Liberia Hotspots

Liberia is the cultural center and literal capital of Guanacaste. While staying here, guests can enjoy a simple day in the central park with street vendors, skateboarders and couples filling up the benches that are scattered about in a geometric pattern. On Friday evenings, a band can often be found playing in the central park as listeners gather around with ice cream cones and screaming children.

From here, there is plenty of shopping to be done along the main street from souvenir shops to beach clothing and surf shops to grocery stores and department stores where you can find absolutely anything you need for your vacation.

There is a central market across from the main bus station, a much smaller version that the San Jose one, which makes it more calm and relaxing. Artisans and farmers alike share their wares here, and several typical restaurants call it home. Littered about you will also find many small open-air restaurants where you can try a Costa Rican Imperial while snacking on tico bar food such as ceviche or chicharrones.

If you are lucky enough to visit during the first week of March, or the week spanning July 25th, you will find the town decked out in full cowboy costume, drinking in the streets while enjoying parades and typical music. The civic parties and annexation of Guanacaste festivities, respectively, are a big deal, and most of the town gets a day or two off of work to celebrate. Mascardes, bull fights, large make-shift dance clubs and food stands are all part of the celebration.

Liberia is also a quick 30 minute ride from the beaches of Playa del Coco and Papagayo, one hour to Santa Rosa and an hour and a half from Tamarindo (2.5 hours in bus). To the east, a natural road takes you to the Rincon de la Vieja national park where you can hike up the volcano, enjoy natural mud baths and hot springs or bath in the blue lagoon.