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Santa Rosa National Park: A Costa Rican Treasure

Explore diverse ecosystems and Costa Rican history in this expansive national park, home to tropical dry forests and pristine beaches.

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Santa Rosa National Park in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province is a protected area of significant historical and ecological importance. It features diverse landscapes, from beaches to tropical dry forests, and is home to varied wildlife. The park also holds historical significance as the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (January-March) for easier access to trails and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
  • If you plan to hike, wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
  • Consider hiring a guide for a more in-depth understanding of the park's history and ecology.
  • Be aware that some areas of the park, especially the beaches, are important nesting sites for sea turtles. Respect the environment and follow any guidelines provided by park rangers.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Liberia, take the regional bus towards La Cruz. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Santa Rosa National Park turnoff. From the turnoff, it is approximately a 7km walk to the park entrance. The bus from Liberia to the park entrance is about $1 - $3.

  • Car

    From Liberia, drive north on the Pan-American Highway (CA 1) for approximately 36 kilometers. Look for the signed turnoff to the left for Santa Rosa National Park. Follow the road to the park entrance. Expect to pay an entrance fee of around $15 USD for foreigners.

Unlock the Best of Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa National Park, located in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province, is a sprawling protected area encompassing diverse ecosystems and a rich history. Established in 1966, it was the first national park in Costa Rica. The park protects a significant portion of the world's remaining tropical dry forest, a unique and threatened ecosystem. The park's varied terrain includes pristine beaches like Playa Naranjo and Playa Nancite, which are important nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles. Inland, you'll find savannas, marshlands, and deciduous forests, home to a wide array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, coatimundis, and an abundance of bird species. Santa Rosa is also home to jaguars. Santa Rosa National Park is also a site of historical importance. The Hacienda Santa Rosa, also known as La Casona, is where the Battle of Santa Rosa took place in 1856. This battle was a key event in Costa Rica's fight against William Walker's filibuster forces. Today, La Casona serves as a museum, displaying artifacts and information about the battle. The park is divided into two sectors: Santa Rosa and Murciélago. The Santa Rosa sector is where you'll find La Casona and several hiking trails. The Murciélago sector, known for its rocky peaks and valleys, offers additional opportunities for exploring the dry forest.

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