Liberia

Air:

In 2012, Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport inaugurated a new airport terminal, upgrading the airport's rating from Class F to Class B. Air Berlin, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and U.S. Airways make international flights to Liberia; regional carriers include Nature Air and Sansa.

Bus:

From San Jose: $6.85; every hour 6:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.; 4 hours. Departs from the Pulmitan terminal at Calle 14, Avenida 5/7. 2222-1650.

To San Jose: $6.85; every hour 3:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m., every two hours 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Departs from the main bus terminal. 2666-0458.

Car:

From San Jose or the Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela, take the Interamerican Highway (Route 1) west, following signs to Liberia. The trip from San Jose to downtown Liberia takes approximately 3.5 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

Abbocato

Housed on a small ranch, this intimate eatery is known for its excellent service and tasty fusion cuisine. Co-owners and co-chefs, Paola and Andrea provide a personal touch to Abbocato's dining experience, which is considered one of the most romantic in the Liberia area. Guests are surrounded by beautiful views, which often include monkeys frolicking in the trees. Abbocato's fixed menu is one of the city's best values, offering exquisite dishes like slow-roasted rack of lamb, seared tuna, grilled sesame shrimp, and ginger-pineapple creme brulee.

Baulas

Named after the famed leatherback sea turtles that come to lay eggs on Costa Rican shores each year, Baulas restaurant is the ideal under-the-radar hangout for inexpensive chicken burritos and beer. It is rarely crowded before 11:00 p.m. Karaoke night seems to happen whenever there are willing participants, and with the cheapest beer in town, who wouldn’t be willing?

Cafe Liberia

Conveniently located in the heart of Liberia, this cozy cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of joe with a friend – or with your computer. Wireless Internet, an extensive book exchange, and foreign newspapers, including The New York Times, are just a few of the comforts Cafe Liberia provides. Portions are medium-sized but light, and include panini-style sandwiches, crepes, soups, bagels, quiches and salads. Located a block south of Banco Nacional.

Cafe Ole

Run by a friendly woman with Peruvian roots, Cafe Ole offers exquisite pies, tarts, cookies, brownies, sandwiches and coffee milkshakes at reasonable prices.  Mosaic tile floors, antique ceiling lamps, and walls filled with art give this isolated nook a welcoming environment.  Enormous slices of mouth-watering apple pie, chocolate tiramisu, cheesecake, peach souffle and numerous other treats are offered on a rotating schedule.  While extremely small in size, Cafe Ole boasts some of the best brews in all of Liberia and should not be overlooked.

Casa Verde Restaurant and Lounge Bar

Casa Verde is a modestly priced eatery disguised as a posh, elegant restaurant. Water served in green frosted-glass bottles and candle lit tables adorned with fresh flowers help create an elegant ambiance. The chef features a wide variety of dishes that include succulent steak, New Zealand-style fish and chips, and chifrijo (rice, beans, pork, and pico de gallo served in a bowl).  Be sure to enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing mojito while lounging on one of their comfy couches.  The establishment is located down a small dirt road next to El Punto hotel, to the left of Plaza Santa Rosa.

Flor de Liz

Flor de Liz is a tranquil and secluded family-operated eatery, offering by far the best meat plates in town.  Dishes are so intricate and complex that perusing the menu is like reading a miniature novel.  This is a small price to pay for the best beef and most savory wine in the city.  Sorento-style fillet medallions come highly recommended.  Flor de Liz is located across from Pizza Pronto, two blocks south and one block east of the park.

Inka’s House

Inka’s House offers traditional Peruvian dishes ranging from garlic chicken and ceviche to seafood soup and beef tips with tomatoes.  All items on the menu come in large portions and are reasonably priced.  The location is unbeatable, just in front of the west end of Central Park next to the ice cream shop.  The owners are friendly and more than willing to regale you with tales about the history, food, culture and art belonging to their country of origin.

La Mesa de Monique y Andre

Everything about an evening at La Mesa de Monique y Andre (Monique and Andre’s table) is intimate and memorable – and only one party at a time is allowed in the entire restaurant.   White port, served in shotglasses adorned with color changing lights, is offered by the pool.  Over the course of the evening, guests enjoy four varieties of wine, four appetizers, a soup and a salad, the main course, and lastly a succulent dessert. Such scrupulous and thorough preparation takes days to arrange; for this, La Mesa de Monique y Andre does not accept walk-ins.

