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Climate: Warm and dry, the dry season runs November through April.
Average Temperature: 82°F and moderately humid, coastal daytime average: 91°, mountains: 70°
See North Pacific Weather Region
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North Pacific: Best Known For...
Places to See in the North Pacific Region
Things to Do in the North Pacific Region
The North Pacific Tourism Region encompasses the northwestern part of Costa Rica, ranging north to south from the Nicaraguan border to the central port town of Puntarenas, and includes the entire Nicoya Peninsula. Several islands in the Gulf of Nicoya and Isla del Coco are also part of this region. To the east, the area is bordered by the majestic Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range and to the west, some of the most secluded and undiscovered beaches in Costa Rica.
In the past, these undeveloped beaches were even less frequented, but with the recent construction of the Tempisque River Bridge, funded by the Taiwanese government, locals and tourists alike have easier access to the Nicoya Peninsula. Peninsula tourism has also increased thanks to daily flights and a ferry that connects Puntarenas to Montezuma, Malpais, Santa Teresa and Tambor.
Northern Guanacaste’s northernmost beaches begin with Santa Rosa National Park’s sandy strips and surf paradises – world famous Witches’ Rock and Ollie’s Point are located within the park’s boundaries. Farther south, the Gulf of Papagayo, Playa Panama, Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco join together in a burst of golden sunsets, howling monkeys and spectacular underwater scuba diving adventures.
Just north of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Gold Coast lines Guanacaste’s North Pacific shores with a picturesque stretch of beaches and seaside communities. From south to north, this alluring expanse of coastline includes Playa Negra, Avellanas, Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Playa Conchal, Flamingo Beach and Potrero. The Gold Coast gives visitors the choice of thrilling adventure travel, world-class golfing, relaxing nature offerings, excellent entertainment and fine dining.
The region is also known for its active volcanoes, tropical dry forests (this is one of the driest areas in Costa Rica), wildlife reserves and national parks. Palo Verde National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Santa Rosa National Park and Barra Honda National Park top the region’s most-visited list, offering between them thousands of wildlife species, several active volcanic craters, miles of caves and spectacular vistas. Looming high in the sky, Orosi Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Miravalles Volcano, Tenorio Volcano and Santa Maria Volcano watch over the parks and forests below.
Just off the Pacific Coast, numerous islands rise amidst clear, turquoise waters, the perfect medium for snorkeling, scuba diving or taking a relaxing afternoon swim. Most popular among the area’s guests, Tortuga, San Lucas and Chira Island serve not only as beautiful daytrips, but also as winter nesting grounds for unusual birds like the roseate spoonbill, blue-footed boobies and peregrine falcons.
Along the Nicoya Peninsula’s northern shores, Ostional Wildlife Refuge’s Olive Ridley sea turtles are considered a must see. They come ashore seasonally in arribadas – large groups over a small period of time – sometimes by the thousands. Leatherback sea turtles nest between October and March at Playa Grande, and evening turtle tours can be arranged with rangers at Las Baulas Marine Park. Volunteers are invited for long-term stays to aid the turtles in the egg laying and hatching process.
Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste Province, is the northernmost large city. Museums, markets, restaurants and top-notch resorts entertain even the most seasoned tourist. International flights into Liberia began in 2002, and the Daniel Oduber International Airport now welcomes direct flights from the United States, Canada and many European nations. Regional airports serve area towns as well, including Tamarindo, Tambor and Nosara.
Southwest of Liberia, the town of Nicoya was Costa Rica’s first colonial city and was once the center of the native Chorotega culture: pre-Columbian descendents of the Olmecs of Mexico. Now the city of Nicoya is the cultural center of Guanacaste Province, hosting the oldest church in Costa Rica and many ancient artifacts now displayed in museums. Pleasant and friendly, Nicoya serves primarily as a gateway south to the Nicoya Peninsula or northeast to Barra Honda National Park’s famous caves.
Sabanero, or cowboy, culture is a way of life in Guanacaste, especially in the northern grasslands near Rincon de la Vieja and the open fields just inland from the coast. At one time, farms and haciendas dominated the landscape, though many have now given way to resorts, hotels and housing. The cowboy legend lives on in the incredible hand-stacked, mortar-free stone fences and walls that line property boundaries. Tourists are invited to experience ranch life first hand: participating in cattle drives, horseback riding, or farming for a day on one of Guanacaste’s still-working ranches.
Cowboy culture is not the only factor unique to Guanacaste; in fact, Costa Rica’s most northern region has a distinct feel and flavor all its own. Once a part of Nicaragua, the North Pacific Tourism Region is the hottest and driest in the country. As you travel west into the area, the Central Valley’s steep mountainous roads give way to wide-open savannah where grasslands and tropical dry forest dominate. Myriad ecosystems exist here – Palo Verde National Park alone is home to 15 – and include white sand beaches, dry grasslands, marshy swamps and volcanic rubble.
