Liberia, Costa Rica

Liberia, Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Liberia, both the capital and largest city of Guanacaste province, is – despite its lower profile – the country's major center for tourism, as well as a regional hub of Costa Rica's northwest. The town attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings, interesting architectural heritage, and a rich culture that is yours to be explored.

Population:

56,900

Currency:

1 Colón = 100 Céntimos

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency Number: 911
Police: 117
Ambulance: 128
Fire Brigade: 118

Opening Hours:

Opening hours in Liberia significantly vary from business but most shops are open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Bigger shops may open on Sundays as well, while smaller ones may also close for midday breaks.

Newspapers:

The Costa Rica News
The Tico Times
Al Día
Diario Extra
La Nación

The City

Nicknamed 'la ciudad blanca' ("the white city"), after the white gravel that was once used to build the city's roads and the bleached colonial houses, the city no longer retains much of its white hue, despite many of the buildings still standing. Thousands of tourists flock to Liberia every year, and in contrast to old-time travelers who used to pitch their tents here centuries ago, the visitors of today see Liberia as not just a stopover on a longer journey, but a prime destination for experiencing the rich and diverse culture of the country's high north.

Liberia experienced around 150 years of a most interesting history: founded in 1769 as a strategic settlement between the roads leading from Rivas, Bagaces and Nicoya, the city not only formed itself without a legal act, but was also caught in between the countries of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Holding ties with Nicaragua until 1826, Liberia (formerly Guanacaste, until 1854) grew in importance that further increased after being adjoined to Costa Rica, and it has held the status ever since.

Today, Liberia's city center features modern buildings as well as multiple attractions of its unique cultural heritage, while the surroundings boast beautiful nature with a rich flora and fauna, that is best experienced one step at a time.

Do & See

With its historic buildings and a growing cultural scene, Liberia boasts a lot of opportunities to learn about its rich history and culture – start your stroll at Calle Real, Liberia's oldest street, to see where it all began, and where renovation and expansion are already planned ahead. The town makes an excellent launch pad for exploring the nature and beaches nearby (and farther afield), as well as getting around the impressive province of Guanacaste for a deep dive into the diversity of Costa Rica and its unfathomably beautiful nature.

Dining

Dining in Liberia can be as distinct as its culture, and as most Costa Ricans love good food, dining out can become a great opportunity to mingle with locals. Make sure to try jugo de caña (sugar cane juice) and copos (snow cones), and take a stroll around town to locate your own hidden gems of authentic cooking.

Cafes

Coffee has played a key role in Costa Rica for ages, playing a part in the country's history as well as Liberia's cafe lineup. Most cafes do not only serve the black bean's best drink, but also sweet and savory treats that come in the Costa Rican tradition, along with specialties from all over the globe.