Liberia Costa Rica

Liberia Costa Rica, located in the northwest corner of the country, is the capital of the Guanacaste province.  Established over 200 years ago, the architecture of Liberia Costa Rica is unique and historic.  Liberia Costa Rica acts as the hub for several National Parks.  Liberia Costa Rica lays on the crossroad of the Interamerican Highway and Highway 21, where some of Costa Rica’s must lovely beaches are located.  Liberia Costa Rica houses one of the two international airports of Costa Rica and is a rapidly growing metropolitan area.

Also known as Ciudad Blanca, the early residents of Liberia Costa Rica carried white volcanic soil from the nearby Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles volcanoes in order to construct thier adobe houses.  These traditional Liberia Costa Rica homes are called Puertes del Sol, or Doorways of the Sun, because the front doors were built facing north to let in the morning sunlight.  Residents of Liberia Costa Rica often leave there front doors open so visitors can peek into their homes, many of which are under heavy renovation.  These Liberia Costa Rica homes boast characteristically high ceilings, 19th century murals, and classical courtyards.

Other Liberia Costa Rica highlights include one of the oldest Catholic churches in the country, Agonia Church.  Attached is a small museum containing religious statues.  Casa de Cultura is an excellent place for tourist information about Liberia Costa Rica.  It is also home to a small Sabanero museum.  Sabaneros, Costa Rican cowboys, host events called topes which are similar to a rodeo or a county fair.  A tope is guaranteed near Liberia Costa Rica on July 25, Dia de Guanacaste.

There are numerous National Parks and Nature Reserves near Liberia Costa Rica.  Rincon de la Vieja, north of Liberia Costa Rica, is virtually untouched and contains 4 complete ecosystems on its 14,000 acres (35,000 acres).  It houses a volcano, hot springs, sulfur lakes, and vapor geysers.  Other National Parks include Parque Nacionles Santa Rosa, Parque Palo Verde, and Reserva Biologica Lomas de Barbudal.

Liberia Costa Rica is the home of Daniel Oduber Airport, also called Tomas Guardia. This is a smaller, older airport.  The lines can be shorter than those at the San Jose airport, but also hotter as there is no air conditioning.

Heredia, Costa Rica

Heredia Costa Rica has a small town feeling for being only 9 km (6 miles) north of San Jose. Settled by Spaniards in 1706, Heredia Costa Rica pre-dates both San Jose and Alajuela. Dubbed “La Ciudad de los Flores” (The City of Flowers), Heredia Costa Rica is bursting with interesting architecture and fascinating land marks. Lovely adobe houses, stone buildings, and Spanish style homes dressed in palm trees adorn Heredia Costa Rica. On a modern note, Heredia Costa Rica is the self-made technology capital of the country. The city produces one of Costa Rica’s most vital exports, the microchip, and contributes to the country’s high tech job market.

Heredia Costa Rica houses the nation’s 2nd largest college, The National University.   The University turns out some of the finest veterinarians and teachers in the country. The old town center of Heredia Costa Rica is a lovely place for a stroll. Passers-by will find Basilica de la Immaculada Concepcion (Church of the Immaculate Conception.)  The church’s brilliant “seismic baroque” architecture has watched it’s neighboring Heredia Costa Rica buildings crumble while it withstood every earthquake since 1796. The celebratory live music found in the church’s courtyard on Sundays may contribute to it’s lifespan as well. Opposite the church, an old military fort turned post office displays it’s attention grabbing architecture. Heredia Costa Rica’s Mercado Central houses merchants with quality leather goods, wickerware, and inexpensive meals.  Other points of interest in Heredia Costa Rica include The Marine Zoological Museum and Museo de Cultura Popular.

A few miles north of Heredia Costa Rica is Barva de Heredia.  This villiage is a national monument due to it’s well preserved central square, gleaming white church, and old adobe houses. This village houses a colony of artists and craftsmen. Northeast of Heredia Costa Rica lies Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo.  This large park is brilliantly preserved for being only 20 km from San Jose.

Escazu, Costa Rica

Escazu Costa Rica is an affluent suburb of San Jose.  7 km west of the capital, Escazu Costa Rica is spread out on a hill side overlooking San Jose and Heredia. Escazu Costa Rica is a muddled blend between old world Costa Rica and a modern, trendy, international community. Escazu Costa Rica is a good place to come for a relaxing scenic drink after arriving at the San Jose airport.  The cooler temperatures and lush vegetation of Escazu Costa Rica draws affluent Ticos to live in this area. The diverse Escazu Costa Rica is divided into 3 regions: San Antonio de Escazu, San Rafael de Escazu, and Escazu Central.

Escazu Central contains a small central square with an old church.  The church is flanked by traditional adobe houses. These houses are a stark contrast to the modern homes of San Rafael de Escazu Costa Rica. This portion of Escazu Costa Rica retains a Tico ambience with it’s soda shops and narrow streets.

The half Tico, half American suburb of San Rafael de Escazu Costa Rica is full of chain restaurants, hotels, strip malls, and nice houses. Complete with country club, San Rafeal de Escazu Costa Rica is a favorite spot for American expats who enjoy the convenience of malls together with the laid back Tico attitude.

San Antonio de Escazu Costa Rica is different from it’s sister components of Escazu Costa Rica. This portion of the town is on the highest point of the hill.  It is rural atmosphere is relaxed and mostly residential.