Guanacaste's wonderful parks

Guanacaste region is named after the tree found in there which is a symbol of Costa Rica. The volcanoes, mountains and greenery of this north western region make for unusual landscapes which will astound you.

The wild life of Guanacaste's National Parks

Lovers of animals, birds, reptiles, and insects will be happy in this region during their trip to Costa Rica! Guanacaste is the ideal place for turtle watching. The impressive, endangered, Leatherback turtles, often gather on the beaches in Parc La Baulas between December and March. Watching the planet's biggest reptiles is engrossing. On Vie Sylvestre d’Ostonial Beach Sanctuary you can see tens of thousands of Ridley turtles laying their eggs in the sand. Or you can change your scenery and go to Curú refuge to see lots of monkeys (Howlers, Capuchins), sloths, anteaters, and more than 220 species of birds living in this 85 hectare zone...not to mention the crocodiles in the lakes and marshes of Río Curú.

 ©Laure Alvarez

The sights of Guanacaste's National Parks

In Barra Honda National Park, which covers some 2,000 hectares, not far from Nicoya are some impressive caves. In this gigantic network of limestone caves are stalagmites and stalactites. A caver's dream! On leaving Cañas there is an atypical park to see, an animal orphanage. Poaching and stealing animals for pets has ravaged their populations so "Las Pumas" Rescue Centre shelters ocelots, pumas, jaguars and other big cats in a dry tropical forest setting. You can also go rafting on Rios Tenorio and Corobici - an activity that is relatively peaceful so sure to please all the family during your trip to Costa Rica. To finish, Rincón de la Vieja National Park, in the Las Pallas area, has stunning scenery and some interesting geothermal activity. There are some small geysers, boiling mud pools, and lots of hot water springs.

Guanacaste, an area with lots of mountains

This region, also known as the Guanacaste Mountains, has high mountains and breath taking scenery In the north of the country, in Guanacaste National Park alone are two surprising volcanoes called Cacao and Orosi, as well as a peak called Cerro Orosito. You also might have the chance to see the impressive Rincon de la Vieja volcano and its active crater, in the national park of the same name. Miravalles volcano is 2,028 metres high and has no less than 6 craters on its summit. In Tenorio National Park is the magnificent, vegetation covered Tenorio volcano which has four peaks and two craters. You can even enjoy its hot springs and little turquoise blue lakes. And to finish, you'll be speechless before the green cliffs carved out of Culebra bay.
You should anticipate at least 4 days to explore some of these National Parks, depending on your tastes and interests.