Golfo de Santa Elena

Posted by shamsulislam on Sep 23, 2011 in North Pacific Coast | 0 comments

Golfo de Santa Elena
Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Costa Rica means Rich Coast in Spanish. Mother Nature has gifted the country with a practical fortune of beaches, each one of which has its own special charms. No region represents Costa Rica’s lavishness better then the North western province of Guanacaste. The driest part of the country, Guanacaste is a popular destination among sun worshipers of all types.
Guanacaste is located in the northwest section of Costa Rica, Its name was derived from the national tree Guanacaste tree, or some times called ear pod tree. On the north the country Nicaragua is located, which has a lengthy history with the province of Guanacaste. During the Spanish colonial era, this region was the part of Nicaragua.
Costa Rica obtained legal rights to the Guanacaste region in 1858, and it has a strong connection to the Costa Rica, and holds onto its cowboy culture.
Golfo de Santa Elena is situated in the most northwest section of Guanacaste and the nearest village is Cuajiniquil, It is a small fishing village. The area has population of about 300,000, the area is home of more than a few different lifestyles which are not always understood by foreigners. It is said that one will find many color, custom and tradition as the region holds onto its Costa Ricans ways. Guanacaste on the west has beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean. The eastern border is defined by the Cordillera de Guanacaste and Cordillera de Tilaran mountain ranges running 70 miles from the northwest to southeast. Tempisque River, the Costa Rica’s longest river flows from Theses Mountain ranges and forms the border with Nicoya Province before emptying into the Golfo de Nicoya.

Guanacaste is known for its endless sunshine,so as Golfo de Santa Elena several national parks, and incredible beaches, the region is well known among the tourists. It has large hotel projects. Liberia; Costa Rica’s second largest airport has opened the region to many international tourists with direct and easy access.

Santa Rosa National Park located on the Santa Elena Peninsula in the most northwest section of Guanacaste, was Costa Rica’s first and one of the largest national parks. It is a Principal attraction in the area. It was established in 1971 and was the very first park of Costa Rica. This park covers the area of 122,350 acres and lot of habitat zones, abundant plants and animal life. The park is full of flora and fauna, you can find white-faced howler monkeys, dear, or big cats living in the park. There are water falls and white sand beaches in the park. The beaches at Cuajiniquil are very beautiful, as is Mostrencal, which is located just on the other side of the bay.

The Golfo de Santa Elena is one of the richest marine ares of Central America. You can have Snorkeling and Scuba diving, Horse riding at sunset at the beach, Whale and Dolphin watching expeditions, Kayaking is also very popular and can done in the sea or near the mangrove area, which is the home of exotic creatures.

Monteverde and Santa Elena villages are in the north from the Pan-American Highway, called “Green Mountain” a perfect name for one of the most tranquil setting in Costa Rica, Most of the population belongs to North American Quakers, there is no determined
Village to speak about; most of the homes are covered from green trees in the forest, reachable by foot trail and scattered along the dirt road that leads to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve from the village of Santa Elena.

Santa Elena, a community of Tico families that is different from Monteverde and is the center store, banks, bars and other services and facilities. The fame of the preserve has spawned an ever increasing influx of attractions and tourists; the area is in danger of becoming over developed. The community spirit is being lost as locals become more self- absorbed and put the chase of money above the community interests. Santa Elena has its own Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.

O Scuba diving
O Visit the Islas Murcielago: See marine wild life in the marine protected area.
O Whale watch: Humpback whales can be seen during the rainy season, often Dolphin
O Murcielago: It is jumping off point to Santa Elena Beach, playa Blanca and Playa Hachal and all immaculate beaches.
O Kayak and bird watch in the mangrove
O Snorkel
O Swim at Playa Cuajiniquil
O Camp at Junquillal Beach

San Jose: Take bus from San Jose to Liberia and then take another bus from Liberia to Cuajiniquil, you can take a taxi or private car, it will cost you $180 and take 5hours to reach. The trip distance is approximately 217 km.
Liberia (LIB Airport): The total trip distance is 56 km, and the trip tome is 1 hour and will be approximately $1.50. The taxi will cost $70.