Liberia and Guanacaste, Costa Rica
This area of northwest Costa Rica, known as the Guanacaste region, is served by the Liberia airport (LIR). The area offers numerous activities along the beach, in the charming towns, and in the nearby rain forests. Most hotels are located on the beach and several are all-inclusive.
You can combine your visit to the Guanacaste region with a stay in either the cosmopolitan city of San José or surrounded by the natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano/Monteverde area—or you can combine all 3 areas for a great Costa Rican adventure. If you'd like to visit 2 or 3 areas, contact a reservation agent for more information.
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Liberia and Guanacaste, Costa Rica
In the Northwest area of Guanacaste, you can swim in warm, tropical waters or soak up the sun on palm tree-lined beaches. Take an aerial tram tour of the rain forest, where lush vegetation and wildlife abound. Trek through one of the many national parks where you'll spot brightly colored birds and flowers. Witness large, leatherback turtles nesting on the beach. Visitors to the Arenal Volcano are often treated to the volcano's dazzling pyrotechnical display. Anglers will find some of the best blue water and inshore fishing in the world. If you're in search of a combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, look to the Guanacaste area. You can combine your visit to the Guanacaste region with a stay in either the cosmopolitan city of San Jose or surrounded by the natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano/Monteverde area-or you can combine all 3 areas for a great Costa Rican adventure. If you'd like to visit 2 or 3 areas, contact a reservation agent for more information. Package Includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Hotel taxes
- Assistance of a local destination representative
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Honeymooners
Stroll along palm tree-lined beaches.
Families
Trek through a national park or visit a volcano.
Adventurers
Explore the rain forest, take a mountain hike, go kayaking, or propel through the rainforest.
What's the climate like?
| Average High |
73° F |
72° F |
78° F |
77° F |
| Average Low |
59° F |
60° F |
62° F |
60° F |
| Average Rainfall |
0.4" |
0.5" |
11.3" |
13.1" |
Costa Rica’s year-round average temperature is 76°F. Rainy season is June – October.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers are only included (beginning Jan 4, 2010) for guests staying at the Four Seasons Resort. For other select hotels, roundtrip transfers are available from us for purchase. Transfers between the Liberia airport and the hotels located in the Arenal/Monteverde area are not available; a rental car is recommended.
Car
A rental car is a great way to see the countryside and explore on your own, if you aren't taking any tours. However, keep in mind that some of the roads are in poor condition with potholes, unpaved areas, and sharp turns, which make travel times longer than what you may expect. Due to the terrain and weather, it is best to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. Make sure to check with your car insurance company about coverage in Costa Rica.
Taxi
A taxi is a great method of transportation for going out to dinner in the resort area of Guanacaste if you didn't rent a car. Make sure to only take metered taxis and/or agree on the price before you get in. Your hotel can help you determine what the taxi fare should be to your intended destination.
Bus
Bus travel is not recommended.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
Specialties in Costa Rica include rice and beans cooked in delicious ways. Try chicken with rice, black bean soup, rice with black beans, and casados, a plate filled with rice, beans, fried plantains, salad, cheese, and fish or meat. Out on the Nicoya Peninsula and along the coast you’ll find a wide variety of fish and seafood, mainly camarones (shrimp) and langostinos (a kind of lobster).
- Dragonfly
The owner hails from Napa Valley and the menu does, too, at this open-air restaurant. Playa Tamarindo.
- Cantino Las Bristas
A dive bar on the beach that serves delicious fish tacos. Playa Potrero, near Playa Flamingo.
- Dan Rufino
Great restaurant that is loved for its amazing ceviche appetizer. La Fortuna.
- Gil’s Place
Delicious burritos and nachos. Highly recommended. Tamarindo.
- Ginger
A great tapas place along the road with highly regarded mojitos. Playa Hermosa.
- Maria Bonita Restaurant
A popular and intimate Latin-Caribbean restaurant serving up mouth-watering, perfectly spiced dishes. Reservations advised. Playa Langosta.
- Marie’s Restaurant
Beloved restaurant for its large portions of reliably fresh and delicious seafood at reasonable prices. Great breakfasts, too. Flamingo.
