Nicoya Peninsula

The largest peninsula in the country, the Nicoya Peninsula sits just south of the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica across the Golfo de Nicoya from Puntarenas.

Home to some of the most isolated and beautiful beaches, this rugged peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially for those looking to have some fun in the sun.

Here you can find everything from wonderful nature reserves to world class hotels and beach resorts, quaint rural towns, amazing sunsets, some of the best surfing on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and even Tico cowboys!

Things to Do

The ideal place for some much needed rest and relaxation, the Nicoya Peninsula today, is home to one of the most beautiful 18-hole golf courses situated in Tambor that lies on the southern coast.

For those looking to spending some quality beach time, we recommend the tiny beach villages of Montezuma and Malpaís that have blossomed into amazing resort towns.

Our favorite is Malpaís, as there is little to do here but surf or lounge on the beach. The waves in and around Malpaís can get very good and many surfers have even made their homes here.

North from Malpaís and Santa Teresa, one can find many beautiful beaches such as Playa Manzanillo, Playa Samara, Playa Caletas and Playa Guiones.

Map of Nicoya Peninsula

Click to enlarge map - Nicoya Peninsula Map

Getting to the Nicoya Peninsula

The northern half of the peninsula is part of Guanacaste province, while the southern portion is part of Puntarenas province.

The best way to get here is to land at either the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia or the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, while if you are traveling within Costa Rica itself, hop a domestic flight to the Tambor Domestic Aiport or Samara Domestic airports, depending on which part of the peninsula you wish to explore.

With a warm climate most of the year, the Nicoya Peninsula is known for its great weather. However, during the rainy season from April to November most of the roads can get quite impassable due to rivers washing them out. During this period the only way to get here is to take the one of 4 ferries running back and forth from the city of Puntarenas to Paquera.

Typically it takes the most part of a day to get to any of the beaches in this area from San Jose City.

Though this can often mean a long trip, it is well worth it, as the beaches here are secluded and unbelievably striking.