Guanacaste

Guanacaste, the folklore center of the country, is the only province that boasts a true, distinct Costa Rican culture. It is also the hottest and driest region in the country with temperatures reaching over 100 in the middle of the summer. Cowboy traditions are alive and well here over the vast rolling plains. Cattle farmers are still quite respected and gain a name for them selves by sending their fiercest bulls to festivals where they are let loose in a bull fight ‘a la tico’ where a bunch of men taunt it and run for their lives. Step horses are another source of pride, and horse parades often take to the street for various celebrations or tournaments.

To beat the heat, Guanacaste is also home to some of the best Costa Rica Surfing, beaches and surf breaks, including Witch’s Rock near the Papagayo Peninsula, which is home to the Four Seasons Hotel. Tamarindo, Playa del Coco and Samara are some of the most popular beaches in the region with long, flat beaches for walking and exploring. Thanks to the Liberia International Airport, the “tourist boom” continues in the region, and new hotels are popping up daily.

• Liberia
• Tamarindo
• Potrero Beach
• Playa Junquillal
• Playa Avellanas
• Papagayo
• Ocotal
• Playa Langosta
• Playa del Coco
• Samara
• Nosara
• Playa Guiones
• Playa Garza
• Nicoya

• Ostional

• Cultural Sights