Santa Rosa National Park is one of the country’s most iconic parks. Established in 1971, it is one of Costa Rica’s oldest protected areas and is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park plays a crucial role as a biological corridor, connecting various protected areas in Guanacaste and facilitating species movement between habitats.
Within the park lies the Santa Rosa Hacienda, a historic site significant for the battle against the filibuster invasion led by William Walker in 1856. It stands as a symbol of Costa Rican resistance.
The park is home to tropical dry forests, one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems, and protects a vast array of flora and fauna, including jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, and hundreds of bird species.
It also hosts important beaches:
- Nancite Beach: Known for sea turtle nesting, including the Olive Ridley turtle.
- Naranjo Beach: Famous for surfing and the iconic rock formation, Witch’s Rock.
Attractions:
- Emergent Lands Viewpoint
- Universal Access Trail “Indio Desnudo”
- Historical Museum Santa Rosa Hacienda
- Monument to the Heroes
- Los Patos Trail
Visitor Hours: Open from Wednesday to Monday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm (reservation required). Closed on Tuesdays.
Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance: Online Reservation