Guanacaste Province

"The northwestern province is named after the large umbrella-like trees prevalent in the zone. It encompasses a vast area of diverse topography, from the boiling mud pots of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, to the sun-drenched beaches of the Pacific coast... Santa Rosa and Guanacaste National Parks are vital protective areas for the Dry Pacific climatic zone. Santa Rosa is also a very important historic site and protects remains of structures dating from the colonial period and Costa Rica's struggles for independence. The seasonal lake of Palo Verde National Park attracts the largest concentration of waterfowl and wading birds in Central America."