Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz

Imagine a place where time stands still and the history of the "White City" comes to life. Mario Cañas Ruiz Park is not just a green space, but the true heart of Liberia. Located in the Guanacaste province, this charming central square is a focal point around which life in this region of Costa Rica has been built for centuries.

The park serves as the city's architectural and cultural anchor. Historically, administrative and religious buildings were concentrated here, with cozy residential neighborhoods branching out from the center to the outskirts. Today, the space offers visitors a harmonious blend of shaded alleys, well-kept landscapes, and an atmosphere of hospitality, carefully maintained by local security patrols.

The significance of this place is highlighted by its role in preserving Liberia's colonial charm. With the white façades of the surrounding buildings and its proximity to great natural treasures—from national parks to the azure beaches of the Pacific Ocean—the park has become a must-see on the itinerary of any traveler wishing to experience authentic Costa Rican life.

To plan your visit to Mario Cañas Ruiz Park, you can use the following official information. While the park is an open public space, municipal services maintain its condition and security.

In this cozy corner of Liberia, the main activity is the art of slow living. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the green paths or simply settle onto a bench in the shade of sprawling trees to watch the steady pace of local life. It is a wonderful spot for a family picnic or a short break between excursions.

For photography enthusiasts, the park offers many interesting angles, from classic colonial views to vibrant scenes of urban life. Thanks to the high level of security, it is comfortable to be here even in the evening, when the lights come on and the atmosphere becomes particularly romantic.

Many tourists use Mario Cañas Ruiz Park as a starting point for their adventures. From here, it is easy to plan trips to the majestic Rincón de la Vieja volcano with its thermal springs or head to the white-sand beaches of Guanacaste. The historic buildings surrounding the park allow for a small architectural tour without ever leaving the city center.

Finding Mario Cañas Ruiz Park is a breeze, as it is located in the very heart of Liberia. As the central transport hub of Guanacaste province, all roads literally lead to this green oasis.

If you are arriving on an international flight, the nearest airport, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, is just a 15–20 minute drive by car or taxi. City buses also run regularly between the airport and the center, stopping within walking distance of the park. For those already in town, the best way to get around is on foot, allowing you to soak in the colonial architecture along the way.

For travelers with their own or a rental vehicle, the park serves as a convenient reference point. It is located about 20 km from the Pacific coast, and the exact coordinates 10.6297516, -85.4382327 will help you quickly find your way using GPS. Thanks to its 24-hour access, you can arrive whenever it suits your schedule.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the birth of the city itself. The area around the modern park began to be developed in the second half of the 18th century, around 1769. Originally, the settlement was named Guanacaste, after the majestic trees that remain a symbol of the region today. Thanks to its favorable location, the site became an important point on the trade route between Nicaragua and the central regions of what is now Costa Rica.

A landmark moment in the park's history occurred in 1854 when President Juan Rafael Mora Porras signed a decree renaming the city Liberia. The park has always served as a political and social core: important decisions were made here following the annexation of the Partido de Nicoya in 1824, and administrative buildings and the homes of influential families were built around it.

The local sabanero (cowboy) culture adds a special flavor to the history. For a long time, Liberia prospered through vast cattle ranches (haciendas). This is why the city earned the nickname "The White City" (La Ciudad Blanca). The tradition of whitewashing adobe houses and dusting the streets with white gravel from local rivers began in the vicinity of the central park, creating that bright, almost glowing appearance that tourists find so enchanting.

To take a leisurely stroll through the park's alleys and feel its calm rhythm, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to relax in the shade of the trees, take some memorable photos, and observe the daily life of the locals.

If you plan to combine your visit to the park with a tour of the adjacent historic neighborhoods and colonial buildings, we recommend setting aside about 2–3 hours. The park often serves as a brief rest stop before heading off to the region's larger-scale natural attractions.

Mario Cañas Ruiz Park is a public space that welcomes guests at any time of day or night. With 24-hour access, you can enjoy the morning cool or the evening city lights without any restrictions.

Operating schedule:\n

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• Monday — Sunday: Open 24 hours.
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Its location in the historic center makes the park an ideal starting point for further exploration of the city. A stroll through the surrounding streets will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the "White City" and discover cozy spots to relax.