'''Nicoya''' is a region in Costa Rica.

Regions

Cities

  • '''Montezuma'''. Montezuma is located on the Nicoyan Peninsula's southeastern end, at the end of an unpaved road that winds down forested hillsides. The shoreline itself is largely sandy beach, as fine as any on the peninsula, interspersed with rocky outcroppings. Many come to see the popular Montezuma water falls, about a 20 minute walk from downtown. A commercial area, little more than a hundred meters of shops, hotels and restaurants, has sprung up to cater to visitors. As Montezuma can be reached from San Jose in a matter of 4-5 hours, weekends often see crowded conditions. Montezuma has a reputation as somewhat of a "hippie" venue, with all that implies.
  • '''Mal Pais'''. A long stretch of beach near the southeast end of the Nicoyan Peninsula that is quite popular with surfers. A string of low-budget hotels and restaurants can be found along the beach road going north to Santa Teresa, which has grown a lot recently, now more food and lodging options than Montezuma.
  • '''Samara'''. One of the few beach towns that has paved roads all the way to San Jose. It's a bit nicer and more expensive than many other beach towns, but smaller and less touristy than Tamarindo.
  • '''Santa Teresa'''. Santa Teresa is not much different from Mal Pais. It offers great surfing and affordable hostels and hotels. Santa Teresa also has the best sunsets in the Nicoyan Peninsula.
  • Other destinations

    Understand

    Talk

    Get in

    There is a ferry running from Punteranes to the Nicoya Penisula daily. From the ferry station you can take a bus easily to Mal Pais, Montezuma, Cobono, or Santa Teresa.

    Get around

    See

    Itineraries

    Do

    The best way to get around is ATV. From Santa Teresa, Montezuma, or Mal Pais the next town is only a trail away. The average price is 60$ but you can generally talk them to 40$.

    Eat

    Funky Monkey Lodge, Santa Teresa - the BEST Banana Pancakes for 2,500 colones.

    El Sano Banano, Montezuma - El Sano Banano offers nightly movies for free with the purchase of a meal over 5$. They also have great sushi offerings as well as some of the best service in Costa Rica.

    Drink

    In Montezuma the ONLY place to go is Chicos Bar.

    Stay safe

    Sleep

    Camping

    Budget

    Moderate

    Hotel Aurora, Montezuma - Offers hot water, air conditioning, television, and refrigerators in some rooms. Also features a shared kitchen. Rooms start at 30$ a person during high season.

    Luxury

    Get out

    If you're going back to San Jose take the Direct Bus back, other buses to the Ferry Station at Paquera are available.

    Some charter boats can get you to Jaco or Manuel Antonio starting at 50$ a person.