Parque Central Marimba Serenade
The ultimate Sunday afternoon ritual of music and shaved ice.
Navi Walkability Score
While most travelers treat Liberia as a hasty pitstop on the way to the coast, those who linger until dusk discover the city’s true pulse at Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz. This route is designed to embrace the 'White City' at its most authentic: after the midday heat has broken and the residents reclaim the central plaza for the evening Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz…
2-Day Liberia Itinerary. The logic is simple—stay out of the sun, shop for genuine craftsmanship without the 'gringo tax,' and end the night immersed in a local atmosphere that feels worlds away from the curated resorts of Papagayo.
The walk begins at the central park, characterized by one of Costa Rica's oldest wooden kiosks
Quiosco del Parque Mario…. Around 5:00 PM, the space transforms into a social amphitheater where vendors peddle granizados (shaved ice) and local families gather for the nightly marimba performances
5+ Awesome Things to do…. From there, the route ducks into Souvenir Ocarina. This isn't a plastic-trinket trap; it is a repository of Guanacastecan heritage. Prioritize their handmade embroidery—large-scale pieces that reflect the region’s traditional needlework—and enjoy the blast of air conditioning while browsing
2-Day Liberia Itinerary.
The loop concludes at the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral. The architecture is a departure from the ornate colonial styles found elsewhere in the country, opting for a modern, minimalist white facade that glows under the evening lights
5+ Awesome Things to do…. As the sun sets, the plaza becomes a staging ground for thousands of birds returning to the trees. It is loud, chaotic, and beautiful—the definitive Liberia experience that most tourists miss by heading to the beach too early.
What to Expect
Expect a flat, easy 6-minute walk, though the heat can be intense until the sun begins to dip. The park is free to enter, but carry small bills (Colones) for street snacks like copetes or churchill-style shaved ice Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz…. Parking near the Cathedral is notoriously difficult on Sunday evenings when services are held; it is best to leave the car at a hotel and arrive on foot or by taxi.
Route Overview
3 stops · 1.2 miThe Route
Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz
"Skip the midday heat and head here in the evening when the crowds arrive—it is the best time for people-watching under the security lights before grabbing dinner nearby."
Souvenir Ocarina
"Skip the airport markup and ask the sweet owners to show you their massive handmade embroidery pieces in the back—it's cooling off with the A/C while you browse."
Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral
"Snap a photo of the unique architecture but don't bother fighting for a parking spot nearby; the real show is the absolute swarm of birds that takes over the plaza at dusk."
Insider Knowledge
Ignore the generic stalls at the park's edge and seek out the vendors selling 'Rosquillas'—savory, ring-shaped corn cookies specific to Guanacaste. At Souvenir Ocarina, bypass the keychains and ask to see the 'punto de cruz' (cross-stitch) work in the back room; it is superior to anything found at the airport. Timing is critical for the Cathedral: arrive 20 minutes before sunset to witness the bird migration, which is more impressive than the church interior itself.