Santa Rosa National Park
The historic Casona, dry-forest trails and the remote beaches of Naranjo and Nancite, which are important for sea turtles. Access to some beaches is restricted.
Guanacaste · north-west Costa Rica
Guanacaste Conservation Area
A UNESCO site in north-west Costa Rica protecting dry forest, volcanoes, beaches and the history of Santa Rosa.
- UNESCO World Heritage, 1999
- About 165,000 ha
- Several parks in one area
- Santa Rosa, Rincón de la Vieja, Guanacaste
About the site
The Guanacaste Conservation Area is a large block of protected land in the north-west of Costa Rica, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. It protects the best remaining example of tropical dry forest in Central America and the processes of its recovery, together with volcanoes, rivers, beaches and sea turtle nesting sites.
It includes several national parks, among them Santa Rosa, Guanacaste and Rincón de la Vieja, and the Horizontes research station. Santa Rosa has the Casona, the historic hacienda where Costa Rica defeated a filibuster army in 1856, and the beach of Naranjo, which is a famous surf break and a turtle nesting site.
- The best dry forest in Central America
- The Casona of Santa Rosa and its history
- Rincón de la Vieja volcano and waterfalls
- Beaches with surfing and turtle nesting
Wildlife
Howler and white-faced monkeysCoyotesArmadillosOlive ridley and leatherback turtlesMany dry-forest birds
Parks and sectors in the area
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
The volcano, fumaroles, mud pots and waterfalls, described on its own page.
Guanacaste National Park
A quiet park on the slopes of the Orosi and Cacao volcanoes, mostly for research and for special visits with a guide.
Plan your visit
- Access
- Each park of the area has its own entrance, hours and rules. We tell you the conditions of the sector you want.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Best time
- The dry season from December to April, with hot days; the green season is wet but the forest is green and quiet.
- What to bring
- Sun protection, a hat, a lot of water, light long clothes and closed shoes.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC and UNESCO; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
Santa Rosa is on the Pan-American highway about 40 minutes from Liberia. The other parks are reached from Liberia and from Quesada on rural roads.
By air
Liberia International Airport is the nearest. We arrange private transfers.
Tours in the area
Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Rosa an easy visit?
The Casona and the dry-forest trails are easy. The turtle beaches are remote.
Which tours do you offer?
Rincón de la Vieja hikes and adventure days, and wildlife tours elsewhere in Guanacaste. We propose a visit to Santa Rosa on request.
When is the best time?
The dry season, from December to April.