Let’s face it – Costa Rica probably makes the top 10 destinations on a lot of bucket lists. With so much to offer to adventurers, outdoor lovers, and beach bums, it’s easy to see why so many visitors head here month after month.
Liberia, one of Costa Rica’s favorite destinations, is the perfect base point for exploring the island. There are so many things to do in Liberia and so many stunning landscapes to explore nearby, you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.
Hike up to a volcano, sip coffee and visit a chocolate plantation, go whale watching or just lie back on the golden sands for a tan. National parks await, and Liberia is famous for its stunning thick rainforests and deep blue waters inviting in you for a swim.
Forget busy shopping centers – the best places to shop in Liberia are small markets and arts and crafts galleries with plenty of amazing pieces. And if you rather have things organized for you, there are plenty of great tours to out-of-the-beaten path sights you won’t regret visiting.
Ready for some fun? Check out our list of must-see destinations in Liberia.
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1 – Immerse yourself in nature and artistry at Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz
At the beginning of the 20th century, a big movement around the country focused on transforming public spaces into green urban areas everybody could enjoy. Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz was one of the first of such spaces.
Located in the heart of Liberia, this small plaza-like space is best known for its Victorian gazebo with mosaic floors, which offers a place to hide from the intense heat or unexpected rains. Surrounded by trees and other vegetation, this little urban oasis has become a popular meeting point for the locals and a great place to take a break during a busy day.
Sit back on one of the concrete benches and watch the world go by. Or stop by on weekends or holidays to catch live music and events. There’s always something to see or do in this busy little park!
2 – Enjoy thrills and animal sights at Ponderosa Adventure Park
Around 300 animals call this 30-hectare park home – from zebras to wildebeests, giraffes, and oryx. Get up close and personal as you explore their habitats and learn about them.
Stopping by for an hour or two? The park offers a quick safari tour that lasts only one hour and takes you through the park on carts and adapted vehicles. Get up close to the animals and enjoy hearing details from your guide as you drive around the park.
Longer tours are available and include additional adventures like a visit to La Perla waterfall (where you can also swim or kayak), a 30-minute horse-riding adventure on tropical forest trails, and a rope and platform canopy adventure 20 meters up in the air, right among the trees.
Want more adventure? There are plenty of ziplining tours in the area. Join a full-day adventure at Arenal Volcano that includes ziplining through the rainforest as well as a chance to bathe in the natural hot springs pools. Or try a half-day tour that combines hanging bridges, ziplining, and water slides.
3 – Enjoy the fun and adrenaline of a quad tour
Liberia’s very unique dry forest offers great trails for off-road excursions. ATVs are the perfect choice to explore this rocky terrain while covering larger spaces in a shorter period of time. Feed your need for speed on dirt trails but also enjoy stops along the way for beautiful volcanoes and wildlife views.
Most guided quad tours last 2-3 hours — enough to explore both mountainous and beach areas of Liberia. Don’t worry if this is your first time on an ATV – your guide will spend some time showing you how to drive one and going over safety tips.
You’ll then head out to the countryside and follow your guide across rivers, beaches, and rocky trails. Your guide will point out animals on the trails and trees and take you to the best photo-taking spots. Some tours cross through historical towns, where you’ll also stop to take photos and grab some food or souvenirs if you’re up for it.
You can choose between morning or afternoon tours to suit your schedule better. All tours are small for personalized attention, include roundtrip transportation and usually also offer drinks and fruit along the way.
4 – Shop for stunning art at the Hidden Garden Art Gallery
Whether you’re a passionate art lover or just looking for a single piece to take home to grace your walls, this gallery should be added to your list of top things to do in Liberia.
With 15 rooms full of art and hundreds of pieces for sale, Hidden Garden is the largest art gallery in Costa Rica. Looking for paintings or sculptures? The gallery offers both, as well as additional art forms depending on what’s on offer at any given time.
The gallery also has artists in residence, so you can see curated exhibits of their work throughout the year. Want a unique piece of art? You can commission your very own painting or sculpture and the gallery will match you with the best artist to make it come to life.