- Nogui’s
Considered by loyal fans as the most affordable seafood restaurant in town and it’s practically on the beach. Save room for a piece of homemade pie. Tamarindo.
- El Pescador
Tasty fresh fish right on the beach, where the locals outnumber the tourists. Every entrée comes with a sample of ceviche. Playa Tamarindo.
- Restaurante Puesta del Sol
On the north end of the Pescado Loco road, it is well worth the extra money for its delicious Spanish paella and tapas. Playa Hermosa.
Nightlife in the Guanacaste area centers on the hotels with their in-house discos and lounges. If you’re looking for fun outside of your hotel, best to head to the town of Tamarindo with its variety of restaurants and bars.
Where should I go shopping?
Costa Rica has yet to evolve into a shopping destination. For souvenirs, the shops in your hotel are the best bet, along with stores in Tamarindo. Things to look for are coffee, woodcarvings, wood salad bowls and platters, ceramics from central Guanacaste, wonderful reproductions of pre-Columbian jewelry, and crafts from Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.
Beside coffee, you can also purchase a coffee-creme liqueur called Café Rica; a line of salsas from Tipica Tropical Sauce; and a unique condiment, Salsa Lizano, that Costa Ricans use as steak sauce.
When are the local events?
Many of Costa Rica’s holidays and celebrations revolve around the church. Here are some happenings throughout the year:
Fiestas of Santa Cruz
Mid-January. A religious celebration honoring the Black Christ of Esquipulas with dancing, music, and bullfights. Guanacaste.
Holy Week
Week before Easter. Religious processions are held in towns throughout the country.
Annexation of Guanacaste Day
July 25. Bullfights, folk dancing, horseback parades, rodeos, and other events celebrate the day when Guanacaste became part of Costa Rica. Liberia.
Independence Day
September 15. Celebrations everywhere, some with nighttime parades with children.
International Beach Clean-Up Day
Third Saturday in September. Pitch in and help clean up some of the many beaches.
All Soul’s Day
November 2. Not as elaborate as Mexico’s celebration, Costa Ricans take time this day to remember the deceased.
Las Posadas
December 15. Children and carolers go door to door seeking lodging in a reenactment of when Joseph and Mary did the same.
What are my golf and recreation options?
Golf
Because of its topography, fauna, flora, and weather, Costa Rica is a golf paradise. Test your skills at any of the eight golf courses found throughout the country.
Sportfishing
Billfish can be found along the Pacific coast. The area is home to almost 100 world-record catches, including blue marlin and Pacific sailfish. The town of Tamarindo will have charter fleets; your hotel may also be able to help. Fresh water fishing can be done on Lake Arenal.
Snorkeling + Scuba Diving
The main area for snorkeling and diving in the Guanacaste area is along the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. Visibility varies with the seasons, as heavy rainfall tends to muddy the waters, even offshore.
Surfing + Windsurfing
The country's selection of surf spots range from idyllic beach breaks, suitable for beginners, to coral platforms where the water leaps up and tubes like a miniature Pipeline.
White-Water Rafting
Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible for some of the best white-water river choices in the world.
Travel tidbits
Arenal Volcano Viewing
Cloud cover makes volcano viewing the luck of the draw, and no one can negotiate with Mother Nature. Early mornings and dry season give you the best chances for seeing it in action.
Alcohol
No alcohol is served the two days before Easter and the two days before and after a presidential election.
Beaches
There are almost a hundred beaches in Costa Rica that appear on better maps but there are over two hundred more that don’t! Rent a car and find a beach of your own.
Upon Arrival
Brace yourself for long lines at immigration if you arrive in the evening along with all the other large flights from North America. Try to get a seat near the front of the plane and don't dawdle when disembarking.
Clothing
You wouldn’t think of it, going to the tropics, but if planning to go to Monteverde Cloud Forest, it’s advised to bring a jacket. The elevation is around 10,000 feet and it can get quite cool.
Cash vs. Travelers Checks
It is advised to bring cash, not travelers checks to Costa Rica. Some large hotels will refuse them or will only give you $25 cash because the banks often take a month to pay on them. Smaller hotels and merchants won't touch them, so it's really not worth bringing them. Plus, lines at banks to cash them can also be quite long — not something you want to spend your time doing on vacation. Cash or credit cards work best.
