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10 Awesome Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Published: February 17, 2022  - Last updated: March 17, 2024

10 Awesome Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica

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In the heart of the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica is the city of Liberia. It’s nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca (the white city) for the white gravel once used on the city’s roads and the whitewashed buildings around town.

Chances are you may find yourself here during your trip as it has one of only two international airports in Costa Rica. This is an excellent starting point for your vacation – even if you don’t plan to stay right in the city.

Liberia really is a gateway to the amazing beauty of Costa Rica as it’s centrally located with a lot of different easy day trips nearby. Whether you find yourself here at the start of your trip or at the end, there’s plenty to keep you busy to fit in one more adventure.

To help plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of my favorite things to do in Liberia. It includes everything from tours to seeing one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica , a mini-African safari, great spots for craft beer, and an incredible art gallery – all within easy driving distance from Liberia. Hopefully, this gives you some ideas for planning your own epic Costa Rican adventure.

Don’t have time to read the full article?  Check out our list of our absolute favorite things to do in Liberia:

  • Explore Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park on this epic tour .
  • Try the craft beer at Numu Brewing Company or Captain J Match Brewing Company.
  • Hike to La Leona Waterfall on this 3-hour excursion .
  • Take this boat safari to see the wildlife at Parque Nacional Palo Verde.
  • Spend the afternoon floating on the famous blue water at Poza Los Coyotes.

10 Best Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica

1. rincón de la vieja volcano.

Boiling mud pot in Rincon de la Vieja national park, Guanacaste,

Around an hour and 15 minutes away from Liberia (60 km/37 miles) is the incredible Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. As the name suggests, it is home to the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano – an active volcano! But the huge park (35,000 acres!) is also home to hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

One of the best ways to see this area is with a full-day adventure tour. This tour includes transportation and incredible activities like ziplining through the tree canopy , stunning waterfalls, horseback riding, water sliding, a spa visit complete with a mud bath and hot springs, and even lunch!

If you plan to do some hiking, I recommend the short 20-minute trail to the Las Pailas (boiling mud pots) – a cool feature of the area where the mud is so hot it actually bubbles in small pools! Another good hike is the Catarata La Cangreja trail (about 3 miles each way) which leads to a beautiful waterfall.

The park is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) and costs $17 USD for adults and $5.60 USD for kids – if you don’t have a tour booked. While you can explore this park on your own, tours are quite popular here.

Related Read: Visiting Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park is also one of the best things to do in Tamarindo .

2. Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz

Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz

In the center of the Old Town area of Liberia is Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz . Look for the gazebo with a red roof and a white-stone fountain!

This is a fun place to be to get a feel for the area with street vendors and food trucks, and there’s often live music on the central stage. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists.

In the park, you’ll also find the Central Church of Liberia (pictured above.) This interesting cathedral stands out with its all-white color and shape.

Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz is good during the day as well as in the evening to grab a bit to eat and sit on one of the nearby benches.

3. Visit a Local Brewery

Numu Brewing Company

There’s nothing I love more than getting a taste of the local area with some excellent craft beer. There are two breweries out near the airport in Liberia that are great stops for a cold beverage while you wait for your flight. You might like it so much you’ll grab some cans to take with you while you explore Costa Rica or take home!

Numu Brewing Company is located in an industrial park very close to the airport. Their full-flavored beers are inspired by the Costa Rican climate and feature tropical fruits. Try a few samples of the various beers on tap or pick up cans to go. Favorites here include the Chorotega IPA with hints of tropical fruits mixed in with a signature hops flavor, or the Liberiana Kölsch with a subtle maltiness and fruity notes.

Captain J Match Brewing Company is also in the Liberia airport area and is a small microbrewery that is gaining popularity. The beer here aims to represent the Guanacaste region of the country with local flavors. Try the Flamingo Mosaic Pale Ale or the refreshing San Juanillo Summer Ale. The owner here is great too, and will take you through the process of how all the beers are made.

Related Read: Check out the best things to do in Montezuma for more local breweries to visit.

4. Ponderosa Adventure Park

giraffes at Ponderosa Adventure Park

Located less than 15 minutes outside the city, Ponderosa Adventure Park is a fantastic stop for the whole family in Liberia. The main attraction is the safari tour with animals like giraffes and zebras, but there are also waterfall and zipline tours here too.

The safari tour is a must-do if you come to Ponderosa. Make sure you buy at least two bags of carrots (under $2 USD per bag) at the reception desk before you leave! You’ll get to feed giraffes and zebras right from your safari vehicle on the 90-minute drive through the savannah area.

You can spend an entire day here taking part in all of the activities, including swimming near the La Perla waterfall, kayaking , ziplining , and horseback riding on the tropical forest trails. If you are planning to take part in multiple tours, I recommend purchasing the full-day pass for $73.45 USD. That gets you access to every activity except horseback riding, which can be purchased separately.

The adventure park is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

5. La Leona Waterfall Hike

La Leona Waterfall on a tour through the canyon in Costa Rica

Getting up close to one of Costa Rica’s spectacular waterfalls is something you have to do while you’re here and is one of the top Liberia activities. But sometimes waterfalls can be difficult to find, or the roads are too rough for a rental vehicle , so it’s nice to take the guesswork out of it with a tour like the La Leona Waterfall Hike .

This three-hour excursion is only $45 USD follows the jungle trails around the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano to the stunning La Leona Waterfall. The highlight is swimming right near the waterfall and grabbing a few pictures here too!

What’s great about this tour is you also get some bonus stops like at a local café for coffee and fruit before the hike and then a visit to the Poza La Pipa – a secluded swimming area with turquoise-blue waters where the Blanco and the Colorado rivers cross through.

6. Parque Nacional Palo Verde

Parque Nacional Palo Verde

This national park is one of the best spots to see wildlife – especially birds. Spanning more than 45,000 acres, Palo Verde is one of the most densely populated areas of migratory birds in all of Central America.

During the rainy season, floodwaters from the Tempisque River create huge marshes here that attract all types of birds . Then in the dry season (typically from December to May), the marshes shrink to form smaller pockets of water throughout the park. It’s best to plan a visit here during the dry season as roads can be completely impassable after heavy rains.

To see the most wildlife, find one of the smaller bodies of water and just sit and wait. You’ll likely spot lots of birds and may even be lucky enough to see some howler monkeys or capuchin monkeys. Or head out on the 20-meter (66 feet) boardwalk at Laguna Palo Verde – another great place to see the animals that call this park home.

Another option is to get out on the water with a guide on a boat safari. This particular safari costs $130 USD and you’ll spend 1-hour and 20 minutes cruising down the Tempisque River in search of exotic birds and other wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, and monkeys. A traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant is also included in the price.

To get here, it’s about an hour’s drive from Liberia – you’ll follow the main Inter-American highway to the city of Bagaces and then turn onto a gravel road, following that for about 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the entrance of the park. You can also take a bus to Bagaces and then Uber or taxi down the gravel road to the park.

7. Tio Leo Coffee Tour

Grinding cacao on a Tio Leo Coffee Tour

This is a fantastic stop in Liberia, as Tio Leo is so much more than a coffee shop! While you can buy coffee here, the real attraction is the three-hour tour where you’ll learn all about the various crops harvested here, including coffee beans.

The tour, led by Tio Leo himself, includes a walkthrough of the coffee plantation, tours of sugarcane extraction, coffee roasting, a short cooking class to make empanadas, and a chocolate tour where you’ll get to grind cocoa beans to make your own chocolate milk! It really is one of the best coffee tours in Costa Rica .

Tours are $39 USD for adults, $20 USD for kids, and under 5 are free. They are offered daily starting at 8 am and 12 pm, with additional tours offered during the summer starting at 3 pm. Bring hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen for the tour.

Getting to Tio Leo Coffee is really convenient if you’re near the airport as it’s less than a 10-minute taxi ride or drive away. It’s perfect for stopping in before your flight or as one of your first stops on your way out of Liberia.

8. La Vieja Waterfalls Hike

La Vieja Waterfalls Hike

Seeing a waterfall (or two or three!) is an absolute must while you’re in Costa Rica. If you’re not planning on renting a car or don’t feel confident in trying to find hidden waterfalls on your own, a tour is really the way to go. The La Vieja Waterfalls Hike tour is an incredible way to see two waterfalls in one morning!

The tour starts with a pick-up in Liberia and then a short 25-minute drive for a quick coffee and breakfast stop at a small village coffee shop. Then only 10 minutes later is the first waterfall – the spectacular La Oropendola Waterfall at the slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. If swimming near a waterfall has been a dream of yours, then this is the place! You’ll have time to swim in the bright turquoise pool with the 82-foot waterfall cascading down behind you.

The second waterfall is a short hike along a nearby trail with a bit of climbing and some caves to walk across. Then the La Leona waterfall will come into view after a quick swim to get there! After, you’ll have a short visit to Poza La Pipa – a swimming area where two rivers meet, forming canyons and beautiful scenery. You’ll finish the tour with a Cosa Rican lunch in downtown Curubande.

The tour is a bit pricier at $185 USD per person, but with it including transportation and even a meal, this is a pretty good deal. You don’t have to worry about finding the waterfalls yourself and having a guide to tell you about the area is really handy. If you are interested you can book it online in advance here .

9. Poza Los Coyotes

Poza Los Coyotes

This is a beautiful hidden gem only 20 minutes from Liberia that is a favorite with locals and only opened to the public in 2020. For less than $2 USD, you get access to Poza Los Coyotes and its natural pools, a cave, a canyon, and a waterfall.

To get here, plan to drive along the main highway for about 10 minutes before turning onto an unpaved road for the final few minutes of the journey. The road is accessible to all vehicles, so you don’t need an SUV or truck. You can also take a taxi or Uber from Liberia.

When you arrive, make sure to rent a tire (for less than $2 USD) – you’ll want it, later on, to float through the cave or on the natural pools. Also, bring a blanket or towel to sit on when you want to take a break from swimming.

The water here is a gorgeous shade of turquoise because of all the minerals in the water from the mountains around the Rincón de la Vieja volcano.

You’ll be able to swim or float on your tire around the cave and in the natural pools. The canyon and waterfall area is great for photos, but not for swimming as the river current is too strong. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here or even the entire day if you want!

10. Rain Forest, Wildlife, Waterfall and Chocolate Private Tour

Cacao plant in Costa Rica

This tour is a fantastic choice for a one-stop-shop of some of the best things to experience in Costa Rica ! The tour combines the beauty of the Llanos de Cortés waterfall, a chocolate tour on a local farm, and the chance to see sloths and other wildlife up close.

This is a full-day tour spanning six hours, starting first thing in the morning with pick-up at 7:30 am. While it is a more expensive tour at $250 USD, it has some incredible experiences (led by an expert guide) as well as lunch and transportation included.

Start off with a chance to explore a Tree Chocolate Farm. You’ll get some of the history of cocoa and chocolate, see the entire production process, from the harvest of the fruit to sampling of the amazing organic chocolate.

Then, escape to the Llanos del Cortés Waterfall, where elegant curtains of water cascade over the rocks. Cool off with a swim here or enjoy the view from the nearby beach.

Finally, head to Finca Verde Lodge – a private nature reserve at the base of Tenorio Volcano. The short hike through the rainforest is the perfect chance to spot wildlife like sloths, toucans, butterflies, and tree frogs. Lunch is also served here for some extra time to enjoy the views.

Don’t forget to book your tour in advance here !

Related Read: Have plans to fly into San Jose? Well, here are some awesome day trips from San Jose that you can do!

Where to Stay in Liberia, Costa Rica

Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport

Liberia doesn’t have a huge selection of hotels to choose from. However, that doesn’t mean you can find a great place to stay before or after your holiday. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of hotels in Liberia!

Hostel Dodero – $

For budget travelers, Hostel Dodero is arguably the top choice. It’s centrally located, clean, comes with friendly staff, and is well-reviewed! The property also has a beautiful garden and terrace area.

Rooms have shared bathrooms, and some rooms have their own patios. Rates begin at $20 USD per night. You can check availability and book a stay online here on Booking.com and here on Hostelworld .

Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino – $$

For those with a moderate budget, Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino is a good option in town. The hotel has a pool, includes breakfast, a fitness center, and modern rooms. The garden is particularly nice, especially if you’re interested in bird watching.

The rooms are modern and comfortable, and some rooms overlook the garden. Rates start at $126 USD for a one-night stay. Check availability and book online here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport – $$

If you’re a luxury traveler, there really aren’t many options in Liberia. However, the Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport is a beautiful hotel conveniently located by the Liberia airport. It comes with all the features and service you’d expect from a Hilton Hotel.

The rooms are comfortable and attractive. Plus, there’s a good on-site restaurant and an outdoor pool with plenty of spots for lounging. A one-night stay starts at $110 USD. Check availability and reserve a room here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

Getting Around Costa Rica

Bailey with our rental car near Rio Celeste Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

TPL Cover Costa Rica

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Dane and Bailey take a selfie ona coffee tour in Liberia, Costa Rica

While Liberia may be a city you simply pass through after arriving in Costa Rica, there are some great things to do in Liberia and the surrounding area while you’re here – even if only for a short time. There are some hidden gems and local tours mentioned above to help you explore this area before heading to your next destination.

I hope you have a few ideas and enjoy your time in beautiful Costa Rica and enjoyed this blog. Also, be sure to check out more of our blogs such as:

Where to stay in Tamarindo

Things to do in Nosara

Things to do in Samara

Wednesday 15th of November 2023

Looks like Captain J. Match Brewery is permanently closed! But thank you for your many tips and guides for our upcoming trip to Costa Rica in January

Mari Zimmerman

Wednesday 13th of September 2023

Thank-you for your interesting and informative blog. We hope to go to Costa Rica in 2024. I just learned that a friend of mine has an AirBnB for rent there. She loves Liberia and told me how easy it is to get there. I will be referring to your information again.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Liberia Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Liberia. We've got 37 adventures going to Liberia, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. The most popular month to go is May, which has the largest number of tour departures.

37 Liberia tour packages with 66 reviews

Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times

Esteban was an excellent guide. It was enjoyable to have a guide native to Costa Rica. I don’t think we could have had a better guide!

Exotic Costa Rica Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking
  • In-depth Cultural

Exotic Costa Rica

Destination Services Costa Rica is a smaller company and I couldn't find out allot about them, but their Exotic Costa Rica tour lined up better with what we were hoping to see on our visit. Communication was not direct, so I didn't always feel we were on the same page. In the end, EVERYTHING was line up in a wonderful manner .....accomdations; tours; and transfers! Transfers were not only on time.... they were there early. All accommodations were in nice condition overall, and staff were very accommodating. You will not have a tour leader or guide that stays with you through the trip. However, in all instances the hotels had all the information on what, where, and when for us. I would certainly travel through them again, and recommend you to consider Destination Services Costa Rica on your journey to Costa Rice!

Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive Tour

Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive

The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay with the limited time we had. Service by Tour Radar was excellent, answering questions quickly and professionally. The lodges we stayed at were superb and driving around Costa Rica (about 600 miles) was no more difficult than driving in Vermont (I drive on plenty of dirt roads with potholes, and the paved roads in CR are good). We recommend that you book ahead national park registrations during the busier months.

Mountains & Beaches in Costa Rica Tour

Mountains & Beaches in Costa Rica

I went on a trip with my friend and we had a great time! Everything was well organized and the hotels were of a very good standing. All in all I would recommend this agency.

Costa Rica Escape Tour

Costa Rica Escape

The Real Costa Rica Tour

The Real Costa Rica

  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10 Tour

Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

Costa Rica Active Escape Tour

Costa Rica Active Escape

Rainy & Sunny Side Package Tour

Rainy & Sunny Side Package

Family Adventure Package Tour

Family Adventure Package

Costa Rica Eco Adventure (End Liberia, 8 Days, Departure Transfer Monteverde To Liberia Airport) Tour

Costa Rica Eco Adventure (End Liberia, 8 Days, Departure Transfer Monteverde To Liberia Airport)

Costa Rica: Wildlife Conservation, Permaculture and Responsible Tourism Tour

Costa Rica: Wildlife Conservation, Permaculture and Responsible Tourism

Costa Rica Eco Adventure (Guanacaste Beach, End Liberia, 10 Days) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Costa Rica Eco Adventure (Guanacaste Beach, End Liberia, 10 Days)

Costa Rica Guanacaste Adventure Tour

Costa Rica Guanacaste Adventure

Romantic Getaway in Costa Rica Tour

Romantic Getaway in Costa Rica

What people love about liberia tours.

Everything went smoothly, better than expected. The guides in the national parks were amazing- knowledgeable, nothing was too much trouble.Using their telescope to spot and watch wildlife was a highlight. The itinerary was well balanced, from tropical dry forest and fumaroles to elevated cloud forest , mangroves and beaches. Seeing resplendent quetzals and sloths was a real thrill. It was an incredible trip. My only criticisms would be lack of information beforehand via the app. We did ask to add extra optional tours which would have required more time to sort out, but it would have been reassuring to have questions answered more fully via the messaging in the app. For example I didn’t know how we would be notified re pickups etc. A simple message re you will receive a detailed itinerary online would have helped. This was sent a few hours before we flew. We were met by the driver with a print out on landing. The other issue. Not enough time was allowed to transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. We were late arriving and our tour guide for the park had left. It was only the help of the hotel reception making a call, that we he guide kindly returned for us.

Tours starting from Liberia

  • for 10 Days (5)
  • to Latin America (15)
  • to Costa Rica (15)
  • Costa Rica Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
  • Best 7 Day Costa Rica Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
  • Transportation

Liberia Tours and Activities

It’s nearly impossible to get bored while visiting this part of the country. Liberia’s location provides travelers with easy access to beaches, mountains, rivers, rainforests, ranches, and even an entirely different country. What you end up doing depends on your interests and the amount of free that you have. You can get as daring and adventurous as you want, or else take things down a notch and engage in some real time relaxation. The choice is yours.

Adventure buffs will have their hands full trying to decide what to do first. If you’re in the mood to get wet and see some nature, try out one of the river rafting trips down the Tenorio or Corobicí rivers. If that doesn’t hit the spot, head to the Barra Honda National Park and explore the exquisite world of underground caves. These limestone caverns extend deep into the Earth’s surface (in some places as far down as 787 ft.) and sparkle as light refracts off the calcium-formed stalagmites. More traditional forms of fun include horseback rides across the beach, canopy tours through the rainforest, and hikes within one of the many volcanic national parks ( Rincón de La Vieja , Arenal, and Miravalles). In one tour you can even test your skill as a cattle hand and spend the day learning how to ride horses and lasso, rope and tie calves.

On the other end of the spectrum are activities that are slower-paced and often quite relaxing. You can spend the day soaking and unwinding at the Tizate Wellness Gardens or else enjoy a massage at one of the area’s spas. A slow float down the Tempisque River allows for ideal nature observation, as does an early morning bird watching trip . Cultural activities include a tour of the town of Liberia and even a one-day outing to the historical Nicaraguan city of Granada . During these, you’ll be led down century-old streets and visit important cultural attractions including churches, plazas, and restaurants.

Needless to say, there is something for everyone here. If you’re running low on time, however, and are looking for a way to explore several of the aforementioned activities more quickly, a combo tour could be perfect. These tours combine several exciting activities – such as canopy tours, hanging bridge walks, and spa visits – into one day.

E-mail us for more lodging and transportation options.

Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR)

Liberia Hotels

Guanacaste Area Beach Hotels

Rincón de la Vieja Hotels

Tenorio Volcano Area Hotels

Arenal Volcano Area Hotels

Monteverde Hotels

Tours and Activities nearby Liberia

National Parks in Guanacaste

Paradise Catchers

Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary (From Liberia): The Best Highlights

White clouds float over green mountains. Hanging bridges sway deep inside mist covered tropical forests. Ocean waves crash on pristine beaches. White waterfalls plunge into turquoise pools. There is never a dull scenery in Costa Rica! The abundance of natural resources in the country and a conscious effort of conversation also make it home to several species of birds and animals. It comes as no surprise that this Central American country is a bucket list travel destination for many people around the world. If you are among them, we have got you covered for your trip planning. We created this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary covering the best highlights of the country.

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Watch our YouTube video below about the essence of Costa Rica and get inspired to book that ticket!

Table of Contents

Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary

To help you plan how to best spend your 10 days in Costa Rica, we shortlisted an assortment of destinations that will give you a glimpse of different diverse ecosystems. The itinerary has been optimized in such a way that you get a taste of beaches, cloud forests, waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, wildlife, but without much hassle of long distance travels.

This itinerary is perfect for you if you plan to enter and exit via Liberia airport, one of the two international airports in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources :

Check out Costa Rica Activities to plan your Costa Rica trip. If you have a shorter vacation in mind, consider these 5-day itinerary options.

You can check this Costa Rica itinerary for 2-weeks, if San Jose airport works better for you as points of arrival and departure .

The most convenient way of getting around in Costa Rica is to  rent a car .

Must-have things on your Costa Rica packing list:  Reef Safe Sunscreen ,  Insect Repellent , and  Rain Poncho . You can read our full packing guide and download the free packing checklist for the Costa Rica trip.

Day 1: Fly in to Liberia – Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls

After flying in to Liberia airport during the first half of the day, reserve your afternoon for some relaxation and rejuvenation, typical Costa Rica style! Go on a lazy nature walk to explore the Rio Negro series of waterfalls in the jungle. Then pamper yourself by soaking in the Rio Negro hot springs by the river. The setting is therapeutic. During your time at the hot springs, you can also try a volcanic mud bath, which is fun and healing at the same time.

For the first couple of days, you can base yourself in the Rincon de la Vieja area, about 30 minutes drive from the Liberia airport. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is a good accommodation option because it is located near the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Also, the stay here includes free access to all the waterfalls of the area as well as the Rio Negro hot springs, which otherwise you would need to purchase a pass for.

If you arrive in Costa Rica during the second half of the day, treat it as your Day 0. Relax with a nice dinner and a good night’s sleep before you begin your travel adventures the next day.

A couple with volcanic mud on their skin, posing for a selfie at Rio Negro Hot Springs in Costa Rica.

Day 2: Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Oropendola Waterfall

Start early on Day 2 of your Costa Rica trip to visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The park has two main sectors, Santa Maria and Las Pailas. The latter is the one next to the Hacienda Guachipelin property and thus the one you can visit easily on this day. Las Pailas sector has a few trails – the crater trail of Rincon de la Vieja volcano, trails to couple of waterfalls and a trail by the same name as the sector, Las Pailas.

However, if you have 10 days in Costa Rica, you may not want to spend multiple days hiking on different trails of the same national park. So, you need to choose a trail or two for your hikes.

If you are looking for a nice and easy hike, choose the Las Pailas sector for your hike in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park . It is a circular trail of 3.2 km (2 miles) going through tropical rain forests and tropical dry forests. While walking on the well paved trail admiring the interesting vegetation, look out for birds and animals, particularly howler monkeys and spider monkeys, hanging out discreetly around you. But the most interesting part of this Las Pailas trail is the variety of secondary volcano activities like volcanic mud pots, water pots, fumarolic lagoon and more. It is fascinating to watch how amusing our planet is.

A zoomed in view of volcanic mud pots, secondary volcanic activities at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica.

Difficult Hikes

If you want a tougher hike, consider one of the waterfall trails or the volcano crater trail. If you decide to do the waterfall hike but are spoilt for choice between the two waterfalls, Catarata La Cangreja and Catarata Escondido, we would suggest La Cangreja waterfall . The gorgeous white waterfall tumbling into a turquoise natural pool is totally worth the effort of the 10 km (6.2 miles) hike.

A long exposure shot of La Cangreja waterfall, a great inclusion in Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.

Oropendola Waterfall

On your way out from Rincon de la Vieja National Park, take a quick trip to the Oropendola waterfall located just outside the boundaries of the national park. From the parking lot, you can access the waterfall by an easy walk, including few shaky minutes on a constantly swaying hanging bridge.

Enjoy the views of this wildly beautiful waterfall from the viewing deck. Or take the iron stairs to go down into the emerald pool for a swim and for enjoying the splash of the waterfall.

