Slow Days on Nicoya
Around 9 to 10 nightsGuanacasteNicoya
A short stay in Guanacaste's dry forest, then two unhurried bases on the Nicoya Peninsula, each with its own character.
Pacific peninsulaInclude in my trip
TheNicoyaPeninsula
Region
Pacific peninsula
Landscapes
Surf beaches and rocky points, Coastal dry forest
Pairs well with
Guanacaste, Central Pacific
WelcomeToNicoya
- Surf beaches and rocky points
- Coastal dry forest
- River mouths and estuaries
The Nicoya Peninsula curls south from Guanacaste, and its Pacific shore is lined with small surf towns, long stretches of sand and rough roads that keep the pace deliberately unhurried. People come here to do less, and to do it well.
Everytownitsowncharacter
Nosara is low-rise and spread out among the trees, with surf and yoga at its centre. Santa Teresa and Mal País are busier and younger in energy, built around consistent waves. Near the southern tip, Montezuma has waterfalls a short walk from the village, and Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica's first protected nature reserve, guards the end of the peninsula.
TurtlesatOstional
The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is known for arribadas: mass nesting events in which olive ridley turtles come ashore in large numbers over several nights. They happen through much of the year, more often in the green season, and visits are regulated and guided.
Aslowerrhythm
Plan a visit
Nicoya is among the regions researchers have identified as a “Blue Zone”, where an unusual proportion of people live into their nineties and beyond. You won't find it signposted, but you may notice the unhurried pace of the peninsula's inland towns.
DiscoverNicoyaYourWay
Start planningIsItRightForYou?
Surf towns, quiet coves and long, slow afternoons. Small surf towns, long empty beaches and rough roads that keep things slow. Come to stay put rather than tick things off.
- Who it suits
- Surfers of every level, couples, and anyone who wants the beach to be the point of the trip rather than its epilogue.
- Fitting it in
- Nicoya is best given time. Roads can be slow and some routes cross rivers, so a longer stay in one or two places works far better than a quick add-on.
- Weather + seasons
- Like Guanacaste, Nicoya is driest from around December to April. Some unpaved roads become harder going at the height of the rains.
- Things to do
- Surf lessons and surf days · Yoga and wellbeing · Turtle nesting with local guides · Waterfall walks. Availability varies by season and conditions.
JourneysThroughHere
All journeys- JourneySlow
View
NearbyAndOftenCombined
All regions- RegionNorth Pacific
Guanacaste and the North Pacific
ViewTropical dry forestProtected Pacific baysVolcanic highlands around Rincón de la Vieja
Dry forest, broad bays and the country's sunniest coast.
- RegionCentral Pacific coast
Manuel Antonio and the Central Pacific
ViewCoastal rainforestBeaches and headlandsMangrove estuaries
Forest that runs straight down to the sand.
PlanYourTrip
Reach usTell us where, when and
what you love.
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