Along the far reaches of the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the sprawling Guanacaste province, Santa Rosa National Park draws visitors who are called to its unique climate and historical significance.
Santa Rosa National Park is the only preserved patch of tropical dry forest in Mesoamerica and one of the last remaining tropical dry forests in the world. In addition to its unique environmental importance, it’s also one of the oldest national parks of Costa Rica, founded in 1972 at the beginning of the conservation movement within the country.
Going back even further, Santa Rosa is the site of one of the most famous battles in Costa Rican history: The Battle of Santa Rosa in 1856, but the hacienda, which is also a museum, was built in 1750, adding even more historical and cultural depth to this iconic landmark.
3 of the Best Things to Do in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica
1. Explore La Casona de Santa Rosa | Best for: History Lovers
Located at the main entrance in the Santa Rosa sector of the park, La Casona is the perfect representation of a colonial hacienda and was also the site of one of the most famous battles in Costa Rican history. La Casona is a historical museum and monument located within Santa Rosa National Park. Visitors can tour inside the house and see artifacts and furniture used by the National Liberation Army.
The house was the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa, which took place on March 20, 1856, in which the Costa Rican forces pushed William Walker and his militia out of Guanacaste. Santa Rosa National Park is the only national park in Costa Rica that also features a historical museum, combining history and environmental preservation for a truly Costa Rican experience.
2. Visit Remote Beaches Inside the Park | Best for: Nature Lovers
Santa Rosa National Park is one of the largest national parks in Costa Rica, covering just under 50,000 hectares, so be prepared to spend some time exploring if you decide to venture in past the La Casona Museum and entrance area.
Within the park itself, spanning over and beyond to the Pacific coast, there are several beaches, many hiking trails, famous surf spots, and more. Driving in from the main entrance along the 12 km unpaved road is a journey in and of itself. Because the park doesn’t open until 8 AM and the road can be slow going (4×4 is recommended year-round), consider camping within the park overnight to get the most out of your time here.
- Playa Naranjo: This beach within Santa Rosa National Park features a campground with toilets and showers, but be aware: there is no drinking water provided. With temperatures hovering around the low to mid-90s year-round, be sure to come prepared for an overnight stay.
Also note, there is an additional entry fee to access this part of the park, and reservations must be made in advance. This limits the number of people who visit the beach daily, preserving its magic and beauty. Playa Naranjo is famous for the surf spot Witch’s Rock.
- Playa Nancite: Playa Nancite is one of the main nesting sites for the Olive Ridley sea turtle, and a visit here means seeing thousands of nesting turtles in the nesting season or the journey of the hatchlings to the sea. Because of this natural phenomenon, visitors must request access from the ranger station and follow certain rules to protect the animals.
3. Wildlife & Birdwatching Opportunities | Best for: Animal Lovers
Due to the unique climate and the vast size of Santa Rosa National Park, visitors have the chance to see amazing animals, though the weather and time of day play a large part in spotting wildlife.
Most animals are active early in the morning or late afternoon, not in the peak of midday heat, so visitors who camp in the park have a better chance of seeing more. Some of the wildlife that call Santa Rosa National Park home include:
- Capuchin, Howler, and Spider Monkeys
- Coyotes
- Peccaries
- White-tailed coatis
- Baird’s tapirs
- Olive Ridley sea turtles
- Jagarundi, Ocelots, Cougars, and Jaguars all live in the park but are seldom seen
- Motmots
- Herons
- Trogons
- Toucans
- Parrots
- Hummingbirds and so much more!
Sectors & Areas of Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica
Santa Rosa Sector
This is the main entrance and most visited portion of the park. The turn-off for the park entrance is off of Ruta 1, the Interamericana Highway. Here, visitors can check out:
- La Casona Historical Museum
- Sendero Indio Desnudo–this path is paved and accessible for all visitors, it’s located just by the main entrance
Further into the Santa Rosa Sector, traveling along the 12 km road that leads to Playa Naranjo, there are several other hiking trails to explore. Check with rangers to see which trails are open on the day you visit and allow for enough time to drive, hike, and drive out before the park closes. Unless, of course, you have paid for and are prepared to camp overnight, in which case you can also explore:
- Sendero Los Patos
- Mirador Valle Naranjo Trail
- Sendero Carbonal
Murcielago Sector
This sector is the more remote part of an already remote park. Accessible by boat from Playas del Coco, this is a major spot for epic scuba diving and snorkeling tours. There is a land entrance just outside of the small town of Cuajiniquil, but the roads are less maintained here, and it’s best to make sure the land entrance is open before committing.
If you can access the roads in the Murcielago Sector, there are hiking trails and the pristine beach, Playa Blanca.
