Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Near the entrance of town, a statue of a steely-eyed
sabanero,
complete with an evocative
poem by Rodolfo Salazar Solórzano, stands watch over Av 25 de Julio, the main street into
town. The blocks around the intersection of Av Central and Calle Real contain several of
Liberia's oldest houses, many dating back about 150 years. There is a long-term plan to
pedestrianize Calle Real south of the park; it was the historic thoroughfare into and out of
the city.
Parque Central
PARK
The somewhat shady but not particularly picturesque Parque Central frames Iglesia In-
maculada Concepción de María. The park is also the seasonal hangout of the Nicaraguan
grackle, a tone-deaf bird that enjoys eating parrot eggs and annoying passers-by with its
grating calls.
Museo de Guanacaste
HISTORIC BUILDING
It's not much of a museum, but Liberia's old city jail is definitely interesting. Depressing
dorms and cells surround a barren concrete courtyard, and it has occasional student con-
certs and exhibits. The place lacks resources, but there are plans to stage an actual museum
here…at some point.
La Agonía
CHURCH
Six blocks northeast of the park you'll find the oldest church in town, popularly called La
Agonía. It's a gloriously decrepit mud-and-brick relic, locked and closed to the public. The
adjacent park has become the de facto skate park - complete with poured-concrete ramps
and charming local skate punks. A stroll through the surrounding, somewhat seedy blocks
is an interesting way to spend an hour.
Africa Mía
WILDLIFE RESERVE
(
2666-1111;
www.africamiacr.com
;
adult/child US$18/12, van tour US$30/24, safari tour US$65/
55;
tours 9:30am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm)
