Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
La Casona
HISTORIC BUILDING
( 2666-5051;
www.acguanacaste.ac.cr
; 8-11:30am & 1-4pm)
La Casona is the main edifice of the old Hacienda Santa Rosa. The battle of 1856 was
fought around this building, and the military action is described with wonderful displays
detailing (in English and Spanish) the old gold-rush route, William Walker's evil imperial
plans, and the 20-day-battle breakdown. There are also exhibits on the region's natural his-
tory. Two hiking trails leave from behind the museum.
La Casona is located near the park headquarters in the Santa Rosa sector.
Wildlife-Watching
The wildlife is both varied and prolific, especially during the dry season, when animals
congregate around the remaining water sources and the trees lose their leaves. More than
250 bird species have been recorded, including the raucous white-throated magpie jay, un-
mistakable with its long crest of manically curled feathers. The forests contain parrot and
parakeet, trogon and tanager, and as you head down to the coast you'll be rewarded by
sightings of a variety of coastal birds.
Dozens of species of bats have been identified in Santa Rosa. Other mammals you have
a reasonable chance of seeing include deer, coati, peccary, armadillo, coyote, raccoon,
three kinds of monkey and a variety of other species - about 115 in all. There are also
many thousands of insect species, including about 4000 moths and butterflies (just bring
insect repellent).
Reptile species include lizards, iguanas, snakes, crocodiles and four species of sea turtle.
The olive ridley sea turtle is the most numerous, and during the July to December nesting
season tens of thousands of turtles make their nests on Santa Rosa's beaches. The most
popular beach is Playa Nancite, where, during September and October especially, it's pos-
sible to see as many as 8000 of these 40kg turtles on the beach at the same time. The
turtles are disturbed by light, so flash photography and flashlights are not permitted. Avoid
the nights around a full moon - they're too bright and turtles are less likely to show up.
Playa Nancite is strictly protected and entry is restricted, but permission may be obtained
from park headquarters to observe; call ahead.
The variety of wildlife reflects the variety of habitat within park boundaries. Apart from
the largest remaining stand of tropical dry forest in Central America, habitats include sa-
