Guanacaste Province is irresistible to tourists and Costa Ricans alike owing to its beautiful beaches, bird watching, horseback riding, surfing, hiking, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing and magnificent waterfront sunsets.   The name Guanacaste is derived from a native word for the national tree of Costa Rica, quahnacaztlan.

Guanacaste Cordillera and the Tilarán Cordillera run along the eastern border of Guanacaste and include a chain of volcanoes.   The most notable volcano, Rincon de la Vieja, presents hikers with an opportunity to trek through dense forest and wildlife habitat all to be rewarded at the summit with exhilarating views of the surrounding area.   

Recent construction of the Amistad bridge and an increase in the number of international flights to Liberia’s Daniel Oduber airport have contributed to a dramatic increase in tourism in the Northern Pacific region.   Hotels, condominiums and homes have sprouted up nearly overnight and caused a dramatic rise in real estate values.  

Well known beaches in the Northern Region include Tamarindo, Coco, Hermosa, Ocotoal, Conchal, Flamingo, Potrero, Bejuco, Nosara, Sámara and Brasilito.   Towns in the region include Liberia, Nicoya, Cañas, Bagaces, Tilarán and Santa Cruz.