Top Liberia activities
Explore by category
Beyond Liberia
Tours in nearby places
Explore Guanacaste and Northwest tours
Tours in similar places
Liberia trip ideas
The sun-drenched capital of Guanacaste Province is the perfect jumping-off point for adventures around Costa Rica, from the nearby Nicoya Peninsula to the Gold Coast beaches and national parks of Rincón de la Vieja and Palo Verde, as well as further-flung adventures into Nicaragua. The city offers a more laid-back base camp than San José; from exploring the city’s small but charming center to horseback riding through tropical rainforests, visitors will find plenty of things to do in Liberia.
Costa Rica’s weather is driest and brightest between December and April, and Liberia is no exception. While the dry season is generally the best time to visit Costa Rica, mid-summer can get very hot and muggy in Liberia, so aim to travel towards the beginning or end. There are also benefits to going in May, June, or November—on the cusp of the green (wet) season—as the national parks are typically quieter.
The downtown area of Liberia is small enough to explore on foot, and the city has a public bus system. However, if you want to explore nearby attractions or travel further afield in Costa Rica, you should consider renting a vehicle or booking tours to save time and hassle and enjoy greater flexibility. Roads are generally well maintained.
Alongside attractions such as the whitewashed Ermita de la Agonía Church, Liberia is known for its quirky Newspaper House (Casa de Vico), which locals continuously plaster with newspaper clippings as a mode of self-expression and record of the city’s history. If you want to check it out (or add to the house yourself), the building is located on Calle Real, two blocks north of the main square.
Local Currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC) | Time Zone CST (UTC -6) | Country Code +231 | Language(s) lr | Attractions 0 | Tours 339 |
Yes, Liberia is worth visiting. Although visitor attractions in the city itself are few, Liberia is an ideal starting point for exploring the wider Guanacaste Province, which is known for its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities.
...MoreWhether you choose Liberia or San José depends on what you want to do. Both cities are home to international airports with extensive services, but Liberia’s is typically less busy and easier to navigate. Liberia offers easy access to the Pacific Coast and national parks—including Rincón de la Vieja Volcano—but San José is a better option for visiting the Caribbean Coast and Arenal Volcano.
...MoreVisitors to Liberia should pack loose, comfortable clothing, mosquito repellant, and sun protection—think sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. And don’t forget your bathing suit if you're looking to swim in the ocean or take a refreshing dip in one of the area’s waterfalls.
...MoreNo, outside major hotels and tourist services, English is not spoken widely in Liberia. Spanish is the official language of Liberia; to make your life easier, you should consider learning at least a few essential words and phrases before your arrival.
...MoreYes, Liberia is generally considered safe for travelers. However, petty theft can be a problem. As is typical in many cities around the world, it is a good idea to take precautions such as watching your belongings, being aware of your surroundings, and not walking alone after dark.
...MorePublic buses run once an hour from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), also known as Guanacaste Airport and Liberia International Airport. To save time and hassle, you can instead book an airport transfer service that drops you off at your hotel.
...More