Santa Rosa National Park is located 35 km, north of Liberia. Seven kilometers from the entrance are located the Casona Santa Rosa Historical Museum, camping area and the administration of Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), where information of other protected sectors can be asked.

The Casona of Santa Rosa was created as National Monument by law on June 27th, 1.966. On March 20th, 1971 was declared as National Park together with the land near by. In 1.980, it was widened with the Murcielago sector by Executive Decree.

Murciélago sector is located at 9 km from Cuajiniquil, (60 km, north of Liberia on the Intermerican road).

Santa Rosa is one of the protected areas within the ACG, along with Guanacaste and Rincon de la Vieja National Parks, Horizontes Forestry Station and Junquillal Wildlife Refuge.

Witness of our History

The Hacienda of Santa Rosa is registered in the pages of our country history from the XIX century. The 20th of March 1.856 the most important battle, against american invaders called filibusters, took place. It also has been stage of other historical battles.

Flora and Fauna

Santa Rosa preserves the most important portion of Dry Forest protected in Central America. High temperature, long dry season and trees that lose their leaves characterize this forest, that looks totally different during the rainy season.

Common species of trees are the Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), Pochote (Bombacopsis quinata), Guapinol (Hymenaea courbaril), the Naked Indian tree (Bursera simaruba) and the Caoba (Swietenia macrophylla).

In the coasts, mangrove are well represented with species like the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), as well as, other typical species of the Pacific slope of Costa Rica.

In Santa Rosa are found 115 species of mammals; among them the White Tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata) and White-face Monkey (Cebus capucinus), as well as Coatis (Nasua narica) can be seen. The common bird is the White-throated Magpie Jay (Calocitta formosa). Representative reptiles are the Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus), and the Ctenoaur or Garrobo (Ctenosaura similis).

Naranjo Beach (located 12 km away of the administration area) is surrounded by mangrove and with great beauty. There are two ways to access the beach on defined paths: in four wheel drive during the dry season and hiking during the rainy season.

In the same direction of Naranjo Beach (17 km from the administration area), it is found Nancite Beach one of the most important nesting sites for Olive Ridley Turtle on the Pacific coast of Central America. Due to the ecological characteristics the access to Nancite is restricted.

Other beautiful beaches are located in Murcielago sector, White Beach (17 km from the camping area), Santa Elena Bay and El Hachal Bay (5 km from the camping area).

Interest Data

Rainfall: 1.500 mm annual average
Temperature: 28 C annual average.

Interest sites

Santa Rosa Sector

1- The 1955 battle tanks.
2- View Point Emerged Land.
3- Casona Santa Rosa Historical Museum.
4- Naked Indian Trail.
5- Monument to the Heroes of 1856 and 1955.
6- Los Patos Natural Trail.
7- View Point Valle Naranjo.
8- Carbonal Trail.
9- Palo Seco Trail.

Murcielago Sector

1- Poza El General
2- White Beach
3- El Hachal Bay
4- Santa Elena Bay
5- El Nance Natural Trail
6- View Point Los Pargos
Suggestions

• By law it is forbidden to bring pets into the Park, and to remove plants, animals, or any other natural resources.
• Do not toss cigar butts, neither makes bonfires. Use the grills located in the camping area, use only coal or commercial gas.
• Please, place all the garbage in the containers provided.
• Walk only on the defined trail. At night use always flashlight.
• Always carry water and appropriated shoes.
• If you visit Naranjo Beach carry water. The access is possible only in four wheel drive vehicle.
• Fishing is not permitted in this protected area.
• A permission is require if you wish to visit Nancite Beach. Ask at the Ecoturismo office.
• Take only pictures, leave only footprints.