Liberia is a small city located in northwest Guanacaste. Though not of significance as a destination, the city is home to Costa Rica's Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), which is roughly the size of a strip mall. This is the most convenient airport for travelers staying in the Guanacaste region, though not the most practical as fares are usually double that of flying into San Jose (SJO).
Liberia is the closest real city to the Nicaraguan border (77 kilometers) and has been a staging point of trade for many years. It is also a crossroads for travelers coming from the rest of the country to the beautiful Guanacaste beaches. Not everybody in Liberia is just passing through. The local population of approximately 20,000 is mostly comprised of small business owners and sabaneros (ranchers).
As with most border areas, trade areas and ports, pretty crime is a problem in Liberia. A good rule of thumb is if you cannot carry it, do not bring it to Liberia as it will likely walk off on its own. This also holds true for vehicles, as a car loaded with suitcases is a target.
The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent. Click here to view our recommended packing list.
Fun Fact: Liberia is known by locals as the white city as many of the colonial style house of years past were painted this color.
| San Jose | 194 km |
| La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano | 142 km |
| Monteverde | 140 km |
| Rincon de la Vieja | 30 km |
| Papagayo Gulf | 41 km |
| Flamingo Beach | 75 km |
| Tamarindo | 77 km |
| Samara | 112 km |
| Malpais-Santa Teresa | 213 km |
| Jaco | 182 km |
| Manuel Antonio | 255 km |
| Dominical | 297 km |
| Drake Bay | 467 km |
| San Gerardo de Dota | 297 km |
| Turrialba | 262 km |
| Tortuguero | 323 km |
| Puerto Viejo | 424 km |
| Sarapiqui | 266 km |
| Rincon de la Vieja | 25 km |
| Miravalles Volcano | 55 km |
| Santa Rosa | 35 km |
| Las Baulas National Park | 75 km |
| Guanacaste National Park | 40 km |
Latitude: N 10° 37' 30.72"
Longitude: W 85° 26' 44.81"
Liberia is the closest real city to the Nicaraguan border (77 kilometers) and has been a staging point of trade for many years. It is also a crossroads for travelers coming from the rest of the country to the beautiful Guanacaste beaches. Not everybody in Liberia is just passing through. The local population of approximately 20,000 is mostly comprised of small business owners and sabaneros (ranchers).
As with most border areas, trade areas and ports, pretty crime is a problem in Liberia. A good rule of thumb is if you cannot carry it, do not bring it to Liberia as it will likely walk off on its own. This also holds true for vehicles, as a car loaded with suitcases is a target.
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