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- Folkloric music and dance: A living showcase of Guanacaste’s traditions — think lively marimba and guitar, multi-generation dance troupes in traditional dress, and choreography that tells local stories. It’s where the region’s identity really drums through the streets and plazas.
- The tope (horse parade): Horses and riders decked out in ribbons and leather tack ride through town in a slow, proud procession. It’s a very photogenic, very local moment — families line the route, children cheer, and you get a sense of Costa Rica’s rural, ranching roots up close.
- Rodeo and cowboy displays: Not a tourist spectacle but actual sabanero culture — cattle-handling demonstrations, skillful horsemanship and brass-tough rodeo shows. It’s noisy, a little rough around the edges, and completely authentic
- Folkloric music and dance: A living showcase of Guanacaste’s traditions — think lively marimba and guitar, multi-generation dance troupes in traditional dress, and choreography that tells local stories. It’s where the region’s identity really drums through the streets and plazas.
- The tope (horse parade): Horses and riders decked out in ribbons and leather tack ride through town in a slow, proud procession. It’s a very photogenic, very local moment — families line the route, children cheer, and you get a sense of Costa Rica’s rural, ranching roots up close.
- Rodeo and cowboy displays: Not a tourist spectacle but actual sabanero culture — cattle-handling demonstrations, skillful horsemanship and brass-tough rodeo shows. It’s noisy, a little rough around the edges, and completely authentic if you want to see how the countryside celebrates.
- Street food and local eats (personal favorite): Vendor stalls selling casados, fresh ceviche, sweet corn pancakes and cheap, hearty snacks. Food is where the fiesta gets real: cheap, communal, messy and delicious — perfect for budget travelers who like to eat like locals.
- Artisan markets and painted oxcarts: Handicrafts, woven hats, leatherwork and the famous painted oxcart art — browse, haggle a little, and often watch makers at work. It’s the best place to pick up something authentic to take home and support local craftspeople.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.