetation, wildlife sightings, river trail and waterfall. But the major highlights of this reserve are a hanging bridge and a viewpoint of the Continental Divide.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Situated at a higher elevation, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve gives you an immersive cloud forest experience. The reserve has 5 different trails covering a distance of 12.5 km (7.8 miles) in total. One of the highlights of the Santa Elena Reserve is the observation tower. From the tower, you can see 4 volcanoes, including the Arenal Volcano on a clear day. For more details, read our complete guide to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve .

Bajo del Tigre Reserve, Children’s Eternal Rainforest

Bajo del Tigre is a small sector of the largest reserve in Costa Rica, Children’s Eternal Rainforest. The reserve has 3.7 km (2.3 miles) of trails which are mostly flat and easy to walk on. There are also benches in some parts for resting. This reserve is perfect for families with kids and elderly people. Bajo del Tigre reserve is positioned in a transition zone of wet to seasonal moist. Thus, you also get to enjoy the rain forest experience here. For planning your trip to this reserve, read our complete guide to Bajo del Tigre Reserve .

Day 6: Monteverde Coffee Tour – Monteverde to Playa Avellanas

On your last morning in Monteverde, spend some time learning about the other thing Monteverde is famous for. Its coffee. Sign up for a coffee farm tour which lasts for about 2 to 2.5 hours. On this tour, you will get to learn more about coffee farming, processing and roasting. El Trapiche and Don Juan Monteverde offer 3-in-1 combo tour of coffee, cocoa and sugarcane, while Cafe Monteverde gives a more in-depth coffee experience mapping it against social and economic context.

After wrapping up the coffee tour by afternoon, it is time to say good bye to Monteverde and proceed to your next destination, Playa Avellanas. It is a less developed beach in a village of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The drive from Monteverde to Avellanas takes around 3 hours. So, you may reach town just in time to catch a beach sunset at Playa Avellanas.

Alternative Destination Recommendation for Monteverde: Days 4 to 6

You can swap Monteverde with La Fortuna . It is an equally exciting destination, and takes around the same amount of time to reach from Liberia as Monteverde.Monteverde is great for cloud forests, cool mountain climate, wildlife sighting opportunities, hanging bridges and zip-lining. Lying in the northern plains region, La Fortuna is known for the famous Arenal Volcano National Park , Arenal Lake, rain forests, hanging bridges , zip-lining, bird-watching and sloth-sighting opportunities , La Fortuna waterfall and volcanic hot springs among others. From La Fortuna, you can also take a side trip to the magical Rio Celeste waterfall .

La Fortuna activities and tours: You can check the tours that pack multiple activities in a day. This tour has the La Fortuna hi ghlights or this one that includes the volcanic hot springs as well, in case your stay does not have a hotspring. Also, the coffee tour , sloth-watching tours , and night tour are other interesting activities in La Fortuna and Arenal.

If you are up for some adventure activities, below are some options.

Watch our YouTube video below about La Fortuna waterfall.

Day 7: Playa Avellanas – Beach Hopping

Avellanas beach.

Although Playa Avellanas is a favorite beach among the locals of Costa Rica, organized tourism is yet to catch up here. And that is what we like the most about Playa Avellanas. You get to enjoy a long stretch of soft sand beach, without the intervention of many beach side constructions. Take a stroll on the beach and watch a perfect beach sunset. Also, walk on the Insta-famous Avellanas Bridge . This wooden bridge is great for photo ops and to see the mangrove marshlands up close.

Beach Hopping around Avellanas

Since this is effectively your first beach day in Costa Rica, you may consider scouting the area for other nice beaches that you can return to later. If you keep driving southwards from Playa Avellanas, you will come across a few other beaches within a distance of 10 km (6.2 miles), each having its own character.

At around 2 km (1.2 miles), Playa Lagartillo is the closest to Avellanas. With no souls in sight at this secluded beach, it turned out to be our favorite.

Playa Negra is located around 4.6 km (2.8 miles) south of Avellanas. There is a hotel property by the same name, Hotel Playa Nagra right on the beach, which makes activity at Playa Negra a little more prominent.

Located about 6.7 km (4.2 miles) from Playa Avellanas, Playa Blanca is a beautiful white sand beach. Due to the positioning of the adjacent small cliffs, you can enjoy the clifftop views of the beach. Some luxury residential project development in the area makes the facilities at Playa Blanca a little more organized, like guarded parking.

Playa Junquillal is a 4 km (2.5 miles) stretch of tan sand beach, the main beach of the town of Junquillal. There are quite a few hotels, guesthouses and eateries near this beach. But it still retains a raw beach town flavor.

Day 8: Playa Avellanas – Swimming and Surfing

Spend Day 8 of your Costa Rica trip enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Surfing is one of the best things to do at Playa Avellanas . So, if you are a seasoned surfer, just rent a surfboard and start taking on the waves. If you are a newbie or a beginner, you can sign up for surfing lessons from one of the surf schools. Or just sit on the beach, watching the surfers hone their skills.

Swim in the ocean or laze around under the shades of the trees. When you are hungry or thirsty, grab a bite and a drink at the iconic Lola’s restaurant on the beach.

There is not much of a nightlife at Avellanas. So you can conclude the day with a dinner at a nice restaurant. Kon-Tiki near Playa Negra has great wood-fired pizza which you can pair with a glass of wine.

Read about other surfing beaches of Costa Rica:

Playa Carmen , Playa Hermosa , Playa Dominicalito , Malpais , Santa Teresa .

Day 9: Playa Avellanas / Tamarindo

To get the feel of a busier beach town, head to Tamarindo for your last night in Costa Rica. Tamarindo also has great surf breaks, a nice beach, several other great beaches within an hour’s driving distance and great sunsets. But Tamarindo is always bustling. There are scores of hotels, restaurants, stores, souvenir shops, all packed in the town center, and spread out in the vicinity as well. That is why the nighttime is also quite active in Tamarindo.

Tamarindo is around 40 minutes drive from Avellanas. So, if you check out before noon from Avellanas, you can grab lunch at Tamarindo, surf and swim in the afternoon, watch sunset from a rooftop bar and then end the day with fine dining at one of Tamarindo’s finest restauarants.

But if you enjoy the slow pace at Playa Avellanas, you can skip Tamarindo. Stay back at Avellanas for another day of surf, swim and sunset.

Check out a couple of interesting tour options from Tamarindo. This sunset and snorke l tour gives you a break from the beach on a catamaran cruise in the Pacific. If you want to have a full-day tour of the neighboring Nicaragua , you can consider the tour below.

Alternative Destination Recommendation for Avellanas Beach: Days 7 to 9

If you prefer bustling beach towns over quieter ones, replace your Avellanas days with Tamarindo. If you prefer something in between, like not too touristy, neither lacking development, consider Nosara. Choose between Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada in Nosara. Another great beach town in Guanacaste is Samara.

Day 10: Fly out from Liberia

Keep the agenda wide open for the last day of your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. You need not schedule any activities in advance. But depending on the time of your flight, you may be able to sneak in one last ocean swim or one last nature walk.

The duration for transfer to Liberia airport will depend on your last destination. It can take between 1:15 hours and 1:30 hours from Playa Avellanas or Tamarindo, around 2 hours from Samara and 2:15 hours from Nosara. So, plan your airport transfer accordingly.

As you conclude this Costa Rica itinerary, reflect on the experiences you have gathered from this land of Pura Vida. It is time to say goodbye for this time and start preparing for the next trip to Costa Rica!

Hotel Recommendations for 10 Days in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, you can find hotels, hostels and guesthouses of various budget ranges. But almost everywhere, you can expect decent service, clean premises and friendly staff. Here are some of our accommodation recommendations for your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.

Rincon de la Vieja Hotels

• Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin: It is located in a big property right next to the Las Pailas sector of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The hotel offers dozens of rooms, with varying accommodation types such as Standard Room, Superior Room, Family Superior Room, Legacy Suite and Suite. The rooms are nothing too fancy, but work fine with comfortable bed and hot shower. The hotel has a swimming pool, a restaurant and offers secure free parking and free WiFi. But the best part about the stay at Hacienda Guachipelin is that the price of the stay includes free access to the Rio Negro Hot Springs and all other waterfalls of the region. Book your stay here.

Monteverde Hotels

• El Establo Mountain Hotel: It is a high-end hotel with incredible views, two onsite restaurants, a spa and a swimming pool. You can choose from four different accommodation options, Deluxe Double Room, Junior Suite, Suite and Honeymoon Suite. Book your stay here.
• Rainbow Valley Mountain Lodge: It is a mid-range option located on the highway few miles ahead of Monteverde. The accommodation options are Chalet, Budget Double Room, Double Room with Mountain View or Balcony, Suite with Mountain View, Family Room with Mountain View and Suite with Hot Tub. Each accommodation is an independent unit with kitchenette. Book your stay here.
• Cabañas Hoja Verde: It is a private cabin in the woods, great for isolated stays. The cabin features a living room, bedroom, balcony, fully equipped kitchen and a secure parking. Book your stay here.
• Greemount Hotel: It is a family-run budget hotel offering basic no frills accommodation. But you will find everything that you need for a comfortable stay. Comfortable bed, hot water, homemade breakfast, parking, WiFi, a common area with reading nooks and games. The room options are Double Room, Quadruple Room and Family Room. Book your stay here.

For more hotel recommendations, check out this “Where To Stay” section of our Monteverde travel guide.

Playa Avellanas Hotels

• Drift Away Eco Lodge: (This hotel is now the Blue Zone Resort) It is an eco-conscious property, around 1.6 km from Avellanas beach. This sustainable eco-lodge offers King Room, Queen Room, Twin Room and Two Bedroom Villa, each carefully appointed with rustic furniture, sustainably made bed and bath linens and toiletries. The property has beautiful landscaped gardens, a yoga center, a recreation room and a swimming pool surrounded by sculpted statues and fountains. Fair warning, Drift Away Eco Lodge may become the highlight of your days at Playa Avellanas. Book your stay here.

Tamarindo Hotels

• Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort: It is a beachfront property offering more than 200 rooms with ocean or pool views. The resort has 4 onsite restaurants, 1 gelateria, 1 lounge bar and 2 wet bars. There are several pools too, 1 beachfront pool, 1 children’s pool, 1 adults-only quiet pool, 1 scenic pool and 1 hydrotherapy pool. Diria Reosrt also has a casino! Book your stay here.
• Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel: It is a mid-range hotel located in the heart of Tamarindo. For your stay, you can choose from room and apartment options, some with pool view or balcony. Book your stay here.
• Jardin del Eden el Boutique Hotel: It is an adults-only boutique hotel, with carefully curated rooms, gardens and pools. This is a great romantic accommodation option, with some rooms offering private spa tubs. The nightly tariff includes breakfast and dinner for all room types. Book your stay here.
• Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas: Located closer to Langosta Beach, it is a boutique hotel with secluded deluxe rooms, private villas with pools for families and luxury adults-only suites. With various well-being offerings like spa treatments, yoga sessions and farm-to-table dinners, you are likely to have an intimate connection with nature at Cala Luna. Book your stay here.

You can search for more Tamarindo hotels here.

What to Pack for 10 Days in Costa Rica?

Check out our comprehensive packing guide for Costa Rica , with a FREE checklist included that should help you at the time of packing your bags.

How to Get Around in Costa Rica?

The most convenient way of getting around in Costa Rica is to rent a car . It gives you the flexibility of timing, routes, and scenic stops. Due to the road conditions in some parts of the country, driving here can turn out to be adventurous. However, for the destinations we covered in this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary, you do not really need a 4X4. A car with high ground clearance should suffice. Compare the prices before you book the rental car, and remember to check the insurance coverage.

