Vacations to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province are sure to delight the senses…
Declaring independence in 1821, Guanacaste, Costa Rica is an area rich in history, breathtaking landscape, music and legends.
The regional name of Guanacaste was taken from the word quahnacaztian for the Guanacaste tree, or locally known as the ear pod tree, which is the official tree of Costa Rica. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Nicaragua, the Alajuela and Puntarenas Provinces, Guanacaste is the top destination for tourists in Costa Rica. The dry tropical temperature, natural hot springs, white sandy beaches and lush mountain ranges beckon travelers from across the world. Travel to this area is bound to surprise vacationers with the abundance of available activities.
If the lazy days of summer or water sports are on the travel agenda, vacations to Guanacaste offer some of the most dazzling beaches worldwide. Relaxing on the beach, surfing, snorkeling or horseback riding are all activities that will provide a view of the region like no other. If something a little more challenging is preferred, prime fishing is available along the Catalina Islands. Blue and black marlin, sailfish and mahi mahi are found off the Tamarindo and Flamingo beaches while fishing for big-game is possible approximately ten to forty miles offshore.
A spelunkers dream is the Barra Honda National Park which is home to limestone caverns. What sets it apart is the limestone foundation rather than the volcanic stone found in the majority of Costa Rica. Ranging from a few feet in depth to more than 780 feet the Pozo Hediondo Cave or Fetid Pit derived its name from the fragrance of guano deposits left by its many inhabitants and was originally thought to be a volcano due to the resounding noise made as the departing bats left collectively. The park is also home to a number of well-maintained hiking trails allowing access to the tropical dry forest, which is considered among the more exceptional areas on earth. Vacations are bound to be enhanced when spotting howler and capuchin monkeys, peccaries, agoutis and anteaters.
To truly understand an area all vacations should include a trip to one of the many Guanacaste’s museums. San Jose is home to a number of impressive and historical museums such as the Museo Nacional or National Museum. Constructed around an old fort, the 1948 Civil War bullet holes are still present. Art connoisseurs will not want to miss the Museo de Arte Costarricense. The exterior and interior architecture will be as interesting and delightful as the exhibited sculptures and paintings which consist of some of Costa Rica’s finest art.