Oropendola waterfall tumbling into a turquoise pool in a scenic jungle setting.

If you prefer organized guided tours, you can also check the following tour options that offer guide, lunch and transportation including free pick and drop from hotels in the Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo areas and/or the resorts in the Gulf of Papagayo.

If you prefer a private tour, here is an option –

There are ziplining and river tubing options in the area apart from the hot springs. So you can check this to ur for these experiences.

Day 3: Liberia to Monteverde – Monteverde Night Walk

On Day 3, check out from your hotel in Rincon de la Vieja and start your journey towards Monteverde, the cloud forest haven of Costa Rica . The trip should take between 2 and 2.5 hours, without any stop.

Apart from its cloud forests, this mountain town is also known for several exciting activities and attractions, and hence your next couple of days in Monteverde are going to be packed. So you might as well take the first day easy.

Afternoon Relaxation and Sunset

After arriving in town, treat yourself to a filling lunch at one of the many nice restaurants of Monteverde . Post lunch, spend a cozy relaxing afternoon in your hotel room or at a coffee shop, sipping a cuppa and reading a book, while enjoying the cool climate and lush mountain views. This afternoon in Monteverde can be the epitome of your much needed tranquility.

As the afternoon progresses, head towards one of the vantage sunset points in Monteverde to see the perfect orange sun setting over the Gulf of Nicoya with the backdrop of the mountain landscape.

Perfect round sun and a fiery red sky during sunset in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Monteverde Night Walk

If you are re-energized after all the day’s rest, you can still fit in a Monteverde activity on this Day 3 of your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. With various ongoing conservation efforts, Monteverde has retained its natural biodiversity and thus is home to several species of flora and fauna. So, you are never far from the elements of nature in Monteverde.

But, as the sun goes down, a layer of mystery seems to engulf the forests of Monteverde which come alive with all kinds of sounds in the darkness of the night. This is when you get the chance to spot several nocturnal birds, mammals, arthropods, amphibians and reptiles. The best way to experience this night time forest of Monteverde is by going on a guided night tour. Check this out for all the details on how you can plan your Monteverde night walk.

Rufous-eyed Brook Frog sitting on a green leaf.

Day 4: Monteverde – Zip-lining and Hanging Bridges

This day of your Costa Rica 10 day trip is bound to give you the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Go on a zip-lining and hanging bridges combo tour. Experience the cloud forests of Monteverde from close quarters and get transported to a different world of solitude and serenity, while still experiencing an adrenaline boost.

Based on your preferences, you can also choose to go for either the hanging bridges walk or the zip-lining tour, if not both. Most adventure parks in Monteverde offer both the tours, individually and as combo, which you can also pair with some other lighter activities, based on the package you purchase. Sky Adventures and Selvatura Park are the most prominent among all the adventure parks in Monteverde.

Monteverde Hanging Bridges

Walking on the hanging bridges is a hiking activity of about 2 to 2.5 hours. You follow the well marked nature trail which also takes you through a series of high and long suspension bridges. As the bridges are constructed near the canopy level, you can enjoy unique perspectives of the forests, including eye level sightings of several birds and monkeys at the forest canopy.

Typical of cloud forests, the forests often wear blankets of passing clouds. So, when you walk on the hanging bridges, some of which are as high as 164 feet, you get the feeling of walking over the clouds!

You can go for a self-guided tour or a guided tour. While you can definitely enjoy the hanging bridges on a self-guided walk, on a guided tour, the naturalist guide can help you with better wildlife sightings. And you also get to learn more about the natural biodiversity of the area.

For comparisons of different hanging bridges tours of Monteverde, and details on how to book the tour, what to expect and how to prepare for the tour, read this post on hanging bridges of Monteverde .

A man wearing grey t-shirt, sunglasses and red cap, and a woman wearing navy blue t-shirt, sunglasses and beige cap, posing for a selfie on a hanging bridge of Monteverde.

Monteverde Zip-lining

If walking over the clouds on the hanging bridges gives you a high, how about taking the experience one notch higher? On the zip-lining tour in Monteverde, you get the feeling of flying over the cloud forest!

The zip-lining tour also takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Staying attached to the zip-line through a harness, you zip across from one platform to another. As you glide in air, enjoy the views of the vast expanse of the cloud forests. Some tours include an optional Superman zip-line at an extra fee. If you opt for this, you get to experience a bird’s eye view of the forest as you slide along the zip-line in a Superman like position.

Zip-lining in Monteverde is a guided activity (of course!). The group of zip-lining tour customers is always accompanied by a professional crew. They will guide you about safety features, assist you with the gear, and help you with take-off and landing on every line.

For comparisons of different zip-lining tour providers of Monteverde, and details on how to book the tour and what to expect, read this post on zip-lining in Monteverde .

Here are some snaps from our zip-lining adventures at Sky Adventures and Selvatura Park in Monteverde.

A woman zip-lining in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

For organized guided tours, check out these options here and here . Also, you can check the tours on Viator below –

Day 5: Monteverde – Bird-watching and Cloud Forest Hiking

The next day in Monteverde is also filled with activities, but they are more calming than thrilling, like birding and hiking. But you will be burning a lot of calories as the day involves quite a few hours of walking.

The previous day you walked over the clouds of the cloud forest and zip-lined high above the cloud forest canopy. Today, it is time to keep your feet on the ground (pun intended) . Explore the cloud forests of Monteverde from inside. Go for hiking in the cloud forest reserves, after going for (an optional) birding tour in the morning.

Curi Cancha Reserve

Around 400 species of birds have been recorded in Monteverde. Many of these birds, with their brilliant colors and amusing behavior, are a delight to watch. One such bird is the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Monteverde is one of the very few places in Costa Rica where you can spot this majestic looking bird. Otherwise, you can spot Quetzals in San Gerardo de Dota or Los Quetzales National Park , which are not part of this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.

The best way to enjoy the birds of Costa Rica is by going on a bird-watching tour. Curi Cancha Reserve in Monteverde is a great birding destination as it has several nature trails including some along open landscaped spaces, which make bird sighting easier.

Go for an early morning tour for better chances of birding and also to fit in other activities for later in the day. You can go for self-guided tour from 7:00 am onward, whereas the guided tour starts at 6:30 am. Read this post for details on the trails and viewpoints of Curi Cancha reserve and how to book the tour .

This guided bird-watching tour with a local guide includes entry tickets. If you have transport and bought the entrance tickets, here is another excellent option .

If you are not a birding enthusiast, you can skip Curi Cancha and instead start the next activity earlier.

A hummingbird at Curi Cancha Reserve. Birding at Curi Cancha is must include activity in the Costa Rica itinerary for birding enthusiasts.

Hiking in the Cloud Forest Reserve

There are 3 major reserves in Monteverde, each special in its own way. You can include any one of these 3 reserves in your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. None will disappoint the nature lover in you.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Established by the Quakers, the pioneers of the Monteverde community settlement, this reserve has 8 trails of lengths varying between 0.2 km (01. mile) and 2 km (1.12 miles), with some intersections/ connections among them. Apart from the cloud forests, Monteverde Reserve has several other attractions like diverse vegetation, wildlife sightings, river trail and waterfall. But the major highlights of this reserve are a hanging bridge and a viewpoint of the Continental Divide.

Elfin forest near the Continental Divide at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve - a unique perspective during Costa Rica 10 day trip.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Situated at a higher elevation, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve gives you an immersive cloud forest experience. The reserve has 5 different trails covering a distance of 12.5 km (7.8 miles) in total. One of the highlights of the Santa Elena Reserve is the observation tower. From the tower, you can see 4 volcanoes, including the Arenal Volcano on a clear day. For more details, read our complete guide to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve .

Black Guan, at Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Bajo del Tigre Reserve, Children’s Eternal Rainforest

Bajo del Tigre is a small sector of the largest reserve in Costa Rica, Children’s Eternal Rainforest. The reserve has 3.7 km (2.3 miles) of trails which are mostly flat and easy to walk on. There are also benches in some parts for resting. This reserve is perfect for families with kids and elderly people. Bajo del Tigre reserve is positioned in a transition zone of wet to seasonal moist. Thus, you also get to enjoy the rain forest experience here. For planning your trip to this reserve, read our complete guide to Bajo del Tigre Reserve .

The trail at Bajo del Tigre Reserve of Children's Eternal Rainforest in Monteverde.

Day 6: Monteverde Coffee Tour – Monteverde to Playa Avellanas

On your last morning in Monteverde, spend some time learning about the other thing Monteverde is famous for. Its coffee. Sign up for a coffee farm tour which lasts for about 2 to 2.5 hours. On this tour, you will get to learn more about coffee farming, processing and roasting. El Trapiche and Don Juan Monteverde offer 3-in-1 combo tour of coffee, cocoa and sugarcane, while Cafe Monteverde gives a more in-depth coffee experience mapping it against social and economic context.

After wrapping up the coffee tour by afternoon, it is time to say good bye to Monteverde and proceed to your next destination, Playa Avellanas. It is a less developed beach in a village of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The drive from Monteverde to Avellanas takes around 3 hours. So, you may reach town just in time to catch a beach sunset at Playa Avellanas.

The entrance of Monteverde Coffee Center. Coffee tour is an interesting activity to include in the Costa Rica itinerary for in-depth insights about coffee harvesting and roasting.

Alternative Destination Recommendation for Monteverde: Days 4 to 6

You can swap Monteverde with La Fortuna . It is an equally exciting destination, and takes around the same amount of time to reach from Liberia as Monteverde.Monteverde is great for cloud forests, cool mountain climate, wildlife sighting opportunities, hanging bridges and zip-lining. Lying in the northern plains region, La Fortuna is known for the famous Arenal Volcano National Park , Arenal Lake, rain forests, hanging bridges , zip-lining, bird-watching and sloth-sighting opportunities , La Fortuna waterfall and volcanic hot springs among others. From La Fortuna, you can also take a side trip to the magical Rio Celeste waterfall .

La Fortuna activities and tours: You can check the tours that pack multiple activities in a day. This tour has the La Fortuna hi ghlights or this one that includes the volcanic hot springs as well, in case your stay does not have a hotspring. Also, the coffee tour , sloth-watching tours , and night tour are other interesting activities in La Fortuna and Arenal.

If you are up for some adventure activities, below are some options.

Watch our YouTube video below about La Fortuna waterfall.

Day 7: Playa Avellanas – Beach Hopping

Avellanas beach.

Although Playa Avellanas is a favorite beach among the locals of Costa Rica, organized tourism is yet to catch up here. And that is what we like the most about Playa Avellanas. You get to enjoy a long stretch of soft sand beach, without the intervention of many beach side constructions. Take a stroll on the beach and watch a perfect beach sunset. Also, walk on the Insta-famous Avellanas Bridge . This wooden bridge is great for photo ops and to see the mangrove marshlands up close.

A man wearing red t-shirt, sunglasses and red cap, and a woman wearing a denim dress and sunglasses, posing for a selfie at Playa Avellanas in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Beach Hopping around Avellanas

Since this is effectively your first beach day in Costa Rica, you may consider scouting the area for other nice beaches that you can return to later. If you keep driving southwards from Playa Avellanas, you will come across a few other beaches within a distance of 10 km (6.2 miles), each having its own character.

At around 2 km (1.2 miles), Playa Lagartillo is the closest to Avellanas. With no souls in sight at this secluded beach, it turned out to be our favorite.

Playa Negra is located around 4.6 km (2.8 miles) south of Avellanas. There is a hotel property by the same name, Hotel Playa Nagra right on the beach, which makes activity at Playa Negra a little more prominent.

Located about 6.7 km (4.2 miles) from Playa Avellanas, Playa Blanca is a beautiful white sand beach. Due to the positioning of the adjacent small cliffs, you can enjoy the clifftop views of the beach. Some luxury residential project development in the area makes the facilities at Playa Blanca a little more organized, like guarded parking.

Playa Junquillal is a 4 km (2.5 miles) stretch of tan sand beach, the main beach of the town of Junquillal. There are quite a few hotels, guesthouses and eateries near this beach. But it still retains a raw beach town flavor.

