Sant Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park is found in the province of Guanacaste, in the North Western Pacific of Costa Rica, 36 km north of Liberia.  It is an area of dry tropical forest, which, contrary to popular belief, is actually richer in biodiversity than tropical rainforest. Santa Rosa is ecologically unique because dry tropical forest is rapidly diminishing in Costa Rica. 

Santa Rosa National Park Trails:
A challenging dirt road, which departs from the main area near the camp grounds, arrives at the beautiful Nancite and Naranjo beaches, both of which are major nesting grounds for the olive ridley, leatherback and pacific green sea turtles. Nancite is where the largest "arribadas" of olive ridley turtles in Tropical America come ashore. While the Naranjo beach is open to the public,  and is excellent for surfing. Nancite beach requires special permits, particularly during the time the olive-ridley turtles are nesting.

Special Considerations

Near the upper camping grounds, there is a short nature trail (Indio Desnudo) just before the Santa Rosa National Monument. This trail provides the best opportunities within the park to view wildlife, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon hours. Deer, howler, spider and white-faced monkeys, lizards and hawks are quite common. Light levels are low, but there are good photographic opportunities on this trail. There are several trails near the main office, as well as along the road heading south to the beach area. Trails are present around the beach area as well, many of which are located behind the estuary. Camping is permitted, however, only in the designated areas, not along any of the trails. Maps are available at the park office which do an adequate job of detailing the areas of interest.