Guanacaste observes very distinct wet and dry seasons, and during its hotter and drier months (November through April), it is uncommon to see even a drop of rain. Roads are lined with dust and brown leaves (deciduous trees drop their leaves during the hottest and driest months) during the dry season, while the green season downpours turn even the lowlands into lush green paradise. The only exception to this rule is the southern Nicoya Peninsula, which receives more rain than its northern neighbors, even during the dry season.
Only a two-hour drive from San Jose, the city of Puntarenas is one of the most visited destinations on the coast. Puntarenas city sits on a three-mile long peninsula that reaches out into the Gulf of Nicoya. There are brown sand beaches and dozens of shops, markets and street vendors. Along the breezy seaside boardwalk, visitors will find fresh seafood (try the ceviche!) and plenty of souvenir stands. A car and passenger ferry runs several times daily between Puntarenas and the Nicoya Peninsula.
The North Pacific Tourism Region is arguably the most diverse in Costa Rica, inviting visitors to enjoy turquoise waters, gentle beaches, active volcanoes, extensive caves, historical sights and nesting turtles. Bursting with ecotourism options, the province combines the country’s most ideal weather with diverse habitats, adventure travel and native wildlife, creating memories and experiences that are impossible to forget.
The North Pacific Tourism Region is Best Known For:
Year-round surf & championship golfing
Phenomenal sport fishing
Caving in Barra Honda National Park
Cowboy culture at Rincon de la Vieja
Nesting Olive Ridley and leatherback sea turtles
Volcano hiking
Hot Spots:
Guanacaste's Gold Coast Beaches
Gulf of Papagayo
Playa del Coco
Tamarindo
Playa Flamingo
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Places to See:
Most Popular Beaches: Guanacaste's Gold Coast Beaches, Gulf of Papagayo, Playa del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Ostional, Playa Samara, Montezuma.
Other Beaches: Playa Pochotes, Playa Naranjo, Playa Panama, Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal, Playa Pan de Azucar, Playa Brasilito, Playa Grande, Playa Avellana, Playa Junquillal, Playa Azul, Playa Nosara, Playa Guiones, Playa Garza, Playa Buena Vista, Playa Carrillo, Playa Bejuco, Playa San Miguel, Playa Coyote, Playa Caletas, Playa Bongo, Playa Manzanillo, Playa Santa Teresa, Malpaís, Playa Balsitas, Playa Tambor, Playa Camarita, Puntarenas.
Museums:
Historical Museum Casona de Santa Rosa: The 1856 battle of Santa Rosa is depicted in this museum. Considered Costa Rica’s most important historic site, located in Santa Rosa National Park.
Abangares Gold Mines Eco-Museum: Features an outdoor display of equipment associated with the gold fever that burned in the country at the turn of the century.
Museum of the Sabanero: A tribute to the history and spirit of the Costa Rican Sabanero, or cowboy.
Parks and Reserves:
Las Baulas National Marine Park: Known as one of the largest leatherback turtle nesting sites in the world – visit between October and March for best turtle viewing.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Home to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and one of the most diverse and enjoyable parks for hiking and exploring.
Palo Verde National Park: A diverse and ecologically important wetland sanctuary, home to at least 300 bird species and 250,000 migratory birds.
Ostional Wildlife Refuge: One of the largest nesting sites for the Olive Ridley and leatherback turtles in Costa Rica.
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: The oldest protected piece of land in Costa Rica, it today provides a safe haven for diverse animal and plant species.
Santa Rosa National Park: The grandfather of the Costa Rican national parks system because it is the first parkland the people of Costa Rican protected as their own.
Other Protected Areas: Isla Bolanos Wildlife Refuge, Tenorio National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Barra Honda National Park, Monte Alto, Diria National Park, Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, Werner Sauter Wildlife Refuge, Las Pumas, Cocos Island National Park, Curu Wildlife Refuge, Negritos Islands Biological Reserve, Pajaros Island Biological Reserve, Guayabo Island Biological Reserve, Romelia Wildlife Refuge, Nicolas Wessberg Absolute Natural Reserve, Ensenada Wildlife Refuge.
Volcanoes: Cacao, Miravalles, Orosi, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio
Hot Springs: Rincon de la Vieja’s Las Pailas entrance will direct you to the legendary, restorative hot springs.
Waterfalls: Blue Lake Waterfall (90 ft. high) and Hidden Waterfalls, both located in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, are celestial blue because of the copper in the water. Waterfall lovers will find cascades throughout the region; it is best to ask your hotel which ones are closest.
Things to Do:
Air Activities: Canopy tours and parasailing
Land Activities: Golfing, bird & wildlife watching, ATV tours, hiking, turtle tours, tennis, horseback riding, caving, day spas, mountain biking, shopping
Water Activities: Sport fishing, rafting, diving and snorkeling, boating, canoeing and sea kayaking, surfing, tubing, hot springs, river tours, sailboat and sunset tours.
See also: North Pacific Surf Breaks
Read our North Pacific Region Travel Blogs:
Papagayo, Playas Hermosa and Coco & Rincon de la Vieja (Aug. 2008)
Guanacaste Gold Coast Beaches (December 2007)
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