Nicknamed "la ciudad blanca," or "the white city," Liberia is famous for its white-gravel roads and whitewashed colonial houses. It is the capital and largest city in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, an area known for its natural beauty. Although many people skip out on the city to head to the beach, staying in Liberia will give you a genuine Costa Rican experience.
Out and About in Liberia
Liberia is a gateway to exploring Costa Rica. The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport grants easy access to the province, and cheap hotels in Liberia make the city a good place to set up base camp while making day trips to the surrounding areas. To the west are gorgeous white-sand beaches. The quiet Playa Hermosa is fantastic for swimming, while Octal offers great fishing and diving. Tamarindo, meanwhile, is a favorite among surfers, as well as connoisseurs of nightlife. Inland from Liberia lie mountains and tropical rain forests that are definitely worth a visit. The Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers hiking, swimming, mud baths, and more for those that make the journey.
Eating and Drinking
Even if you stay within Liberia, you'll find that it's a small town with all the amenities of a larger city. Pick up a jugo de caña, or cane sugar juice, and explore the city on foot. Stopping into any of restaurants in the downtown area will guarantee a good meal before you hit the town. In addition to the staples, be sure to sample Gallo Pinto, the national dish of Costa Rica. After dinner, mingle with the natives at the local hangouts.
You'll find an array of places to lay your head, but Travelocity can help you find the best hotels in Liberia as well as flights to Liberia. Check out Travelocity's vacation packages in Liberia, and save up to $537 when you book Liberia hotels and flights at the same time.