If you are not comfortable driving in a foreign country, you can ask your hotels to arrange for airport transfers and pick-up and drop-off between destinations. Alternatively, you can opt for public buses for traveling between destinations. For different tours, check with the tour providers if they can include hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Final Thoughts on Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary

Costa Rica is a great destination for nature seekers. It offers exciting activities and attractions for all kinds of travelers, families, couples or solo travelers. Ranging from tropical dry forests to tropical rain forests and cloud forests, from mountains to beaches, volcanoes to waterfalls, we explored various landscapes in this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. Yet there is so much more to discover in this beautiful country in Central America. So, this could be the first of your many trips to Costa Rica. Or, who knows, this trip might as well turn out to be your temptation for moving to Costa Rica !

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Travel Planning Logistics

• Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb . Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
• Tours: When traveling to new destinations, you can plan ahead and book your activities. Check for highly rated tours on Viator and Get Your Guide .
• Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon .
• Flights: We always start our flight searches with Skyscanner and Momondo . They are aggregators that display flight options, compiling information across airlines and combinations. What we like the best about these flight aggregators is that you can put “Anywhere” as your destination, so that you find the best flight deals from your city of departure.

If you enjoy reading our free travel guides, tips and stories, please consider supporting our work. Thank you .

Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

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We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean.

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Cerro tortuguero: hiking an inactive volcano, 8 thoughts on “costa rica 10 day itinerary (from liberia): the best highlights”.

Excellent description. Quite precise itinerary. Nice photographs. The presentation must force people to take a trip to Costa Rica.

Thank you 🙂

This is fantastic. We are tempted to follow this almost entirely!

If we are looking to squeeze in La Fortuna, should we swap out Monteverde or Rincon de la Vieja?

Thanks Nitin. You can choose to replace Rincon de la Vieja with La Fortuna, as thematically, both have volcano, hot springs and waterfalls, whereas Monteverde is more of a cloud forest, hiking and adventure kind of destination. Hope this helps 🙂

how much for 10day ecxscursion im in liberia

Hi Russ. Welcome to Costa Rica. How much you spend during10 days in Costa Rica will depend on your accommodation type, transfer/commute modes and chosen activities. Please note, we are not a tour company – so, we do not offer any excursions ourselves but will be happy to share recommendations of noted local tour operators in Costa Rica. Please feel free to send us an email. Thank you.

we are planning a trip for this January and I wonder if you have this itinerary mapped out so I could see it on a map? Thanks – would weather be Ok in early – mid January? Assume we’d need to be prepared for rain regardless since it is a rainforest~. Thanks appreciate your response.

Hi Laurie, we haven’t created a map for this itinerary yet, but good idea – we’ll put it on our things to do for enhancing this itinerary article. Thanks to you! 🙂 Meanwhile, if you need one sooner, please feel free to send us an email with the map request and we’ll respond.

January weather should be fine. Beaches will be hot and humid, but overall lesser chances of rain all over the country. And you are right, pack a raincoat in any case and you will be fine. Enjoy your Costa Rica trip! 🙂

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• Enter Costa Rica
• Destinations
• Northwest Pacific

Liberia Airport and City

Liberia is a small city located in northwest Guanacaste. Though not of significance as a destination, the city is home to Costa Rica's Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), which is roughly the size of a strip mall. This is the most convenient airport for travelers staying in the Guanacaste region, though not the most practical as fares are usually double that of flying into San Jose (SJO).

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Exploring liberia, costa rica: a traveler's guide.

Welcome to Liberia, Costa Rica! Nestled in the northwestern part of the country, Liberia offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. While it may not be a traditional tourist destination, Liberia serves as a convenient gateway for travelers arriving at the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. Let's explore what makes this city special and why it's worth a stop on your Costa Rican adventure.

Liberia Highlights:

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport: Liberia is home to the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), the second-largest airport in Costa Rica. This modern and efficient airport is the main reason many travelers pass through Liberia. It provides easy access to some of Costa Rica's most popular destinations, including the stunning Pacific beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities. Gateway to Adventure: Liberia serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Guanacaste province, renowned for its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. From here, you can embark on thrilling adventures like zip-lining through the lush canopy, horseback riding on pristine beaches, and exploring volcanic landscapes. Local Culture: Liberia offers a glimpse into authentic Costa Rican culture. Stroll through the charming streets, visit the local markets, and savor traditional cuisine at local restaurants called "sodas." Don't miss the chance to try "casado," a delicious and hearty dish featuring rice, beans, plantains, and your choice of protein. Natural Beauty: While Liberia itself is not a major tourist destination, it is surrounded by natural wonders. Explore nearby national parks and wildlife reserves, such as Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Palo Verde National Park . These areas boast diverse ecosystems, including volcanoes, wetlands, and tropical dry forests. Hot Springs and Waterfalls: Experience the therapeutic properties of volcanic hot springs near Liberia in the Rincon de la Vieja area . These natural wonders offer relaxation and rejuvenation amidst stunning natural settings. Additionally, nearby waterfalls like Llanos de Cortés provide a refreshing escape from the tropical heat.

Tips for Travelers:

Transit Hub: Liberia is primarily a transit hub, making it an excellent starting point for journeys to destinations like Tamarindo , Papagayo , and Arenal . The city itself may not offer extensive tourist attractions, so plan your stay accordingly. Climate: Liberia has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season. Be prepared for warm temperatures and occasional rain showers, especially during the wet season from May to November. Local Transportation: While Liberia has some public transportation options, consider renting a car to explore nearby attractions independently. Roads are generally well-maintained, and this provides flexibility for your travels. Language: Spanish is the official language of Liberia, and English is not widely spoken. Having some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful for communication. Safety: Liberia is generally considered safe for travelers. However, it's advisable to take standard precautions such as safeguarding your belongings and being aware of your surroundings. Petty theft is common in this city. In conclusion, Liberia, Costa Rica, offers travelers a convenient entry point to explore the country's natural wonders and diverse landscapes. While it may not be a traditional vacation destination, it serves as an excellent starting point for an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure. Embrace the local culture, embark on thrilling outdoor activities, and use Liberia as a gateway to discover the beauty of Costa Rica.

Weather and packing list

The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August .

Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent. Click here to view our recommended packing list .

Fun Fact: Liberia is known by locals as the white city as many of the colonial style house of years past were painted this color.

Driving Distance

Attractions in the area.

Latitude: N 10° 37' 30.72" Longitude: W 85° 26' 44.81"

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Visiting Liberia, Costa Rica

Home to Costa Rica’s second largest international airport, and just a stone’s throw from the border with Nicaragua (and some of the country’s most spectacular beaches), Liberia has long been a transportation hub and “pit stop” for travelers in the region.

Liberia: The ‘White City’ on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast

The capital of the northwestern province of Guanacaste , known as the ‘White City’ because its streets were once paved with cascajo (a powdery white gravel) and lined with whitewashed adobe houses, looks rather different today. Liberia not only boasts Guanacaste’s largest shopping strips, a number of banks and an actual mall that houses the province’s only movie theaters, it is also pierced by the newly widened and restored Inter-American Highway that connects all of Central America and Mexico.

Despite Liberia’s leap to modernization, this sunny city remains rooted in the cattle ranch culture that continues to fuel its economy. If you stay here for a few days, you’re bound to come across a sabanero (a Guanacaste cowboy) proudly strutting into town on horseback.

Whether you’ve decided to steer clear of Costa Rica’s capital, San José, by flying into Liberia, or plan to use this city as a base for day trips to the magnificent northern Pacific beaches of the country’s “Gold Coast” and its neighboring national parks such as Rincón de la Vieja or Santa Rosa, Liberia offers sights that capture the essence of Guanacaste life and accommodation for a range of budgets and tastes.

What the Weather is Like in Liberia

Liberia weather is hot, hot, hot, year-round. The rainy season in Liberia runs from May to November, transforming Guanacaste’s drylands into bright green, lush jungles, but it is still hot and muggy.

Liberia is also known to be one of Costa Rica’s driest cities and compared to the rest of the country, it doesn’t get much rain. The temperature here is usually in the 90s (Fahrenheit) or 30s (Celsius).

Weatherwise, the best time to visit this city is at the beginning or end of the dry season, when the heat is still tame. Dress accordingly – the only people wearing jeans here are locals. We have much more advice on the weather in Costa Rica and when to visit in order to help you make the most of your travel plans.

Prepare for Landing (in Paradise)

Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia welcomes more than 3,000 passengers every day, according to the newspaper Voz de Guanacaste. With direct flights from North America and Europe, visitors prefer landing here to avoid the 4 to 5-hour drive from San José to Guanacaste destinations.

The airport is located 13 km. west of Liberia and just a 30-60 min. drive from popular beach destinations such as Playas del Coco and Tamarindo. Most major North American airlines, such as Delta, American Airlines, United, and Air Canada, fly into LIR.

The airport’s current terminal was built in 2010 to handle the region’s soaring numbers of visitors, and renovations and expansions are still underway. For early or late arrivals/departures, there are accommodations near the airport. Transportation–taxis or car rentals–are readily available.

¡Güipipía! Sightseeing & Things to Do in Liberia

Located just a couple of hours’ drive from the border with Nicaragua, Liberia shares this country’s colonial charm. This should come as no surprise since this city, along with the entire province of Guanacaste, used to be part of Nicaragua until the province’s annexation in 1824. Without a doubt, Liberia is Costa Rica’s stronghold of colonial architecture, and it offers a few sights that will allow you to soak up the city’s history and culture.

La Agonía Church

The Ermita de la Agonía is Liberia’s oldest church, built in 1865. With whitewashed walls made of a mixture of adobe, clay and even horse dung, it’s Guanacaste’s embodiment of Spanish colonial architecture. The church, which stands in the city center on 25 de Julio Avenue, was restored in 2012 after years of looking slightly dilapidated.

The Guanacaste Museum

Museo de Guanacaste lies in Liberia’s former military headquarters or cuartel. The cartel used to include a prison and arms stockpile, but those days are long gone and the wonderfully renovated museum now offers permanent and temporary art exhibits and cultural presentations. One can include a tour of this museum, if interested.

Parque Central

Liberia’s Central Park is a few steps from the Guanacaste Museum. The park is quaint and dotted with trees and benches that offer shade and a break from the blistering Guanacaste sun. A gazebo and bandstand look out onto another whitewashed church, Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción de María.

Public Market

Liberia’s picture worthy public market is not only photogenic, but it also offers the chance to taste traditional foods surrounded by locals and to shop for fresh vegetables, cheap clothes, and trinkets.

Ad Astra Rocket Company

Yes, you read that correctly. If plasma rocket propulsion systems are your thing, or if you’re looking for an outing to entertain and educate the kids, take the family on a tour of Ad Astra Rocket Company, located just 13 km outside of Liberia. Directed by Costa Rica’s very own retired NASA astronaut, Franklin Chang Díaz, Ad Astra is located on the Liberia campus of EARTH University, a world-famous agricultural university. Tours of the rocket company are organized for a minimum of 10 people. Contact us for more info on this tour.

The German Bakery

Ok, there’s nothing Costa Rican about this bakery, but if you’re in Liberia, you have to stop here on your Costa Rica Escapes itinerary . German couple Betty and Johannes Berie use naturally-fermented dough, a traditional German wood oven and German recipes to create the most wonderful black and whole wheat bread, cakes and pastries. Stop for provisions or for a meal at Café Restaurant Europa. The bakery has a kids’ playground and trampoline and is located on Highway 21, a few minutes from the airport.

