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Day Tripping Around Guancaste Costa Rica

You’ve settled in to your hotel and spent the last couple of days soaking up the sun on the beach. Now you’re ready to venture out.  Luckily, you’ve got choices. There’s a host of things to do and see right in the immediate area. Here are a few suggestions:
Escape to a secluded waterfall
About 20 minutes east of Liberia heading toward San Jose, there is a dirt road turnoff that will take you to the Llanos de Cortez waterfall, a gorgeous secluded spectacle that spans 45 feet wide and drops 30 feet into a with –sand pond surrounded by lush greenery. It’s the perfect picnic getaway and free! Take your bathing suit, swim and climb up on the rocks to get behind the fall. Buses from Liberia will drop you off the main road to Cortez, but it’s a 20 minutes walk from there. A rental car or private taxi will take you all the way.
Take in the big cats
It’s easy enough to combine your Cortez getaway with a trip to the Los Pumas Rescue Center, about 45 minutes east on the same highway toward San Jose. The publicly supported center provides sanctuary to ocelots, jaguars, and other wildlife that were mistreated or orphaned. For a donation, and attendant will take you around and tell you the animal’s stories.
Liberia
 The largest city and capital of Guanacaste Province is a shot ride from downtown Coco. It is approximately 28 km. There are numerous banks, supermarkets, grate restaurants, pharmacies for your medicals needs and many small shops and small departments store that have everything imaginable. The Catholic Church dominates the plaza.  The nick name for Liberia is the With City. Santa Rosa Plaza is a modern large mall with restaurant and boutiques.
A new attraction to the Coco area since mid December is KOKODRILO. It has three activities that can be done in a half day. There is rafting, horseback riding and canopy zip line. You select either morning or afternoon according to your own schedule. They are open seven days while the morning group starts at9am and includes lunch, and the afternoon group starts at 2 pm and includes dinner.
The price for adults and childrens is $65. You first start rafting in the Rio Tempisque, close to Comunidad, for about 45 minutes. It is slow moving and quiet and you will see numerous birds, two types of monkeys, as well as many different species of trees and flowers. You then board horses for a 45 minute ride also along the river. You will finish with a seven platform canopy trail. There are bilingual guides with you and safety is emphasized. For info call 6670943
Africa Mia
Is a wildlife park that has just been in operation less than a year and is in process of growth with construction going on constantly. From downtown Coco travel to Liberia, about 28 km. At the traffic light as you enter Liberia, turn right and travel 10 km or 6 mile to the Africa Mia sign. Turn hard right on a white dirt road for about 1 ½ km until you reach the main gate. Park in front of the building and enter this imposing structure composed of limestone with plenty of tile as decoration.
As of this writing, there is a herd of zebras, a number of antelope, large ostriches, deer, beautiful peacocks, and wild pigs. An enclosure for hippos is under construction and should be completed in the near future. There are also plants to bring giraffes, Oryx (wild antelope), kudus and bongos. The total park is 30 hectares with 70 more that can be used for further expansion. The park is open from 8am to 5 pm. Admission is 7800 colones for adults and 5200 colones for children. There is a small snack bar and very clean restrooms near the ticket office. You board a small open air bus with seats and travel into the park for about a half mile to the animal enclosures. There you unload and wander at you leisure. You are given carrots and encouraged to feed and touch the animals. There is no time limit to your stay but most people spend about 90 minutes. For Further Information 661 8161 / 357 5555 / 289 6222 or visit: www.africamia.net
Guatil
The village of Guaitil is approximately a 1 hour drive from Coco. Drive 15 km to the Interamerican highway. Turn right and ride 31 km to Santa Cruz. Continue driving through the town on to the road to Santa Barbara. Turn left on this road and travel 12 km to Guaitil. About 700 persons live there and about 200 actually do the Pre Columbian style pottery. They use clay and paints that are mined locally to make the pots, bowls, figures, and other prices taught to them by their parents and grandparents. They use handmade tools, like corncobs and pieces of leather to shape the objects they are creating. They use outdoor ovens that are wood fired using low heat for their objects at all stages including the final painting. Travel around the plaza visiting the various houses and workshops as each one seems to specialize. They are proud of their craft and are willing to demonstrate each step os the process using various techniques. It is a trip that is educational and a chance to purchase some unique pieces of art.
Witches Rock and canopy tour
For an exciting day, a visit to the Witches Rock Canopy Tour is a must. From Coco it is about 35 minutes drive. Drive to the Liberia road. Turn left for 2 miles to the Do It Center. Turn left at the center and travel 11 miles or 18 kilometers on a fine paved road. The hours of the operation are between 9am and 3 pm. There are 24 platform s, 4 hinging bridges, and 3 vertical ladders. There are types of flora and fauna to be observed including howler and with faces monkeys, iguanas, deer, and many varieties of birds. You will also fly over a waterfall, and view the ocean. The price for this adventure is $65. There is a café and bar on the premises as well as gift shop specializing in ecologically sound gifts. Four further information call: 667 0661 / 667 0670 / 371 3685 Fax 667 0345 cell 371 3685
Rancho Santa Alicia
IS abut an hours drive from Coco. From Coco drive ride to the Liberia road. Turn left and drive to the traffic light in Liberia. Turn right at the light and drive for approximately 8 miles. The sing for the Rancho will be on your left next to the painted horse. It is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. There is no admission charge to view the ranch except when there are special events usually on weekends. The admission varies according to the event. There is racing, rodeos, bull riding, and bronco busting. On the weekends there is also a disco for dancing. There is trail riding open to the public where you can ride for about $15 an hour. If you need instruction that can also be arranged. There are about 90 horses on the ranch of various sizes for everyone. A newly renovated bar and grill is now open to the public. For children there are newborn calves and foals that may be petted. For further information: 671 2543 or info @ranchosantaalicia.com
Nature walk
What was that noise? Did you see that? What is it? This looks familiar, but it’s so big! Could it be that same plant sitting on my kitchen table? These questions plus many others interesting, educational and entertaining insights comprise the topic of conversation during your walk with Dr. Will Abrams.
Will Abrams grew up on a farm in Kentucky, studied animal science, and then, after completing veterinary school went on to enjoy a successful 25 year practice as a veterinarian. He has had an interest in exotic animals ever since those early days in Kentucky when reptiles, possums, skunks, and raccoons were are pets. Will and his wife, Karen, moved here in 1994 and soon afterwards began the lengthy process a licensed veterinarian in Costa Rica. Today he continues to provide professional care for small animals and he also continues to find pleasure in the familiar as well as the less familiar plants and animals prevalent in this area. When he arrived in Costa Rica, Will began walking just for exercise. While walking he notice more and more new and exciting birds, animals, trees and flowers. Intrigued by their beauty and uniqueness he would return to his home in Ocotal and learn as much as possible about the day’s discoveries. Today Will shares his knowledge and love of nature with the residents and vacationers who call and join him on one of his daily walks. Humorous anecdotes experiences and tips about other interesting site, hotel, and restaurants, as well as camaraderie of other world travelers add up to an unforgettable morning.
Walk generally last approximately two hours and vary in the amount if exertion required. Some walks enjoy a more strenuous hike up and down the hills of Ocotal where as others prefer a more level excursion into Will’s world of exotic plants and animal. Walks are tailored to the needs and desires of the group. Regardless of your preference, put on comfortable  walking shoes, bring your binoculars, camera, water, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent ( rainy season) and be prepared to to enjoy life outdoors. Walks begin at 6:30 am and are limited to a maximum of ten people. The cost is only $15 per person. To arrange a date and / or receive further information call 670 0553.