Good to Know:
Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber
LIR |
| November – May |
| June – October |
| Costa Rican colón or colones (plural) |
| Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, although many people speak English, especially in tourist areas. |
| Costa Rica is in the Central Time Zone. Costa Rica does not adapt to Daylight Saving Time, so during that time (April – October) the time is one hour later than Central Time. |
| Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| A 10% service charge is usually added to the bill (or included in the prices on the menu). If you aren’t sure if it has been added, ask. Additional tipping is not expected, but if the service has been especially good, some people leave a little extra. |
| Very casual in the beach areas; more formal in San José. Dress appropriately if visiting a church. |
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Liberia and Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to Liberia and Guanacaste:
Car Rentals
We feature rental cars Alamo Rent A Car offering you the flexibility and convenience to travel when and where you want. Plus earn 50 bonus miles per rental day with every qualifying paid rental at participating locations.
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Transfers-Nonstop Private Roundtrip between Liberia Airport-Hotel
Save time and money by pre-purchasing roundtrip, private, nonstop transfers between the Liberia airport (Daniel Oduber International Airport) and your Guanacaste area hotel. Our local representative in the destination will meet you upon arrival and direct you to your transfer vehicle. Departure transportation will be coordinated with our local representative based on your flight departure schedule. Our representative will advise you of your return pick-up time and location. Optional one-way private nonstop transfers between airport/hotel and hotel/airport are available by contacting our reservation sales agents.
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Transfers-Shared Roundtrip with stops between Liberia Airport-Htl
Save time and money by pre-purchasing roundtrip, shared-ride transportation with stops between the Liberia airport (Daniel Oduber International Airport) and your Guanacaste region hotel. Our local representative in the destination will meet you upon arrival and direct you to your transfer vehicle. Departure transportation will be coordinated with our local representative based on your flight departure schedule. Our representative will advise you of your return pick-up time and location. Optional one-way transfers between airport/hotel and hotel/airport are available by contacting our reservation sales agents.
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Dive - Discover Scuba Diving
The PADI Discover Scuba Course is the perfect way to get a taste of Costa Rica underwater without having to complete the full PADI Open Water certification course. It is quick, fun, and safe. The course is a full day with 1 – 1 ½ hours for the pool and theory instruction, plus 2 open water dives in up to 40 feet of water. The class and pool session can be scheduled for any day. Tour Includes:- Roundtrip transfers from your hotel to the dive operations
- Services of a PADI instructor, class, and pool instruction, plus 2 open water dives.
- Use of all necessary scuba diving equipment to complete the Discover Scuba Diving course - including mask, fins, BC, regulator, tank, weight belt and weights
What to Bring:- Bathing suit (wear), towel, sunscreen, hat, extra t-shirt, comfortable boat/beach shoes, and camera, plus money for incidentals and/or tips.
Requirements and General Information:- Participant must be at least 12 years of age.
- Good health is required. You will be required to sign a liability disclaimer at check-in.
- Tour operates rain or shine.
- Gratuities are not included.
- Participant must not be going to higher altitude nor flying in a plane within 18 hours after their last dive.
- In effort to preserve the environment, the use of sunscreen is limited to only those that are ecological/environmentally safe.
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Dive - Single Day (morning) 2-Tank Dive
The Guanacaste area of Costa Rica has many great dive sites just a short boat ride away. Most of the local sites accommodate all levels of experience. The dives are multi-level starting at 30 feet and slope down to a maximum depth of 90 feet to a volcanic bottom, providing a spectacular setting for abundant marine life. Huge manta rays, white tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of jacks and grunts are among the most common species that divers usually spot. Tour Includes:- Roundtrip transfers from your hotel to boat pier
- Services of a PADI dive master
- Use of air tanks, weights, and belts. Other dive equipment and wet suits are available for rent.
- Water and light snacks
What to Bring:- Your Scuba Certification Card (C Card) and log book are REQUIRED
- Bathing suit (wear), towel, sunscreen, hat, extra t-shirt, comfortable boat/beach shoes, and camera, plus money for incidentals and/or tips.
