Liberia

The provincial capital known as the White City for its colonial adobe buildings and gateway airport. It serves as the main hub for exploring Guanacaste's beaches, volcanoes and ranchland culture.

Things to do

• Iglesia de la Ermita La Agonía — Visit this 19th-century white colonial church, a symbol of the White City and one of Liberia's oldest landmarks.
• Central Park (Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz) — Relax in the tree-shaded main plaza and watch daily life unfold around the modern church nearby.
• Calle Real historic district — Stroll the old main street to admire colonial adobe houses with their distinctive corner doors called puertas del sol.
• Museo de Guanacaste (Comandancia de Plaza) — Explore this former military barracks turned cultural center showcasing regional history and art.
• Rincón de la Vieja National Park — Take a day trip to hike volcanic trails, bubbling mud pots, hot springs and waterfalls about an hour from town.
• Sabanero ranch tour — Experience Guanacaste's cowboy culture with a horseback ride or ranch visit on the surrounding cattle plains.
• Day trip to Pacific beaches — Use Liberia as a base to reach Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco and other Gulf of Papagayo beaches within an hour.

Food to try

• Casado guanacasteco — A hearty plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and meat that anchors most local lunches.
• Arroz de maíz — A traditional Guanacaste corn-and-chicken stew served especially at festivals and family gatherings.
• Tortillas de maíz and cuajada — Thick handmade corn tortillas paired with fresh soft cheese, a staple of ranchland cooking.
• Gallo pinto — The classic rice-and-beans breakfast, often served with eggs, sour cream and fried plantain.
• Chorreadas — Sweet fresh-corn pancakes eaten with natilla, a favorite regional snack.
• Pipa fría — Chilled coconut water sipped straight from the shell to beat Liberia's intense heat.

Local customs & good to know

• Prepare for extreme heat — Liberia is one of Costa Rica's hottest cities, so carry water, wear sun protection and plan activities for early morning or late afternoon.
• Embrace sabanero pride — Guanacaste has a strong cowboy identity, and July 25 (Annexation Day) brings parades, bullfights and folk music celebrating the region joining Costa Rica.
• Bring cash for small spots — Many local sodas, markets and rural tours prefer colones in cash, though larger businesses accept cards and US dollars.
• Greet with 'mae' and pura vida — Locals use the friendly slang 'mae' among friends and 'pura vida' as an all-purpose greeting, thanks and expression of goodwill.

Nearby

• Rincón de la Vieja National Park — 19 km
• Playa Hermosa — 27 km
• Playas del Coco — 30 km
• Palo Verde National Park — 33 km