The large gardens around the gallery have plenty of charm too. If you’re visiting on Saturdays you’ll find a farmer’s market, where you can buy homemade food, locally produced cheeses, and organic produce.
Weekends often mean live music and other events as well. On any day, you can also just walk around and enjoy the beautiful greenery. There’s a pond, places to sit, and even some friendly dogs that might come say hello as you explore.
5 – Come face-to-face with a volcano at Rincon de la Vieja National Park
This 35,000-acre national park is built around an active volcano of the same name. The volcano itself is over 6.000 feet tall and an impressive sight no matter where you are in the park.
If you’re up for a hike, there are plenty of trails to explore, but if have time for only one, the 2.5-mile Las Pailas loop trail is the best one. It offers plenty of great animal sights, views of the volcano, and lots of viewpoints.
Want to make the most of your time at the park? Join a guided hiking tour. Choose from a half or a full-day tour (up to 12 hours). Join a tour of the volcano and enjoy a stop at the nearby mud pots and hot springs, or pick a hike through the forest with a stop at the refreshing La Oropendola waterfall.
There are also tours that take you tubing at Rio Colorado or walking on floating bridges after a hike. All hiking tours include transportation and many include a traditional Costa Rican lunch. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with numerous species to spot. And for those seeking adventure, canyoning tours take you through rugged terrains and waterfalls for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
There’s a camping area within the park, as well as picnic tables where you can take a break or enjoy some snacks.
6 – Journey through time at the Museo de Guanacaste
A former military prison and armory, the fortress-like building housing the Guanacaste museum is worth a stop on its own. Ongoing renovations to open up more spaces from the old jail are usually intrusive – but here, they’re part of the charm. Walk the hallways of this old building and peak into former cells – they tell a story even when empty.
This little museum specializes in rotating exhibits covering local history and culture. Recent ones have included a look at archeological finds from the “Jícaro” site and tools and ornaments dating back to 1,350 AD. Items related to local history, culture, and art are also on display. And although the permanent collection of the museum is small, it holds significant pieces of pottery, statues, and more.
The museum also organizes events and activities throughout the year, including many focused on Costa Rican contemporary art. Local theaters often hold special events and performances at the museum as well.
7 – Explore a natural paradise at Santa Rosa National Park
The 191-square-mile Santa Rosa National Park has something for everybody. The park was originally created to protect a historical site (where the Battle of Santa Rosa took place), but over the years it has become an attraction on its own.
Today, thousands of visitors arrive at the park every year to explore its beauty, hike its many trails, and spot birds, white-nosed coatis, tapirs, and spider monkeys. From mangroves to ancient forests to woodlands, there’s plenty to see and do here.
For adventure lovers, the Santa Rosa Lookout via Cuajiniquil River hike is a must-do. The moderately challenging route is just over 8 miles long and takes visitors through thick forest that’s perfect for birdwatching. A harder option, the Carbonal Trail, is all about the views – you’ll get stunning peeks of blue mountains and the valleys rolling from them.
For a more low-key adventure, head towards the Ranger Station, where you’ll find easier trails, find a lookout point (search for the signs pointing to Mirador Tierras Emergidas), and visit La Casona, a museum related to the battle mentioned above.
There are camping sites within the park if you feel like you need more time to explore. And while the rainy season (May to November) can be muddy on the trails, the waterfalls are at their best then, so the messy hiking might be worth it.
8 – Enjoy the thrills of tubing and rafting
The natural beauty of Liberia and its surroundings offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy both land and water activities. If you’re up for some thrilling adventures, white water rafting should be on your list of things to do in Liberia.
Rio Negro and Tenorio River are popular rafting destinations. Rio Negro offers tamer adventures, with milder rapids perfect for tubing or beginners wanting to brave their first whitewater adventure. Lots of tubing tours are available here, many combining a river adventure with a stop at the local hot springs, a hike to Rincon de la Vieja, or ziplining. Tenorio River offers class III & IV rapids for 12 miles of heart-pumping as you speed down turbulent waters and stunning waterfalls.
