Mini catalog
All information from the official PDF, in the same order: land, sea, therapies, and lodging.
Take the site with you
This code opens the ASCATUR page. Use it at fairs, the El Jobo center, or printed material.
La Cruz, Guanacaste, on the northern border of Costa Rica, became the tenth canton in the province on July 23, 1969. It covers 138,390 hectares, with over half of its terrestrial and marine expanse safeguarded as natural conservation areas. Of this protected territory, 69,617 hectares are on land, while 78,000 hectares extend into the Pacific Ocean.
Our town bears its name in honor of a muleteer from the 19th and early 20th centuries: cattle herders who drove herds from Nicaragua to the ranches of Guanacaste and Esparza. They followed the Ruta del Arreo, which entered through what is now Conventillos and passed through present-day La Cruz, a resting point before Santa Rosa on the way to Liberia. During one drive a cow broke away; while pursuing it, a muleteer fell from his horse and lost his life. His companions erected a wooden cross that became the landmark and gave the town its name.
La Cruz is a land of captivating landscapes, pristine beaches, gastronomy, culture, and history. Its people are known for warm hospitality, kindness, and joy. Visitors feel part of the family.
From breaching whales offshore to morning toucans, Santa Rosa National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, shares the Guanacaste Conservation Area and helps preserve 2.6% of the world's biodiversity.
It is a recognized surfing haven, with spots like Roca Bruja at Naranjo Beach. Activities include sport and artisanal fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV excursions, and more.
From the Sapoá River to the Hacienda River, diverse microclimates hold sloths, white-faced, spider, and howler monkeys, plus kingfishers, trogons, frigatebirds, toucans, parrots, and herons. Walking the beaches and watching the sunsets creates lasting memories.
A tourism center 300 meters from JW Marriott Costa Elena: fair, kitchen, trails, and the meeting point.
El Jobo
It stands 300 meters before JW Marriott Costa Elena, the world’s first JW Marriott all-inclusive resort, at Playa El Jobo. Bathrooms, the fair, the kitchen, and the start of the Chaperno Trail toward Coquito Beach are here. It is community infrastructure so visitors arrive and income stays in La Cruz.
El Jobo
750 meters one way, 1.5 km round trip. Chaperno, indio desnudo, jobo, madroño, and malinche. At the end, a lookout over El Jobo bay and beach. Local youth trained with INA interpret the walk.
Six routes from the mini-catalog: rural, corn, islands, bays, sunsets, beaches, and culture.
01
This route immerses you in the cultural tapestry of La Cruz with visits to Argendora, La Virgen, and Sonzapote: the rural essence of the canton, the character of its farming communities, and the warmth of local people.
In Argendora you step into a vanilla plantation, from cultivation through fragrant flowers to fruit, and the products that come from this crop. An outing around the community deepens rural Costa Rican life.
La Virgen unveils a viewpoint over Lake Nicaragua and the Concepción and Maderas volcanoes, plus the stories of the women's association and the processing of grains such as corn and beans.
Sonzapote invites you through the community and a local farm in the dry tropical forest, including a trail along the Sapoá River.
02
The gastronomic route of La Cruz is a celebration of colors, scents, and flavors in Sonzapote, La Cruz Centro, and on the coast at Coquito beach.
In Sonzapote the journey begins on a themed farm: a traditional breakfast, stories of the place, and Costa Rican food preparation, plus trails and cultural activities.
In the center of La Cruz, women-led initiatives offer artisanal bread, corn doughnuts (rosquillas), and other corn dishes, then the history of the Guayacán Real community tree.
At Coquito beach you explore ASCATUR's ecotourism project, walk the trails, and finish with a traditional feast prepared by the women of the community.
03
The Islas Murciélago (Bat Islands) hold natural allure in the richness of their landscape. The adventure starts at Cuajiniquil Pier toward Santa Elena Bay (Matapalito and Sortija islands, Blanca Beach, Punta Santa Elena, and San José Island), with walks and scenery.
Along the way you can choose bird watching, snorkeling, sport fishing, and diving. The islands are among the country's premier spots for diving and snorkeling: coral reefs, caves, and a vibrant marine ecosystem, known for cold-water currents.
04
The bays are a genuine aquatic paradise: biodiversity, geological wonders, and multicolored landscapes. The route starts at Cuajiniquil and goes to David Island, Junquillal Bay, Brasilito Beach, and Muñecos Island.