Note : Still wondering what güipipía is? It’s a folkloric Guanacaste cry traditionally exchanged by countrymen to denote extreme happiness. When in Guanacaste, don’t hold back, a few güipipías are bound to escape your mouth.

Suggested Itineraries

Visiting Liberia and the Pacific Northwest province of Guanacaste is typically dependant upon the airport that you use to fly in and out of Costa Rica. If you decide to use the Liberia Airport for your departure flight after your trip, a visit to the beaches of Guanacaste is normally arranged. The following itineraries are adaptable to the use of the Liberia Airport: Costa Rica Collection , Rainforest-to-Beach , Avid Explorer, and Tropical Honeymoon in Paradise .

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One Week Itinerary for Costa Rica: From Liberia to San José

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Costa Rica really isn’t that far from the U.S., so you can definitely visit the country in one week. As with visiting any country for a week, there will obviously be things you don’t see. However, this One Week Itinerary for Costa Rica that starts from Liberia and ends in San José allows you to see the best things Costa Rica has to offer— the beach, rainforests, volcanos, and the city.

Day 1 – Arrive in Liberia, Shuttle to Tamarindo

In this one week itinerary for Costa Rica , you fly in to Liberia and fly out of San José. When you land in Liberia, take a shuttle to Tamarindo. The shuttle will take about 1.5 hours. Once you’re in Tamarindo, check into where you’re staying and head to the beach.

For a relaxing hostel with workout classes and a pool, check out La Botella de Leche .

If hostels aren’t your thing, check out any number of hotels in Tamarindo or Airbnbs.

Tamarindo is a pretty small town, but it’s filled with lots of shops and restaurants. It’s definitely been influenced by tourism over the years, but there are plenty of cool places to check out.

Day 2 – Tamarindo

For Day 2 of your one week in Costa Rica, you obviously can’t go wrong relaxing on the beach in Tamarindo all day. However, if you want to see a little bit of what Tamarindo has to offer, do an estuary tour in Tamarindo.

The Tamarindo estuary is located just north of the city. You can either walk from Tamarindo to the beginning of the estuary where there’s a small brown building and hire a guide to take you up the estuary, book a guide through your hostel/hotel/Airbnb, or you can book one in advance .

The Tamarindo estuary is a beautiful nature reserve that’s home to a wide variety of wildlife which you can easily see on a tour. Obviously, the amount of wildlife you see depends on your luck, but the guides generally know where the animals are and how to spot them so you can see them.

This is why we recommend hiring a guide at most national parks in Costa Rica. On the estuary tour, we saw tons of animals, including crocodiles, various species of birds, iguanas, and howler monkeys.

As the estuary tour only takes about 2 hours, you’ll have the rest of the day free in Tamarindo to enjoy the beach, take surf lessons , or even visit a nearby beach if you want. At the very least, we recommend enjoying your time at the beach because it’s not necessarily going to be as sunny or warm in the rainforest where you go next.

Read our full Tamarindo Travel Guide for what to do in Tamarindo.

Day 3 – Tamarindo to Monteverde

Day 3 of your one week itinerary for Costa Rica begins with an early morning shuttle (normally around 8 a.m.) from Tamarindo to Monteverde. The ride from Tamarindo to Monteverde is pretty smooth most of the way. However, the final ascent up to Monteverde is an unpaved, winding road.

Warning: It will be difficult to sleep, read, eat, or generally look down from the road on this part. 

When we finally got to Monteverde, Becca ended up vomiting from the car ride up to Monteverde. This is one of the not so fun sides of travel that doesn’t always show up through our blog.

Casa Jungle in a fantastic place to stay in Monteverde. It has a small, shared kitchen, breakfast, and private rooms. Their staff is incredibly kind and helped us set up a bunch of different activities in Monteverde.

There are many other hostels and hotels to book in Monteverde as well if Casa Jungle isn’t what you’re looking for.

Once in Monteverde, you could immediately go zip-lining, to one of the two cloud forest national parks, or hiking. Due to Becca’s upset stomach, we saved those activities for Day 4.

Later at night once it got dark, we went on a Night Walk . There are about 3 different wildlife night walks in Monteverde. We did the Kinkajou Night Walk and had a great experience. We highly recommend doing this because you’ll see so much wildlife as the jungle really comes alive at night. Plus, it’s a pretty cool experience to simply be in the jungle at night. When you’re walking with your group, go to the back of the group, turn around, and cover your flashlight for a second. The pitch black jungle and its sounds will give you an eerie, yet peaceful feeling.

Once it gets dark, one of the best things to do in Monteverde is a night walk in the jungle because at night is when the jungle really comes alive!

There are about 3 different wildlife night walks in Monteverde all of which are pretty similar. While you cannot guarantee what animals you will see on a night walk in Monteverde, there is a very good chance you will see quite a bit of wildlife because the guides know where to spot al the different animals.

Read our full review of doing a Night Walk in Monteverde, Costa Rica .

Day 4 – monteverde.

On Day 4 of your one week itinerary in Costa Rica, get up early and check out the  Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve .

The cloud forest has tons of wildlife and rich biodiversity. There’s a bus that leaves from the center of Monteverde and takes you directly to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. We recommend getting there early because there is often a line to get in, especially during peak seasons. As mentioned earlier, we recommend paying for a guide. We guarantee you’ll see way more wildlife and learn more than if you don’t hire one.

Head back to Monteverde and get some lunch after visiting the cloud forest. In the afternoon, head out to one of the Monteverde zip-lining places! We opted to go with 100% Aventura  and couldn’t recommend it enough. The zip-lining was really fun and exhilarating, especially the “Superman” cables where you were strapped in facedown flying like Superman across the rainforest canopy.

If heights aren’t your thing, check out 100% Aventura’s other offerings like ATV riding, horseback riding, or their hanging bridges tours.

After the adrenaline rush of zip-lining, get some dinner and relax in Monteverde because you’ll be on the move to La Fortuna tomorrow morning.

Day 5 – Monteverde to La Fortuna

Day 5 starts with an 8 a.m. ride from Monteverde to La Fortuna. There are a few different ways to get from Monteverde to La Fortuna, but we recommend the jeep-boat-jeep.

The boat helps you cross a lake faster than driving around it, and it’s a nice change of pace from the bumpy car ride. Plus, oince you get to the boat part of the ride on Lake Arenal, all the bumpy roads are done! FOR THE REST OF YOUR COSTA RICA ITINERARY!!!

After the short ride across the lake, there’s just a quick, smooth ride into La Fortuna (maybe 45 minutes max).

La Fortuna basically runs off tourism nowadays, so there are a ton of options for you here. They have everything from canyoneering to easy, relaxing nature walks.

One of the best things to do in La Fortuna is visiting the sloth travel . If you haven’t seen a sloth in Costa Rica yet, doing the sloth trail in La Fortuna will almost guarantee you to see a sloth…or 8!

Again, make sure to hire the guide when you go. They are able to point out sloths as well as other wildlife that you probably wouldn’t spot on your own.

After the nature walk, you’ll probably want some time to relax and pamper yourself.

Check out The Springs Resort & Spa . Here they have thermal pools heated by the nearby Arenal Volcano. The thermal pools have natural minerals provided by the volcano that help heal and rejuvenate the body.

The Spring Resort & Spa has a two-day pass for about $65 (price may vary depending on the season). This is a good deal for one of the best thermal pools in La Fortuna. To save money while you’re there, pack some snacks!

Day 6 – La Fortuna

In the morning, head to the La Fortuna Waterfall. It’s about 45 minute to an hour walk from La Fortuna, but you can also take a taxi there. We took one there and decided to walk back.

There’s a butterfly garden at the top of the waterfall, and after a short, but steep, hike down you can see the bottom of the waterfall and swim in it. It’s pretty cool seeing it and is something cheap and fun to do in the morning.

In the afternoon, you can do another nature hike around the Arenal volcano. There are plenty of options, but we recommend Desafio .

On the nature hike by Arenal, we saw toucans, snakes, anteaters, and various other animals. Plus, you get to go on the other side of the Arenal Volcano.

During our stay, we could not see the Arenal Volcano at all from La Fortuna. It was completely covered by clouds the entire time. However, with this tour and hiking to other side, we got this beautiful view of about 90% of the volcano…

At night, head to the hot springs at The Springs Resort & Spa again because, after all, you still have that two-day pass! Check out all their different pools and just relax because chances are you don’t have these thermal baths at home.

Day 7 – La Fortuna to San José

On the last day of your one week itinerary for Costa Rice, head to Costa Rica’s capital city, San José, in the morning (another 8 a.m. departure). If you have time, check out the city center in San José and the area near the university. Obviously, you may have to go straight to the airport since you’ll be leaving from San José.

San José is often skipped over as tourists in Costa Rica immediately head to the beach, volcanos, or rainforests. In recent years, however, San José has really tried to do a lot to make San José more attractive to visitors. It still might not have the same pull as other major cities in Latin and Central America, but it’s worth checking out.

Hopefully, this One Week Itinerary for Costa Rica helps those of you who are traveling to Costa Rica and flying into Liberia and out of San José. It was difficult for us to research this type of travel itinerary for one week in Costa Rica, so we wanted to write up a travel itinerary that might help you out since flying into one city and out on another can be challenging.

If you’re still looking for reasons to visit Costa Rica, here are 20 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Costa Rica .

What other recommendations would you have for a one week itinerary for Costa Rica? Are there places or things we missed?

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Liberia, costa rica travel guide.

Liberia is located in the northwest of Costa Rica, in the Guanacaste province, and has all the makings of a popular tourist spot: an international airport, modern churches, an authentic colonial atmosphere, a rich history, a central park, and plenty of options for tours and activities in the surrounding destinations.

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Best Things to Do in Liberia, Costa Rica

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As one of the most popular provinces in Costa Rica, Guanacaste has gained a name for itself as a tropical paradise with a pristine shoreline, beautiful mountain ranges, and a number of volcanoes. Visitors are drawn to the long summer days, active culture, and unparalleled wildlife. Located in the far northwest corner of Costa Rica, Guanacaste’s geographical features are diverse and exotic. As Guanacaste’s capital city, Liberia is the province’s regional economic and urban center. Once a small cowboy town, this city has maintained its native Tico atmosphere while providing plenty of accommodations for travelers.

The city of Liberia, the charming capital of Guanacaste is often used as the jumping-off point for visitors with easy access to national parks and Costa Rica’s most famous beaches, but the city itself definitely deserves a few days of your time.

Liberia has grown considerably since the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) opened and continues to do so. As a city where the traditional cowboy meets the modern city dweller and whitewashed colonial architecture meets modern conveniences,  Liberia offers the best of both worlds. Coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques are popping up like mushrooms to accommodate an ever-growing middle class as well as the leisurely lifestyle Costa Ricans so love to embrace. Even though the happiest country in the world can be described as hospitable in any region you may visit, the smaller cities like Liberia carry the Pura Vida lifestyle closest to its heart.

Liberia has come a long way from its former reputation as a dusty little cattle town and has fully embraced modern life. But with a history dating all the way back to 1769, colonial buildings are still scattered across the town and bring a rather nostalgic atmosphere to an otherwise colorful city. Take a casual stroll east from the central park known as Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz and feel how every step brings you further away from the bustling center and closer to the colonial past.

