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Liberia is the capital of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica and although it cannot be described as a large city, it is fairly large and has plenty of options for those who choose to vacation in this region of the country. It is one of the best choices if you want to experience the colonial atmosphere of Costa Rica. The narrow streets are lined with red-roofed adobe homes, many of which have ancient carvings decorating their doorways.

Liberia makes an excellent base of operations from which you can explore the Guanacaste Coast. The moderately priced hotels within and just outside the city are perfect for the budget conscious travellers and the restaurants will give you a fine sampling of local, as well as international cuisine.

The central plaza is the focus of the town, just as it was in earlier times. This is a great place to engage in people-watching or to take a rest on one of the many benches provided. Calle Real is one of the streets where you can view some of the finest examples of Spanish architecture in the buildings lining the street. Visit the Iglesia La Emita de la Agonia to see a church that dates back to the middle of the 19th century. It is open to the public for an hour each afternoon - from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Sabanero Museum may be small but it does pack a punch in the exhibits that are on display. Here you can learn about the life and time of the native peoples who once lived here and of the colonial times of the region. Although the posted times for this museum are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, closing for lunch each day, there are times when the staff may just decide to close for the day.

Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park, which is located about 25 km from Liberia. In addition to the geothermal activity of the park, you can experience a very unique landscape. There are waterfalls, a volcano and a lake with exceptional opportunities for birdwatching. The spectacular views of the plains of Guanacaste and the Pacific Coast you have from this location will keep you entrance for hours.

Just south of Liberia, you must visit Llano de Cortes Waterfall, which is about 12 km in width. This is an excellent location for a picnic and some swimming at the base of the waterfall. You will feel as if you have journeyed to Africa rather than Costa Rica with a visit to Africa Mia. This is a private reserve where you will see antelope, giraffe, zebra and elands loping across the grassy plains.

Liberia is not on the usual list of tourist destinations in Costa Rica, but is quickly gaining appeal. Once you do make your first trip, you will want to return again and again.

Learn more about this author, Frances Stanford.
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