Requirements and General Information: This tour is only for certified scuba divers, 12 years of age and older - You must present your C Card and log book on day of your scheduled dive.
- Good health is required. You will be required to sign a liability disclaimer at check-in.
- Tour operates rain or shine.
- Gratuities are not included.
- In effort to preserve the environment, the use of sunscreen is limited to only those that are ecological/environmentally safe.
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Tour - Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Rainforest Adventure
You can't beat this combination! You will be introduced to the splendor of one of the Earth's most complex and important ecosystems: The Rainforest. Then, amaze yourself with one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas and the most active in Costa Rica since 1968. Mighty Arenal rises from the dense jungle, where its roar shakes the ground. In the evening, you will have an opportunity to observe one of nature's most powerful forces as Arenal erupts in a display of towering energy, spitting lava, and ash from inside the earth, creating a light show that will stun you from miles away. Afterwards, you can find yourself embraced savoring the moonlight swim in the luxurious hot springs at The Springs Resort and Spa and enjoy it's tropical landscape and finish with a delicious dinner. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van
- Services of a bilingual guid
- Entrance fee to The Springs Resort & Spa
- Lunch and dinner
Other information:- Full-day tour – approximately 15 hours
- Tour operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Good health is required for participation
- It is recommended that you wear shorts, t-shirt, swimsuit, rubber-soled shoes or waterproof shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellant, sandals, hiking shoes, raingear, sunglasses, towel, and an extra change of clothes.
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Program is subject to change without notice
- Tour requires a minimum of 6 persons to operate
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the TAM Travel representative at the hotel or by calling TAM Travel at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Buena Vista Hot Springs/Canopy Experience & Water Slide
A great experience for adrenaline lovers, where they can climb right to the treetops and observe the surrounding forest from a new perspective. Next, enjoy a delicious lunch before setting off on a relaxed journey along a dirt road through the forest either by horseback or on board a tractor tram up to the comforting hot springs. While at the hot springs, enjoy the excitement of sliding down a waterslide through the jungle, or simply indulge your senses with a soothing soak in the thermal waters, steam bath, and natural spa. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van
- Services of a bilingual guide
- Canopy tour
- Use of hot springs and mud rub
- Horseback riding
- Use of jungle waterslide
- Lunch
Other information:- Full-day tour – approximately 10 hours
- Tour operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Good health is required for participation. Waiver is required to participate in this tour.
- Recommended that you wear shorts, t-shirt, swimsuit, rubber-soled shoes or waterproof shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, sandals, sunglasses, towel, and an extra change of clothes.
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Program is subject to change without notice
- Tour requires a minimum of 6 persons to operate
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the TAM Travel representative at the hotel or by calling TAM Travel at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Colonial Granada Nicaragua
For those seeking to revive memories of a nostalgic past while enjoying the view of a gorgeous volcano, Colonial Granada will be an unforgettable day. Visit the historic city of Granada, founded in 1524, and located in Nicaragua. Once you enter the Nicaraguan border, you will admire the great view of the Maderas and and Concepcion Volcanoes, only a preview of the impressive view that guests will enjoy when they arrive at the Masaya Volcano, the only volcano in the western hemisphere where you are able to drive all the way to the rim. The tour will continue through a short drive down the mountain into one of the most picturesque places in Nicaragua, the city of Masaya. Known as the cradle of Nicaraguan folklore and the very heart of handicrafts. You will have an opportunity to enjoy lunch at a colonial restaurant where you will be delighted with Spanish and Nicaraguan dishes. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van
- Services of a bilingual guide
- All taxes in Nicaragua
- Entrance fee to Masaya Volcano and Masaya Market visit
- Granada city tour
- Lunch
Other information:- Full-day tour – approximately 15 hours
- Tour operates on Tuesday and Thursday
- Good health is required for participation.
- It is recommended that you bring or wear light casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellant and binoculars
- Bring additional money for shopping
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Program is subject to change without notice
- Tour requires a minimum of 6 persons to operate
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the TAM Travel representative at the hotel or by calling TAM Travel at the number provided in their documents.
