Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pumping). Beware of rocks near the river mouth, and be careful near the estuary as it's a
rich feeding ground for crocodiles during the tide changes. Oh, and by the way, the beach
is stunning, with a sweet, rounded boulder-strewn point to the north and shark-fin head-
lands to the south. Even further south, Nicoya and Papagayo peninsular silhouettes reach
out in a dramatic attempt to out do each other.
The surfing is equally legendary at
Ollie's Point
off Playa Portero Grande, which has
the best right in all of Costa Rica, with a nice, long ride, especially with a south swell. The
bottom here is a mix of sand and rocks, and the year-round offshore is perfect for tight
turns and slow closes. Shortboarding is preferred by surfers at both spots.
Sleeping & Eating
Campground
CAMPGROUND
(per person US$2)
There's a shady developed campground close to the park headquarters, with picnic
benches, grills, flushing toilets and cold-water showers. Playa Naranjo has pit toilets and
showers but no potable water - bring your own, and don't expect complete solitude. Every-
one shares one sandy flat basin, only moderately sheltered from gusty wind by thin trees.
There's a 25-person, two-night maximum.
There's also a small campsite with pit toilets and showers near the ranger station in the
Sector Murciélago, though you'll have to bring your own food and water.
Research Station
HOSTEL
( 2666-5051;
www.acguanacaste.ac.cr
; dm US$10)
Make reservations in advance to stay in basic to grim eight-bed dorms with cold showers
and electricity. Researchers get priority, but there's usually some room for travelers. Good
food (meals US$6 to US$7) is available in the
comedor
(cheap eatery).
Getting There & Around
SANTA ROSA SECTOR
Access to the Santa Rosa sector park entrance is on the west side of the Interamericana,
35km north of Liberia and 45km south of the Nicaragua border. The well-signed main
