The country's North
Pacific, comprising the Province of Guanacaste and Peninsula
of Nicoya, is a region of the country where high levels
of tourism arrivals mingle with traditions and typical
elements, characteristic of the Guanacaste province.
Among these, the figure of the "sabanero"
stands out, with his joviality and skill in handling
cattle. It is for this reason that in the region's "fiestas
patronales" (county fair), corridas (rodeos) and
bull mounts are a must. The fairs always include a great
variety of typical cuisine based mainly on corn.
The north pacific
region has a strong influence in Costa Rican history,
beginning in the colonial period. Santa Rosa National
Park was scenario of three important battles one of
which back in 1.856, meant for the victorious Costa
Ricans, the conquest of national sovereignty over the
attacks of foreign invaders.
Geologically, the region harbors some of the oldest
formations in the country, such as the caverns of
Barra Honda National Park with its many stalactites
and stalagmites. The park also protects important
extensions of dry tropical forest, most of which is
in regeneration. In the summer time, the decidious
trees loose their foilage creating a very diverse
landscape, almost dessert-like, in the months of November
through May. In the months of June through October,
when the rivers recover their flow these forests flourish
into diverse tonalities of green. Some typical flora
of the northern region are Guanacaste, the national
tree; the savanna oak and the naked Indian tree, commonIy
named due to its intense reddish colored trunk.
Some of the region's
protected areas possess worldwide importance for the protection
of wildlife species and constitute observation areas of
great interest. This is the case of the Baula Turtle, in
Playa Grander the avi-fauna in the lagoons of Palo Verde
National Park; and the nesting of the Lora Turtle in the
Nancite and Ostional beaches. National parks such as Volcán
Rincón de la Vieja also offer unique sites with their
hot mud pools and fumaroles in constant activity.With its many beaches, the North Pacific
constitutes one of Costa Rica's most important tourism areas
and the presence of a diversity in tourism infrastructure
that includes five star services and some of the best places
to practice golf and sport fishing, combines with natural
setting and a myriad of small quaint properties. Marine
currents that dredge nutrients from the ocean's depths,
facilitate the existence of a rich marine biodiversity,
favoring the abundance of species like the swordfish, the
marlin and the dorado. Near the city of Liberia one of the
main access points to the different attractions of the region
stands Daniel Oduber International Airport which offers
direct international access to the region. The International
American highway, in excellent condition also communicates
this city with the country's capital.
Guanacaste's
beaches, full of sun and activity, offer all types of outdoor
activities, including surfing, kayaking, swimming, diving,
snorkeling and horseback riding,. Some of these beaches are
true tourist destinations, such is the case of Tamarindo and
El Coco, while others are characterized by their remoteness.
All however, seem to be made just for sports and sun lovers.
