Huacas, Guanacaste

Scared Tourist next to a Danger sign, Huacas

Located in Costa Rica’s province of Guanacaste is the canton of Hojancha, the district surrounding the small community of Huacas. Huacas has a population of just 822 and takes up an area of 31.5 kilometers. Most travelers would not give such a small town much attention, but Huacas is special. It is strategically located near many important destinations:

• The mouth of Golfo Colorado and the Rio Tempisque
• Playa Carillo beach
• Chira Island

Many travelers pass through Huacas on their way to explore these locations. Visiting this small community can be a breath of fresh air after the busyness of San José and other major cities.

The Land of Huacas

The land that Huacas has grown on is very mountainous due to its being just 570 meters above sea level. This land has allowed locals to focus on agriculture, which is the major economic activity of the village and its people. The mountains of the Nicoya Peninsula are also known for their numerous natural mineral springs. This clear fresh water bubbles up naturally from the ground and provides much of the drinking water consumed by the surrounding area.

A Slower Pace of Life

Visitors come to Huacas for many reasons. Some are looking for a side of the country less focused on tourism and hope to find a more down-to-earth side of Costa Rica. This is an outstanding location to see the authentic side of Costa Rican life.

Visitors can find accommodations at small hotels and lodging houses, which make excellent jumping off points to other destinations. While in Huacas, be sure to sample some of the local cuisine, which is made using fresh produce grown right in the area. The Costa Rican people love to dance, and you can also take a turn on the dance floor at a local tavern.

A Top Beach Destination

Playa Carillo vies for top spot on a list of the best Costa Rica beaches. It is well known for not having any constructed buildings on the beach, so people going there can focus entirely on their preferred forms of recreation. It has also been awarded the Blue Flag award for maintaining its cleanliness. The tall cliffs are bordered by swaying palm trees, which offers photographers of every skill level the chance to capture the perfect tropical shot. A superb place to relax and unwind while enjoying Tico culture, Playa Carillo is surrounded by pristine tropical scenery, all with easy access from Huacas village.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Snorkeling is a fun activity that can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Because the shoreline is protected by a large reef, you can swim and snorkel with ease. The clear water of Playa Carillo allows swimmers to see fish, mollusks, and other sea life in their natural habitat. Underwater rock formations and other geological features of interest make this a very rewarding area to snorkel. Bringing an underwater camera along will certainly allow visitors to take some stunning photographs.

Forest Activities

Isla Chira is a nearby island that offers a break from the sun and sand. With horseback riding and hiking, visitors can experience the most intact and biodiverse tropical dry forest flora in the country. Swamps, salt pans, and mountains give travelers a varied adventure.

Visiting Huacas

Huacas village allows visitors to relax and rejuvenate while preparing for the next big adventure near the coastline of the country. Whether you plan to stay for a few days or are just passing through, you will love visiting this quaint and picturesque community near the coast. Getting away from the city for a few days by visiting Huacas is a wonderful way to get in touch with the real spirit of Costa Rica.