Liberia is the perfect starting point for your next adventure. Some of Costa Rica’s most iconic beaches are in close proximity as well as a handful of national parks and canopy tours. If you love to surf, consider a visit to Playa Grande or Samara . Samara, you can also combine with a great tour of the tropical dry forests surrounding the area. For the best locations combing gorgeous beaches with a great dining experience or perhaps a lovely night out, you are sure to have a great time at Playa Tamarindo or Playas del Coco . But if you want to marvel at the sheer beauty of the Guanacaste beaches, spend a day or two at Playa Conchal . This little gem with crushed-shell sand and sparkling clear water offers a charming and relaxing retreat as well as popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination. If you favor the calmer beaches, you can find these at the Gulf of Papagayo . Beaches like Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama are perfect for a family vacation away from the bustle and dangerous waves. Playa Panama is the best beach for safe swimming and Hermosa will show you why the beach is named Beautiful.

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10 Things to Do in and Near Liberia, Costa Rica

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Situated in Costa Rica ’s northwest region, Liberia is a major gateway to some of Costa Rica’s most intriguing places. With a population of roughly 55,000 and its own international airport, this city makes a perfect base for a tour to Costa Rica , to enjoy the nearby rainforests, volcanoes, and tropical beaches of Guanacaste 's Gold Coast. One of Costa Rica’s oldest towns, Liberia has a rich colonial history as well as a distinct local cowboy culture, which creates interesting opportunities for tourism.

Whether you spend the day adventuring outdoors in the diverse region or enjoying the museums of this old colonial town, Liberia is a top destination for a Costa Rica holiday . As you plan your trip, make sure to include these activities on your visit to Liberia .

• Sanjay Sola

1. TREK COSTA RICA’S LARGEST AND MOST ACTIVE VOLCANO

An excellent option for a day trip being just 30 km northeast of town, Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers the best outdoor adventures of all Liberia tourist attractions. Test your bravery as you hike or bike through this volcanic terrain, which is home to the active Rincón de la Vieja volcano and the dormant Miravalles volcanoes. Witness impressive geothermal activity as you pass alongside bubbling mud pots. End your day with a relaxing soak in one of the many natural thermal springs.

• Best time to visit: December to February, as the drier weather will provide optimal conditions for outdoor activities and these months boast lush scenery.
• Good to know: Rincón de la Vieja National Park is located in a rural area with few commercial services and poor cell reception. Pack some lunch, water, and other necessary essentials for the day before leaving Liberia.

2. RAFT THE TENORIO RIVER

Thrill-seekers exploring what to do in Liberia, look no further than the Tenorio River. Starting in Las Cañas, 50 km southeast of Liberia, a  whitewater rafting tour  will take you through some of Costa Rica’s biggest rapids . Throughout the journey, experience a variety of class III and IV rapids, before bracing yourself for the drop-down of the 12-foot class V cascade.

• Best time to visit: June to October for full, rip-roaring rapids
• Good to know: Rafting the Upper Tenorio River is appropriate for people ages 11 and up and is not for the faint of heart; alternatively, the Lower Tenorio River portion is calmer and provides a more gentle float suitable for most ages.

3. LEARN THE HISTORY OF THE GUANACASTE REGION

As a regional hub for the province of Guanacaste , Liberia is home to several museums and historic sites that showcase the region’s cultural significance. At the Museo de Guanacaste, learn about the surrounding region and its history inside an old armory/jailhouse. Another popular attraction, the Museo de Sabanero, honors the local cowboy culture and is one of the most unique attractions in Liberia, Guanacaste. The town’s old quarter is also home to many historical churches.

• Best time to visit: Year-round, as the indoor exhibitions, can be enjoyed at any time; typical hours are from 9 am to 4 pm.
• Good to know: Liberia was considered part of Nicaragua until 1812. Day tours from Liberia to Nicaragua are convenient and a popular choice to experience two countries in one trip.

4. DISCOVER THE WILDLIFE IN PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK

Over 300 species of birds, including Costa Rica’s largest population of waterbirds, call Palo Verde National Park home. An absolute must-see destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, this park is also an appealing attraction for anyone interested in wildlife sightings in Costa Rica . Other critters here include monkeys, coatis, and crocodiles. Boat tours are a great way to enjoy the day at Palo Verde, located 45 km south of Liberia.

• Best time to visit: Dry season (December to April) as birds flock to the Tempisque River basin due to scarcity of water in other regions
• Good to know: This national park contains diverse and endangered ecosystems, including one of Central America’s last tropical dry rainforests, creating a unique habitat for wildlife not found in other areas in the country.

5. RIDE HORSEBACK TO OROPENDULA WATERFALL

Rincón de la Vieja National Park isn’t just home to volcanoes. The surrounding forest landscape is diverse and is home to beautiful waterfalls worthy of a visit in themselves. The most popular, Oropendula Waterfall, is an impressive 25 meters high and is accessible on foot or horseback via the forested Las Pailas trail. Of course, in this rugged terrain, going for a horseback ride isn’t just exciting…it’s the most practical way to get around.

• Best time to visit: December to February to avoid heavy rains, which could limit access to the trails.
• Good to know: Rides can be extended through nearby farmlands to really mix up the day.

6. ENJOY THE AROMA OF LOCAL COFFEE ON A FARM TOUR

Costa Rica coffee is famous around the world and is one of the country’s top exports. Savor the delicious flavors as you tour local farms. Tours combine opportunities to learn about the crop’s history and production, get a peek into traditional life on a working farm, and quite literally enjoy the fruits of labor.

• Best time to visit: Farm tours can be enjoyed year-round
• Good to know:  Local farmers typically have bags of coffee for sale. Bring some extra cash to buy a few bags for souvenir gifts or for yourself.

7. SWIM THE BLUE WATERS OF PLAYA HERMOSA

Heading to the beach is a great way to spend some time in Guanacaste. With so many beaches in Liberia Costa Rica, you’re sure to find a beach vibe for you. Playa Hermosa is one of the best beaches near Liberia for its tropical feel, idyllic black sand crescent beach, and convenient location 35 km west of town. It boasts calm and clear blue water perfect for a day of swimming or enjoying other water sports.    

• Best time to visit: December to March for sunnier days; May to December for underwater activities, such as snorkeling or scuba diving
• Tips: Stick around till nightfall and walk the beach for a chance to witness bioluminescence, which is often reported throughout the Guanacaste coast.

8. SURF AT WITCH’S ROCK

Liberia beaches, also collectively referred to as Guanacaste’s Gold Coast, bring surfers from around the world to enjoy the seemingly endless variety of breaks. Whether you’re a pro or just planning your first surf lessons, the beaches offer great opportunities to catch a wave. But perhaps, the most famous spot is Witch’s Rock, listed as one of our  best surfing spots in Costa Rica . Swells reach 8 meters consistently throughout the year and the scenic backdrop of a tall rock formation is postcard-worthy.

• Best time to visit: Surfing is best at high tide during the dry season, December to March
• Good to know: If you’re new to surfing or looking to advance your skills, several excellent surf schools are based nearby. If you’re lucky, you may even get lessons from any one of the numerous surf legends who have made these beaches their home.

9. SPLUNK THROUGH COSTA RICA’S BIGGEST UNDERGROUND CAVE SYSTEM

An hour and a half south by car, Barra Honda National Park offers a spectacular option for a day-trip adventure. More than 40 limestone caverns can be found in this park, with impressive depths of over 240 meters. Many of the caves can be challenging to enter, so a guided tour and advanced permits are required. In addition to caving, a network of several hiking trails provides varied opportunities to walk through dry tropical forest habitats.

• Best time to visit: January to April’s dry climate offers the best opportunities for caving and spotting wildlife as shrubs have dried out, allowing better visibility.
• Good to know: Overnight camping is permitted in the park at the designated campsites, which are equipped with basic facilities.

10. ATV THROUGH FARMLANDS AND CATTLE RANCHES

Wide-open spaces can be found in Liberia thanks to its abundant farmland. As this is cowboy country, you’ll likely encounter horse and cattle ranches, some of which open their property up for offloading adventures. ATV-ing throughout this region is one exciting way to get your adrenaline flowing while enjoying some solitude in more rural territory.

• Best time to visit: June to November for puddles and mud-slinging; December to May if you prefer dust clouds.
• Good to know: While you’re visiting a local ranch, consider taking a lesson or two from one of the cowboys to try your hand at cattle-herding.

The rich culture and many things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica make this destination a top choice for a Guanacaste holiday. A little planning for your holiday in Liberia will go a long way to ensure you enjoy Costa Rica’s greatest sites and activities from land to sea.

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, make sure to take a look at our travel guides on how many days to spend , the best time to visit , the top destinations , and top things to do in the country for in-depth travel tips. Feel free to get in touch with our local travel experts who can help you plan your next tailormade tour to Costa Rica . 

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True to its name, the spirited provincial capital of Liberia (from libertad , meaning liberty) is distinctively friendly and progressive. Its wide streets reveal the legacy of the pioneering farmers and cattle ranchers who founded it. Known colloquially as the “Ciudad Blanca” (White City) due to its whitewashed houses, Liberia is the only town in Costa Rica that seems truly colonial in style and character. Plan your trip to Liberia with our guide to Liberia — based on the  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica,  your travel guide for  Costa Rica .

• The best travel tips for visiting Liberia

Best things to do in Liberia

Where to stay, best restaurants and bars, how to get around, how many days do you need in liberia, what is the best time to visit liberia, how to get to here, tailor-made travel itineraries for costa rica, created by local experts.

12 days  / from 2980 USD

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

From paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways and magical rainforests, Costa Rica has much to offer. Head east and discover the tranquil Caribbean Sea, head west for the tumultuous Pacific Ocean and surfer’s paradise.

10 days  / from 1825 USD

Discover Northern Costa Rica

This self drive itinerary allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!

10 days  / from 1440 USD

A self drive Caribbean adventure

It's time to discover Costa Rica's Caribbean coast in your own rental car: From Boca Pacuare, where the turtles come to lay their eggs, to the unique culture of Cahuita and the beaches of Puerto Viejo! Your trip will finish in Turrialba, home of the main archaeological monument in our country.

Tailor-made trips for   Costa Rica

The best travel tips for visiting Liberia

Most travellers use Liberia as a jumping-off point for the Rincón de la Vieja and Santa Rosa national parks, an overnight stop to or from the beaches of Guanacaste , or a break on the way to Nicaragua .

That said, Liberia is an appealing city, particularly if you explore on foot in the shade of its numerous mango trees.

While the nearby international airport delivers ever-increasing coachloads of visitors to the western beaches, Liberia remains unchanged. For the time being, it’s still the epitome of dignified provincialism, with a strong identity and atmosphere all its own.

For example, many of Liberia's white houses still have their  puerta del sol  — corner doors that were used, ingeniously, to let the sun in during the morning and out in the late afternoon. This heats and then cools the interior throughout the day. Particular to this region, this architectural feature is left over from the colonial era.

Explore Rincon de La Vieja National Park from LIberia, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Liberia is not the most visited cityu in Costa Rica, but there are some great things to do and activities to keep you busy. We have selected the best ones.

#1 Stroll picturesque Parque Central

Liberia is arranged around a large Parque Central. Officially called Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz, it's named after a twentieth-century poet and musician whose songs paid tribute to sabanero culture.

The parque itself is dedicated to el mes del anexión , the month of the annexation (July), celebrating the fact that Guanacaste is not in Nicaragua.

Liberia’s Parque Central is one of the loveliest central plazas in the whole country, ringed by benches and tall palms that shade gossiping locals.

On the eastern edge of the parque is the town church, a contemporary structure whose startlingly modernist form looks a little out of place in this very traditional city.

#2 Mooch around Museo de Guanacaste

Eventually, the plan is to create a larger municipal museum here, but the pace of progress is slow. At the time of writing, a rotating selection of temporary exhibitions, including the works of local artists and some archaeological artefacts, were on show.

That said, part of the charm is the building itself — a former barracks that was later used as a prison before its current incarnation.

