Awesome Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica
In the middle of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is the city of Liberia. It’s dubbed La Ciudad Blanca (the white city) due to the white gravel utilized on the city’s streets as well as the whitewashed structures around the town.
You could be in the area on your travels, since it is one of the two airports that are international in Costa Rica. It is a great place to start your trip, even if you don’t intend to stay within the capital city.
Liberia truly is an entry point to the stunning beautiful landscape in Costa Rica as it’s centrally situated with plenty of easy day trips within a short distance. If you’re here at the beginning of your adventure or towards the end of it, there’s plenty that will keep you busy and fit in another excursion.
For you, to help make your trip more enjoyable, I’ve put together the top 10 places to go in Liberia. It covers everything from tours to visiting a one of the breathtaking waterfalls of Costa Rica, a mini-African safari, fantastic places to drink craft beers and an amazing art gallery that is easily accessible from Liberia. I hope this provides you with some ideas to plan your own memorable Costa Rican adventure.
There are several places to discover and learn more about this place. So, if you’re visiting and taking flights from Chicago to Liberia, then take a stroll of the entire city and find out what’s hidden in those tiny bustling streets. Also, book your tickets with Lowest Flight Fare to avail impressive deals.
Best Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica
1. Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
Just an hour and fifteen minutes off Liberia (60 kilometers/37 miles) is the amazing Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. It is, as the name implies, it is the home of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano which is an active volcano! However, the vast area (35,000 acres!) is also the home of waterfalls and hot springs and trails for hiking.
One of the most effective methods to explore this region is to take a full-day adventure tour. The tour includes transportation as well as thrilling activities such as ziplining across the forest canopy, spectacular waterfalls, horseback riding water slide as well as a spa day including a mud bath and hot springs. It even includes lunch!
If you’re planning to hike I would recommend the short 20-minute hike up to Las Pailas (boiling mud pots) A cool part of the region where the mud gets so hot that it bubbles in tiny pools! Another excellent trail can be found on one of the Catarata The La Cangreja route (about 3 miles in each direction) that will lead to a stunning waterfall.
It is accessible from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays) and is priced at $17 USD per adult or $5.60 USD for children — in the event that you don’t have a scheduled tour. While you can visit the park by yourself, guided tours are very popular in this area.
2. Parque Mario Canas Ruiz
In the heart of the Old Town area of Liberia is Parque Mario Canas Ruiz. You can spot the gazebo that has a red roof and a white-stone fountain!
This is a fantastic spot to visit in order to experience the city with its street vendors and food trucks. There’s usually live music at the main stage. It’s a hot place for tourists and locals alike.
The park is where you’ll see in the park the Central Church of Liberia (pictured above.) This impressive cathedral stands out because of its all-white coloring and design.
Parque Mario Canas Ruiz is great during the day and at night to take a bite to eat and then sit down in one of the benches nearby.
3. Visit a Local Brewery
There’s nothing I enjoy more than tasting a little of the local region by drinking a good craft beers. Two breweries are located close to Airports in Liberia, which are excellent places to enjoy a refreshing drink while waiting to board your plane. It’s possible that you will like it so that you’ll buy a few cans to bring with you on your journey to Costa Rica or take home!
Numu Brewing Company is located in an industrial area near to an airport. Their full-flavored beers are influenced from and inspired by the Costa Rican climate and feature tropical fruits. You can sample a few of the many beers on the tap, or grab cans to take with you, too. Some of the most popular here are Chorotega IPA, which is a Chorotega IPA with hints of tropical fruits, paired with a distinct hops taste and The Liberiana Kölsch with a subtle maltiness and fruity aroma.
Captain J Match Brewing Company is located in the Liberia airport region and is a microbrewery that is growing in recognition. The beer is designed to reflect what is known as the Guanacaste part of Guanacaste and is brewed with local tastes. Take a look at one of the Flamingo Mosaic Pale Ale or the refreshing San Juanillo Summer Ale. The proprietor here is fantastic too, and will walk on the journey of making the different beers are created.
Related read: Read about the top activities to enjoy in Montezuma to find additional local breweries worth visiting.
4. Hidden Garden Art Gallery
The gallery showcases the way artists express beautiful scenes of Costa Rica through paintings and sculptures. Each room is divided into various styles, some of which feature more geometric designs and others featuring stunning underwater photos.
5. Ponderosa Adventure Park
Just 15 minutes away from within the town, Ponderosa Adventure Park is an excellent place to take all the family members in Liberia. The most popular highlight is the safari trip with animals such as zebras and giraffes, There are also zipline and waterfall tours available as well.
Take some time to explore the splendid attractions of this place, and make your trip worthwhile. While booking your flights from New York to Barbados, don’t just fool around restaurants and tall buildings. Instead, take a good note of what’s under the table.