A man wearing blue and white floral shirt and red cap, and a woman wearing a red spaghetti top and brown hat, posing for a selfie at Playa Lagartillo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Day 8: Playa Avellanas – Swimming and Surfing

Spend Day 8 of your Costa Rica trip enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Surfing is one of the best things to do at Playa Avellanas . So, if you are a seasoned surfer, just rent a surfboard and start taking on the waves. If you are a newbie or a beginner, you can sign up for surfing lessons from one of the surf schools. Or just sit on the beach, watching the surfers hone their skills.

Swim in the ocean or laze around under the shades of the trees. When you are hungry or thirsty, grab a bite and a drink at the iconic Lola’s restaurant on the beach.

There is not much of a nightlife at Avellanas. So you can conclude the day with a dinner at a nice restaurant. Kon-Tiki near Playa Negra has great wood-fired pizza which you can pair with a glass of wine.

A drone shot of surfers waiting for the wave at Avellanas beach. Surfing is a great activity to include in the Costa Rica itinerary for surfing beginners as well as surfing pros.

Read about other surfing beaches of Costa Rica:

Playa Carmen , Playa Hermosa , Playa Dominicalito , Malpais , Santa Teresa .

Day 9: Playa Avellanas / Tamarindo

To get the feel of a busier beach town, head to Tamarindo for your last night in Costa Rica. Tamarindo also has great surf breaks, a nice beach, several other great beaches within an hour’s driving distance and great sunsets. But Tamarindo is always bustling. There are scores of hotels, restaurants, stores, souvenir shops, all packed in the town center, and spread out in the vicinity as well. That is why the nighttime is also quite active in Tamarindo.

Tamarindo is around 40 minutes drive from Avellanas. So, if you check out before noon from Avellanas, you can grab lunch at Tamarindo, surf and swim in the afternoon, watch sunset from a rooftop bar and then end the day with fine dining at one of Tamarindo’s finest restauarants.

But if you enjoy the slow pace at Playa Avellanas, you can skip Tamarindo. Stay back at Avellanas for another day of surf, swim and sunset.

Two empty beach chairs under the shade of trees. They are facing the blue ocean, where many yachts are anchored. This is a typical sight at Tamarindo on quieter mornings. Tamarindo is a popular beach destination on Costa Rica itineraries.

Check out a couple of interesting tour options from Tamarindo. This sunset and snorke l tour gives you a break from the beach on a catamaran cruise in the Pacific. If you want to have a full-day tour of the neighboring Nicaragua , you can consider the tour below.

Alternative Destination Recommendation for Avellanas Beach: Days 7 to 9

If you prefer bustling beach towns over quieter ones, replace your Avellanas days with Tamarindo. If you prefer something in between, like not too touristy, neither lacking development, consider Nosara. Choose between Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada in Nosara. Another great beach town in Guanacaste is Samara.

Day 10: Fly out from Liberia

Keep the agenda wide open for the last day of your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. You need not schedule any activities in advance. But depending on the time of your flight, you may be able to sneak in one last ocean swim or one last nature walk.

The duration for transfer to Liberia airport will depend on your last destination. It can take between 1:15 hours and 1:30 hours from Playa Avellanas or Tamarindo, around 2 hours from Samara and 2:15 hours from Nosara. So, plan your airport transfer accordingly.

As you conclude this Costa Rica itinerary, reflect on the experiences you have gathered from this land of Pura Vida. It is time to say goodbye for this time and start preparing for the next trip to Costa Rica!

The view of a plane flying in the sky near Liberia airport.

Hotel Recommendations for 10 Days in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, you can find hotels, hostels and guesthouses of various budget ranges. But almost everywhere, you can expect decent service, clean premises and friendly staff. Here are some of our accommodation recommendations for your Costa Rica 10 day itinerary.

Rincon de la Vieja Hotels

  • Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin: It is located in a big property right next to the Las Pailas sector of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The hotel offers dozens of rooms, with varying accommodation types such as Standard Room, Superior Room, Family Superior Room, Legacy Suite and Suite. The rooms are nothing too fancy, but work fine with comfortable bed and hot shower. The hotel has a swimming pool, a restaurant and offers secure free parking and free WiFi. But the best part about the stay at Hacienda Guachipelin is that the price of the stay includes free access to the Rio Negro Hot Springs and all other waterfalls of the region. Book your stay here.

Monteverde Hotels

  • El Establo Mountain Hotel: It is a high-end hotel with incredible views, two onsite restaurants, a spa and a swimming pool. You can choose from four different accommodation options, Deluxe Double Room, Junior Suite, Suite and Honeymoon Suite. Book your stay here.
  • Rainbow Valley Mountain Lodge: It is a mid-range option located on the highway few miles ahead of Monteverde. The accommodation options are Chalet, Budget Double Room, Double Room with Mountain View or Balcony, Suite with Mountain View, Family Room with Mountain View and Suite with Hot Tub. Each accommodation is an independent unit with kitchenette. Book your stay here.
  • Cabañas Hoja Verde: It is a private cabin in the woods, great for isolated stays. The cabin features a living room, bedroom, balcony, fully equipped kitchen and a secure parking. Book your stay here.
  • Greemount Hotel: It is a family-run budget hotel offering basic no frills accommodation. But you will find everything that you need for a comfortable stay. Comfortable bed, hot water, homemade breakfast, parking, WiFi, a common area with reading nooks and games. The room options are Double Room, Quadruple Room and Family Room. Book your stay here.

For more hotel recommendations, check out this “Where To Stay” section of our Monteverde travel guide.

Playa Avellanas Hotels

  • Drift Away Eco Lodge: (This hotel is now the Blue Zone Resort) It is an eco-conscious property, around 1.6 km from Avellanas beach. This sustainable eco-lodge offers King Room, Queen Room, Twin Room and Two Bedroom Villa, each carefully appointed with rustic furniture, sustainably made bed and bath linens and toiletries. The property has beautiful landscaped gardens, a yoga center, a recreation room and a swimming pool surrounded by sculpted statues and fountains. Fair warning, Drift Away Eco Lodge may become the highlight of your days at Playa Avellanas. Book your stay here.

Swimming pool at Drift Away Eco Lodge near Playa Avellanas.

Tamarindo Hotels

  • Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort: It is a beachfront property offering more than 200 rooms with ocean or pool views. The resort has 4 onsite restaurants, 1 gelateria, 1 lounge bar and 2 wet bars. There are several pools too, 1 beachfront pool, 1 children’s pool, 1 adults-only quiet pool, 1 scenic pool and 1 hydrotherapy pool. Diria Reosrt also has a casino! Book your stay here.
  • Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel: It is a mid-range hotel located in the heart of Tamarindo. For your stay, you can choose from room and apartment options, some with pool view or balcony. Book your stay here.
  • Jardin del Eden el Boutique Hotel: It is an adults-only boutique hotel, with carefully curated rooms, gardens and pools. This is a great romantic accommodation option, with some rooms offering private spa tubs. The nightly tariff includes breakfast and dinner for all room types. Book your stay here.
  • Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas: Located closer to Langosta Beach, it is a boutique hotel with secluded deluxe rooms, private villas with pools for families and luxury adults-only suites. With various well-being offerings like spa treatments, yoga sessions and farm-to-table dinners, you are likely to have an intimate connection with nature at Cala Luna. Book your stay here.

You can search for more Tamarindo hotels here.

What to Pack for 10 Days in Costa Rica?

Check out our comprehensive packing guide for Costa Rica , with a FREE checklist included that should help you at the time of packing your bags.

How to Get Around in Costa Rica?

The most convenient way of getting around in Costa Rica is to rent a car . It gives you the flexibility of timing, routes, and scenic stops. Due to the road conditions in some parts of the country, driving here can turn out to be adventurous. However, for the destinations we covered in this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary, you do not really need a 4X4. A car with high ground clearance should suffice. Compare the prices before you book the rental car, and remember to check the insurance coverage.

If you are not comfortable driving in a foreign country, you can ask your hotels to arrange for airport transfers and pick-up and drop-off between destinations. Alternatively, you can opt for public buses for traveling between destinations. For different tours, check with the tour providers if they can include hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Unpaved road lined by trees, a common sight in the rural areas. Expect to drive on such roads.

Final Thoughts on Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary

Costa Rica is a great destination for nature seekers. It offers exciting activities and attractions for all kinds of travelers, families, couples or solo travelers. Ranging from tropical dry forests to tropical rain forests and cloud forests, from mountains to beaches, volcanoes to waterfalls, we explored various landscapes in this Costa Rica 10 day itinerary. Yet there is so much more to discover in this beautiful country in Central America. So, this could be the first of your many trips to Costa Rica. Or, who knows, this trip might as well turn out to be your temptation for moving to Costa Rica !

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Costa Rica 10 day itinerary covering the country's best highlights of cloudforests, beaches, volcanoes, hot springs and exotic wildlife.

Travel Planning Logistics

  • Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb . Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
  • Tours: When traveling to new destinations, you can plan ahead and book your activities. Check for highly rated tours on Viator and Get Your Guide .
  • Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon .
  • Flights: We always start our flight searches with Skyscanner and Momondo . They are aggregators that display flight options, compiling information across airlines and combinations. What we like the best about these flight aggregators is that you can put “Anywhere” as your destination, so that you find the best flight deals from your city of departure.

If you enjoy reading our free travel guides, tips and stories, please consider supporting our work. Thank you .

Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

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Paradise Catchers

We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean.

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Cerro tortuguero: hiking an inactive volcano, 8 thoughts on “costa rica 10 day itinerary (from liberia): the best highlights”.

Excellent description. Quite precise itinerary. Nice photographs. The presentation must force people to take a trip to Costa Rica.

Thank you 🙂

This is fantastic. We are tempted to follow this almost entirely!

If we are looking to squeeze in La Fortuna, should we swap out Monteverde or Rincon de la Vieja?

Thanks Nitin. You can choose to replace Rincon de la Vieja with La Fortuna, as thematically, both have volcano, hot springs and waterfalls, whereas Monteverde is more of a cloud forest, hiking and adventure kind of destination. Hope this helps 🙂

how much for 10day ecxscursion im in liberia

Hi Russ. Welcome to Costa Rica. How much you spend during10 days in Costa Rica will depend on your accommodation type, transfer/commute modes and chosen activities. Please note, we are not a tour company – so, we do not offer any excursions ourselves but will be happy to share recommendations of noted local tour operators in Costa Rica. Please feel free to send us an email. Thank you.

we are planning a trip for this January and I wonder if you have this itinerary mapped out so I could see it on a map? Thanks – would weather be Ok in early – mid January? Assume we’d need to be prepared for rain regardless since it is a rainforest~. Thanks appreciate your response.

Hi Laurie, we haven’t created a map for this itinerary yet, but good idea – we’ll put it on our things to do for enhancing this itinerary article. Thanks to you! 🙂 Meanwhile, if you need one sooner, please feel free to send us an email with the map request and we’ll respond.

January weather should be fine. Beaches will be hot and humid, but overall lesser chances of rain all over the country. And you are right, pack a raincoat in any case and you will be fine. Enjoy your Costa Rica trip! 🙂

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Beach Towns Near Liberia Costa Rica With A Beach- [Best] Beaches, Tours, Activities

Categories Beach Travel , Towns , Travel

9 Towns Near Liberia Costa Rica With A Beach- [Best] Beaches, Tours, Playa

The beaches in Liberia, Costa Rica, have pristine white sands, making for a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. The waves are big and rough, and the beach is popular with surfers. However, the beach town itself has a calm feeling to it. It attracts more tourists yearly because of its beautiful surroundings and laid-back atmosphere. It makes us curious, what are the beach towns near Liberia, Costa Rica, with a beach?

So, what are the nine towns near Liberia, Costa Rica, with a beach? They are Coco, Potrero, Brasilito,Tamarindo, Pinila, Paraiso, San Juanillo, Ostional, Garza. All these beach towns and their beaches lie on the Pacific Ocean coast of Costa Rica.

Many beach towns have people walking by all day, playing in the sand, or swimming in the ocean. However, many beach towns are completely deserted during the daytime. These towns become packed with tourists at night when everyone returns from the beach to relax and enjoy the nightlife. The locals in these beach towns must work hard to make a living . They sell food, drinks, and souvenirs during the day, and then at night, they sell tickets to nightclubs, restaurants, or bars.

