Liberia: Gateway to the Costa Rican west

The playas of Western Costa Rica are among the world’s best, and you won’t believe how varied they are on such a relatively small coastline. Playa Conchal, around 75 km from Liberia, is the crown jewel of the set. You’ll find magnificent shores, gorgeous rock formations and spectacular golfing. The other beaches you’ll discover up and down the Gold Coast are all different and equally worth a visit. Playa Avellana is a surfer’s paradise, with 17- foot-plus Hawaii-style waves. For long walks along the beach, nothing beats the dunes of Playa Grande. And for ocean-side cafés and lush foliage in the background to stare at in awe, check out Playa Flamingo. It was Costa Rica’s first ‘world-famous’ beach.

Liberia’s white-walled architectural style is unique to the city, as are the white dirt roads. The centre of town is the Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion de Maria, one of the most beautiful churches in all of Costa Rica. Use the clock tower as a landmark for meeting up with friends, but don’t trust the time it keeps; its hands are rather lazy. Liberia is also Costa Rica’s only ‘colonial’ town, with houses over 150 years old. On the flip side, the city has a rich cowboy history including an annual horse parade bull riding and network of ranches. While you’re in town, be sure to grab a bite at Copa de Oro. It might be the best family food in Central America.

There’s an active volcano just 3 km from Liberia that you can check out. After your trek through the craters, relax in the nearby hot springs and rest up for a walk along the Monte Verde suspension bridge for a bird’s eye view of the rain forests. Truly a unique perspective. Speaking of birds, if you want to see some of the more stunning species up close and personal, plan a day at Costa Rica Parque Nacional Palo Verde and develop a newfound ornithological appreciation.