During the dry season the sleepy fishing communities of the Nicoya Peninsula awaken from their slumber and boutique yoga retreats, stylish beachfront lodges and small restaurants and bars blossom along this coast. All good news for the passing explorer seeking elegant options for rest and relaxation at the end of their Costa Rica Tour.
The Nicoya Peninsula is split into three areas of attraction. In the north, is Peninsula Papagayo where you can find big hotels and luscious sandy beaches. Great for swimming, families and soaking in the rays. Go further south and you'll find the bustling surfer hang out area of Tamarindo. Here there is nightlife and great beaches. The gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach is south of Tamarindo, and has amazing sunsets and perfect accommodation for romantic getaways.
If you are seeking something a little more active than hammock-swinging, there are snorkelling day trips, visits to nearby waterfalls or surfing lessons available to those wishing to work up a bit of adrenaline!
A big attraction here is seeing the Olive Ridley Turtles nesting - an amazing spectacle.
We recommend El Mangroove in Peninsula Papagayo, small boUtique hotels in the trendy Tamarindo such as Capitan Suizo or Punta Islita with it's dramatic views of Santa Teresa Beach. It really is down to what suits you.
Lots of surf means that many of the beaches are not conducive to swimming apart from the northern Peninsula Papagayo.
We recommend travelling here via plane, as there are many airstrips dotted up and down the coast and the roads are often not pathed in this region.
Nicoya Peninsula - Things to do
If you are seeking something a little more active than hammock-swinging, there are snorkelling day trips, visits to nearby waterfalls or surfing lessons available to those wishing to work up a bit of adrenaline!
A big attraction here is seeing the Olive Ridley Turtles nesting - an amazing spectacle.
Nicoya Peninsula - Where to stay
We recommend El Mangroove in Peninsula Papagayo, small boUtique hotels in the trendy Tamarindo such as Capitan Suizo or Punta Islita with it's dramatic views of Santa Teresa Beach. It really is down to what suits you.
Nicoya Peninsula - Our opinion
Lots of surf means that many of the beaches are not conducive to swimming apart from the northern Peninsula Papagayo.
Nicoya Peninsula - Top tip
We recommend travelling here via plane, as there are many airstrips dotted up and down the coast and the roads are often not pathed in this region.