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# A Different Side of Costa Rica in La Cruz
One of the things I enjoy most about traveling through Costa Rica is discovering places that many visitors simply pass through without ever stopping. La Cruz, located in the northern part of Guanacaste near the Nicaragua border, is one of those places.
For many travelers, La Cruz is just a point on the map. They’re headed somewhere else—Liberia, Tamarindo, Nicaragua, or one of Costa Rica’s more famous destinations. But every once in a while, slowing down and spending a little extra time in a place like La Cruz can reveal a side of Costa Rica that feels more authentic and less crowded.
During my time in the area, Hotel Punta Descartes provided a comfortable place to stay while exploring the region. What stood out to me wasn’t necessarily any single attraction, but rather the relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to experience a quieter part of Guanacaste.
One of the biggest advantages of this hotel is its location. If you’re driving between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, or if you’re flying into Liberia and looking for a hotel that puts you within easy reach of the border crossing, Hotel Punta Descartes is an excellent option. It’s one of the closest comfortable hotels to the Nicaragua border while still offering the amenities most travelers are looking for.
The property itself is older, but I found it comfortable, welcoming, and well-maintained. The rooms are modest but cozy, and the views are one of the highlights of the stay. Sitting at the hotel and looking out across the surrounding landscape provides some beautiful photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the scenery of northern Guanacaste.
Another feature I appreciated was having both a restaurant and bar on-site. The food was very good, and after a long day of driving or exploring, it’s nice not having to leave the property to find a meal. If you do want to venture out, the town center of La Cruz is within walking distance, giving you access to local shops, restaurants, and services.
Travelers should keep one important detail in mind. While the hotel is very convenient for the Nicaragua border, it is not particularly close to Liberia International Airport. The drive is roughly an hour, depending on traffic and conditions. Transportation is available, but planning ahead is important. Taxis are available, the hotel can often assist with transportation arrangements, and buses can be caught from the town center. Uber availability can be limited in the area, so I would not rely on it as your primary transportation plan.
Airport transportation can also add to your travel budget. Depending on the service you use, transportation to Liberia Airport may cost around $100. There are hotels closer to the airport if proximity to the terminal is your primary concern. However, if your focus is being near the border, exploring northern Guanacaste, or simply enjoying a scenic and relaxing stay in La Cruz, Hotel Punta Descartes offers excellent value.
One of the lessons I’ve learned from years of travel is that not every memorable destination has to be a major attraction. Sometimes the places that leave the biggest impression are the ones where you slow down, interact with local people, enjoy a good meal, and take in the surroundings without a packed itinerary.
Hotel Punta Descartes serves as a great home base for exactly that kind of experience.
If you’re planning to explore northern Costa Rica, traveling toward the Nicaragua border, or simply looking for a quieter destination in Guanacaste, I would encourage you to spend some time in La Cruz. You may discover, as I did, that some of Costa Rica’s best experiences are found just a little off the typical tourist path.
— Glen Graham
Travel With Glen
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