The name of the canton Bagaces of Guanacaste evolved from the name of the Indian Chief Bagatzi who lived in the region at the time the Spanish arrived. Bagaces became a canton in 1848 and was classified as a town in 1918.
Bagaces awakens to tourism. Known as the “ecological cradle” of Guanacaste, Bagaces is experiencing a slow awakening to tourism, in the hopes of taking advantages of its numerous attractions for the benefit of the canton.
Even though it hasn’t been blessed with the beautiful beaches other cantons such as Santa Cruz and Carrillo have, Bagaces has many attractions for adventure tourism, rural tourism and the charms that only the mountains can offer to lovers of this type of landscape. One attraction that has been resonating with many in the past few years is the Miravalles Volcano, which at 2,028 meters (over 6,000 feet) above sea level defines the Guanacaste horizon with its imposing figure. During years, this giant has been closely associated with energy generation, as it feeds the country’s largest geothermal plant. However, some are now eyeing the area’s tourist potential, as it boasts an excellent climate and incomparable natural beauty.
Some developers have even shown interested in promoting the so-called “health tourism” in the region, because of its tranquility and relaxing landscapes. Likewise, tourists can visit parts of the mountain that have been declared as “protected areas,” where they can enjoy secondary volcanic activity such as boiling pools and smoke chambers. To the south of Miravalles, Bagaces possesses two natural jewels, which no lover of nature would want to miss.
First there’s the Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, which in its 2,645 hectares encompasses the springs where 30 rivers are born and a great diversity of flora and fauna. This is the origin of the river that later on turns into the beautiful and famous Llanos del Cortes waterfalls, where tourists can swim or rest on white sand beaches. These waterfalls can be reached through a road near the Pan American Highway, some 10 km from downtown Bagaces.
To get there, you must go through part of the cattle ranch Llanos del Cortes and arrive at a parking area after which you descend down a steep road for 300 meters. At the bottom of the road, visitors will find a natural wonder that truly pleases the senses. The other jewel is Palo Verde National Park, which is surrounded by the Tempisque and the Bebedero rivers.
This park is a RAMSAR site of international importance for housing wetlands that provide refuge and food to numerous species of local and migratory birds. Here visitors can easily see deer, coatis, raccoons and wild boars — and, if lucky, could even hear the roar of a puma. Finally, those who love to visit small towns and learn about their traditions can tour communities such as Cuipilapa and Guayabo, which organize cultural festivals and events such as traditional bull rodeos. |
