Liberia

Costa Rica
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Overview

Are you ready to visit your gateway to the richest coastlines in Central America? Welcome to Costa Rica, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and impressive, volcano-studded rainforests are in no short supply.

Liberia began as a crossroads where travellers from other towns would stop to rest. Modern day Liberia continues to be an important transportation destination for commerce and tourism. Visitors often use Liberia as a starting point to explore the nearby national parks and beaches. Set within the northwest reaches of Costa Rica, Liberia belongs to the Guanacaste province, providing easy access to some of the country's most tempting draws.

Head west from Liberia and you'll soon hit the Pacific Ocean, along with a wide variety of laid back beaches and coastal towns. Playa Hermosa is a quiet community that borders a calm section of ocean suited for swimming, or Ocotal, which is known for its outstanding sport fishing and superb scuba diving. Tamarindo is held in high esteem by many and for its surfing, premier international restaurants, and a lively nightlife.

To the east of Liberia is the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range, and nearby rainforests, in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This park, some two hours from Liberia, has abundant forests and is threaded with hiking trails. Visitors to the park can ride horses, take mud baths, or swim beneath waterfalls—an adventurous alterative to time spent along the sunny Guanacaste beaches. Volcanic activity is also known to occur in the area.

Liberia itself is known to be a relaxing (with the exception of the outspoken howler monkeys) toned down alternative to the bustling activity of San Jose, Costa Rica's capital city. The small city has a historic atmosphere and lends itself to foot-powered exploring. Older areas of the city such as Calle Real still have homes made from mud and palm trees.

 

Airport served by: LIR

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With an average temperature between 27-32 oC (82-90 oF) and lows between 22-24 oC (73-76 oF), Liberia's climate is ideal at any time of the year. December through April are the driest months of the year, while May through November experience a few days of rain each month.

Some of the oldest in Costa Rica, the neighborhoods that make up downtown Liberia and its surrounding areas exemplify a rich history in both architecture and ethos.

Downtown Liberia
Four historic neighborhoods comprise and closely surround downtown Liberia: Condega, La Victoria, Los Cerros, and Los Angeles. Each houses charming examples of the Spanish-colonial architecture for which the city is known, as well as elements of the verdant Costa Rican landscape.

As its nickname suggests, Parque Central acts as the linchpin of downtown Libera. The area around the park is home to several attractions, including the Museo de Guanacaste and Iglesia Biblica Emanuel de Liberia. The downtown streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, and retail venues, creating a lively atmosphere although the city at large maintains its charming small-town roots.

Rest of Liberia
Neighborhoods outside downtown Liberia are predominantly residential and attract little tourism. Several attractions in the Guanacaste province are easily reachable from Liberia though not technically part of the city.

Much of the local flavor in Liberia can be experienced just by walking around, but the city also offers entertainment that will make your vacation memorable.

Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities are easy to come by throughout Costa Rica. In the Liberia area, there are endless possibilities for both water sports like river rafting, tubing, and windsurfing and land-based adventures like trekking and zip-lining. Ask about outdoor recreation when you visit, and you’ll learn about enough opportunities across the Guanacaste province to fill up your vacation.

The closest beaches to Liberia are Playas Hermosa and Ocotal, which are approximately 30 and 45 minutes away respectively. Playa Hermosa is calm and quiet, making it perfect for a romantic outing or easygoing family day. It is also said to have some of the best scuba diving in the country. Sport fishermen and horseback riders will love Playa Ocotal, as will those who appreciate having amenities closeby.

Museums & Galleries
Museo de Guanacaste is situated in an old armory and barracks. Through this historical lens, the museum spotlights the heritage of the Guanacaste province. The museum doubles as an occasional cultural venue, hosting an annual weeklong art festival. For the best gallery around, check out the Hidden Garden Art Gallery, which displays colorful works by local artists. This is also a great place to shop for souvenirs that represent the spirit and aesthetic of the region. Whether you go to buy or just to look, the owners of the Hidden Garden Art Gallery offer a fun experience for all.

Shopping
Aside from the Hidden Garden Art Gallery, there are several souvenir shops in the area. Souvenirs La Gran Nicoya is a favorite among visitors, boasting a variety of local products and delicious home-roasted coffee. Those interested can even take a coffee tour while there. Perhaps the best mall in town is the Centro Plaza Liberia. While it isn’t the largest complex, you’ll find a handful of shops, cinema, food court, and indoor playground here.

Enjoy a leisurely meal in a onetime hacienda or grab a quick bite at an internet cafe. The restaurant scene in Liberia thrives downtown, where you can find everything from authentic local fare to fusion cuisine.

Condega
Many of the culinary gems in Liberia can be found around Condega. Housed in an antique colonial structure, Cafe Liberia is prized for its vegetarian-friendly menu and outdoor patio, not to mention fresh mojitos. Pizza Pronto is another great option if you’re craving Italian. Eat outside warmed by wood-fire ovens just a few blocks from Parque Central or cozy up at the bar for a drink.

Los Angeles
Dining in the Los Angeles neighborhood is a delight to the palette. Surveying the area, you’ll find some of the best places for international cuisine. Enjoy scrumptious seafood at Marisqueria Sabor Porteno or homestyle cooking and friendly service at Donde Pipe. Head for the border between Condega and Los Angeles and try the dish of the day off the extensive menu at Jauja.

Los Cerros
Small establishments are king in Los Cerros, where you’ll find delicious local fare at an unbeatable price. Best for breakfast or lunch, Los Comales features traditional dishes in a laidback environment. The hybrid restaurant and cafe is popular among locals, making it a great choice for the authentic Guanacaste experience.

Liberia

Province: Guanacaste

Country: Costa Rica

Liberia by the Numbers
Population: 56,899
Elevation: 144 meters / 472 feet
Average Annual Precipitation: 14 centimeters / 5 inches
Average January Temperature: 27°C / 80°F
Average July Temperature: 28°C / 82°F

Quick Facts
Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles, AC

Time Zone: UTC-6; Central Standard Time (CST)

Country Dialing Code: 506

Area Code: 506

Did You Know?
Liberia is nicknamed “La Ciudad Blanca,” or “ The White City,” because of the many white adobe structures that can be found there.

Orientation
Liberia is the capital of the Guanacaste province in northwestern Costa Rica. It is located 215 kilometers (134 miles) from San Jose.

Owing to its location and abundance of namesake trees, the Guanacaste province began as a hermitage in the late-18th century. Ample shade served both weary travelers from nearby towns and their livestock, leading to a tradition of cattle ranching in the area that still exists today. Although now integral to Costa Rica, this rich province belonged to Nicaragua until the first half of the 19th century. Today, locals celebrate its independence in July, the largest celebrations taking place in Liberia.

Liberia is the sunny capital of the Guanacaste province. Originally known as the village of Guanacaste, it quickly became the most important settlement in the area after the annexation, gaining the title of city in 1836. Just under two decades later, the city formally adopted its current name: Liberia. While the cowboy culture is still a significant influence in both the city and province, tourism has also greatly affected Liberia, which is a popular stopover for visitors seeking the Guanacaste beaches.

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ˆTotal price one-way per guest. See terms and conditions. *Prices are per guest, based on double occupancy and are limited; may not reflect real-time pricing or availability. See terms and conditions.

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