Guayabo, Guanacaste

Woman wood sculpture by Tony Jimenez courtesy of www.tonyjimenez.com

It’s easy to see why Guayabo is one of the most beloved vacation destinations in Costa Rica. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the amiable town yet, make this your year to discover its charms for yourself. From its expansive national parks to its verdant jungles and rolling hills, it’s a traveler’s dream come true. The small town in Guanacaste province is full of friendly locals who eagerly welcome tourists to their little patch of paradise.

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility, this is the place to go. Get ready to be treated to incredible scenery while you learn about the fascinating history of the area.

Coveted Views

Not many places in Costa Rica can rival the gorgeous views Guayabo offers. Some of the area’s most attractive features are its rolling hills, sprawling coffee plantations and lush rainforests. The charming town is located right between Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rincón de la Vieja National Park, so there’s no shortage of things to do and see.

Whether you’re staying in the area for a week or just a couple of days, here are a few things you absolutely need to do while you’re there:

• Hike the nearby volcanos
• Explore Rincón de la Vieja jungles
• Sink your toes into black sand, white sand or pink sand beaches

The Miravalles Volcano is a dormant volcano located in the Guanacaste Province, near the small towns Fortuna and Guayabal. It’s recommended that you have a good map with you when you go exploring, so you don’t end up lost or in a dangerous area.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is one of the most popular tourist areas in Costa Rica. It can be a bit challenging to navigate through the heavily forested terrain and travel across the many different streams, but the effort pays off. You’ll see steam vents, mud pots and plenty of wildlife while you explore the jungle.

Guanacaste province is known for its beautiful beaches that are as diverse and interesting as the people who visit them. If you like variety, that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Whether you love the exotic look of black sand or prefer the pristine beauty of white sand, the province of Guanacaste has it all. You can even find rare pink sand or shell beaches here.

Fascinating History

Costa Rica has a fascinating history in which agriculture and mining have both played crucial roles. The name Guayabo is believed to be derived from the dialect of a Costa Rica indigenous tribe. Most historians believe the town was first settled by Christian Medina in the 19th century. After its initial settlement, settlers from Germany were encouraged to come to the area and mine the valuable minerals found in the hillsides surrounding Guayabo.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

For many years, the area enjoyed continual prosperity thanks to healthy agricultural production and productive mining efforts. However, trouble began brewing when a group of farmers came to Guayabo from surrounding areas and tried to claim portions of the fertile agricultural land for themselves. It wasn’t long before a heated clash broke out between the farmers and the Institute of Land and Settlement. As a result, the Association of Community Development was created in the 1970’s to restore peace and promote cooperative agricultural production.

Agriculture is an indispensable part of Costa Rica history, and it’s still a staple of life for the humble and hardworking community of Guayabo. Coffee farms are particularly popular and are visible almost everywhere you look.

If you’re fascinated by the Tico way of life, rich Costa Rican culture and incredible scenery, you’ll love Guayabo. Plan your vacation today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.