Want a full day of thrills? Join an 8-hour rafting tour right next to Tenorio Volcano and experience plenty of thrills with the help of a professional guide. Or have a family-friendly day of tubing and relaxing in hot springs at Rincon de la Vieja. If you’re an experienced paddler, there are even tours that take you down a class V drop on Tenorio River – not for the faint of heart, but an experience you’ll never forget if you dare try it.
After pick up from your hotel, expect a long day filled with adventure, a great lunch (a typical plate of rice, beans, plantains, and meat or fish), and a safety demonstration and instructional brief so you can get in the water with confidence.
9 – Spend an afternoon horse riding through the rainforest
Horseback riding is among the most popular things to do in Liberia. In an area filled with thick untouched rainforest and rich wildlife diversity (you’re likely to run into macaws and slots while out and about), enjoying a horse riding adventure is a great idea.
It not only allows you to cover more terrain than you would hiking, but it also takes you to places hard to access on foot, where the views are even more stunning!
The Monteverde Cloud forest, Arenal National Park, and many of the beaches in or near Libera are popular places to go horseback riding.
If you’re up for a more organized adventure, though, there are also horseback riding tours in the Liberia area. These allow you to sit back and let a professional handle the organization so you can just show up and enjoy your day.
Typical tours last around 2.5 hours and include a visit to either the Chorreas and Victoria Waterfalls or the Oropéndola Waterfall. You’ll ride on horse trails through beautiful forests as your guide points out animals and interesting flora along the way. Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have time to swim in the crystal clear waters, enjoy a snack, and relax in stunning surroundings.
10 – Get your coffee fix at Tio Leo Coffee
A small company focused on sustainable coffee growing practices. Tio Leo Coffee specializes in peaberry beans, grown right on the Poas volcano, more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Peaberry beans are unique in their flavor and a must-try if you’re a coffee aficionado.
Want to take some coffee home? There’s a well-stocked shop in the premises, where you’ll find both peaberry and regular bean coffee bags, and a restaurant offering traditional Costa Rican food. Order the casados plate or go with a more traditional wrap or fried cassava.
If you want more than just tasting a great cup of coffee, consider Tio Leo’s very own coffee tour. Tours last three hours and allow you to walk through a coffee plantation, see how coffe is dried and toasted, and watch how sugar cane extraction works. The tour even packs a chocolate tour and a quick cooking class in the package.
You’ll learn about the importance of coffee growing in Costa Rica and how it has shaped the history of the country, plus you’ll get to taste some of Tio Leo’s finest beans.
There are three tours available during the day (two during the winter season), and reservations are recommended if you want to join one at a specific time.
11 – Discover the tropical beauty of Palo Verde National Park
Covering over 45,000 acres, Palo Verde National Park encompasses a number of very different habitats. Valleys sit against limestone ridges and next to tropical forests, marshes, and floodplains.
The park is best known as a massive bird sanctuary and a stop for both migratory birds and aquatic birds. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, there’s no better destination to explore in Costa Rica. There are plenty of short trails in the park as well, many with incredible viewpoints, as well as biking trails. You can even spend the night at the campground near the ranger station.
Book a guided tour through the park if you want to better understand the unique ecosystem here – a guide can help you identify animals and take you to the best viewing spots.
Boat tours are a great way to explore Palo Verde National Park. Following hotel pickup, tour guides usually drive you to the marshland near the Bebedero River or the Tempisque River, where you’ll board a boat and start your tour.
Wildlife tours – where you’ll see everything from iguanas to monkeys and tropical birds – are some of the most popular boat tours available, but there are other options as well. Most boat tours last 6-7 hours and some include lunch.
12 – Cool off at Poza Los Coyotes
Located just half an hour from Liberia, Poza Los Coyotes is a natural pool that feels out of this world. Though relatively small, the pool is stunning – filled with deep turquoise waters and surrounded by thick greenery. There are small waterfalls that empty into the pool, as well as plenty of rocky areas around the pool you can use to dive into the water or sit back for a break.
