North Pacific Region harbors an important portion of the Costa Rican cultural and natural patrimony. Not in vain there are a significant number of protected areas, including coastal, mountainous, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems, where life develops with exuberance. Most of this region is occupied by the province of Guanacaste. This vast extension holds countless beaches and picturesque towns and villages filled with an important historical and cultural heritage. Several protected areas and national parks await visitors with an ample offer of activities. Prepare yourself for a full itinerary. It is situated in the northern part of the country, and covers the pacific coast of Costa Rica, since the limit with Nicaragua to Punta Cerritos, located 22 km. west from de city of Santa Cruz. It covers an extension of approximately 100 km. of the Pacific Coast. In the past, this region has had its natural vocation in the cattle rising and in the agriculture.
Currently, nevertheless, the incomparable beauty of its landscapes, that go from the tropical dry forest to the forest montano low and its hot climate, as well as its fertile nature, have done of Guanacaste one of the most concurred places by the local and international tourism. Besides an important backup in the Pole of Tourist Development of the Papagayo's Gulf, there is the Daniel Oduber International, where a large quantity of flights arrives charter and regular flights from the United States.
The province of Guanacaste encompasses dry, wet and very humid forests, including the protected areas of the few remnants of the tropical dry forests which once extended from Mexico along all the Pacific coast, and which today has practically disappeared from the Mesoamerican scenery.
The region of the north Pacific is a land of beautiful landscapes made up of bays, gulfs, hills splattered with forests and cliffs, panoramic routes, volcanoes, wild rivers, beautiful beaches of gray, fine dark, white and golden sands bathed by a blue sea of clear waters, rich in fishes and seashore birds, with mainly of gentle waves.
The climate is very hot and dry during the summer, which tends to extend from December to April, and hot and humid during the rest of the year. The average annual temperature is 27,5�C. Guanacaste is blessed with landscapes of plains and dusty dry coast from January to April and very green and wet during the rainy season.
In this idyllic region the positive energy of the radiant sun, which shines long hours of the day, combines with the hot temperatures, inviting you to enjoy the warm waters and the blue sea. Visit the national parks while on the beach.
North Pacific Region has two main tourist centers that are Liberia (central of stopover distribution, scale and excursion) and Santa Cruz, and three other tourist centers: El Coco, Tamarindo and Flamingo. The landscape of the coast is exceptional. There are beaches of white sands and a peaceful sea qualified by intense blue, especially the ones located inside Papagayo's Gulf (Nacascolo, Virador, Iguanita and Panama). It is one of the regions of greater development, based on hotels of high investment with potentiality of direct demand.
When traveling through Guanacaste, most assuredly one aspect that will stay with you is the sun. It's almost as if the sun is closer to you here. It bathes everything with a golden hue and gilds the surrounding landscape. Great expanses of golden grasses sway elegantly in the wind while stunted, gnarled guanacaste trees dot the low hills. The landscape is both dramatic and memorable for any visitor traversing this the largest region of Costa Rica.
The Guanacaste region is bordered by two mountain ranges. The Cordillera de Tilaran and the Cordillera de Guanacaste provide splendid craggy backdrops to some of the country's most beautiful countryside. The perfect time to visit Guanacaste is, luckily enough, year around. No matter if you visit during the dry season or during the wet season, both provide spectacular advantages. The dry season affords the serious sun lover with plenty of tanning lime, while the wet season brings the trees into bloom with explosions of colors and fragrances. The rolling hills become carpeted in brilliant green.
Known for its cattle ranches, travelers will see many homes surrounded by green pastures and grazing cows. Many of these are have been handed down through the generations of Guanacaste natives.
This area is also rich in sights to see. There are a number of places to visit that will lend themselves perfectly to visitors. If you enjoy snorkeling and some time in the sun, head for Bahia Culebra. This small bay is found just north of the town of El Coco. There are a number of beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored.
Local tour operators otter snorkeling trips, sunset sails and fishing trips for the avid angler.
There are also several towns worth visiting if you're behind the wheel and are looking for a place to spend a few days. The towns of Samara and Nosara proffer hotels to fit every budget as well as fabulous beaches. While a few of the beaches are found just outside of town, there are many to be found up and down the coast Playa Barrigona is one such beach and offers something not many beaches do solitude! Its white sand and bleached driftwood will draw you in and keep you there, if only for the day. When in search for these idyllic spots, pack a cooler with refreshments and snacks and make a day of it!
Those interested in seeing once in a lifetime events head for Playa Ostional. This beach is the landing spot for the olive ridley turtle, or "bra", as it is called by the locals. If you're visiting the area any time from July through December you'll find yourself entranced by the hundreds of turtles that make their ponderous way up on to the beach. The best way to see this spectacular natural event is with a guide. There are several in the area and most of the hotels will be able to steer you in the right direction as to where to find them.
Geographical Division 
