3 - 17 - 23 Traveled to the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, which is the northwest area from March 2 - March 15. Have visited the other areas of Costa Rica in the past. Thirty years ago, first visted the northeast, had many dirt area, very beautiful and tranquil, another time the southeast. To visit the eastside, one has to fly into San Jose, the capitol, then had to drive over a very high mountain, into the clouds and mist, if you want to visit the westcoast, is a very dangerous road with lots of potholes and locals who drive it, drive very fast on the other side of the road, which has no road barriers, blocking the cliff. Ten years ago the USA, built the new airport in Liberia, making it a easy trip to visit the westcoast, it's beach and national parks. Weather was hot, 90 degree temperature, but lower at the beach with it's breeze. Stayed in Playa Coco, lovely hotel that had good breakfasts and food. Drove to Playa Ocotal had white sand and turquoise ocean, which could be walked to or drive for 10 minutes and park under a palm tree. Lots of fruit trucks around near the beach and driving to other places, offering watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, mangos and more. Costa Rica takes US dollars, but give you change in their money, which is colonies. People are warm and friendly and is a country with no military. Did a day trip to Rincon de la Viego National Park, which is not far from Nicaruga's southern border. Cool breezes since high in the mountain with an active volcano and waterfall. We did a hike around the one of the trails that had lots of steps going up, then down, passing howler monkeys high in the trees, iguanas and bubbling mud pots. There's two entrances to the park, we took the one that a rancher owns the land and had to pay a guard $1.50 each to pass thru his land, before entering the park, which was a long dirt road, before reaching the entrance. A wondeful, peaceful visit to a beautiful country.