There’s a second pool with an even more impressive waterfall, and an area with a small cave you can only reach from the water. All three areas are within a short walking distance from each other, so it’s worth visiting all three at once.
There’s an entrance fee to access the area, as well as a kiosk where you can rent floaties to play and relax in the water, but no other services are available. If you’re going to be spending all day there, make sure you bring enough water and snacks, as there are no food stands or shops nearby.
You need a rental car or a taxi to get here, but don’t let that discourage you. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or just an hour or two on your way to Guanacaste’s largest beaches.
13 – Dive into a world of flavors with beer tasting
The beer industry has been strong in Costa Rica for many decades, but over the past few years, microbreweries have boomed everywhere. Liberia has its own share of craft beer producers and it’s becoming a sought-after destination for beer lovers.
While you can order a local beer anywhere in town, nothing beats visiting a brewery and having a tasting right where it’s produced.
A good place to start is Numu Brewing Company, which sells its beers in cans and on draught. In addition to standard bearers, the company also brews occasional unique flavors such as fruity herbal, citrusy, and spicy hops. Their taproom location also offers other flavors, including seasonal brews. No food is available here, but visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks while enjoying a drink.
Another great option worth a visit is Maderos Brewery, which in addition to producing a number of craft beers, it also sells handcrafted rootbeer. Housed in a rustic ranch outside the city, Maderos is well-known for its four main beers, a mix of light flavors and strong, fruity ones. Come over and order a pint or a pitch, find a seat in their inviting outdoor space, and enjoy a few afternoon hours.
Don’t worry about bringing snacks when visiting — the brewery offers plenty to keep you full, including chips and salsa, local-style BBQ, and German bratwurst.
14 – Experience the magic of Rio Celeste’s waters
A trip to Rio Celeste is a great way to unlock an adrenaline-packed adventure in a vibrant natural setting. A go-to spot for tubing, Rio Celeste is framed by the dense canopy of the surrounding rainforest, offering both thrills and beautiful sights.
Trips to the area often include stops at the natural mineral “green” hot springs and a chance to explore local botanical gardens with butterfly exhibits. For a unique experience you’ll never forget, book a tour that also stops at the sloth sanctuary, allowing a close-up encounter with these amazing creatures. There’s just no other place where you can combine excitement and relaxation into one single trip!
15 – Shop for unique handmade pieces at Costa Rica’n Art Craft
Looking for a unique souvenir to take home that won’t cost a fortune? Visiting this authentic local market selling Costa Rican art and crafts should be on your top list of things to do in Liberia.
Boasting a vast array of items at competitive prices, this market offers an impressive collection of artistic wonders. There’s something for everybody here, no matter your taste or your budget. Although the shop’s specialty is wooden bowls and crafts (a diverse range in terms of size, design, and types of wood), you’ll find plenty of other things as well, including ceramic pottery, intriguing masks, delicate butterflies, and stunning jewelry pieces.
The owners (who operate the shop themselves) know a lot about coffee too, so this is a great place to ask about coffee tastings in the area and maybe grab a coffee-themed souvenir as well.
16 – Soar through treetop canopies
Catch panoramic views as you soar above the forest and spot amazing wildlife along the way! Few things are more exciting than the rush of gliding through the verdant treetops with a canopy tour. In Liberia, a canopy tour puts you face-to-face with the island’s rich biodiversity from a unique perspective.
The foothills of the renowned Rincon de la Vieja National Park are a popular spot for canopy tours, a place where you can enjoy not only ziplining but also hanging bridges among the trees. So it’s Aventura Park in Monteverde, home to the longest and highest zipline in all of Latin America. Whatever you choose, get ready to dive in and elevate your Costa Rican adventure!
17 – Discover the hidden La Leona Waterfall
There are plenty of tours to La Leona Waterfall so you don’t have to worry about organizing a car rental or a taxi. Plus, some tours combine a visit to the waterfall with other adventures like ziplining or tubing.