9 Towns Near Liberia Costa Rica With A Beach-Best Beaches, Tours, Playa

Here are some statistics about Liberia;

Statistics: Liberia, Costa Rica, has a population of about 50,000 people. It is one of the fastest-growing towns in Costa Rica. ( Source )

Statistics: Liberia has an approximate elevation of 1,500 meters.

Statistics: One of the most popular attractions in Liberia is the Hacienda Pinilla Resort and Golf Course.

Statistics: Guanacaste province is home to several national parks and protected areas, including Santa Rosa National Park and the Santa Rosa Wildlife Refuge.

The beach towns of Costa Rica are unique. They have a charm that makes people fall in love with them. You can hear the waves crashing against the shore. The beach towns are surrounded by lush green vegetation and palm trees that sway in the breeze. The palm trees and beaches make Costa Rica a very appealing vacation destination . Plus, the restaurants in the beach towns have some of the best food in the country. You can sit on the beach and enjoy a fresh ceviche lunch or drink fresh coconut juice while enjoying the Costa Rican sunset .

Costa rica beach towns are located on the pacific and caribbean sea coastlines

Let’s explore the beach towns near Liberia, what tours and activities you can do there, and I’ll also cover some topics about Costa Rica. Keep on reading, you won’t want to miss it!

What Are The Beach Towns Near Liberia, Costa Rica With a Beach?

Coco Beach is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. Coco Beach offers fine white sand beaches and a warm climate all year round. The beach is quite large and stretches over 1.5 km. Activities you can do on the beach include snorkeling and surfing.

#2- Potrero

Potrero is a small community on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The beaches here are safe and clean. The climate is warm year-round. There is a good supply of fresh seafood and other delicious Costa Rican cuisine. Many tourists visit Potrero each year to enjoy everything it offers, such as surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, diving, and many more.

#3- Brasilito

Located in Guanacaste and surrounded by beautiful tropical beaches and lush tropical jungles. Brasilito is unique because it has a large population of expats who have chosen to live in this community, attracting many tourists looking to explore Costa Rica. Also, the town of Brasilito is a bilingual community, with Spanish as the main language. Locals here speak Spanish and English.

Brasilito is a small fishing village in the Puntarenas region of Costa Rica. It is a popular surfing destination .

beach in costa rica -beach near liberia

#4- Tamarindo

Tamarindo Beach is surrounded by lush forestation and offers numerous opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. It is a tropical paradise with 10 miles of beautiful beaches . The area offers year-round sunshine and an average temperature of 78 degrees.

Further inland from the beach are many restaurants, hotels, and busy nightlife.

The town features many beaches that attract surfers from around the world.

Pinilla is a small beach town located in southern Costa Rica. Pinilla is a base for tourists looking to surf or dive in the pacific ocean. Visitors to La Pinilla enjoy spending time on the black sand beach , hiking in the mountains, and walking around town to experience the small-town charm.

Pinila is 45 km from San Jose and 12 km from Jaco, where most hotels are concentrated.

#6- Paraiso

Paraiso Costa Rica is a beach town located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the Northern Zone between the Provinces of Alajuela and Guanacaste . This neighborhood consists of 2.8km of white sand beach and 5km of green jungle. Paraiso is famous for its emerald waters and pristine beaches . It’s named for the “Paraiso” (Paradise) of Costa Rica.

#7- San Juanillo

San Juanillo is a small city in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, with around 9,000 people. The city is located on the Pacific Coast near the country’s capital, San Jose. The city has several beaches and resorts , including Playa San Juanillo and Playa Tamarindo. Visitors will find shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs in the city. Juan Santamaria International Airport serves San Juanillo.

best beach towns in Costa Rica are part jungle, part beach

#8- Ostional

Ostional is a small beach town on the Pacific Ocean about 100 kilometers from Costa Rica’s capital city of, San Jose. Ostional is known for its wild surfing conditions and nesting spots for olive ridley sea turtles. Olive ridley turtles are important to Costa Rica’s economy as they provide much-needed income for the country’s fishing industry.

Ostional beach is a nesting spot for Olive Ridley turtles. The turtles come ashore from July to October to lay their eggs. During those months, the beach is closed to swimmers to protect their eggs and hatchlings.

Garza, Costa Rica, is a beach town in Costa Rica’s southernmost city . It is surrounded by several natural reserves that protect the region’s golden beaches and rich wildlife. Popular activities in this region include paragliding, zip lining, hiking, and surfing.

costa rica liberia beaches are on the pacific coast

What Tours and Activities Can You Do On the Beach Towns Nearby Liberia?

A list of 5 tours you can do in towns nearby liberia.

A variety of tours can be done in towns nearby Liberia. These include:

– River rafting down the Colorado or Corobica rivers

– Guanacaste horseback riding tours across the beach or mountains

– Canopy tours through the rainforest

– Hikes within one of the many volcanic national parks (Rincon de la Vieja, Arenal, and Miravalles)

– Cattle hand training session where you can learn how to ride horses and lasso, rope and tie calves.

Interactive Map of Beach Towns Near Liberia

What are some of the best beaches in the beach towns near liberia, table 1. beaches at beach towns near liberia, interactive map of beach towns and beaches near liberia, 3 popular beaches in beach towns near liberia.

The popular beaches in beach towns near Liberia include Ocotal Beach, Coco Beach, and Playa Hermosa. These beaches are just a few minutes away from each other and offer stunning ocean views and peaceful tranquility. Near Costa Rica’s Guanacaste airport, Ocotal Beach is known for its black sand and is great for swimming and other outdoor activities . Coco Beach is also perfect for diving around rocky formations when the waters are calm. Playa Hermosa offers golden sands that stretch for miles, along with clear blue waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling .

best beach towns in Costa Rica have tropical jungle nearby

What Can You Do at The Beach in Costa Rica? Some Beach Activity Options

Costa Rica is a paradise for beach lovers , with its stunning coastline and abundant activities. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or get your adrenaline pumping, there are plenty of options.

Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica, and the country is home to some of the best waves in Central America. The beaches near Liberia are particularly popular with surfers, and there are plenty of surf schools to help you get started.

Swimming is another great way to enjoy the beach in Costa Rica. The waters off the coast are generally calm and warm, making them perfect for a leisurely swim. Kayaking and snorkeling are also popular activities, as they allow you to explore the vibrant marine life of the area. For those looking for a more daring experience, there are also some great spots for cliff diving.

My Private Notes and Experience – About Towns Near Liberia With a Beach

Costa Rica is one place on my list to target for a vacation . Having visited Panama a few times and been to the beaches there, I reckon the beaches are similar, especially on the Pacific Ocean coastline side.

But even if Panama and Costa Rica have comparable coasts, they still have differences that I need to consider when picking where to go. Compared to Panama’s coastlines, mainly known for white sand, calm waters, and small waves, Costa Rica offers some of the world’s most impressive surf breakers, with beach activities and camps galore waiting for you in many spots.

About Costa Rica and Guanacaste Region

What liberia costa rica is known for.

Liberia, Costa Rica, is renowned for its historic properties and structures constructed with a bahareque and white hue. Liberia’s center street has old family residences restored with adobe and bahareque materials, bestowing them the white tint. In Costa Rica, cattle participate significantly in their livestock sector, and several ranches encompass Liberia. Rodeos are a long-standing custom in the Guanacaste region, drawing natives from far and wide who delight in observing daring cowboys tossed by angry refractory bulls.

-Liberia, Costa Rica celebrates Independence Day on July 25th every year.

-There are many fiestas held every year in Liberia, Costa Rica.

-Liberia is known for its whitewashed adobe homes.

-The province of Liberia has lots of cattle.

-Rodeos are common in Liberia.

So if you’re looking for a unique beach-side getaway, Liberia, Costa Rica is worth checking out. With its historic buildings, outdoor activities, and proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Does Liberia Costa Rica Have Nice Beaches?

Yes, Liberia, Costa Rica, does have some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The province spans the northwestern corner of Costa Rica and is home to some of the most scenic beaches , such as Hermosa Beach, Ocotal Beach, and Palo Verde National Park. These locations offer a variety of activities, such as surfing, ATV tours, snorkeling, zip lining, and horseback riding.

To the east of Liberia, rainforests and mountains, including Rincon de la Vieja National Park, offer activities like any other beach location , such as surfing or hiking in its pristine shorelines, Playa Panama or Playa Grande. To the west, more beaches like Playa Flamingo or Playas del Coco provide unique experiences away from crowds while still maintaining their beauty, along with great opportunities for swimming or sport fishing charters around them.

Is There a Beach Near the Airport in Liberia?

Yes, there is a beach near Liberia Airport named Playa Hermosa. It is 2 kilometers long and has grayish sands and calm waters of intense blue tones. The surrounding area offers a variety of lodging, restaurant, and sports equipment leasing options.

The beach is in an idyllic environment surrounded by mountains covered in vegetation. It can be reached using Liberia airport shuttle services from the airport in Liberia, Costa Rica.

What Are the Attractions in The Beach Towns Near Liberia, Costa Rica?

Some of the attractions available in these towns include river rafting tours down Colorado or in the Corobicí rivers; exploration in the last remaining protected tropical dry forest in the world at Santa Rosa National Park; Guanacaste horseback riding tours across beaches or mountains; canopy tours through rainforests; hikes within one of the volcanic national parks (Rincon de la Vieja, Arenal or Miravalles).

Are There Surfing Opportunities in The Beach Towns Near Liberia, Costa Rica?

There are plenty of surfing opportunities in the beach towns near Liberia, Costa Rica. The area is known for its excellent surf breaks and year-round waves, making it a great destination for both beginner and advanced surfers. The most popular spots include Playa Hermosa, Playa Negra, Tamarindo, and Avellanas.

Playa Hermosa is one of the most popular surfing spots in the area, with its long left break and consistent waves. Playa Negra is another great spot for experienced surfers, with its powerful right break and hollow barrels. Tamarindo is a great spot for beginners , with its gentle beach breaks and easy access to the water. Avellanas is also a great spot for beginners, with its mellow waves and sandy bottom.

No matter what your skill level, there are plenty of surfing opportunities in the beach towns near Liberia, Costa Rica. With its warm water and year-round waves, it’s no wonder why so many surfers come to this area to enjoy the perfect conditions for a great day of surfing.

What Is the Nicest Beach Town in Costa Rica?

If you like surfing, the nicest beach for you are the beaches of Tamarindo, Jaco Beach, and Hermoso Beach. If you enjoy swimming and beautiful scenery, in Manuel Antonio National Park, are a few beaches, including Espandilla, right in the town of Manuel Antonio. These are just a few options for nice, picture-perfect beaches in Costa Rica .

What Can You See In the Lush Rainforest Areas of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is home to some of the world’s most beautiful rainforest areas. From the Caribbean coast to the Pacific, Costa Rica has a wide variety of flora and fauna that visitors can explore. One of the best places to experience this natural beauty is near Liberia, Costa Rica. From the majestic quetzal bird to the colorful toucan, visitors can spot many species of birds in the area. The rainforest is also home to monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and other animals that can be seen from the trails or on guided tours.

You can also explore ancient ruins in these areas, such as the pre-Columbian city of Guayabo de Turrialba. In addition to exploring the rainforest, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches near Liberia. Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco are two of the most popular beach towns in the area, offering a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.

Costa Rica is a world-renowned ecotourism destination, allowing visitors to explore its lush rainforest areas and stunning beaches . From river rafting tours down Colorado or Corobicí rivers to horseback riding tours across beaches or mountains, there are plenty of activities for those looking to experience the beauty of Costa Rica in an environmentally friendly way. With its commitment to sustainability and conservation, Costa Rica is a great destination for those looking to experience ecotourism in action. ( Source )

Liberia’s tropical forests are also a paradise for avid birdwatchers. Its diverse bird species make it the perfect destination for those looking to observe and appreciate nature. From the majestic Scarlet Macaw to the colorful Toucan, there are plenty of birds to spot in this area . The nearby Palo Verde National Park is an excellent spot for bird watching, with its lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. Visitors can also take a boat tour along the Tempisque River, where they can observe many species of waterfowl, such as herons, egrets, and ibises. For those who want to get even closer to nature, guided tours will take you through the mangrove forests, where you can spot some of Costa Rica’s rarest birds. 

