Page 59 - NORTHERN GUANACASTE TOURIST GUIDE

La Cruz
In the communities of the canton of La Cruz, rural tourism is chiefly offered in the coastal towns, where visitors have a variety of options for different tastes and preferences. There are also villages near La Cruz such as La Garita, Santa Cecilia, Guapinol, Sonzapote, Los Andes, La Virgen, Argendora and Cuajiniquil, among others. The highlands are not to be missed, with their volcanoes such as Orosi and Cacao. The tourist offer here involves experiences unlike those of the coastal regions.
Hacienda el Cenízaro and Tierra Madre Lodge are two excellent examples of rural tourism, combining adventure activities with a peek into local life, showing tourists the daily activities of farmers and ranchers.
Three communities of La Cruz are worth mentioning in greater detail due to the breathtaking landscapes and the local activities that make them unique tourist destinations:
1. La Virgen
This community is located in the mountains, near Lake Nicaragua. La Virgen offers
views of the island of Ometepe and its two beautiful volcanoes, Madero and Concepción. This enchanting landscape is located just 5
kilometers from the border with Nicaragua, with a sense of
closeness to the neighboring country. In the community,
locals cultivate staple crops while a women’s
group is engaged in processing these local
products. Livestock rearing is also an important facet
of the community, with tours incorporating these activities.
2. Argendora
This community located in the foothills of the Volcán Orosi offers visitors crystalline rivers and communal and private nature reserves with great biodiversity. The agricultural activities are showcased on model farms that provide a window into our farmers’ daily lives.
3. Cuajiniquil
This coastal community has beautiful beaches, a great diversity of coastal birds, not to mention whales, dolphins, turtles, and more frolicking just offshore depending on the time of year. The beautiful sunsets, typical of the Pacific coast, are one of the community’s greatest assets. Some 90% of the village’s 2,000 inhabitants work in fishing. Of these, several have extensive tourism experience guiding sport fishing tours and more rustic fishing experiences.
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