Pizza Pronto

Just a few blocks from the central park, Pizza Pronto is well known in town for its fresh, organically grown ingredients. Dine on the patio near the typical Guanacastecan wood-fired ovens, or sit inside the 100 year-old house at thick tables and rustic, wild west-style bar stools. Splurge on a medium pizza, nearly twice the size of a small and only a dollar more. Pizza Pronto offers great vegetarian options – ask for fresh avocado slices on top. They also serve pasta, salad, sandwiches and cold beer. Located two blocks south and one block east of the park, across from Flor de Liz.

Taqueria Mazatlan

This relaxed hangout can be found in the Santa Rosa Plaza, across from Jumbo Supermarket.  Here, an Italian/Brazilian couple interestingly boasts the best Mexican food in town.  Mazatlan’s most popular plates are the Grande Quesadilla, the Nacho Fiesta, and the Enchilada.

Liberia’s nightlife is on the tame side, but it’s never boring.  Here are some worthwhile highlights:

Kuru Kuru

The only real dancing hotspot in Liberia, Kuru is located across the street from the Best Western El Sitio.  Kuru is a typical meringue disco with a huge dance floor surrounded by bench-like tables.  Cover charge is minimal.  Open Thursday through Sunday.

LIB

LIB is jam-packed on the weekends, and features distinctive pizza and tasty, albeit pricey, house drinks.  LIB headlines local live musicians and dancing on Fridays, so get there early to avoid dense crowds and costly cover charges. 

Farmers' Market

On a Thursday or Friday, hop in a taxi and direct the driver to the farmers' market, locally known as la feria. Held near the stadium, the market is a great place to practice Spanish – and bargaining skills. Mingle with the locals and buy some of the freshest fruits and vegetables at very affordable prices.

Hiking

Guided and self-guided hikes to the region's national parks and private reserves offer an excellent introduction to the natural wonders of Guanacaste. Liberia is a gateway to Guanacaste National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Barra Honda National Park, and Lomas de Barbudal Wildlife Refuge.

Safari Float

The tranquil Corobici River is ideal for a safari float – look for monkeys, birds and iguanas in the trees, and coatis near the riverbanks. Birdwatchers shouldn't miss a river float down the canals of Palo Verde National Park, home to 300 bird species throughout the year. Here, herons, spoonbills, toucans, scarlet macaws and egrets are spotted daily.

Sailing

Snorkeling and sunset sailing tours depart daily from Playa del Coco, located 30 minutes west of Liberia. Snorkeling trips, on catamarans or traditional sailboats, travel to the area's top underwater destinations, while sunset sails are perfect for romance and great sightseeing. Wildlife watching is top notch, as sea turtles, dolphins and the occasional whale are often observed. Some cruises include buffet meals and an open bar, making them ideal for festive celebrations.

Waterfall Rappelling

After a 45-minute horseback ride through the jungle wilds near Rincon de la Vieja National Park, visitors reach the magnificent Victoria Waterfall. Here, adventurers rappel down the waterfall, or test their courage in a series of descending free-fall jumps.

Whitewater Rafting

The class III-IV Tenorio River offers an unforgettable day of whitewater adventure. The 15-mile run takes approximately three hours, and starts with gentle rapids before transitioning to adrenaline-packed fun. Four-person rafts traverse the river's white-capped waves, dodging river rocks and testing rafters' mettle on eight-foot vertical drops.

As the cultural capital of Guanacaste, Liberia offers a wide range of lodging options. Travelers on a shoestring should head to the city's hostels and economy hotels, while mid-range and upscale visitors will enjoy Liberia's bed and breakfasts and large hotels.

Beaches:

About half an hour west of Liberia, visitors relax on the Gold Coast's sun-kissed sands. The beaches surrounding the Gulf of Papagayo are wonderful places to sunbathe, swim and snorkel, and include Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama, Playa del Coco and Playa Ocotal. Farther south you’ll find Playa Ostional, known for its mass turtle migrations, and the neighboring beaches of Nosara and Samara.

Landmarks:

Iglesia la Ermita de Nuestro Senor de la Agonia

This stunning church dates back to 1866.  It is blindingly white on a sunny day, typifying the whitewashed fashion that earns Liberia’s nickname of The White City.  The building’s museum is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and exhibits illustrate XIX century Liberian art, culture, and daily life through antique sculptures, clothes, books and furniture. To get there, follow Avenida Central away from the traffic light until it dead ends at the church. 

Central Park

A popular gathering spot for locals, central park is cozy and often hosts live music on weekends. Vendors sell refreshing cold coconuts from a pushcart, and benches offer a shady respite on a hot day.

Casa de Vico (Newspaper House)

Along Calle Central sits a building that the locals continuously plaster with newspaper clippings.  The building permits citizens of Liberia to express themselves uniquely and collectively, to powerfully render their city’s history with their bare hands. Many articles are ancient, and it is not uncommon to see a Liberian pasting over older pieces with more exciting and recent news. Located on Calle Real, two blocks north of the park.

