Split between two different provinces in Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula stretches across both Guanacaste and Puntarenas.
This is area of Costa Rica is definitely less-traveled than the more popular Costa Rican destinations, such as Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio, but those who choose to travel these less-populated shores will be rewarded with long ribbons of white, sandy beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, clear rivers, and lush tropical forests.
There are several fantastic destinations in the Nicoya Peninsula that are well worth the visit.
Montezuma
For many years Montezuma has attracted those artistic and hippie-esque personalities, lending the whole town a bohemian ambiance. The town has an active street life, with colorful storefronts, street vendors, wandering artists, and carefree surfers wandering the main road.
Montezuma is surrounded by many cliffs, with waterfalls, natural pools, and and crystal clear rivers that run into the sea. Troops of monkeys frequent the tree tops and many tropical fish and ocean creatures can be seen if you go snorkeling.
The free spirited attitude of Montezuma can be seen in the many health-oriented restaurants and hotels, as well as the many yoga studios. Montezuma has a unique charm all its own, and the beaches in this area are extraordinarily beautiful, making it a fantastic place to visit and experience in Costa Rica.
Santa Teresa
Recently honored as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Tripadvisor.com, Santa Teresa is a world-class surfing destination and a stunning place to escape to during your Costa Rica vacation.
Once upon a time, Santa Teresa was a sleepy coastal town, but in the last several years it has grown into a trendy, surf-oriented destination with plenty to do, see, and explore. Santa Teresa boasts consistent, year-round breaks and is the perfect spot for both seasoned surfers and eager beginners.
Even if you aren’t a surfer, there will be something to entertain you in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. A variety of restaurants, bars, and artistic cafes and shops are a joy to explore, and an array of tours such as ATV tours, parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking, canopy zipline tours will introduce you to the natural beauty and adventure that is unique to Costa Rica.
Walking along this pristine beach, it’s impossible not to feel the relaxed happiness of pura vida.
Mal Pais
Distantly connected to Santa Teresa via the shoreline, Mal Pais is a quieter, more tranquil town than Santa Teresa. The southern side of the town borders the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
Mal Pais is a small town, and it lacks the bustling nightlife, restaurants, and tourist attractions of Santa Teresa, but if you’re looking for a beach vacation without all of the tourism, then Mal Pais is the place to be.
