About La Cruz - Amazing Properties for Sale and Rent in Costa Rica

Visitors to La Cruz are rewarded with a peaceful ambiance, the beauty of a remote destination and great surfing. It is a small hilltop town situated in the Santa Elena Peninsula in the northwest corner of Guanacaste Costa Rica. This area of Costa Rica has drawn praise for its natural beauty and its options for active recreation, including surfing, hiking, birding and swimming.

The region boasts a varied terrain and a warmer, drier climate than much of the rest of the country. The beaches feature calm water, perfect for swimming.

It has some of the best Costa Rica beaches, many of which are renowned for sunny days, low humidity and occasionally exciting wave action. The beaches in this part of the country tend to have few crowds so it is always possible to find a secluded stretch of beach to explore.

Additional highlights of this region include active volcanoes, waterfalls and abundant tropical wildlife — just a short 30 minute drive from downtown La Cruz.

In El Jobo, you can spend your time snorkeling, horseback riding, ATVing and hiking.

El Jobo is a secluded beach and small community located on a peninsula in the far northwestern region of Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, about 15 kms from La Cruz. It is situated between Salinas Bay to the north and the Gulf of Santa Elena to the south, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on three sides. The area is renowned for its pristine, scenic beaches, including Playa Rajada, which features white soft sand and is bordered by lush green hillsides and tropical forests. The region is part of the driest part of Costa Rica, experiencing a dry season from mid-November to late April, with temperatures typically in the high 80s Fahrenheit year-round.

The northern side of the peninsula, facing Salinas Bay, is considered the best kitesurfing and windsurfing destination in Costa Rica, with optimal conditions from November through March due to offshore winds from Lake Nicaragua. Playa El Jobo itself is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring underwater caves by boat, thanks to its clear waters and vibrant marine life. The beach is also known for its breathtaking sunsets and tranquil atmosphere, making it a haven for relaxation and nature lovers.

El Jobo, a quaint friendly fishing village has evolved from a relatively undiscovered destination into an up-and-coming tourist spot, primarily due to Playa Copal being one of the top Kitesurfing beaches on the planet and also the opening of the 447-room Dreams Las Mareas Resort in 2014. This luxury all-inclusive resort is located on Playa El Jobo and is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, offering guests a blend of comfort and tropical beauty. Whales can be seen from June to November.

Despite the resort’s presence, the area maintains a rural, small-town feel with a limited number of professionally run tour options, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, and ATV beach tours.

La Cruz is a canton located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, established on July 23, 1969, by Law No. 4354, and is the tenth canton in the province. It is situated in the northernmost part of Costa Rica, bordering Nicaragua to the north, with the Peñas Blancas border crossing being the main point of entry between the two countries. The canton’s capital is the city of La Cruz, located approximately 60 km north of Liberia, the provincial capital, and about 16 km from the Nicaraguan border. The name “La Cruz” translates to “The Cross” and originates from a historical event where a mule driver died while chasing an escaped cow, and his companions placed a cross of sticks at the burial site, which later became a landmark for travelers and a reference point for counting cattle.

The canton covers an area of approximately 1,383.9 km² (534.3 sq mi) and has a mean elevation of 226 meters (741 ft). It is subdivided into four districts: La Cruz, Santa Cecilia, Garita, and Santa Elena. The population of the canton was recorded as 26,829 in the 2022 census, showing significant growth from 19,181 in 2011. The district of La Cruz, which is part of the canton, has an area of about 345.5 km² and a population of 9,195 as of the 2011 census.

La Cruz is renowned for its strategic location and natural beauty, serving as a gateway to several protected areas, including Santa Rosa National Park, Bahia Junquillal National Wildlife Refuge, and Guanacaste National Park. The region is also known for its scenic coastal areas, with beaches ideal for surfing and other water sports, and the town itself is situated on the Santa Elena Peninsula, offering panoramic views of Salinas Bay. The local economy is largely driven by agriculture, livestock, and tourism, with many residents engaged in informal trade, hospitality, and eco-tourism activities. The town’s laid-back atmosphere, combined with its proximity to natural attractions and cultural experiences, makes it a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors.

In the city’s surroundings it is located one of the most impressive Costa Rica’s national parks: Santa Rosa National Park. But this is just the beginning; near it, there are two more: Bahia Junquillal National Wildlife Refuge and Guanacaste National Park, where you will be able to experience real nature. Furthermore, on its surroundings, there are many beaches that are perfect for professional surfers.