Santa Cruz Attractions

This small town and the surrounding districts have a population of over 15,000. Santa Cruz is known as the folklore center of Costa Rica and the Guanacaste province, and the national university has opened a building here dedicated to researching and celebrating traditional songs, dance and instruments. Santa Cruz offers visitors a true experience of life in a small Costa Rican town.

A fire in 1993 devastated Santa Cruz, burning down three blocks of the historic town center including the town landmark, Plaza de Los Mangos. Nevertheless, Santa Cruz maintains its reputation as a cultural center.

The best times to visit are during fiesta times in late July and during the annual rodeo/fiesta over the second week in January. There is traditional Guanacasteco dancing and food, as well as marimba music.