- A PASSPORT IS MANDATORY WITH MINIMUM 6 MONTHS OF VALIDITY
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Tour - Corobici or Tenorio Nature Float
What a better way to enjoy a beautiful river than running it in a rubber raft? This is a fabulous tour for those who don't mind getting a tan and doing a bit of paddling. Guanacaste's Corobici or Tenorio River is perfect for those who have dreamed about the joys of white rafting. During the floating, you may see some exotic birds, Jesus Christ lizards, and chattering monkeys hanging upside-down by their tails. Before you board the rubber raft, your certified river guide will instruct you on safety procedures. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned
- Services of a bilingual guide
- Use of raft and all equipment
- Floating tour
- Lunch
Other information:- Full-day tour - approximately 8 hours
- Tour operates on Thursday
- Minimum age requirement is 12 years of age to participate
- Good health is required for participation. Waiver is required to participate in this tour.
- It is recommended that you wear shorts, t-shirt, swimsuit, rubber-soled shoes or waterproof shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, binoculars and an extra change of clothes.
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Program is subject to change without notice
- Tour requires a minimum of 6 persons to operate
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the TAM Travel representative at the hotel or by calling TAM Travel at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Palo Verde National Park
The Palo Verde National Park experience will begin as you board your boat for a ride along the slow-moving Tempisque River, which crosses the dry Pacific savannas. As you travel along, you may spot a fabulous array of wild birds and a myriad of creatures such as howler monkeys, green iguanas, and king fishers. You may also have the opportunity to find other exotic animals such as anteaters and crocodiles basking in the sunshine. Palo Verde National Park is dramatic in its diversity with mangroves, swamps, swamp forests, saltwater and freshwater lagoons, marshes, and both deciduous and evergreen forests where the characteristic Palo Verde or Horse Bean grows can be found here. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van
- Services of a bilingual guide
- Boat tour
- Lunch
Other information:- Full-day tour – approximately 10 hours
- Tour operates on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and operation is subject to river tides
- Good health is required for participation
- It is recommended that you bring or wear light casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellant and binoculars
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Program is subject to change without notice
- Tour requires a minimum of 6 persons to operate
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the TAM Travel representative at the hotel or by calling TAM Travel at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Selvatura at Monteverde
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve of Costa Rica is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. Treetop walkways cross through the cloud forest letting you explore a community that gathers more than 20 species of tropical butterflies, Now, imagine more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds flying cheerfully around you. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve also has the world's third largest private insect collection. While at the preserve, a tasty lunch of local cuisine will be served. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van
- Services of a bilingual guide
- Entrance fee to walkways, butterfly garden, and hummingbird garden
- Lunch
Other information:- Full-day tour – approximately 14 hours
- Tour operates on Thursday
- Good health is required for participation. Waiver is required to participate in this tour.
- It is recommended that you bring or wear light casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, light jacket, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellant, binoculars, and a change of clothes (optional).
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Program is subject to change without notice
- Tour requires a minimum of 6 persons to operate
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the TAM Travel representative at the hotel or by calling TAM Travel at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Tenorio Whitewater Rafting
Get ready for a great adventure. Located in the heart of Guanacaste, the Tenorio River will test your courage and challenge your skills in its incredible rapids. For those already rafters, this trip is a must. Its challenges await you as you plunge through twists and turns down 15 miles of intense and challenging rapids like the "Rock, straight to the "cave", "Chautas Rapid", and "double drop". Finally, after your adventurous day, you will enjoy a healthy lunch. Tour includes:- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel and transportation aboard air-conditioned coach bus or van
- Services of a bilingual guide
- Use of raft and rafting gear
- Lunch is provided
Other information:- Full-day tour – approximately 8 hours
- Tour operates on Monday and Friday
- Minimum age requirement is 14 years of age to participate
- Maximum weight 250 pounds to participate
- Good health is required for participation. Waiver is required to participate in this tour.
- It is recommended that you wear shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes or waterproof shoes and bring a hat, camera, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, and an extra change of clothes.
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Program is subject to change without notice
- Tour requires a minimum of 6 persons to operate
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, passengers need to re-confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the TAM Travel representative at the hotel or by calling TAM Travel at the number provided in their documents.
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