You bask in sun, sea breeze, and nature, with swimming, sport fishing, bird watching, marine life, and mangroves.
05
After a long day exploring, relax into some of the most majestic sunsets in the country, from the heart of the canton or the beaches of Junquillal, Pilas, or Rajada.
Before the light fades: snorkeling for beginners and advanced, fishing, swims in clear water, shoreline walks, and marine geology.
06
This journey uncovers Papaturro, Copal, La Coyotera, Coquitos, and El Jobo beaches in a single day: full exploration, top local cuisine, plus swimming, sport fishing, or kitesurfing.
07
The La Cruz Culture Route is a historical journey through the origins of the canton and the role of its geography in Costa Rican and Central American politics, enriched by archaeological heritage influenced by indigenous traditions.
Stops include Conventillos Beach (natural beauty and a historic border outpost); the tomb of Marcelino García Flamenco in the city (honored on September 13th, the only pause of the Torch of Liberty on its Central American journey); and the city viewpoint overlooking Salinas Bay.
Fishing, snorkeling, Roca Bruja, coastal destinations, and islands.
Many people enjoy sport fishing in our canton's waters: excellent recreation and entertainment for enthusiasts.
Snorkeling does not demand extensive preparation. With a mask, fins, and snorkel you explore the underwater world. Marine diversity here is impressive: nutrient-rich waters, converging currents, and generally good visibility most of the year.
The recognized Roca Bruja surfing spot is at Naranjo Beach: golden sands and prominent rock formations, the most notable called Roca Bruja. Surfing is consistent here, for experienced riders seeking long waves and those who want smaller ones.
At the extreme northern edge of the Pacific coast, facing Santa Rosa National Park on the Santa Elena Peninsula, the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago) are a paradise for sports and tourism. They are famous as the second-best diving location in Costa Rica, after Cocos Island and alongside Isla del Caño.
Santa Elena Bay sits on the north coast of the Santa Elena Peninsula, Santa Elena district, La Cruz canton. It was identified as a site of importance for conservation through analysis of biological representativeness and threats for conservation gaps.
This rocky area called Puppet Island sits at the end of sandy beaches: an ecosystem marked by tidal fluctuations and exposed rocky terrain where algae flourish. It offers habitat and food for diverse organisms on the rocks, in tide pools, fissures, or beneath them. Ideal for observing animal groups.
Bolaños is a small island in Salinas Bay. It was designated a wildlife refuge in 1981 for preserving nesting sites for American oystercatchers and other bird species. It later became part of Santa Rosa National Park.
Painted hats, jewelry, and wood under the roof of the tourism center.
Cruceña women sell painted hats, jewelry, wood, and cloth under the roof of the tourism center. The catalog and press speak of 24 artisans in that circle.
Ask on WhatsApp: there is no cart and no web shop.
Brief history, two categories, and the catalog list. Ask on WhatsApp.
The practice of using oils and medicinal plants for massage dates to ancient times, around 2000 BC, in Jewish traditions. This approach aims to create harmony among mind, body, and spirit. It serves as a complementary method to conventional medicine, offering natural means for restoring health while recognizing the uniqueness of everyone.
Two allies from the mini-catalog. WhatsApp opens the question; each place publishes its own contact.
Sonzapote
Nestled in northwestern Costa Rica's dry tropical forest, Cañas Castilla Farm is a 20-hectare oasis along the Sapoá River. Stay in cozy cabins or camp. Cabins offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water, and a terrace with hammocks facing the trees and river.
At the Rancho, savor breakfasts and home-cooked dinners. A small library and toys entertain younger guests; laundry is available. Self-guided trails wind through rich flora and fauna.
Hosts can arrange horseback riding, boat trips to Bolaños Island, sport fishing, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking in mangroves and oceanfront areas. Day trips to Nicaragua can also be arranged, or simply unwind in a hammock by the river.
La Cruz
Discover the heart of La Cruz at this cherished family-tradition hotel, close to beaches and mountains. Services include Wi-Fi, cable TV, secure parking, a security camera system, and a security guard.
The furnished house is a perfect sanctuary for a family vacation, right in the heart of La Cruz.
WhatsApp is the only channel. We reply with availability, a meeting point, and what to bring.
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