#3 Explore Calle Real

Liberia's most historic street is the Calle Real, marked as Calle Central on some maps. In the nineteenth century this street was the entrance to Liberia, and practically the whole road has been restored to its original colonial simplicity.

Stately white adobe homes feature large windows with ornate wooden frames and wide overhanging eaves under which locals pass the evenings in cane armchairs.

#4 Walk and watch wildlife in Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja

25km northeast of Liberia, Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja is arguably Guanacaste’s most memorable national park. It's utterly dominated by its massive, majestic namesake volcano — a perfectly proportioned conical peak, and one Costa Rica's most active volcanoes.

It's an undeniably enchanting place with, quite simply, the best hiking and horseriding in the country. A variety of elevations and habitats reveals hot springs, sulphur pools, bubbling mud pots, and fields of guaria morada (purple orchids), the national flower. Plus there's a great smoking volcano at the top to reward you for your efforts.

Animals in the area include all the big cats (just don’t expect to see them), tapir, red deer, collared peccary, two-toed sloth, and howler, white-faced and spider monkeys.

Birders will enjoy the profusion of over two hundred species, including the three-wattled bellbird, the Montezuma oropendola, the trogon, and the spectacled owl.

From Las Pailas ranger station, you have several walking options. Some trails lead west to the cataratas escondidas (hidden waterfalls), while another runs east to the Santa María station.

Love natural attractions and getting active in the great outdoors? Discover the best waterfalls in Costa Rica , and read up on the best hikes in Costa Rica .

You can sse sloths in Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja, near Liberia, Costa Rica © Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock

#5 Surf and see turtles in Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

35km north of Liberia, Parque Nacional Santa Rosa is Costa Rica’s oldest national park. Today it’s also one of the most popular in the country, thanks to its good trails, great surfing, and prolific turtle-spotting opportunities. It’s also a great destination for campers, with a site on the beach.

Santa Rosa has an amazingly diverse topography for its size of 387 square kilometres. These range from mangrove swamp to deciduous forest and savannah.

Home to 115 species of mammal (half of them bats), 250 species of bird and 100 species of amphibian and reptile (not to mention 3800 species of moth), Santa Rosa is a rich biological repository. As such, it attracts researchers from all over the world.

Jaguars and pumas prowl the park, though you’re unlikely to see them. You're more likely to spot coati, coyotes and peccaries. They often snuffle around watering holes during the dry season.

From July to November, you can witness hundreds of olive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Nancite by moonlight. Though too rough for swimming, the picturesque beaches of Naranjo and Nancite are also popular with serious surfers.

If reading about Parque Nacional Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja has stoked your interest, read our run-down of the most beautiful national parks in Costa Rica .

Chances are, you'll also love our customisable Costa Rica Eco Adventure trip .

Beautiful aerial view of a sunset in Naranjo Beach - Witch Rock Costa Rica © Shutterstock

While Liberia has a vast range of hotels, hostels and guesthouses, apart from a few notable exceptions, standards are relatively low, with prices are on the high side across the board.

• Hotel El Cerro : just outside the centre of Liberia, with comfy en-suite rooms arranged over two floors.
• Hotel Javy : a charming, professionally run hotel with rooms set around a leafy courtyard garden.
• Hotel Villa Hermosa : squeaky-clean rooms, and a friendly owner who's created a typically Tico vibe.

Browse more places to stay in Liberia .

Liberia has a strong dining scene with several above-average restaurants serving local dishes such as natilla (sour cream) eaten with eggs, or gallo pinto and tortillas.

For a real feast, try desayuno guanacasteco , a hearty local breakfast of tortillas, sour cream, eggs, rice-and-beans, and sometimes meat.

You can get rock-bottom lunches from the stalls at the bus terminal or the sodas at the nearby covered market. Guanacastecan corn snacks can be bought from stalls all over town.

• Los Comales: a typical Costa Rican soda, very popular for its generous portions of tasty rustic food.
• Copa de Oro: bang in the centre, this stalwart is famous for its fish and seafood.
• Jauja: large, tasty pasta dishes and pizzas, plus the usual steak, chicken and fish served in a garden setting.

Find out more about  eating and drinking in Costa Rica .

You can enjoy good gallo pinto in Liberia, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Being an attractive, welcoming city, Liberia is a lovely place to stroll in your own time, at your own pace.

When you want to travel further afield, the regional bus service is comprehensive and pretty reliaibe, with Liberia serving as the regional hub.

You'll find the bus terminal to the west of town — it's just a 10-minute walk, with services that can take you to Guanacaste’s parks and beaches, and the Nicaraguan border

Given its welcoming charm, and proximity to top natural attractions, consider spending 3-4 days in Liberia before heading elsewhere in Guanacaste.

You could, for example, spend a morning wandering Calle Real at a suitably laidback pace, stopping off in the picturesque Parque Central. When the afternoon heat strikes, spend an hour ot two in the Museo de Guanacaste.

You'll also want to allocate enough time to visit the nearby national parks. Both Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja and Parque Nacional Santa Rosa are worth devoting a whole day to, not least if you plan to hike the longer trails. You'll want to make it to Rincón de la Vieja's secret waterfall.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check our Costa Rica itineraries , or talk to our Costa Rica experts .

If you've come for Costa Rican culture, Liberia boasts several lively local festivals you might want to time your visit to coincide with.

Visit in early March for the Fiestas Cívicas de Liberia in early March. This has its origins as an annual livestock fair and is celebrated over ten days. Expect parades, bands, fireworks and bulls wreaking havoc.

On 25th July, El Día de la Independencia celebrates Guanacaste’s independence from Nicaragua with parades, horse shows, cattle auctions, rodeos, fiestas and marimba bands. If you want to attend, make bus and hotel reservations as far in advance as possible.

When it comes to walking and wildlife, you'll want to visit Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja in the December-March dry season. At this time, the hiking trails and visibility are at their best and the heat is fairly comfortable.

The same goes for Santa Rosa — during the greener wet months, animals are more dispersed, making it trickier to spot wildlife.

That said, if want to see hundreds of olive ridley turtles on Playa Nancite in Santa Rosa national park, you'll need to visit between July and November. The best months to see them — September and October — fall right in the rainy season.

All of which means, you'll need to weigh up what you want to see most.

For more on the best time to visit different destinations in Costa Rica, read our guide to  when to go to Costa Rica .

A spider monkey climbs high trees of the rainforest © Kit Korzun/Shutterstock

12km west of the town, Liberia’s sizeable international airport is connected to domestic destinations by regular Sansa and Skyway flights. There are also numerous international flights.

You can take a taxi from here into town. Alternatively, many buses travelling between Liberia and Tamarindo also call at the airport, or you can walk 15min to the main road, where any eastbound bus will take you to Liberia.

Liberia is the main regional transport hub, providing easy access to Guanacaste’s parks and beaches, the Nicaraguan border and San José.

The city’s bus terminal is on the western edge of town near the exit for the Interamericana. It's a 10min walk from here to the centre of town, and it serves all destinations except San José.

At the bus station you'll find an elaborate list of departure times. Be warned that these are pure fiction, so check with the ticket office.

San José buses arrive at and depart from the more modern Pulmitan terminal, a block southeast of the main bus terminal.

If you’re coming by car, you should take the exit off the Interamericana at an intersection with traffic lights and three petrol stations. This is known as La Esquina de las Bombas (Gas Station Corner).

Turning left (if coming from the south) takes you to the beaches, while a right takes you along the town’s Avenida Central, lined with floppy mango trees.

For more transportation tips, read our guide to  getting around Costa Rica .

Looking for more inspiration? Read up on the  best things to do in Costa Rica , and get yourself a copy of  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica .

Our  Costa Rica travel tips  will also help you plan your trip. Not keen on planning? You'll love our customisable  Costa Rica itineraries .

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image: Rincon de La Vieja National Park, near LIberia, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

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Liberia: The White City Capital of Guanacaste

September 2, 2023 By Sammi 9 Comments

Liberia is the capital city of the Guanacaste province , one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Known locally as the Ciudad Blanca (White city) due to the white gravel of the surrounding soil, it’s a city that tourists may not stay in but need to know about.

This is because the Liberia International (Guanacaste) Airport is only a 15 minute drive from downtown Liberia. Additionally, many major routes to and from Guanacaste pass through Liberia. For this reason, it is a common reference point. It’s also very close to popular tourist destinations, national parks and beaches such as Nuevo Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja National Park , Tenorio Volcano National Park – Rio Celeste , Gulf of Papagayo , Playas del Coco, Tamarindo , Samara , Conchal , La Cruz and Nosara .

Read more about Liberia below. (Also, Liberia is pronounced Lee-bear-ee-ah in Spanish).

Liberia is in the Guanacaste province, 12.4 km (7.7 miles) from the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia International Airport or LIR) and 198 km (123 miles) from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO airport code, AKA San Jose International Airport). 

It is 211 kilometers (131 miles) from San Jose downtown. Liberia is just a 40 minute drive to the closest beach town of Playas del Coco.

How to Get to Liberia, Costa Rica

From Liberia International Airport, exit the airport and turn right. Then at the next intersection, turn left onto Route 21 and drive about 10-15 minutes to Liberia downtown.

From San Jose International Airport, the best route is via Route 27 and Route 1. This drive takes a little over 3 hours.

As the capital city, there are many buses to and from Liberia everyday.

Buses from Liberia Downtown to LIR Airport: The first bus leaves at 05:30 am, then there is bus every hour from 07:20 AM to 06:20 PM.

LIR Airport to Liberia Downtown : The first bus leaves at 06:00 AM am, then there is bus every hour from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Liberia Downtown to San Jose Downtown: With Pulmitan Bus Company, from Monday to Friday, there are buses at 03:00 AM 04:00 AM, 05:00 AM, 06:00 AM, 07:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 AM, 02:00 PM, 04:00 PM, 06:00 PM and 08:00 PM.

Buses from San Jose Downtown to Liberia Downtown: With Pulmitan Bus Company, there is one bus every hour starting at 06:00 AM and the last at 08:00 PM

You can take private or shared shuttles from other destinations to Liberia.

For shared shuttles, check companies like Easy Ride, Ride CR and Interbus. They offer shared services to Liberia from destinations such as La Fortuna, San Jose and Monteverde for around $59 to $69 USD per adult.

A private shuttle from San Jose to Liberia is around $265 USD for 1- 8 passengers. From SJO Airport to Guanacaste Airport, the approximate cost of a private shuttle is $280 USD for 1-8 passengers.

Visiting Liberia, Costa Rica

Liberia is not exactly a top tourist destination in Costa Rica as it is a quite small city with not that much. Because of this, most tourists stay in or near Liberia to be close to the airport on the night they fly in or the night before they fly out. They don’t use Liberia as a home base, especially when there are beach towns just 30 minutes away from the airport.

Liberia can be an interesting city to check out, if you like culture and cities. One of our tour partners offers a Liberia city tour and souvenir shopping excursion from the Guanacaste beaches. Get a discount off this Guanacaste tour here!

How to Spend 1 Day in Liberia

Stay in Liberia for the two nights before your flight out. Use the full day you have to do an adventure day trip as there are a ton of choices. Some recommended options are Hacienda Guachipelin 1 day tour (30 minutes driving), Buena Vista Combo Adventure tour (45 minutes driving), La Leona Waterfall , Cerro Pelado Hike, Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Rio Celeste .

Or visit the nearby attractions for additional sightseeing. Recommendations are Llanos de Cortes waterfall , the Guanacaste museum, Centro de Rescate Las Pumas near Cañas and a Numu beer tour.