Which Side of Costa Rica Is Best for Beaches?

There are plenty of options when choosing a beach town near Liberia, Costa Rica. On the Pacific side of the country, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. The Guanacaste region is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters . Playa Hermosa is one of the most popular spots for swimming and surfing, while Tamarindo is a great spot for nightlife and dining. On the Caribbean side, you’ll find some of the most stunning beaches in the world . Puerto Viejo is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning sunsets, while Cahuita National Park offers a more secluded experience.

Where Is Guanacaste Province?

Guanacaste is in the northwest of Costa Rica, located along the Pacific coast, and is one of Costa Rica’s seven provinces. It’s situated along the Pacific coast and boasts plenty of gorgeous beach towns , perfect for travelers and vacationers looking for a tranquil escape.

Where Is the Safest Place to Vacation in Costa Rica

In general terms, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a safe place to stay when vacationing. However, it is always important to keep in mind some recommendations to avoid an unpleasant stay in the region and country.

Parting Shot

With breathtaking views, crystal clear waters, and plenty of activities to do and places to explore , it’s no wonder why so many people flock to Costa Rica every year. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner or a family-friendly resort stay with all of the comforts you know and love, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in Liberia, Costa Rica.

So let go of worries and responsibilities back home – take some time to relax, enjoy yourself, and float away into paradise!

Top Tours in Liberia, Costa Rica

Liberia tours.

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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

costa rica tours near liberia

1. Tropical Rainforest, Hanging Bridges And Jungle Sloths Sanctuary

costa rica tours near liberia

2. Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

costa rica tours near liberia

3. Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Combo ( Private)

costa rica tours near liberia

4. Sloth Forest Tour, Organic Coffee and Chocolate Tour and Waterfall

costa rica tours near liberia

5. Private Transportation from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo Beach

costa rica tours near liberia

6. Nicaragua Full Day Tour from Costa Rica

costa rica tours near liberia

7. Private Transportation from LIBERIA AIRPORT to LA FORTUNA

costa rica tours near liberia

8. Horseback Riding to Blue Morpho Waterfall & Hotsprings - Lunch

costa rica tours near liberia

9. Zip line, Hot Springs, horses and More Aventure.

costa rica tours near liberia

10. Sensoria Land of Senses: Rainforest Walking and Thermals Tour

costa rica tours near liberia

11. Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from Guanacaste

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12. Frogs-sloths and coffee- chocolate tour

costa rica tours near liberia

13. Private Round-Trip Transfer: Liberia Airport to Tamarindo/Westin

costa rica tours near liberia

14. OneWay Private Transfer - Liberia Airport To Your Selected Location

costa rica tours near liberia

15. Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

costa rica tours near liberia

16. Sensoria: Luxury Rainforest Land of Senses Walking and Thermals Tour

costa rica tours near liberia

17. 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour

costa rica tours near liberia

18. Costa Rica Private Airport Transfer

costa rica tours near liberia

19. Liberia Airpot (LIR) to Riu Palace / Guanacaste (Roundtrip)

costa rica tours near liberia

20. One Day Family Adventure Tour in Buena Vista

costa rica tours near liberia

21. Day of 3 mysterious waterfalls

costa rica tours near liberia

22. RoundTrip Private Transfer - Liberia Airport to your selected location

costa rica tours near liberia

23. Arenal volcano- rainforest - Hanging bridges-waterfall-hotsprings

costa rica tours near liberia

24. Whitewater River Rafting and Class Best Rafting in Guanacaste

costa rica tours near liberia

25. Private transfer

costa rica tours near liberia

26. Palo Verde National Park River Jungle Safari

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27. Vandará Nature Pass

costa rica tours near liberia

28. Wet & Wild Combo - La Leona Waterfall and River Tubing

costa rica tours near liberia

29. Sloths in the jungle & safari by the River

costa rica tours near liberia

30. Palo verde river cruise, sugarcane liquor and cultural combo tour.

What travellers are saying.

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  • Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch
  • Tropical Rainforest, Hanging Bridges And Jungle Sloths Sanctuary
  • Frogs-sloths and coffee- chocolate tour
  • Nicaragua Full Day Tour from Costa Rica
  • Zip line, Hot Springs, horses and More Aventure.
  • Guanacaste Infocenter
  • Tours with Frank the Tank Costa Rica
  • Liberia Airport Shuttle
  • Guanacaste Viajes and Tours | Airport Transfers Costa Rica
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Our trip has been amazing. This is our third time in Sri Lanka and possibly my favourite trip. I am already planning my next one.

True to its name, the spirited provincial capital of Liberia (from libertad , meaning liberty) is distinctively friendly and progressive. Its wide streets reveal the legacy of the pioneering farmers and cattle ranchers who founded it. Known colloquially as the “Ciudad Blanca” (White City) due to its whitewashed houses, Liberia is the only town in Costa Rica that seems truly colonial in style and character. Plan your trip to Liberia with our guide to Liberia — based on the  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica,  your travel guide for  Costa Rica .

  • The best travel tips for visiting Liberia

Best things to do in Liberia

Where to stay, best restaurants and bars, how to get around, how many days do you need in liberia, what is the best time to visit liberia, how to get to here, tailor-made travel itineraries for costa rica, created by local experts.

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

12 days  / from 2980 USD

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

From paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways and magical rainforests, Costa Rica has much to offer. Head east and discover the tranquil Caribbean Sea, head west for the tumultuous Pacific Ocean and surfer’s paradise.

Discover Northern Costa Rica

10 days  / from 1825 USD

Discover Northern Costa Rica

This self drive itinerary allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!

A self drive Caribbean adventure

10 days  / from 1440 USD

A self drive Caribbean adventure

It's time to discover Costa Rica's Caribbean coast in your own rental car: From Boca Pacuare, where the turtles come to lay their eggs, to the unique culture of Cahuita and the beaches of Puerto Viejo! Your trip will finish in Turrialba, home of the main archaeological monument in our country.

Tailor-made trips for   Costa Rica

The best travel tips for visiting Liberia

Most travellers use Liberia as a jumping-off point for the Rincón de la Vieja and Santa Rosa national parks, an overnight stop to or from the beaches of Guanacaste , or a break on the way to Nicaragua .

That said, Liberia is an appealing city, particularly if you explore on foot in the shade of its numerous mango trees.

While the nearby international airport delivers ever-increasing coachloads of visitors to the western beaches, Liberia remains unchanged. For the time being, it’s still the epitome of dignified provincialism, with a strong identity and atmosphere all its own.

For example, many of Liberia's white houses still have their  puerta del sol  — corner doors that were used, ingeniously, to let the sun in during the morning and out in the late afternoon. This heats and then cools the interior throughout the day. Particular to this region, this architectural feature is left over from the colonial era.

Rincon de La Vieja National Park, Costa Rica

Explore Rincon de La Vieja National Park from LIberia, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Liberia is not the most visited cityu in Costa Rica, but there are some great things to do and activities to keep you busy. We have selected the best ones.

#1 Stroll picturesque Parque Central

Liberia is arranged around a large Parque Central. Officially called Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz, it's named after a twentieth-century poet and musician whose songs paid tribute to sabanero culture.

The parque itself is dedicated to el mes del anexión , the month of the annexation (July), celebrating the fact that Guanacaste is not in Nicaragua.

Liberia’s Parque Central is one of the loveliest central plazas in the whole country, ringed by benches and tall palms that shade gossiping locals.

On the eastern edge of the parque is the town church, a contemporary structure whose startlingly modernist form looks a little out of place in this very traditional city.

#2 Mooch around Museo de Guanacaste

Eventually, the plan is to create a larger municipal museum here, but the pace of progress is slow. At the time of writing, a rotating selection of temporary exhibitions, including the works of local artists and some archaeological artefacts, were on show.

That said, part of the charm is the building itself — a former barracks that was later used as a prison before its current incarnation.

#3 Explore Calle Real

Liberia's most historic street is the Calle Real, marked as Calle Central on some maps. In the nineteenth century this street was the entrance to Liberia, and practically the whole road has been restored to its original colonial simplicity.

Stately white adobe homes feature large windows with ornate wooden frames and wide overhanging eaves under which locals pass the evenings in cane armchairs.

#4 Walk and watch wildlife in Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja

25km northeast of Liberia, Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja is arguably Guanacaste’s most memorable national park. It's utterly dominated by its massive, majestic namesake volcano — a perfectly proportioned conical peak, and one Costa Rica's most active volcanoes.

It's an undeniably enchanting place with, quite simply, the best hiking and horseriding in the country. A variety of elevations and habitats reveals hot springs, sulphur pools, bubbling mud pots, and fields of guaria morada (purple orchids), the national flower. Plus there's a great smoking volcano at the top to reward you for your efforts.

Animals in the area include all the big cats (just don’t expect to see them), tapir, red deer, collared peccary, two-toed sloth, and howler, white-faced and spider monkeys.

Birders will enjoy the profusion of over two hundred species, including the three-wattled bellbird, the Montezuma oropendola, the trogon, and the spectacled owl.

From Las Pailas ranger station, you have several walking options. Some trails lead west to the cataratas escondidas (hidden waterfalls), while another runs east to the Santa María station.

Love natural attractions and getting active in the great outdoors? Discover the best waterfalls in Costa Rica , and read up on the best hikes in Costa Rica .

Sloth in Costa Rica © Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock

You can sse sloths in Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja, near Liberia, Costa Rica © Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock

#5 Surf and see turtles in Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

35km north of Liberia, Parque Nacional Santa Rosa is Costa Rica’s oldest national park. Today it’s also one of the most popular in the country, thanks to its good trails, great surfing, and prolific turtle-spotting opportunities. It’s also a great destination for campers, with a site on the beach.

Santa Rosa has an amazingly diverse topography for its size of 387 square kilometres. These range from mangrove swamp to deciduous forest and savannah.

Home to 115 species of mammal (half of them bats), 250 species of bird and 100 species of amphibian and reptile (not to mention 3800 species of moth), Santa Rosa is a rich biological repository. As such, it attracts researchers from all over the world.

Jaguars and pumas prowl the park, though you’re unlikely to see them. You're more likely to spot coati, coyotes and peccaries. They often snuffle around watering holes during the dry season.

From July to November, you can witness hundreds of olive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Nancite by moonlight. Though too rough for swimming, the picturesque beaches of Naranjo and Nancite are also popular with serious surfers.

If reading about Parque Nacional Santa Rosa and Rincón de la Vieja has stoked your interest, read our run-down of the most beautiful national parks in Costa Rica .

Chances are, you'll also love our customisable Costa Rica Eco Adventure trip .

Beautiful aerial view of a sunset in Naranjo Beach - Witch Rock Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Beautiful aerial view of a sunset in Naranjo Beach - Witch Rock Costa Rica © Shutterstock

While Liberia has a vast range of hotels, hostels and guesthouses, apart from a few notable exceptions, standards are relatively low, with prices are on the high side across the board.

  • Hotel El Cerro : just outside the centre of Liberia, with comfy en-suite rooms arranged over two floors.
  • Hotel Javy : a charming, professionally run hotel with rooms set around a leafy courtyard garden.
  • Hotel Villa Hermosa : squeaky-clean rooms, and a friendly owner who's created a typically Tico vibe.

Browse more places to stay in Liberia .

Liberia has a strong dining scene with several above-average restaurants serving local dishes such as natilla (sour cream) eaten with eggs, or gallo pinto and tortillas.

For a real feast, try desayuno guanacasteco , a hearty local breakfast of tortillas, sour cream, eggs, rice-and-beans, and sometimes meat.

You can get rock-bottom lunches from the stalls at the bus terminal or the sodas at the nearby covered market. Guanacastecan corn snacks can be bought from stalls all over town.

  • Los Comales: a typical Costa Rican soda, very popular for its generous portions of tasty rustic food.
  • Copa de Oro: bang in the centre, this stalwart is famous for its fish and seafood.
  • Jauja: large, tasty pasta dishes and pizzas, plus the usual steak, chicken and fish served in a garden setting.