Playa Naranjo (Roca Bruja)
Playa Naranjo is accessible by the main park road from the Santa Rosa entrance, though the 12 km road is unpaved and rough to drive. A 4×4 vehicle is necessary regardless of the time of year you visit. Here, visitors can camp overnight. Here is some of what Playa Naranjo offers:
- Campsite
- Toilets and showers
- NO drinking water
- Surfing
- Sendero Aceituno
Playa Nancite (Restricted Area)
Playa Nancite is accessible by a “road” or path called Sendero Palo Seco. The beach is a protected turtle nesting site, so you’ll need to get special permission to go all the way to the beach. Check with the rangers to see if this is an option when you visit.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica
Even the dry tropical forest has a rainy season!
Rainy Season
From May to November, the rainy season, sometimes called green season, brings afternoon showers. While the rain might not get in the way of your hiking plans, the road conditions might.
Roads within the park are unpaved and can be affected by rain, so always check with the rangers at the entrance before venturing too far into the park. More specifically, ask which trails are open or closed on the day you visit.
Dry Season
December to April is the dry season in Guanacaste, and it can be very dry and hot! Be mindful of the heat and the sun. While this can be a great time to visit to avoid the rain, understand that temperatures can be in the mid 90s and dehydration can happen fast.
Quick Tips for Visiting the Park
A visit to Santa Rosa National Park takes some planning, but it’s well worth the effort. Here’s a quick Do and Don’t check list to make sure you’re ready for your adventure:
- Do bring enough water for each person in your group. Look into CamelBaks or other wearable water bottles to make sure you stay hydrated and safe
- Do rent a 4×4 vehicle so you can access as much of the park as possible
- Do check with the rangers at the entrance to find out which trails are open and what condition the road is in
- Do make sure you have permits and entry tickets for the park AND for camping if you plan on staying the night
- Don’t forget to reserve your entrance at least 24 hours before your arrival
- Don’t take selfies with wildlife–this is illegal in Costa Rica
- Don’t leave any trash behind–leave no trace when visiting a national park
- Don’t touch or try to interact with any wild animals
Food & Dining Near Santa Rosa National Park
There are no restaurants located within or near the entrance to Santa Rosa National Park, so visitors coming for the day or for an overnight camping stay will need to bring their own food and, more importantly, drinking water. The park features limited services, so be sure to bring adequate drinking water per person. Pro tip: Take into account the heat while hiking!
There are local sodas along Ruta 1, between Liberia and the turn-off for Santa Rosa National Park, so you can stop for breakfast or an early dinner after a day of hiking.
Be aware that national parks in Costa Rica have restrictions on bringing in disposable packaging for food. To keep the parks clean from litter, you might have to plan ahead for how to bring food inside for the day or for an overnight stay. Think reusable containers.
Plan Your Trip to Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica
Entrance Fees, Hours & Park Rules
- Park Hours – The park is open from 8 AM to 3:30 PM Wednesday through Monday
- Santa Rosa National Park is CLOSED on Tuesdays
- Reservations must be made in advance online at: https://reservaciones.acguanacaste.ac.cr/es/santa-rosa/
- Daily rate for adults $16 and children $6
- Camping per person per night $4
- Playa Naranjo is a separate admission cost and must also be made in advance
- 4×4 vehicle is necessary for exploring the majority of the park
- No pets are allowed
How to Get to Santa Rosa National Park
From Liberia
Driving from Liberia takes just about an hour on the Interamericana Ruta 1 or a little longer on the secondary highway, Ruta 253. A car without 4×4 can get you to the Santa Rosa Park entrance and the La Casona Site, where there is one hiking trail, but to explore deeper into the park, a 4×4 vehicle is a must.
From San Jose/Alajuela
To reach Santa Rosa National Park from SJO, Alajuela, or the San Jose area, head out of the city on Ruta 3 towards Ruta 1, and from there you’ll reach Guanacaste and the park entrance. This drive can take about 4 hours, so plan accordingly.
From Playas del Coco
Visitors can access the marine sector of Santa Rosa National Park by booking boat tours for scuba and snorkeling out of Playas del Coco. Check with local tour providers for more information.
Where to Stay Near Santa Rosa National Park
Santa Rosa Main Entrance
Other than camping at Playa Naranjo, there aren’t any lodging options in or near to the Santa Rosa National Park main entrance. You’ll need to find something in Liberia or along Ruta 1, and likely you’ll be at least a 20-minute drive from the park entrance. Most hotels in the area are Costa Rican style, with clean, basic accommodations, and breakfast is usually included.
Remember: The park opens at 8 AM. Visitors often see animals on the drive off the main highway to the park entrance, so go early, check out the road on the way in, and be ready to enter at opening time.
Murcielago Entrance
The Murcielago Sector is a marine portion accessible by boat. Tours to visit this portion of the park can be arranged through tour operators at Playas del Coco. There is a land entrance close to the town of Cuajiniquil, but the roads on this side are less reliable, and this entrance has been closed at times. Check with SINAC before your trip to ensure the land entrance is open before you make the drive to Cuajiniquil.
Remember: If you want to visit the Murciealgo Sector by boat, you’ll want to stay in Playas del Coco, which is about 40 kilometers from Liberia, opposite the direction of the Santa Rosa Sector entrance. There are many accommodations to choose from here.
If you want to plan a trip to visit Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to help you with any questions you might have.