Where to Get Supplies and Groceries in Liberia

Many people who are staying at a vacation rental will go to the supermarkets in Liberia for groceries and supplies as it’s a bit cheaper with more options. A lot of people go to Walmart Maxi Pali, Pequeño Mundo or Peri.

Festivals and Holidays

As the capital city, Liberia is a fantastic place to experience the Guanacasteco Costa Rica culture. July 25 is the national holiday Anexión del Partido de Nicoya and Liberia always has festivals going on those days. This holiday celebrates the annexation of the Guanacaste province from Nicaragua to Costa Rica.

On September 15, Costa Rica’s Independence Day, there are always parades in the morning through downtown Liberia.

In December, there is always the Christmas parades and parties about a week before.

In February (the date changes every year), Liberia has the local festivals, horse parades and bull runs (called fiestas civicas) .

If you happen to be in the area those dates, it’s a lot of fun to visit Liberia to watch the parades and go to the parties on the holidays.

Liberia, Costa Rica Hotels

You can find a limited amount of hotels in Liberia with reasonable prices. These don’t have an airport shuttle, you will have to call a taxi or ask your hotel to arrange a shuttle for you. The only one with an airport shuttle is the Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport as it’s right down the street.

• Best Western El Sitio Hotel : Right in downtown with 2 pools, casino and bar-restaurant.
• Boyeros Hot e l : One of the older hotels right in downtown with swimming pool, conference room, jacuzzi and typical restaurant.
• Hotel Del Rio : Small but modern hotel in a gated community. Has balconies and restaurant.
• Hotel Santa Ana : Good budget option and only 5 minutes from Liberia Airport.
• Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport : Right in front of Liberia Airport and is a typical airport Hilton Garden Inn with a pool, meeting rooms, restaurant, complimentary airport shuttle to/from, business center and gym. Has a really good breakfast included.
• Villa Hermosa: Very nice and cute family run hotel with shared kitchen and private rooms.
• Hospedaje Dodero: Hostel with mixed gender dorm rooms and shared bathrooms, shared kitchen and garden.

Liberia, Costa Rica Restaurants

In addition to our recommendations below, you can find all the fast food in Liberia such as Mcdonalds, Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, Pizza Hut and Papa Johns.

• Sushi & COffee House Liberia: Not just coffee but sushi, breakfast, pastries, cake and coffee.
• Masala Indian Restaurant: Excellent Indian food!
• Sabor Porteño Restaurante: A local favorite for seafood and steak. Nice spacious restaurant. Big portions!
• Restaurante Tierra Mar: Another local favorite for seafood and meat.
• Mariajuana Restaurante: Casual bar restaurant with yummy cocktails and beer. Also has a local and international menu.
• Taqueria Mazatlan: Tacos. Service is a bit slow.
• Foodnication: Gourmet style sandwiches, burgers, pasta, cakes and cocktails. Also has yummy desserts.

Other Things to Know about Liberia, Costa Rica

Being the capital city of Guanacaste, Liberia has everything of a city. Pharmacies, banks, full service supermarkets, a hospital, clinics, dental clinics, mechanics, fast food, money wiring services, clothing stores and more. It has the typical Costa Rican town set up with a park and church.

For those of us who live in Guanacaste, we have to go to Liberia anytime we need something major such as lab tests, specific car parts, etc. I used to drive to Liberia every month from Tamarindo to see my orthodontist who came once a month from San Jose. We go at least once or twice a month to stock up on supplies at Pricesmart (Latin American like Costco) and Pequeño Mundo.

Sometimes we have to go to Liberia to get car parts, computer parts and other construction supplies. Many things are also cheaper in Liberia than the beach towns.

Plan Your Trip

Here are some itineraries we’ve written that land in Liberia Airport for you to peruse!

1 week in Costa Rica: Playas del Coco and La Fortuna

14 days: Tamarindo, Monteverde, Bijagua, Rincon de la Vieja

2 weeks: La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Teresa, Playas del Coco

Costa Rica Vacation Checklist

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Reader Interactions

Lesley Chapman says

October 1, 2023

I’ve been to CR several times and recommend using Liberia International airport rather than San Jose – depending where you are visiting. Liberia is so much easier, less traffic, close to beaches and has good services. And great festivals, with the unique Guanacaste cowboy flaire. Gorgeous prancing/dancing horses with proud horsemen and women of all ages who grow up in the saddle.

If you need dental work done, Dr Enrique Parra in Liberia is the place to go. I had dental work that would have cost $10,000+ in Canada, cost me $3500. We stayed at Playa Panama, 30 minute drive to the dental office for multiple appointments. It was perfect.

Suzanne Ure says

September 23, 2023

Wondering if it would be considered rude or risky to bring luggage into a restaurant or soda for safety instead of leaving it in the rental car while travelling in Costa Rica. Several nice locations to eat in Liberia or along the road to Domical that we would like to consider but they don’t have guards or direct view to parking lot.

Not really…we always bring our big backpacks into restaurants and usually it’s multiple big 30-50 L backpacks, purses, etc. Just make sure not to be blocking people’s way or anything, but we have never had any problems when we bring our stuff into restaurants.

Dee Shandera says

May 30, 2020

We are considering a part-time move to Guanacaste Province, perhaps eventually to become full-time. I sew a LOT – clothing, slipcovers, curtains, etc. Do you know if there is a fabric store and sewing machine repair shop anywhere in the Tamarindo/Flamingo/Potrero/Conchal area, or at least in Liberia? That could be a make or break deal for me. I can’t be taking a 4-hour bus ride to San Jose every time I need thread!

May 31, 2020

Honestly I don’t know… Maybe in Liberia, there would be the biggest possibility of there being one. I would recommend to join the Expats in Costa Rica or Gringos in Costa Rica (or the Tamarindo Chit Chat group) and ask in there as there are a few seamstresses already in the Tamarindo area so they should have an idea.

scipio Garling says

October 21, 2022

There are many fabric shops in Liberia ( at least four, the last time I counted).

Mike Huxta says

Hello We rescheduled our trip to C.R. in October, do you think we will be good to enter? Ty, Mike

Hi Mike, the Costa Rican border is now set to open June 30, 2020 but this could be extended. We have written a Costa Rica coronavirus post you can check for updates and we also recommend to check your home country’s regulations when it comes to international travel.

Kathy Thayer says

May 29, 2020

Thanks for the information ! We are trying to get back to CR. We love it..

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• 1.1 By plane
• 2 Get around
• 6.1.1 In the city center
• 6.1.2 At the intersection of the two main roads
• 6.1.3 Near the city center
• 6.2 Mid-range
• 6.3 Splurge

Liberia is the capital city of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica . It is located about 220 km (138 mi) Northwest San Jose.

After Mexico's War of Independence from Spain, the settlement of Guanacaste, as Liberia was known then, transitioned from being a town in the Partido de Nicoya of the Federal Republic of Central America to being part of Nicaragua and then Costa Rica. Even though this happened later than the annexation of the rival town of Nicoya on July 25th, 1824, Liberia celebrates that day annually as it became the primary settlement of the Guanacaste province.

Liberia's economy centers around agriculture and tourism with the nearby coast and volcanic regions. Even though precipitation is relatively less than other parts of Costa Rica, it can still feel sweltering with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

There is an exit tax that must be paid on international departures. You can pay by credit card, but it will be recorded as a cash advance with higher fees.

By bus [ edit ]

A large public bus network services Liberia and connects it with San Jose, the beaches and the Nicaraguan border. From the only stop light in town along the Pan American Highway, go 300 meters north and turn right. There is the Pulmitan de Liberia bus stop with buses going to San José (US$5), and the Terminal Municipal 2 blocks away that will take you to Guanacaste beaches and the Nicaragua border.

Centrocoasting.com is a very useful website for navigating the region by bus. Here you can check the bus schedules from the Municipal Terminal and from Pulmitan Station

By car [ edit ]

Liberia is at the cross section of the Interamericana that stretches throughout Central America and the Route 21 that heads to famous beaches such as Tamarindo.

Get around [ edit ]

Public bus or on foot. Liberia is a small city where everything you are likely to wish to see is within walking distance.

See [ edit ]

• 10.6297 -85.43819 1 Mario Cañas Ruiz Park . Town square in front of the Central Church of Liberia. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 10.62989 -85.43929 2 Museum Guanacaste , Av 1, Provincia de Guanacaste , ☏ +506 2665 7114 . M-F 08ː00-16ː00 . Housed in old city barracks, this museum is designed to relate information and history about the area. Kind of modest. ( updated Dec 2020 )

Do [ edit ]

• Volcanic Mud Springs with Spa , Rincon de la Vieja . Pools with volcanic mud water for bathing, mud springs for mud treatment. At Rio Negro Hot Springs pools with spring water beside Rio Negro are used for bathing. The temperature of the water ranges from 36ºC to 40ºC. Massage service is offered. Admission to the Hot Springs and Mud Springs is US$25.  
• Water Slide at Buena Vista Del Rincon ( Rincon de La vieja ), Rincon de la Vieja National Park ( In Liberia, from Burger King 13 km on the Interamericana road, towards Peñas Blancas, until you get to the entrance of Cañas Dulces ), ☏ +506 2690-1414 . 08:00-17:00 . Longest mountain water slide -- 400 m -- in the middle of the tropical forest. This is done with all the necessary security equipment. US$15 . ( updated Jan 2019 )
• 10.55372 -85.39717 2 Africa Safari Adventure Park ( Ponderosa Adventure Park ) ( few km south of Liberia ), ☏ +506 2288 1000 . Daily 09ː00-17ː00 . Safari with African species, kayaking, waterfalls, zip-lines. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 10.63575 -85.421111 5 Curubanda , ☏ +506 8860 9828 . Aerial arts and poledance studio. You can text the studio on Whatsapp beforehand to inquire about class times and let them know that you are coming, but the classes don't seem to require reservation. Instead, this semi-outdoor studio frequented by locals adapts each class to accommodate whoever shows up that night. Classes are in Spanish, but it is easy to follow along even with limited fluency. The instructors are passionate and skilled, but the energy of the class is fun for all levels and non-competitive. In 2022, it was ₡ 5,000 for 2 classes . ( updated Feb 2022 )

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

There are several different options of restaurants in the area, ranging from American fast food chains to local food restaurants like Guanaburger. There are lots of "sodas" (small local restaurants) around Downtown Liberia that serve Costa Rican food, and also several bakeries including Musmanni and Panaderia Alemana (German Bakery).

Budget [ edit ]

In the city center [ edit ].

• 10.629299 -85.44194 1 Soda El Viajero , Av. 3 . Down home cooking. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.632581 -85.43707 2 Pizza Andina Liberia , Av. 5 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.632333 -85.43973 3 Super Pollo , C. 2 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• 10.62771 -85.440727 4 Twenty's , C. 8 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.632164 -85.438951 5 Soda Los Comales , C. Central Rafael Iglesias . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.631133 -85.435996 6 Guanaburger , Av. 1 . ( updated Sep 2021 )

At the intersection of the two main roads [ edit ]

In this area are chain restaurants like McDonald's, Taco Bell, KFC and Burger King.

