Costa Rica's Southern Nicoya Peninsula
The Most Secluded and Beautiful Beaches in Costa Rica
Dec 20, 2008
The Nicoya Peninsula lies on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and is a popular destination for those touring Central American on a budget. The Southern Nicoya Peninsula is not as easily accessible as the Northern part and is notorious for its horrendous roads, sluggish ferries, and rugged travel making it an excellent destination for the adventure-seeking traveler.
The tiny villages that line the Pacific Coast of the Southern Nicoya Peninsula have much to offer. From miles upon miles of uncrowded surf breaks to dedicated wilderness preserves to plenty of open-air discotheques where locals, tourists, and village dogs get together to party down.
Popular Villages to Visit in the Southern Nicoya Peninsula
Best villages to visit include the bohemian flared, charming beach village of Montezuma, which is well known for its laid-back atmosphere, cheap hotels, and endless beaches. For a little bit of solitude, visit the old fishing village of Tambor. Tambor sits in a huge horseshoe bay and offers incredible opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and whale watching. Visit the adjacent villages of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais to get your surf on. The beaches of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais offer some of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. The surf here is both suitable for beginners and challenging for experts.
Getting There
Getting to the Southern Nicoya Peninsula is not an easy trek. The Gulf of Nicoya separates the peninsula from the mainland of Costa Rica. A ferry or boat from Puntarenas is really the only recommended way to get there (it is possible to get to the Southern Peninsula by 4 WD vehicle, but the road is bumpy and steep with numerous river crossings).
Buses run regularly from San Jose to Puntarenas. From Puntarenas, catch the Coonatramar Ferry to Paquera. All public transportation is centered on the arrival and departure of the ferry - so if one is late that other will wait. As you leave the ferry you will have many options for continuing your travel on to Tambor, Montezuma, or Mal Pais. Buses fill up fast so it is good idea to get off the ferry and onto a bus as fast as possible. Finding fellow travelers to share a taxi is also an option as it will be faster than the bus, but more expensive and lack the excitement of the crowded, adventure-laden bus.
When To Go and Climate
In general, the best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April with beaches being the most crowded from December to February. Just because it is the dry season does not mean that it does not rain - it just means that it rains less during this period than the rest of the year. The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the driest regions of Costa Rica with the Southern region receiving more precipitation than the North. Rainfall does begin to increase in the Southern Nicoya in May with September and October as its wettest months. Plan a trip between March and May and expect less crowds and excellent weather.
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