But if you’re up for organizing a trip on your own, La Leona is worth the trouble. Keep in mind that the route to the waterfall is steep and difficult, and a guide is recommended for safety reasons.
Located within the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, the waterfall is located about 2 miles from the closest parking area. You’ll have to hike through tough terrain and rivers, so come prepared to get wet and potentially muddy. You’ll even have to swim through two pools to get to the waterfall. But get through everything and the views will reward you for it. If you’re not a swimmer, there’s a different, longer trail to get you there.
Still a bit of a hidden gem, the waterfall is worth visiting just for the stunning photos you’ll get there. A natural pool of turquoise waters and a roaring waterfall make between two canyons make for a stunning background. The best part, however, is being able to jump into the pool and cool off with a swim.
18 – Venture into the heart of Nicaragua for a day
Make the most of your Central American adventure with a one-day whirlwind tour to Nicaragua. Located just across the border from Costa Rica, Nicaragua is an exciting mix of wonderful nature and cultural destinations.
During a full-day trip, you’ll have a chance to visit both the active Masaya Volcano and the extinct Apoyo Volcano, cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Nicaragua, and explore the Spanish colonial architecture of Granada. For those with an eye for authentic souvenirs, the vibrant local craft markets offer a world of handcrafted treasures. Tours usually include local breakfast and lunch for a complete experience.
19 – Tee off amidst Liberia’s breathtaking greens
Ready to tee off in Liberia? In Liberia, golfing is about a lot more than just hitting the greens — it’s about an experience that stays with you long after the final hole. At Reserva Conchal Golf Course, you’ll play at an 18-hole masterpiece set among lush tropical forests before stopping to discover the world-class clubhouse, pro shop, and on-site dining for a luxurious treat.
If you prefer a gold course where every putt is framed by the vast ocean, the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo (designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer) is the place to be. Beyond the fairways, this club offers exclusive caddie services, state-of-the-art practice facilities, and a luxurious clubhouse.
20 – Embark on a sun-soaked escape to Playa Hermosa
Located just over half an hour away from Liberia, Playa Hermosa makes for a perfect day trip. Start your trip early in the day and it’ll feel like a vacation away — lots of sunshine, golden sands, and deep blue waters that go on forever.
Once at Playa Hermosa (a name that identifies both the beautiful beach and the town next to it), you’ll find plenty of things to do. Rent a kayak and explore on your own, book a short catamaran cruise, or enjoy some snorkeling. Horseback riding on the beach is also very popular, and visitors can find a place to stay just steps from the beach — just in case you decide you need more time in Playa Hermosa.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, check out some of the great restaurants and cafes that line up near the coast.
You can get to Playa Hermosa on your own by taking a local bus or catching a taxi ride – both will take 30-40 minutes and offer some nice sights along the way. Or look into organized tour packages if you want somebody else to worry about organizing transportation and attractions. Either way, this is an easy day out, so don’t miss out!
21 – Grab a table at the best restaurants in town
If you haven’t tried Costa Rican cuisine before, Liberia is a great place to do it. Filled with restaurants offering all the popular local dishes – featuring lots of rice and beans, fresh veggies, and tropical fruits – as well as plenty of international flavors, Liberia has something to satisfy every palate.
One of the favorite restaurants in town is Liberia Social, which offers an elegant setup and dishes to match. Plenty of Costa Rican options to try, but also Central American and Mediterranean options.
For cheaper prices and more street-like food, there’s Restaurante Tierra Mar Liberia, which offers Peruvian food — plenty of ceviches, rich soups, lots of seafood, and an impressive list of cocktails like their popular Guanacaste Punch.
For a unique mix of the best of Costa Rica and Mexico in one place, stop by Taqueria Mazatlan. Pick from their long list of taco options, try their popular “Mazatlan” burrito, or go with their chicken, beef, and pastor taco platter for a big variety of flavors.
For something different, Masala Indian Restaurant is a must. It’s the oldest Indian restaurant in Costa Rica and offers all the classics you might expect, such as Paneer Tikka and Daal Tadka. Plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options as well.