• 10.625646 -85.443707 7 Taquería Mazatlán , Centro Comercial Plaza Santa Rosa Local #39, 1 . Mexican restaurant ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.626642 -85.44411 8 Food Mall . ( updated Aug 2022 )

Near the city center [ edit ]

• 10.632917 -85.442399 9 Soda La Macha , Av. 11 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.631959 -85.441662 10 Bar La Selegna , C. 6 . Bar and grill ( updated Jul 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 10.62959 -85.4392 11 Masala Indian Restaurant ( in Bolbaldi Plaza along Av 1 ), ☏ +506 4703 0477 . Nice butter chicken here. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.62928 -85.44151 12 El Callejero ( on Calle 8 ), ☏ +506 2665 4111 . 11:00-22:00 closed M . Wraps and fancy salads and heavier things like onion ring burgers if you're ready to kick the low-fat diet your cardiologist probably wanted you to be on. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.630083 -85.436595 13 Guacamole , Central Ave . Tex Mex restaurant ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.629331 -85.439912 14 Don Fran Restaurante , Av. 1 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.629363 -85.440059 15 Restaurante Tierra Mar Liberia , Av. 1 . Peruvian cuisine ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 10.628657 -85.442089 16 Ciudad Blanca Gastro Park , C. 10 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ].

• LIB is a second story bar in the Plaza Santa Rosa. Modern design and sometimes modern music.

Sleep [ edit ]

• Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport , Ruta # 21 across from the airport , ☏ +506 2690-8888 . Built in 2008, the property is in front of Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), it has 169 rooms & suites, signature bedding, LCD TVs, swimingpool, modern fitness room, car rental desk, a restaurant and bar. US$60-129 .  
• Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica , Gulf of Papagayo 20 minutes from Liberia Airport , ☏ +506 2672 0000 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Junior suites with private plunge pool. Amazing views US$99-459 .  
• Four Seasons Costa Rica , Pagapayo Peninsula, Guanacaste ( 40 minutes from Liberia Airport ). Golf course that was named in the top 50 in the world. Check out the impressive ocean views from the back nine.  
• 10.62501 -85.44605 1 Best Western El Sitio , Hwy 21 (just west of intersection with Hwy 1) ( next to Santa Rosa Plaza ), ☏ +506 2666-1211 . Simple rooms with air conditioning. Gym, casino and pool on site with large area for sun lounging. Double costs US$76 and includes breakfast. 45875 colones . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 10.6112 -85.43267 2 Las Espuelas , Hwy 1 about 2 miles south of city center , ☏ +506 2666 0144 . A spacious, tranquil hotel. Pool and all the usual amenities. 40442 colones . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin , Rincon de la Vieja National Park ( Curubande, Liberia, Guanacaste, at the entrance of Rincon de la Vieja National Park ), ☏ +506 2666-8075 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . The hotel is in a traditional Guanacaste cattle hacienda that dates back to 1800. The national park, with all its beauty and activities, is in its back yard. US$50 per person .  
• Hotel Guanacaste , Calle 12, between 1st and 3rd avenues. ( 25 m west of the Pulmitan Bus terminal ), ☏ +506 666-0085 , [email protected] . Member of Hostelling International. Close to all bus terminals, clean, nice patio, Internet and Wifi, restaurant, tourism information available. Shared simple from US$8, private small simple from $11 .  
• Buena Vista Del Rincon Eco Adventure Park, Hotel & Spa ( formerly Buena Vista Lodge ), Rincon de La Vieja ( Guanacaste ), ☏ +506 2690-1414 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . This eco-lodge in a hacienda offers spectacular sunsets and a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean, volcanoes, plains and forests. US$78 double incl. breakfast/taxes . ( updated Jan 2019 )

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Here are a few of our most popular Costa Rica via Liberia resorts:

Liberia, Costa Rica

Where families, spa-lovers, active travelers and couples come for sun and luxurious sand.

Occidental Papagayo is a resort ideal for adults seeking rest and relaxation.

This resort offers unique bungalow-style suites tucked away in the hills, offering intimacy and beautiful ocean views. In addition, guests enjoy an array of nature-oriented activities including canopy tours, hiking, horseback riding, and more.

Things to do in Liberia

Liberia City Highlights Tour

Forest Canopy Exploration Tour

Palo Verde National Park Tour

Rincon de la Vieja Active Volcano Tour

This tropical destination has small town charm combined with a variety of exciting attractions. Explore Liberia and its natural beauty with cave tours, birdwatching, river rafting, hiking, and horseback riding. Luxury resorts provide the perfect setting for relaxing days and delicious dining, and downtown Liberia offers nightlife, live entertainment, and sporting events including rodeos and bull-riding.​

Flight service to Liberia may vary based on departure date and origin city. View our flight information , so you can vacation with ease.

Costa Rica via Liberia Vacation FAQ

A Complete Guide to Visiting Liberia, Costa Rica

If you are planning to visit Liberia in Costa Rica, then have a quick review of this Guide by The Pura Vida House so you can understand what you are in for. Understand the most popular activities and sites to see, restaurants and bars, and places to stay.

Why You Should Visit Liberia, Costa Rica

Liberia is one of the largest cities in Costa Rica and capital of the Guanacaste province that is often on the list of places to visit for tourists, especially as it is fairly close to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. A major business hub of Costa Rica, the city is located about 130 miles North West of San Jose and about 80 mils NW of Puntarenas.

The city actually was founded almost 250 years ago in 1769, but it was not until 1824 when Costa Rica took Liberia, Guanacaste province from Nicaragua by popular vote. Today, it is a booming city for travelers and visitors that need to engage in commerce or want to enjoy the sites to see or many food and beverage establishments available for a relaxing time.

Still, Liberia extends more of a colonial environment and atmosphere than most other areas within Costa Rica. Visitors will notice older style architecture and buildings with traditional style roofs and old-town, narrow streets. The Central Plaza still remains today’s social hub and primary gathering spot across two square blocks.

Things to Do & See in Liberia, Costa Rica

Liberia offers a wide variety of activities for a longer visit or a comfortable overnight stop if you are only planning to stop by for a short time. You will want to focus your stay around the mountain lodge or beach for your visit, and the below information can you further hone in on the right venue options for you and your party.

National Parks

• Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Located about 15 miles North East of Liberia, this national park spans across more than 30,000 acres. Visitors will get lost with this vast space and more than 30 rivers with two famous volcanoes. Common activities here are guided tours through many hiking trails and horseback riding. There are two volcanoes including the Rincón de la Vieja volcano along with amazing views at the Nicoya Peninsula and the Lago de Nicaragua.

• Santa Rosa National Park – This Park was founded in 1971 and is located Northwest of Liberia. It is one of the oldest natural parks in Costa Rica made to protect and preserve the natural habitat of the surrounding areas like the marshlands, woodlands, savannas and deciduous forest. Many visitors enjoy this park for its beaches and watching sea turtles that come to shore. Other attractions include a wide species of plants and trees along with famous howler monkeys of Costa Rica.
• Penderosa Adventure Park – This park and private wildlife reserve allows its visitors quite an intimate experience more than 250 exotic species of animals. Horseback riding and zip lining are popular activities offered here.
• Guanacaste National Park – Another famous national park, tourists can find all kinds of wildlife species here, especially birds, as this is a popular destination for Bird Watching. Other common species include Capuchin monkeys and collared peccaries.

Beaches & Other Attractions

• Playa Panama – one of the most sought after beaches in Guanacaste province, this is a great spot to bring family and friends for swimming and local activities.
• Playas del Coco – quite a serene environment during the day, this beach attracts all ages and offers some of the best water sports in the country.
• Playa Hermosa – this beach is between two mountains and usually is not as crowded as other beaches. If you are looking for a calm surrounding and privacy, then this is the beach to be at.
• Llanos del Cortés Waterfall – Certainly unique in Liberia, check out this magnificent waterfall that offers a view to remember.
• Ermita de La Agonia Church – This ancient church is located in the bustling center of Liberia and remains a great significant for the local people even today. Enjoy the sights mixed in with some historic culture here.
• Artwood Museum – Plan a visit here if you enjoy unique artwork like sculptures, masks and woodwork.

Popular Bars & Restaurants in Liberia, Costa Rica

Bars & night clubs.

• Palermi Sports Bar – a very popular hangout spot, this bar serves quite a list of drinks, beers and cocktails and probably has your favorite on their list. Patrons can watch sports and games from all over the world that are broadcast her.
• Guana’s – If you are a fan of Pizza & Beer, then this place is for you. Located just next to Parque Central, this place is often frequented by visitors, especially on the weekend when the crowd commonly spills into the courtyard, which makes for a perfect social setting.
• LIB Costa Rica – Find the best food here, both international and local dishes along with your drink of choice. The big screen often shows global sports and the venue hosts live music every now and then.
• Maderos Brewery – If you are into craft beer, then make sure you drop by here. Located North of Liberia, this brewery is just a short drive away and offers a large selection of beers.

Restaurants

• Toro Negro Steak House – Find the best steaks around at this restaurant, but for those who prefer something else, the menu offers a variety of other options as well with other meat options and seafood.
• El Pilon – If you prefer seafood, then this will be your go-to restaurant. The menu features fresh seafood and some nice drinks to accompany your main dish. The atmosphere is laid-back but still classy.
• Liberia Social – This restaurant has good food and drinks, but even better is its décor and furniture. The friendly staff will make your experience worthwhile.

Stay at The Pura Vida House for Your Trip to Liberia, Costa Rica

The Pura Vida House is among the top of the Costa Rica all-inclusive villas . This property is located in Hacienda Pinilla, a luxury resort that was built to preserve the natural 4,500-acre historic land along more than three miles of untouched shoreline and a native tropical forest just adjacent.

Known for its quality and white-glove service, on-site private chef, and amazing panoramic views, visitors choose to stay at the The Pura Vida House Villa because anything needed or desired can be arranged based on personal preference. One of the most popular features offered as part of the villa rental rate is free concierge services. All Pura Vida House guests also extended the additional luxuries available throughout the Hacienda Pinilla resort , just outside of Tamarindo , Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

We hope you found this guide helpful in understanding what all Liberia, Costa Rica has to offer and wish you loads of fun on your journey to visit us. If you would like to get more details on traveling to Costa Rica as well as about The Pura Vida House, contact us today.

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Liberia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 31, 2023, liberia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to crime and civil unrest.

Country summary:   Violent crime, such as armed robbery, is common, particularly in urban areas and on public beaches.  Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes.

Demonstrations occur regularly and have on occasion resulted in violence or use of tear gas by authorities.

If traveling in Liberia, make all efforts to complete your travel during daylight hours due to increased safety hazards at night.  U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital or between counties after dark (with the exception of travel to and from Roberts International Airport).

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Liberia.

If you decide to travel to Liberia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier for the Embassy to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Liberia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Requirements

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Welcome to Costa Rica!

Requirements to enter the country.

Entry to Costa Rica has been opened to tourists from all countries.

All tourists must comply with the immigration processes established in the General Immigration and Aliens Act (Ley General de Migración y Extrangería).

During your visit in Costa Rica, you are required to comply with the health protocols put in place by private companies when participating in any tourism activities in the country.

In accordance with Article 42 of the General Law on Immigration and Aliens (No. 8764) and Article 30 of the Immigration Control Regulation (Executive Decree No. 36769-G), foreign nationals intending to enter Costa Rica must provide:

• A valid passport or travel document. Passports and travel documents will only be accepted if they can be read electronically in line with the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and must be valid for the period set forth in these guidelines.
• Visa, if required under these guidelines.
• Proof of economic means, with a minimum of US$100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or partial month of legal stay in the country.
• Return ticket to the country of origin or plan of onward travel that includes the next destination.
• No impediment to entering Costa Rican territory.

MAXIMUM STAY:

The maximum legal stay for foreign nationals will be determined by the immigration agent upon their entry into the country.