Find out more about  eating and drinking in Costa Rica .

gallo-pinto-costa-rica-shutterstock_564808078

You can enjoy good gallo pinto in Liberia, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Being an attractive, welcoming city, Liberia is a lovely place to stroll in your own time, at your own pace.

When you want to travel further afield, the regional bus service is comprehensive and pretty reliaibe, with Liberia serving as the regional hub.

You'll find the bus terminal to the west of town — it's just a 10-minute walk, with services that can take you to Guanacaste’s parks and beaches, and the Nicaraguan border

Given its welcoming charm, and proximity to top natural attractions, consider spending 3-4 days in Liberia before heading elsewhere in Guanacaste.

You could, for example, spend a morning wandering Calle Real at a suitably laidback pace, stopping off in the picturesque Parque Central. When the afternoon heat strikes, spend an hour ot two in the Museo de Guanacaste.

You'll also want to allocate enough time to visit the nearby national parks. Both Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja and Parque Nacional Santa Rosa are worth devoting a whole day to, not least if you plan to hike the longer trails. You'll want to make it to Rincón de la Vieja's secret waterfall.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check our Costa Rica itineraries , or talk to our Costa Rica experts .

If you've come for Costa Rican culture, Liberia boasts several lively local festivals you might want to time your visit to coincide with.

Visit in early March for the Fiestas Cívicas de Liberia in early March. This has its origins as an annual livestock fair and is celebrated over ten days. Expect parades, bands, fireworks and bulls wreaking havoc.

On 25th July, El Día de la Independencia celebrates Guanacaste’s independence from Nicaragua with parades, horse shows, cattle auctions, rodeos, fiestas and marimba bands. If you want to attend, make bus and hotel reservations as far in advance as possible.

When it comes to walking and wildlife, you'll want to visit Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja in the December-March dry season. At this time, the hiking trails and visibility are at their best and the heat is fairly comfortable.

The same goes for Santa Rosa — during the greener wet months, animals are more dispersed, making it trickier to spot wildlife.

That said, if want to see hundreds of olive ridley turtles on Playa Nancite in Santa Rosa national park, you'll need to visit between July and November. The best months to see them — September and October — fall right in the rainy season.

All of which means, you'll need to weigh up what you want to see most.

For more on the best time to visit different destinations in Costa Rica, read our guide to  when to go to Costa Rica .

A spider monkey climbs high trees of the rainforest in the Corcovado © Kit Korzun/Shutterstock

A spider monkey climbs high trees of the rainforest © Kit Korzun/Shutterstock

12km west of the town, Liberia’s sizeable international airport is connected to domestic destinations by regular Sansa and Skyway flights. There are also numerous international flights.

You can take a taxi from here into town. Alternatively, many buses travelling between Liberia and Tamarindo also call at the airport, or you can walk 15min to the main road, where any eastbound bus will take you to Liberia.

Liberia is the main regional transport hub, providing easy access to Guanacaste’s parks and beaches, the Nicaraguan border and San José.

The city’s bus terminal is on the western edge of town near the exit for the Interamericana. It's a 10min walk from here to the centre of town, and it serves all destinations except San José.

At the bus station you'll find an elaborate list of departure times. Be warned that these are pure fiction, so check with the ticket office.

San José buses arrive at and depart from the more modern Pulmitan terminal, a block southeast of the main bus terminal.

If you’re coming by car, you should take the exit off the Interamericana at an intersection with traffic lights and three petrol stations. This is known as La Esquina de las Bombas (Gas Station Corner).

Turning left (if coming from the south) takes you to the beaches, while a right takes you along the town’s Avenida Central, lined with floppy mango trees.

For more transportation tips, read our guide to  getting around Costa Rica .

Looking for more inspiration? Read up on the  best things to do in Costa Rica , and get yourself a copy of  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica .

Our  Costa Rica travel tips  will also help you plan your trip. Not keen on planning? You'll love our customisable  Costa Rica itineraries .

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image: Rincon de La Vieja National Park, near LIberia, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

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Liberia to Jaco - Costa Rica Forum

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costa rica tours near liberia

8 replies to this topic

' class=

For the most part, higher clearance of an SUV is more important than 4x4 for even for most secondary routes.

If Jaco is your only destination, it's closer to fly in/out of SJO.

Rent your vehicle through a local agency or a popular brand via a local website ending in 'cr' vs one based in the US ( http://ending.com ) Do not rent through a third party like expedia etc. These sites will not give you a complete quote that includes mandatory insurance.

Be aware that your personal insurance from home is not valid for rental cars in CR. Also know the pitfalls of relying on your credit card insurance for CDW.

Deposit required & deductible amounts vary depending what level of insurance you purchase. Know exactly what each premium covers & does not cover.

Vandalism, tires & glass/windshields are generally not covered unless you purchase extended coverage beyond basic CDW/LDW.

Suggested reading: For clear & concise insurance information, have a look at both Adobe & Vamos websites. If you have questions, come back here & ask.

Check Adobe rates through My Tan Feet widget for small discount & some perks. Completely legit. No strings attached.

costa rica tours near liberia

So, you want to fly to Liberia, rent a car , drive to Jaco , but are staying at Riu Guanacaste ?

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costa rica tours near liberia

costa rica tours near liberia

Liberia Costa Rica Airport Guide

Everything you need to know about arriving and departing from the Liberia Airport in northern Costa Rica.

About The San Jose Costa Rica Airport

If you are wondering which airport to fly to, read this post .

The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in the city of Liberia, Costa Rica airport is one of two international airports in Costa Rica. The other international airport is the Juan Santamaria Airport near the capital of San Jose.

The Liberia airport is actually located near the town of Liberia, about 20 km or 30 minutes drive just east of many of the Guanacaste pacific beach destinations such as the Papagayo Peninsula, Playas del Coco or Playa Tamarindo. There are also some of my favorite all-inclusive resorts near here, and my favorite luxury family resorts are here too. There are several great places to stay near the airport , but because of arrival times at the airport, you will often be able to whisk away to your beach destination in a matter of hours. If you do need a nice local hotel near the airport, I highly recommend Hacienda Guachepelin.

The airport is named after a national essayist and politician who died in 1991. The Liberia, Costa Rica airport code is LIR. Do not confuse this airport with the African country of Liberia or you will be pretty sad at how long it takes you to get to Africa!

You might also like: 50 Interesting Costa Rica Facts You Need To Know

Arrival At The LIR Airport

Going through customs.

The customs area is divided into two sections- lines for residents and Costa Rican nationals and separate lines for tourists. The line for tourists is generally much longer that the line for residents.

You can expect to wait anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours to get through customs. Over the past few years, the wait times have greatly improved. However, if there are many flights that arrive at the same time, customs will be saturated. Good thing there is WiFi in this area!

Once you arrive at the customs official, you will be expected to show your passport. There is not a customs declaration form to arrive, but the officer may ask you for information about what you are carrying.

Tourists have an automatic visa for a 90-day stay. You may be asked to show a ticket that proves your exit from the country within those 90 days, so have that handy.

Fun post: The Complete Guide To Costa Rican Slang

Baggage Claim

After clearing customs, you will walk through a Duty-Free store and then over to the baggage claim area. This area is generally a bit dark as there are no windows and it is located in the basement.

There are bathrooms, money exchange, and an ATM in this area. There might be a place to buy a cell phone chip here too, but they are often closed late a night. More on that below.

As a side note, the Duty-Free store has excellent prices on alcohol, so you may want to consider purchasing here. I will often purchase Ron Centenario or Cacique to bring back to the States on my way into the country.

There are 4 baggage claim areas, and your bags will generally arrive very quickly. If you have been in customs for a really long time, you will most likely find your bags as part of a line away from the baggage claim. Employees are asked to remove the bags to clear the way for the next flight.

Once you have gotten your bags, you will form a line to put everything through an x-ray machine. You will be asked to show your passport at this time as well. This machine is reviewed by a customs official to make sure you are not bringing prohibited items into the country.

Note that there is a high resale value for brand new brand name clothing, kitchen appliances, electronics and shoes. If you have new clothing in your bag I suggest removing the tags. You can also distribute the potentially problematic items into multiple bags. Tourists generally do not have a problem with these items, but it’s important to note.

Once you leave the x-ray area there are a few rental car companies that have offices right at the airport and can help you to connect with an agent right there. Otherwise, you will leave the airport here.

It is generally not the best idea to exchange money at the airport as the rates can be really high. Remember that US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, so I usually just bring a dollars in small bills to cover tips, and then exchange money outside of the airport.

Related post: Costa Rica Currency

There is a place to buy a cell phone chip in the airport. It is generally much more expensive than buying outside the airport, but if you are in a time crunch this is the fastest and easiest option.

Related post: How To Use Your Cell Phone In Costa Rica

Transportation Away From Liberia Airport Costa Rica

There are several options for transportation away from the airport. You can take an official taxi, Uber, shared shuttle to a hotel, or a shuttle to car rentals.

Related post: Driving In Costa Rica – Complete Guide

There are official orange taxis that will take you to and from the airport. You can purchase your official ticket just before leaving the airport. This is the safest option for taxis.

There is a very strong union of taxi workers in Costa Rica who have strongly spoken out about the introduction of Uber in Costa Rica. Part of the negotiation between the union and Uber says that there are to be no Ubers coming and going from the airport. If you do call an Uber you need to walk away from the airport a pretty good distance to access it. I don’t really recommend this option in the Guanacaste heat.

There are some car rentals inside the airport (mostly bigger names such as Hertz and Dollar.) Otherwise, if you have made arrangements to go to a rental car office, the pickup person should be just outside the airport to greet you with a sign with your name on it.

The car rentals are located on the main road outside the airport. The road goes East to West and the rental agencies are within a 10-kilometer range. If you feel like you are going kind of far from the airport it’s ok- the agencies are really spread out. If you are looking for a discount on a local rental car, please click here.

You might also like: Costa Rica Car Rental For Families

Shared Shuttle

Shared shuttles such as to nearby hotels are located to the right when you exit the airport. Each hotel should have its own sign for its own shuttle.

You might also like: Costa Rica Water- Is It Safe To Drink?

Departure From Liberia Airport

Arrival to airport.

Every single recommendation I have seen says to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure.

I totally disagree.

If you arrive 2 hours before departure, you will be there with every tourism shuttle bus in town, and the lines are atrocious.

Instead (and especially with kids) I arrive 2.5 hours before departure. There are very few people there and I can go quickly through the check-in process.

Returning the Rental Car

If you rent a car in Costa Rica and want to return it you have a few options. Make sure to check with your rental car company to make sure these work for them.

  • Return the car to the rental agency. If you do this, you will most likely need to take a shuttle from the agency to the airport. Most car companies offer this, but do be aware that you will need to plan time to both return the car, possibly get gas, and also wait for the shuttle if it is on a time table.
  • Return the car at the hotel you are staying at the night before departure . Many rental car companies will pick up your car at local hotels, and you can often save a half a day of car rental by doing this.
  • Leave the car in the short term parking lot in the airport. Not all rental car companies offer this option, but I do find it is a great one if you are short on time. Be prepared to have the car company charge you for the hourly parking rate (about US $2.50) until they can get to your car. I have never had them take more than a few hours because usually they need the car for the next client.

Related Post: Best San Jose Costa Rica Airport Hotel

Checking In

The check-in area of the airport is a spacious place with windows, ceilings, small shops for necessities, and clean bathrooms. It’s also hot hot hot. There are large rotating fans in this area, but otherwise there is no air conditioning so plan to dress appropriately.

You will simply get in line at your airline carrier’s desk and go through the usual process. Be prepared for extremely nice airline employees.

After checking in, you will need to go through a passport check and security check, similar to the procedures in the United States. A few notes:

  • Stopping human trafficking in Costa Rica is a priority. If you are leaving with kids, be prepared to have questions if you do not have the same last name as your chidlren. It is unlikely that you will run into problems, but it does happen. If your child was born in Costa Rica or is a Costa Rican resident or citizen, you will need to have a paper that says you can take the child out of the country if both parents are not present. If you want to avoid any problmes at all, carry a copy of the birth certificate.
  • You must have a passport and boarding pass in order to go through security. In general, Costa Rica does not use digital ticketing.
  • Liquids are not allowed through security. There are other things that may or may not be allowed depending on the agent you have. These items include ground coffee in packages and non-perishable food items.

