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Guanacaste’s Cultural Treasures at Vandara

Beyond its renowned beaches, Guanacaste is more than a lovely landscape to behold. It also boasts a rich tapestry of cultural treasures waiting to be discovered.

In this blog you’ll learn more about Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the beauty, along with the nature and the hidden cultural treasures found in the area.

Here are some commonly known aspects about Guanacaste:

a wooden bench sitting on top of a lush green field

Guanacaste’s Cultural Heritage is integrated within its history:

Named after the Guanacaste tree, Costa Rica’s National Tree, the province of Guanacaste has a fascinating past influenced by indigenous people, Spanish colonization, and the struggle for independence. 

Visitors can delve into this history by visiting museums and historic sites, such as Museo Historico La Casona in Liberia, where artifacts and exhibits provide insight into the region’s past.

 

Guanacaste Traditional Cuisine is amazing:

Costa Rican cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its delicious flavors, and Guanacaste doesn’t disappoint. Traditional dishes like “casado” and “Gallo Pinto” are both based on rice and beans that provide a nutritious base and delicious flavor. Guanacaste has its own culinary gems, including tamales, rosquillas and chorreadas which are all corn based.

 

Festivals and Celebrations: 

Guanacaste comes alive with vibrant festivals and celebrations year-round, this makes it appealing for tourists to participate in the local culture. The “Fiestas Típicas Liberianas”, usually take place in late February and they are meant to honor the history and traditions of the province that’s naturally rich in kindness, joy and especially culture. These activities are held in a way to make it continue through generations. 

 

 

 

Music and Dance: 

The Marimba is an essential instrument in Guanacaste’s culture. It is believed to have arrived on the continent through African slaves and was introduced to Costa Rica from Guatemala, passing through the province of Guanacaste. 

Originally, it was used in religious events, which over time transitioned to its use in cultural and traditional events. This instrument is usually accompanied with typical folklore dances that are representative of Guanacaste and Costa Rica in general, such as the “Punto Guanacasteco” which is a traditional dance that weaves stories through elegant choreography and vibrant costumes. 

 

Artisan Craftsmanship: 

Pottery, wooden carvings and intricate woven textiles are a few of the many treasures that can be explored in local markets and workshops; some of the vendors are talented artisans, so you can personally learn about their techniques and processes first hand while acquiring unique souvenirs that contain Guanacaste’s cultural essence.

 

a group of people swimming in the water

Natural Wonders: 

There’s an undeniable truth that Costa Rica’s Nature is ranked among the top environments in the world. However, beyond the visual appeal, places to enjoy this nature like Vandara and Diamante, also incorporate a cultural role based on history and folklore. The province is characterized for its National Parks; these natural wonders have inspired local stories, legends and even indigenous beliefs, infusing the environment with cultural significance. 

Vandará is rich in historical tapestry located in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, named after the Volcano that’s representative of the Curubandé area and holds a legend within its natural marvels. 

We invite you to Explore the Authentic Costa Rica at Vandará: Enjoy our Waterfall, Cultural Tour, Canopy, Thermal Hot Springs and so much more. We’ll be delighted to make you be part of our little paradise.

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