Guanacaste National Park

The Guanacaste National Park was created with the purpose of connecting these lands with the Santa Rosa National Park. The two parks together provide enough land for wide-ranging species such as jaguars and mountains lions. It constitutes a biological corridor for birds and insects between the dry forest and the evergreen cloud and rain forests.

The Biologist Dr. Daniel Janzen was the technical advisor on the project for the creation of this National Park, finally inaugurated on 1989. It has 34.651 hectares.

Some activities are well recommended in this area, for example: hiking, nature walks or a leisurely stroll and birdwatching. You can cross the continental divide and climb down to rainforest, typical of the Caribbean side of Northern Costa Rica. Explore the dry pacific forests near the board of Santa Rosa National Park and discover on the horizon, the elevated cloud forests near the peaks of Orosi and Cacao volcanoes.

Among the dry forest inhabitants are Squirrel Cuckoos, Tanagers and Groove-billed Anis. Also Collared Peccaries, Howler Monkeys, White-nosed Coatis, White-tailed Deer, and Variegated Squirrels, Long-tongued Bats, and Capuchin Monkeys. You will almost certainly spot dozens of birds in a hour or two of walking including White-throated Magpie Jays, Orange-Fronted Parakeets, and Crested Caracara (roadside hawks)..

Driving Directions to Guanacaste National Park

From San Jose, take the Interamerican highway to Liberia. About 20 miles past Liberia you will get to Potrerillos. Turn right and drive 6 miles to Quebrada Grande, then left and follow the park signs.

Puma is one of the mountain lions living in the park