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Santa Rosa National Park: A Historical and Natural Treasure

Discover Costa Rica's first national park: where history & biodiversity meet. Explore dry forests, pristine beaches, and the iconic La Casona.

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Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica's first national park, protects vital dry tropical forest and commemorates a key historical battle. Explore diverse habitats, from beaches to forests, and discover the rich biodiversity and historical significance of this protected area.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as some trails can be steep and rocky.
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching and spotting wildlife.
  • Pack water and snacks, as amenities are limited within the park.
  • Visit early in the day to enjoy cooler temperatures and increased wildlife activity.
  • Consider a guided tour to enhance your experience and gain insights from local experts.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Liberia, take the bus towards La Cruz or the Nicaraguan border. These buses depart from the Terminal de Buses Municipal de Liberia. Ask the driver to drop you off at the signed turnoff for Santa Rosa National Park. The bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs between $1 and $3. From the turnoff, it is a 7km (4 mile) walk or hitchhike to the park entrance. Cost: Bus fare $1-$3.

  • Car

    From Liberia, drive north on the Inter-American Highway (Route 1) for approximately 35 km (22 miles). Look for the signed left turn indicating the entrance to Santa Rosa National Park. The drive from the highway to La Casona Historical Museum is 7 km. Tolls: There may be minor tolls on the Inter-American Highway. Exact costs vary. Parking: Available at La Casona Historical Museum.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa National Park, nestled in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province, is a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Established in 1971, it was the country's first national park, created to protect the largest remaining section of tropical dry forest in Central America. The park also commemorates the Battle of Santa Rosa, a pivotal event in Costa Rican history. The park spans over 49,515 hectares (122,354 acres) and encompasses a diverse range of habitats. These include dry tropical forests, savannas, marshlands, mangroves, and pristine beaches. This variety supports a rich array of wildlife, including howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, jaguars, pumas, and various bird species. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the 250 species of birds found within the park. Visitors can explore the park's history at La Casona, a historic ranch house that was the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa in 1856. This battle saw Costa Rican forces defeat invading mercenaries, securing the country's sovereignty. Today, La Casona serves as a museum, displaying artifacts and exhibits related to the battle. The park offers several hiking trails that wind through its diverse landscapes. These trails provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Some popular trails include the Sendero Indio Desnudo, Mirador Valle Naranjo Trail, and Sendero Los Patos. Santa Rosa's coastline boasts stunning beaches like Playa Naranjo and Playa Nancite. Playa Naranjo is famous for its surfing, while Playa Nancite is a critical nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles. Witnessing the mass nesting of these turtles, known as arribadas, is a remarkable spectacle that occurs from July to November.

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