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Hacienda Santa Rosa: A Window to Costa Rica's Past

Explore Costa Rican history at Hacienda Santa Rosa, a national monument within a biodiverse national park in Guanacaste Province.

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Hacienda Santa Rosa, nestled in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, is a beautifully preserved historical site offering a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. Once a significant agricultural and livestock center, it's now a national monument within Santa Rosa National Park, famed as the site of a pivotal battle against foreign invaders in 1856.

A brief summary to Hacienda Santa Rosa

  • R9MQ+W2P, Hacienda Naranjo, Guanacaste Province, CR
  • +50689653310
  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to be more crowded.
  • Bring a camera to capture the architecture and surrounding landscapes.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary.
  • Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into the historical significance.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Liberia, take Route 1 (Interamericana) north for approximately 37 km. Look for the signed entrance to Santa Rosa National Park on your right. Follow the park road for about 6 km to reach the Hacienda Santa Rosa. Be aware that the road within the park is unpaved. Ensure you have sufficient fuel, as services are limited along the route.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Liberia to La Cruz. Buses depart frequently from Liberia's central bus station. Upon arriving in La Cruz, take a taxi or local shuttle to Hacienda Santa Rosa. The taxi ride will take approximately 30 minutes. The bus fare from Liberia to La Cruz is approximately $3, and the taxi from La Cruz to the Hacienda will cost around $20.

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Discover more about Hacienda Santa Rosa

Hacienda Santa Rosa, located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, stands as a powerful reminder of the nation's history and cultural identity. Dating back to 1663, the hacienda evolved from a simple agricultural estate into one of the region's most important farms by the mid-18th century. The site is best known as the location of the Battle of Santa Rosa on March 20, 1856. Here, Costa Rican patriots fought against William Walker's filibusters, a group of foreign mercenaries seeking to conquer Central America. The Costa Rican militia, composed mainly of peasants, achieved a stunning victory in just 14 minutes, marking a turning point in the fight against Walker's regime. La Casona, the main house of the Hacienda Santa Rosa, was built around 1750. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including a weekend residence for a wealthy priest who added an oratory for Sunday mass. Today, the rebuilt Hacienda functions as a museum, displaying artifacts and exhibits that recount the history of the battle and the cultural significance of the hacienda. Visitors can explore the grounds, walk the trails, and reflect on the events that shaped Costa Rica's destiny. Hacienda Santa Rosa is more than just a historical site; it's a symbol of Costa Rican pride and freedom. It also serves as a starting point for exploring the diverse ecosystems of Santa Rosa National Park, including tropical dry forests, beaches, and wildlife habitats.

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