Liberia

This once sleepy cowboy town is in the process of a comprehensive metamorphosis that is transforming the old colonial town into a modern-day tourism hub. The recent opening of the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is just one of many signs that life in Liberia is changing. The international airport, Costa Rica's second, serves the famed beach destinations of Guanacaste and Nicoya. Yet, with a population of only 40,000, Liberia is still a small town at heart.

Hotels in Liberia Costa Rica ~ Tours and Activities in Liberia Costa Rica ~ Transportation in Liberia Costa Rica

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Liberia Information

Because of its excellent facilities and close proximity to scores of attractions, Liberia is an ideal stopover for all visitors. Tamarindo and the rest of the Nicoya Peninsula’s popular Beaches are in close proximity, as are a number of national Parks: Rincon de La Vieja, Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, Barra Honda and Palo Verde.

Liberia, surrounded by ranches, plays a vital role in Costa Rica’s cattle industry, providing a market for farmer’s goods both locally and abroad. The town’s ubiquitous cowboy culture is central to Liberia’s identity. Rodeos are a timeless tradition in Guanacaste and the most popular of sporting events, drawing locals from all over the region intrigued by the chance to see brave cowboys hurled to the ground by infuriated bucking bulls.

Liberia is one of Costa Rica’s oldest towns, a fact that is clearly visible in its colonial appearance. The buildings feature red tile roofs atop whitewashed walls. It’s no wonder that Liberia is known as the “White City”.

Downtown Liberia is abounding with good food, bars, entertainment, and accommodations. Broad avenues and sensible city planning make for easy navigation to the town’s numerous attractions. The historic church of Iglesia de la Agonía, the town’s oldest, is a relic from the past colonial era. The white exterior is beautifully adorned in typical Spanish fashion, sporting twin pillars and an arched entrance. The Sabaneros Museum (Museo de Sabaneros) pays homage to Guanacaste’s cowboy roots. The surrounding blocks makeup Liberia’s oldest neighborhood which is comprised of old colonial style houses that were constructed over a century and a half ago. There is no shortage of architectural gems.

Guanacaste Day, observed on July 25th, celebrates the province’s independence from neighboring Nicaragua in 1812. Celebrations are marked by an annual horse parade, bullfight and rural fair, making for a very lively fiesta.

Liberia offers a wide array of accommodations that meet the needs of travelers on any budget. Hotels often get busy during dry season, so visitors are advised to make reservations weeks in advance.

The nation’s second airport, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport receives flights from a number of major U.S. Cities such as Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta. The airport is currently undergoing renovations that will expand its capacity, eventually resulting in more international flights. Connecting flights are offered to a number of smaller airfields around the country.

Driving from San José is usually a 4.5 hour endeavor along the Inter-American Highway, over a span of 145 miles (234 km). Bus terminals in Liberia are numerous, offering country-wide transportation throughout the work day. Car rentals are available at the Airport.