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Sun, sea and savannah traditions.
The country's North Pacific, comprising the Province of Guanacaste and Peninsula of Nicoya, is a region of the country where high levels of tourism arrivals mingle with traditions and typical elements, characteristic of the Guanacaste province. Among these, the figure of the "sabanero" stands out, with his joviality and skill in handling cattle. It is for this reason that in the region's "fiestas patronales" (county fair), corridas (rodeos) and bull mounts are a must. The fairs always include a great variety of typical cuisine based mainIy on corn.
The region has a strong influence in Costa Rican history, beginning in the colonial period. Santa Rosa National Park was scenario of three important battles one of which back in 1.856, meant for the victorious Costa Ricans, the conquest of national sovereignty over the attacks of foreign invaders.

Geologically, the region harbors some of the oldest formations in the country, such as the caverns of Barra Honda National Park with its many stalactites and stalagmites. The park also protects important extensions of dry tropical forest, most of which is in regeneration. In the summer time, the decidious trees loose their foilage creating a very diverse landscape, almost dessert?like, in the months of November through May. In the months of June through October, when the rivers recover their flow these forests flourish into diverse tonalities of green. Some typical flora of the region are Guanacaste, the national tree; the savanna oak and the naked Indian tree, commonIy named due to its intense reddish colored trunk.
Some of the region's protected areas possess worldwide importance for the protection of wildlife species and constitute observation areas of great interest. This is the case of the Baula Turtle, in Playa Grander the avi?fauna in the lagoons of Palo Verde National Park; and the nesting of the Lora Turtle in the Nancite and Ostional beaches. National parks such as Volcán Rincón de la Vieja also offer unique sites with their hot mud pools and fumaroles in constant activity.
With its many beaches, the North Pacific constitutes one of Costa Rica's most important tourism areas and the presence of a diversity in tourism infrastructure that includes five star services and some of the best places to practice golf and sport fishing, combines with natural setting and a myriad of small quaint properties.
Marine currents that dredge nutrients from the ocean's depths, facilitate the existence of a rich marine biodiversity, favoring the abundance of species like the swordfish, the marlin and the dorado. Near the city of Liberia one of the main access points to the different attractions of the region stands Daniel Oduber International Airport which offers direct international access to the region. The International American highway, in excellent condition also communicates this city with the country's capital.
Guanacaste's beaches, full of sun and activity, offer all types of outdoor activities, including surfing, kayaking, swimming, diving, snorkeling and horseback riding,. Some of these beaches are true tourist centers, such is the case of Tamarindo and El Coco, while others are characterized by their remoteness. All however, seem to be made just for sports and sun lovers.