22 – Savor the electric pulse of Liberia’s nightlife
Liberia comes alive when the sun goes down, so make sure you make the most of its lively nightlife — no matter if you’re looking to dance the night away or simply soak in the local atmosphere.
Sports enthusiasts will love the Palermi Sports Bar, which offers live game screenings complemented by a refreshing drink menu. A newer addition to the scene, LIB Costa Rica offers a trendy ambiance and innovative cocktails.
How to get to Liberia?
Travelers arriving in Liberia usually touch down at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, conveniently located just eight miles from the city center.
While taxis are available for transport, opting for airport transfers in Liberia, Costa Rica is a much more comfortable and reliable option. Plus, with a pre-arranged pickup, you can avoid long waiting times and potential overcharges that can sometimes come with taxis.
Where to stay in Liberia?
The luxurious Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is located between the ocean and the Costa Rican jungle. No matter what room you choose, the views will be stunning. In addition to on-site restaurants, a pool, and a spa, the hotel also has a concierge hotel to help you plan and organize trips and adventures, including snorkeling and kayaking.
Located in the heart of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Ranch Hotel & Hot Springs offers comfortable rooms with plenty of amenities and plenty of eco touches. The hotel comes equipped with a swimming pool, massage services, and a tour assistance desk. In addition to a restaurant offering authentic Costa Rican cuisine, there’s also the Canopy Bar, which offers snacks and drinks.
For a truly all-in-one experience at a great price, try Hotel Las Espuelas, Bar & Restaurant, which offers simple but comfortable rooms, a pool, and a family-friendly setting.
If you don’t mind escaping out of the city to the mountains, Borinquen Thermal Resort offers a unique setting that includes a hot spring-fed pool, rooms with private balconies overlooking the forest, a spa, and two restaurants. Up for an adventure? The hotel organizes its own tours out to waterfalls and the surrounding jungle.
Where to go next?
Whether you want to lie down on the beach, explore the rainforest, or enjoy some adventure, there are plenty of fun things to do in Costa Rica. Luckily, Costa Rica has plenty of other great destinations to discover once you’re done enjoying Liberia.
Not far from Liberia, there’s Manual Antonio, a picturesque town with a coastline that goes on forever. Things to do in Manuel Antonio include exploring pristine beaches and immersing yourself in wildlife-rich national parks.
Next is La Fortuna, also a short drive away. You won’t run out of things to do in La Fortuna either, one of the best destinations for outdoor lovers. Here, you can enjoy hiking through rainforests, wildlife watching, amazing volcanoes, and national parks. Hungry for a chocolate tour? You can visit a working cacao farm. Eager for a heart-pumping adventure? Thrilling white water rapids are waiting for you.
For surf enthusiasts, the things to do in Tamarindo include catching waves. Tamarindo’s coastline offers great surfing that will satisfy both beginners and experienced water lovers. A party town with great nightlife, Tamarindo also offers great food and accommodations at reasonable prices.
When exploring things to do in Monteverde, the enchanting cloud forests stand out as a must-visit attraction — a place where you can hike, meet unique animals, and jump into clear pools of deep blue waters. When looking for things to do in Jaco, remember that diving is the area’s most popular activity Here, you can also take the local aerial tram over the rainforest during the day and then enjoy the never-ending parties that take over Jaco as the sun goes down.
Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, is perfectly located to explore green hills and volcanoes but also provides access to more urban attractions. Things to do in San Jose include exploring the many world-class museums, theaters, galleries, and historic buildings.
Final thoughts
If you’re a lover of the outdoors, Liberia is an ideal destination in Costa Rica – no matter if you’re traveling alone, with family or friends.
Better yet, there’s lots of fun things to do in Liberia all year long. From amazing hikes with volcano views to stunning beaches to hidden waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife.
Hungry? Liberia has great cuisine and plenty of stellar restaurants to keep you full with yummy food. Need a drink? Breweries are a great option, but there are also plenty of places to enjoy a cold drink with great views.
So what are you waiting for? Get packing and ready to go!