Airport Amenities

Once you have successfully gone through security, you will most likely have time before boarding your flight.

There are several food options inside the airport. There is a considerable amount of price gouging on food at this airport. As for the offerings…

There is pretty much one place to eat and it’a an Imperial Beer Bar. You can sit in the bar and order the food from two different menus, or you can order from a mobile kiosk outside the restaurant part. A worker will be on hand to assist you in ordering and then will bring your food to nearby the same kiosk where you ordered.

The restaurants are not open 24 hours, and if you are traveling early in the morning with kids, I recommend bringing breakfast with you and eating it before you go through security. They might take the food away during the security check.

There are several souvenir stores with different offerings. I most noticed a nice Blue Zones store and a gorgeous store offering local independent souvenir brands at prices equal to the going rate of those items outside the airport. There are also traditional souvenirs from the Cafe Britt chain of shops found around Costa Rica and at the San Jose Airport.

There are also several duty free shops as well.

Boarding in Costa Rica starts pretty early. Generally people with children are moved to the front of the line.

You can’t take any liquids on the plane, even if you bought them after the security check. It’s ridiculous, but think twice before buying that bottle of Salsa Lizano.

This also means you can’t bring on a filled water bottle, a partially consumed Coca-Cola- nada. It’s super annoying.

You may also hear your name called by a gate agent before boarding. This means you have been pulled for an additional security check. You will be pulled to the side and a gate agent will meticulously go through all of your bags looking for prohibited items.

Be prepared to get misty-eyed when you leave Costa Rica- it’s one of the best places on Earth!

If you would like to talk to me about a customized itinerary or specific Costa Rica travel advice for your family, (zero sales- just advice!) check out my “ Ask Christa ” page for more information on custom Costa Rica trip planning geared towards families.

The post Liberia Costa Rica Airport Guide appeared first on Pura Vida Moms .

Everything you need to know about arriving and departing from the Liberia Airport in northern Costa Rica. About The San Jose Costa Rica Airport If you are wondering which airport to fly to, read this post. The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in the city of Liberia, Costa Rica airport is one of two international...

Cena Sociale – Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Liberia, Guanacaste

Cena Sociale – Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views

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Additional information

  • Dining style Casual Elegant
  • Price $50 and over
  • Cuisines Contemporary Italian, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation Dinner Nightly: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Phone number 2696 0000
  • Website http://www.fourseasons.com/costarica/dining/restaurants/cena_sociale/
  • Payment options AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code Smart Casual
  • Executive chef Mario Alcocer
  • Private party facilities CENA SOCIALE CHEF’S TABLEThe ultimate dining experience! Custom five course dinner based on your favorite ingredients paired with selected wines. Only one table per night up to four guests at 6:30pm in Cena Sociale kitchen, please reserve your table in advance.
  • Location 26Km al Norte del Doit Centre, Liberia, Guanacaste 00000
  • Neighborhood Sardinal
  • Parking details None
  • Additional Banquet, Beer, Chef's Table, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

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  • 4.6 Service
  • 4.6 Ambience

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Cena Sociale – Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is rated 4.5 stars by 15 OpenTable diners.

26Km al Norte del Doit Centre, Liberia, Guanacaste 00000

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IMAGES

  1. 10 Awesome Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica

    costa rica tours near liberia

  2. A Complete Guide to Visiting Liberia, Costa Rica

    costa rica tours near liberia

  3. Secret Costa Rica waterfall near Liberia: Llanos de Cortes

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  4. evoJets Travel Guide to Liberia, Costa Rica

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  5. The 10 Most breathtaking Waterfalls near Liberia, Costa Rica

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  6. The 10 Most breathtaking Waterfalls near Liberia, Costa Rica

    costa rica tours near liberia

VIDEO

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  2. Liberia international airport waiting for ? #costarica #コスタリカ #beachlife #airport

  3. The Best Coffee Tour Experience in Costa Rica!

  4. Bushrod Island 2, Monrovia, Liberia

  5. Costa Rica Hot Springs at Rincon de la Vieja

  6. One day tour in Costa Rica

COMMENTS

  1. THE 10 BEST Liberia Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    Arenal volcano- rainforest - Hanging bridges-waterfall-hotsprings. 24. Palo Verde National Park River Jungle Safari. Take in the highlights of Palo Verde National Park and its surroundings with the benefit of a half-day tour from Liberia…. 25. Whitewater River Rafting and Class Best Rafting in Guanacaste.

  2. 10 Best Costa Rica Tours & Trips from Liberia

    Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica. 4.7 (3 reviews) It was a fun tour put together. The name of this tour pretty much is what says, in which you see many different waterfalls and forest areas around the Ricon de la Vieja National Park, Monteverde, and Arenal volcano near La Fortuna.

  3. 10 Awesome Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica

    10 Best Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica. 1. Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Boiling mud pot in Rincon de la Vieja national park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Around an hour and 15 minutes away from Liberia (60 km/37 miles) is the incredible Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park.

  4. 10 Best Liberia Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Browse the best tours in Liberia with 66 reviews visiting places like Liberia and Monteverde. All Major Brands. Biggest selection. ... It was enjoyable to have a guide native to Costa Rica. I don't think we could have had a better guide! Destinations Liberia, Nosara, Playa Tamarindo +1 more Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Country Region

  5. THE TOP 10 Liberia Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    5-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Adventure Day Tour. 3. This experience offers a full day of outdoor adventure in Vieja National Park. After hotel pickup, head straight for the national park, where you'll take part in four adventure sports activities: ziplining, canyoning, tubing, and horseback riding.

  6. Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from Guanacaste

    Experience the thrill of hiking near one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere! On this full-day trip from Guanacaste, get an up-close view of Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape. Rejuvenate with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar evening views of the volcano and emerging stars. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste included.

  7. The BEST Liberia, Costa Rica Tours 2023

    These Liberia, Costa Rica Tours are taking additional COVID-19 precautions: Horseback Riding Tour to the Oropéndola Waterfall; Guanacaste: Sensoria Rainforest Walking and Thermals Tour; Rincón de la Vieja: One-Day Nature Tour; Liberia: Ziplining, River Tubing, and Horseback Riding Trip; Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Natural Volcanic Spa

  8. The BEST Liberia, Costa Rica Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    6. Liberia: Ziplining, River Tubing, and Horseback Riding Trip. There are four main activities during this day of adventure: canopy (zip line) tour and rappelling through the Rio Blanco Canyon, a tubing adventure on the Rio Negro River with class 3 rapids, a horseback riding Costa Rica adventure, and relaxing with volcano-heated thermal waters, steam, and mud bath.

  9. Costa Rica 11 Day See and Experience it All 2023

    Spend an 11-day adventure in Costa Rica, experiencing a variety of pre-arranged experiences, and traveling first class. This is a small group tour (max 8 guests) so you'll make friends with those you're adventuring with. Attractions include canyoning, sunset Catamaran cruises, hiking around volcanoes, surf lessons, partying in Tamarindo and more.

  10. The BEST Liberia, Costa Rica Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    5. Liberia: Ziplining, River Tubing, and Horseback Riding Trip. There are four main activities during this day of adventure: canopy (zip line) tour and rappelling through the Rio Blanco Canyon, a tubing adventure on the Rio Negro River with class 3 rapids, a horseback riding Costa Rica adventure, and relaxing with volcano-heated thermal waters, steam, and mud bath.

  11. Liberia Costa Rica Tours and Activities

    A slow float down the Tempisque River allows for ideal nature observation, as does an early morning bird watching trip. Cultural activities include a tour of the town of Liberia and even a one-day outing to the historical Nicaraguan city of Granada. During these, you'll be led down century-old streets and visit important cultural attractions ...

  12. Uncover Your Adventure: 10 Day Itinerary Costa Rica from Liberia

    Experience the best of Costa Rica with this 10 day itinerary from Liberia airport. Explore diverse ecosystems, including cloud forests, volcanoes, and beaches. Enjoy thrilling activities like zip-lining, hiking, and white water rafting. Relax and rejuvenate in hot springs and natural waterfalls. Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's rich ...

  13. Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary (From Liberia): The Best Highlights

    Day 1: Fly in to Liberia - Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls. Day 2: Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Oropendola Waterfall. Day 3: Liberia to Monteverde - Monteverde Night Walk. Day 4: Monteverde - Zip-lining and Hanging Bridges. Day 5: Monteverde - Bird-watching and Cloud Forest Hiking.

  14. Pura Vida

    9 Towns Near Liberia Costa Rica With A Beach- [Best] Beaches, Tours, Playa. The beaches in Liberia, Costa Rica, have pristine white sands, making for a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. The waves are big and rough, and the beach is popular with surfers. However, the beach town itself has a calm feeling to it.

  15. 14 Fun & Best Things to Do in Liberia, Costa Rica

    See Related: Best Beaches in Costa Rica. 3. Immaculate Church of Concepcion de Maria. Image by José David Leiva / CC BY 3.0. Address: JHH6+XW5, Guanacaste Province, Liberia, Costa Rica. There are people of all religions living in Costa Rica, but most Costa Ricans identify as Catholic.

  16. THE 10 BEST Liberia Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    C$338. per group. 22. Palo Verde National Park River Jungle Safari. 28. Bus Tours. 6-7 hours. Take in the highlights of Palo Verde National Park and its surroundings with the benefit of a half-day tour from Liberia…. Free cancellation.

  17. Liberia, Costa Rica Volcano tours

    6. Liberia: Ziplining, River Tubing, and Horseback Riding Trip. There are four main activities during this day of adventure: canopy (zip line) tour and rappelling through the Rio Blanco Canyon, a tubing adventure on the Rio Negro River with class 3 rapids, a horseback riding Costa Rica adventure, and relaxing with volcano-heated thermal waters, steam, and mud bath.

  18. Liberia

    The best travel tips for visiting Liberia. Most travellers use Liberia as a jumping-off point for the Rincón de la Vieja and Santa Rosa national parks, an overnight stop to or from the beaches of Guanacaste, or a break on the way to Nicaragua.. That said, Liberia is an appealing city, particularly if you explore on foot in the shade of its numerous mango trees.

  19. Ecotourism Tours in Costa Rica: Eco Things To Do Near Liberia

    Palo Verde National Park - eco tourist's dream. One of the most memorable eco-tours in Liberia, this excursion takes you exploring Palo Verde. It's one of the largest national parks in Costa Rica. This incredible place takes your breath away with 15 natural habitats, lush vegetation, and fascinating wildlife. An experienced guide will ...

  20. Top 11 Beach Towns Near Liberia Costa Rica

    Best Beach Towns Near Liberia, Costa Rica. 1. Playas Del Coco. Playas del Coco, Costa Rica is a great choice for anyone looking to have an unforgettable beach vacation that doesn't want to travel far from the airport. Located only a few miles away from Liberia International Airport, Playas del Coco is the closest beach town to the airport you ...

  21. Liberia Travels Costa Rica

    Liberia Travels Costa Rica is one of the most advantage ways to explore Costa Rica All in One day experience. We are a group of professional and passionate people constantly innovating based on executive service, added value, hand to hand creating customize tours, based on culture and eco-friendly behavior. +506 8309-6917.

  22. Liberia, Costa Rica Private tours

    Book the most popular Private tours in Liberia, Costa Rica. Best price and money back guarantee! Read the reviews of your fellow travelers.

  23. Liberia to Jaco

    2. Re: Liberia to Jaco. Apr 11, 2024, 9:14 PM. Save. Shawn, Liberia airport to Jaco is about 200 km and might take you about 3.5 hrs.

  24. Liberia Costa Rica Airport Guide

    The Liberia airport is actually located near the town of Liberia, about 20 km or 30 minutes drive just east of many of the Guanacaste pacific beach destinations such as the Papagayo Peninsula ...

  25. Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

    Get menu, photos and location information for Cena Sociale - Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo in Liberia, Guanacaste. Or book now at one of our other 453 great restaurants in Liberia. Cena Sociale - Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Casual Elegant Contemporary Italian cuisine.