Hacienda La Chacara

Though La Chacara Hacienda sits just five minutes from downtown Liberia, the secluded hacienda feels like a world apart. Guided tours introduce visitors to life on a working ranch – oxcart rides, races on horseback, and lessons in lassoing and roping young calves are just part of the fun. A traditional wooden home acts as the hacienda's museum, displaying pre-Columbian art, antique photos and tools used on early 20th-century farms.

La Casa de los Zuniga Clachar

Two blocks from the Newspaper House, headed away from the park, this old house is worthy of investigation for its ancient typical Costa Rican roof tiles alone.  While the dwelling is being renovated into a cafeteria, women’s gymnasium, massage and beauty parlor, and furniture expo, it will always be open for historians who wish to wander the grounds. Tel. 2666-1224

National Parks, Private Parks and Wildlife Refuges:

Africa Mia

Africa Mia safari park, the first and only zoo in Guanacaste, is a treat for the entire family. The private facility does not believe in caging wild animals, so residents – giraffes, zebras, and antelope – roam the open savannah. A complete tour includes a visit to El Salto waterfall, a wide ribbon of water that cascades into a natural pool below.

Guanacaste National Park

This 86,000-acre national park sits adjacent to Santa Rosa National Park, and hosts habitats from coastal dry forest to mountainous cloud forest at higher altitudes. Home to the Orosi and Cacao Volcanoes, as well as diverse wildlife and fantastic views, Guanacaste National Park offers visitors a slice of rural paradise. Since this is the primary domain of scientists and researchers, not tourists, visitors can hike all day without encountering a soul.

Palo Verde National Park

Home to 45,000 acres of wetlands and wildlife sanctuary, Palo Verde National Park is an important component of the larger Tempisque Megapark, which also encompasses Barra Honda National Park, Caballero Wildlife Refuge, Cipanci Wildlife Refuge, and Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve. More than 300 bird species, both migratory and resident, inhabit Palo Verde throughout the year, among them herons, egrets, toucans, storks, scarlet macaws, and spoonbills.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Serious hikers should not miss a hike to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The park's popular Las Pailas trail meanders past a waterfall, small volcanic crater, natural steam pools, and bubbling mud pots. For a serious challenge, adventurers brave the eight-hour hike to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, where isolated trails promise animal sightings and a stunning view of the crater. Be sure to go armed with plenty of snacks, water, and long pants – the grasslands of Rincon are full of ticks.

Santa Rosa National Park

One of the oldest national parks in the country, Santa Rosa’s dry tropical forests protect innumerable species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals ambling about watering holes. The park plays a vital role not only environmentally, but also historically. It was created in 1971 to protect the grounds of the momentous Battle of Santa Rosa. Take the Interamerican highway about 20 miles to Potrerillos. The entrance to Santa Rosa Sector is six miles past Potrerillos on the left.

Day Trips:

Barra Honda National Park

Go spelunking in Costa Rica's largest underground cave system! The subterranean labyrinth at Barra Honda National Park is estimated at over 50 million years old, and is full of spectacular rock formations and serpentine waterways. Though Barra Honda is located just 60 miles from Liberia, the park hike and spelunking constitutes a full-day excursion.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

One- and two-day tours depart daily from Liberia en route to Monteverde, Costa Rica's premier cloud forest destination. Here, visitors choose from exhilarating canopy tours, hanging bridges, and day and night hikes through beautiful forests. On a clear day, the view stretches down the mountains and out to the picturesque Gulf of Nicoya.

Phones

Payphones are located in the Santa Rosa Plaza, near the traffic light.  Cell phones work throughout Liberia.

Post Office

The local post office is one block north and three blocks west of the park, in front of the Guanacaste tree.  Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Saturday 7:30 a.m.- noon.

Internet

Visitors will find Internet cafes that provide high-speed connections for less than $1 an hour. Several cafes and restaurants offer patrons with laptops free wireless Internet.

Banks

Citibank is air conditioned with bilingual staff, and is usually less crowded; it is located at the end of the Avenida, at the traffic light across from the Burger King.  Along Avenida Central you will find a slew of banks including Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica, both of which have ATMs. There is also an HSBC ATM machine one block west of the SuperCompro by the park.

Hospital

Currently, there are two private hospitals in Liberia – Clinica Biblica (2667-0892) and the San Rafael Arcangel Medical Center (2666-1717). In 2012, a branch of San Jose's CIMA Hospital is also slated to open its doors. Liberia's public hospital (2666-0022) is located behind the stadium, northeast of the town center. For emergencies, call 2666-0318.