Countries in the first group: UP TO 180 CALENDAR DAYS, NON-EXTENDABLE 

Countries in the second group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS

Countries in the third group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS, EXTENDABLE

Countries in the fourth group: UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS, EXTENDABLE

Please remember:

• In order to enter Costa Rica, you will need a ticket for a return flight, which the immigration official will ask to see when you arrive. It is recommended that you make a photocopy of your passport with the entry stamp, which you should carry with you at all times during your stay.
• The number of days you are permitted to stay in Costa Rica will depend on the group your country of origin belongs to.
• The immigration official may ask you to demonstrate that you have the funds needed for your stay in the country.
• The immigration official may indicate in your passport that your permitted stay will be for a different amount of time.
• Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport and proof that they will be leaving the country before their visa or entry stamp expires.

All travelers must therefore have a ticket for return or onward travel.

Non-residents must have a ticket for return or onward travel if they:

Are arriving on a one-way ticket.

Are entering the country with a return ticket that is more than 90 days after their date of arrival.

Are flying to Costa Rica and flying out of a different country.

By law, a return or onward travel ticket may be on one of the following means of approved commercial transportation:

• A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country.
• A pre-purchased flight out of the country.
• Proof of passage on a cruise ship.

Obligatory declarations when entering or leaving Costa Rica:

When entering or leaving a port of entry to Costa Rica, if you are carrying an amount equal to or greater than US$10,000 in cash or securities, or its equivalent in other currencies, you must request and complete the form designated for this purpose in the immigration checkpoint and present it to the Customs Authority for verification. The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures.

Failure to follow the provisions of Costa Rican law (No. 8204, Article 35) will result in the immediate forfeiture of the money.

What kind of vaccines do visitors to Costa Rica need?

As of July 30, 2007, Costa Rican authorities require all travelers from the following countries to have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, as well as the Republic of Guyana.

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Liberia to Jaco - Costa Rica Forum

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8 replies to this topic

For the most part, higher clearance of an SUV is more important than 4x4 for even for most secondary routes.

If Jaco is your only destination, it's closer to fly in/out of SJO.

Rent your vehicle through a local agency or a popular brand via a local website ending in 'cr' vs one based in the US ( http://ending.com ) Do not rent through a third party like expedia etc. These sites will not give you a complete quote that includes mandatory insurance.

Be aware that your personal insurance from home is not valid for rental cars in CR. Also know the pitfalls of relying on your credit card insurance for CDW.

Deposit required & deductible amounts vary depending what level of insurance you purchase. Know exactly what each premium covers & does not cover.

Vandalism, tires & glass/windshields are generally not covered unless you purchase extended coverage beyond basic CDW/LDW.

Suggested reading: For clear & concise insurance information, have a look at both Adobe & Vamos websites. If you have questions, come back here & ask.

Check Adobe rates through My Tan Feet widget for small discount & some perks. Completely legit. No strings attached.

So, you want to fly to Liberia, rent a car , drive to Jaco , but are staying at Riu Guanacaste ?

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Liberia Costa Rica Airport Guide

Everything you need to know about arriving and departing from the Liberia Airport in northern Costa Rica.

About The San Jose Costa Rica Airport

If you are wondering which airport to fly to, read this post .

The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in the city of Liberia, Costa Rica airport is one of two international airports in Costa Rica. The other international airport is the Juan Santamaria Airport near the capital of San Jose.

The Liberia airport is actually located near the town of Liberia, about 20 km or 30 minutes drive just east of many of the Guanacaste pacific beach destinations such as the Papagayo Peninsula, Playas del Coco or Playa Tamarindo. There are also some of my favorite all-inclusive resorts near here, and my favorite luxury family resorts are here too. There are several great places to stay near the airport , but because of arrival times at the airport, you will often be able to whisk away to your beach destination in a matter of hours. If you do need a nice local hotel near the airport, I highly recommend Hacienda Guachepelin.

The airport is named after a national essayist and politician who died in 1991. The Liberia, Costa Rica airport code is LIR. Do not confuse this airport with the African country of Liberia or you will be pretty sad at how long it takes you to get to Africa!

You might also like: 50 Interesting Costa Rica Facts You Need To Know

Arrival At The LIR Airport

Going through customs.

The customs area is divided into two sections- lines for residents and Costa Rican nationals and separate lines for tourists. The line for tourists is generally much longer that the line for residents.

You can expect to wait anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours to get through customs. Over the past few years, the wait times have greatly improved. However, if there are many flights that arrive at the same time, customs will be saturated. Good thing there is WiFi in this area!

Once you arrive at the customs official, you will be expected to show your passport. There is not a customs declaration form to arrive, but the officer may ask you for information about what you are carrying.

Tourists have an automatic visa for a 90-day stay. You may be asked to show a ticket that proves your exit from the country within those 90 days, so have that handy.

Fun post: The Complete Guide To Costa Rican Slang

Baggage Claim

After clearing customs, you will walk through a Duty-Free store and then over to the baggage claim area. This area is generally a bit dark as there are no windows and it is located in the basement.

There are bathrooms, money exchange, and an ATM in this area. There might be a place to buy a cell phone chip here too, but they are often closed late a night. More on that below.

As a side note, the Duty-Free store has excellent prices on alcohol, so you may want to consider purchasing here. I will often purchase Ron Centenario or Cacique to bring back to the States on my way into the country.

There are 4 baggage claim areas, and your bags will generally arrive very quickly. If you have been in customs for a really long time, you will most likely find your bags as part of a line away from the baggage claim. Employees are asked to remove the bags to clear the way for the next flight.

Once you have gotten your bags, you will form a line to put everything through an x-ray machine. You will be asked to show your passport at this time as well. This machine is reviewed by a customs official to make sure you are not bringing prohibited items into the country.

Note that there is a high resale value for brand new brand name clothing, kitchen appliances, electronics and shoes. If you have new clothing in your bag I suggest removing the tags. You can also distribute the potentially problematic items into multiple bags. Tourists generally do not have a problem with these items, but it’s important to note.

Once you leave the x-ray area there are a few rental car companies that have offices right at the airport and can help you to connect with an agent right there. Otherwise, you will leave the airport here.

It is generally not the best idea to exchange money at the airport as the rates can be really high. Remember that US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, so I usually just bring a dollars in small bills to cover tips, and then exchange money outside of the airport.

Related post: Costa Rica Currency

There is a place to buy a cell phone chip in the airport. It is generally much more expensive than buying outside the airport, but if you are in a time crunch this is the fastest and easiest option.

Related post: How To Use Your Cell Phone In Costa Rica

Transportation Away From Liberia Airport Costa Rica

There are several options for transportation away from the airport. You can take an official taxi, Uber, shared shuttle to a hotel, or a shuttle to car rentals.

Related post: Driving In Costa Rica – Complete Guide

There are official orange taxis that will take you to and from the airport. You can purchase your official ticket just before leaving the airport. This is the safest option for taxis.

There is a very strong union of taxi workers in Costa Rica who have strongly spoken out about the introduction of Uber in Costa Rica. Part of the negotiation between the union and Uber says that there are to be no Ubers coming and going from the airport. If you do call an Uber you need to walk away from the airport a pretty good distance to access it. I don’t really recommend this option in the Guanacaste heat.

There are some car rentals inside the airport (mostly bigger names such as Hertz and Dollar.) Otherwise, if you have made arrangements to go to a rental car office, the pickup person should be just outside the airport to greet you with a sign with your name on it.

The car rentals are located on the main road outside the airport. The road goes East to West and the rental agencies are within a 10-kilometer range. If you feel like you are going kind of far from the airport it’s ok- the agencies are really spread out. If you are looking for a discount on a local rental car, please click here.

You might also like: Costa Rica Car Rental For Families

Shared Shuttle

Shared shuttles such as to nearby hotels are located to the right when you exit the airport. Each hotel should have its own sign for its own shuttle.

You might also like: Costa Rica Water- Is It Safe To Drink?

Departure From Liberia Airport

Arrival to airport.

Every single recommendation I have seen says to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure.

I totally disagree.

If you arrive 2 hours before departure, you will be there with every tourism shuttle bus in town, and the lines are atrocious.

Instead (and especially with kids) I arrive 2.5 hours before departure. There are very few people there and I can go quickly through the check-in process.

Returning the Rental Car

If you rent a car in Costa Rica and want to return it you have a few options. Make sure to check with your rental car company to make sure these work for them.

• Return the car to the rental agency. If you do this, you will most likely need to take a shuttle from the agency to the airport. Most car companies offer this, but do be aware that you will need to plan time to both return the car, possibly get gas, and also wait for the shuttle if it is on a time table.
• Return the car at the hotel you are staying at the night before departure . Many rental car companies will pick up your car at local hotels, and you can often save a half a day of car rental by doing this.
• Leave the car in the short term parking lot in the airport. Not all rental car companies offer this option, but I do find it is a great one if you are short on time. Be prepared to have the car company charge you for the hourly parking rate (about US $2.50) until they can get to your car. I have never had them take more than a few hours because usually they need the car for the next client.

Related Post: Best San Jose Costa Rica Airport Hotel

Checking In

The check-in area of the airport is a spacious place with windows, ceilings, small shops for necessities, and clean bathrooms. It’s also hot hot hot. There are large rotating fans in this area, but otherwise there is no air conditioning so plan to dress appropriately.

You will simply get in line at your airline carrier’s desk and go through the usual process. Be prepared for extremely nice airline employees.

After checking in, you will need to go through a passport check and security check, similar to the procedures in the United States. A few notes:

• Stopping human trafficking in Costa Rica is a priority. If you are leaving with kids, be prepared to have questions if you do not have the same last name as your chidlren. It is unlikely that you will run into problems, but it does happen. If your child was born in Costa Rica or is a Costa Rican resident or citizen, you will need to have a paper that says you can take the child out of the country if both parents are not present. If you want to avoid any problmes at all, carry a copy of the birth certificate.
• You must have a passport and boarding pass in order to go through security. In general, Costa Rica does not use digital ticketing.
• Liquids are not allowed through security. There are other things that may or may not be allowed depending on the agent you have. These items include ground coffee in packages and non-perishable food items.

Airport Amenities

Once you have successfully gone through security, you will most likely have time before boarding your flight.

There are several food options inside the airport. There is a considerable amount of price gouging on food at this airport. As for the offerings…

There is pretty much one place to eat and it’a an Imperial Beer Bar. You can sit in the bar and order the food from two different menus, or you can order from a mobile kiosk outside the restaurant part. A worker will be on hand to assist you in ordering and then will bring your food to nearby the same kiosk where you ordered.

The restaurants are not open 24 hours, and if you are traveling early in the morning with kids, I recommend bringing breakfast with you and eating it before you go through security. They might take the food away during the security check.

There are several souvenir stores with different offerings. I most noticed a nice Blue Zones store and a gorgeous store offering local independent souvenir brands at prices equal to the going rate of those items outside the airport. There are also traditional souvenirs from the Cafe Britt chain of shops found around Costa Rica and at the San Jose Airport.

There are also several duty free shops as well.

Boarding in Costa Rica starts pretty early. Generally people with children are moved to the front of the line.

You can’t take any liquids on the plane, even if you bought them after the security check. It’s ridiculous, but think twice before buying that bottle of Salsa Lizano.

This also means you can’t bring on a filled water bottle, a partially consumed Coca-Cola- nada. It’s super annoying.

You may also hear your name called by a gate agent before boarding. This means you have been pulled for an additional security check. You will be pulled to the side and a gate agent will meticulously go through all of your bags looking for prohibited items.

Be prepared to get misty-eyed when you leave Costa Rica- it’s one of the best places on Earth!

If you would like to talk to me about a customized itinerary or specific Costa Rica travel advice for your family, (zero sales- just advice!) check out my “ Ask Christa ” page for more information on custom Costa Rica trip planning geared towards families.

The post Liberia Costa Rica Airport Guide appeared first on Pura Vida Moms .

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