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Sector Murciélago: Untamed Beauty of Guanacaste

Discover Sector Murciélago: Where Costa Rica's untamed beauty and rich biodiversity create an unforgettable natural experience.

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Sector Murciélago, a part of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, offers visitors a chance to experience Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems, from dry forests and pristine beaches to rich marine life. Once a private ranch, it now stands as a testament to conservation and natural regeneration.

A brief summary to Sector Murcielago

  • W7CF+F4W, Peninsula, Santa Elena, Guanacaste Province, CR
  • Visit website
  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 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

  • Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the dry forest can be hot and exposed.
  • A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit remote beaches like Playa Blanca during the dry season.
  • Check road conditions and confirm space availability, especially during peak seasons like Holy Week and December-January.
  • Consider visiting during the dry season (December to May) for easier access to beaches and concentrated wildlife sightings.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Liberia, take the Inter-American Highway north for approximately 45 km. Turn left towards Cuajiniquil and continue for 10 km. From Cuajiniquil, follow the gravel road for about 9 km to the entrance of Sector Murciélago. Note that the road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season, and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Parking is available at the sector's entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Liberia to Cuajiniquil. Buses leave from Liberia at 5:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.. From Cuajiniquil, you can either walk (7 km) or hire a local taxi or 4x4 vehicle to reach the entrance of Sector Murciélago. Be prepared to negotiate the price, which may range from $20 to $50.

Unlock the Best of Sector Murcielago

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Discover more about Sector Murcielago

Sector Murciélago, nestled on the Santa Elena Peninsula in Guanacaste Province, is a captivating sector within the Área de Conservación Guanacaste. This national park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, boasting diverse landscapes that include dense forests, scenic coastlines, and an array of wildlife. Once known as Murciélago Ranch, owned by Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle, the land was expropriated by the Costa Rican government in 1980 and incorporated into Santa Rosa National Park. Today, the 13,375-hectare sector is a model of natural regeneration, with dry forests recovering from past threats of hunting, agriculture, and logging. Visitors can explore various attractions, including the General's swimming hole, and pristine beaches like Playa Blanca, Playa Danta, and Playa Coquito. Hiking trails wind through the dry forest, offering opportunities to spot monkeys, exotic birds, and vibrant butterflies. The Santa Elena Bay boasts a coral reef community and mangroves teeming with marine biodiversity. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Playa Blanca is accessible via a challenging 17km drive during the dry season, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. This remote beach offers tranquility and untouched natural beauty.

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