Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica
On the Nicoya Peninsula the only reliable road connection between the provinces
Guanacaste and Puntarenas is on the 26 km of bumpy gravel road from Playa Naranjo to Paquera.
Other tracks interconnecting the northern with the southern province are only seasonally or not at all driveable with a car.
See » Driving from Manzanillo to Playa Coyote.
No direct bus connects the popular tourist destinations of Samara, Nosara or Tamarindo with its Southern sisters Montezuma, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. There is even a gap in the public transportation system as no bus at all serves the 17 km stretch of jungle road between Rio Grande and Naranjo.
Most travelers in a car breeze straight through on this bone-chilling track up hill and down dale although the area is an eldorado
for naturalists, fishing buffs, and kayakers who can explore reclusive beaches on islands and hidden coves.
Some hotels here specialize in aquatic sports and you can rent sea kayaks, go sport fishing, diving or snorkeling.
Few people live in this region and the lush jungle touching the sea and covering the islands gives a wild beauty to rocky cliffs, promontories and bays.
Driving from Playa Naranjo to Paquera:
Jungle shrouded in mist near Paquera
Naranjo isn't much more than the ferry slip and a gasoline station, but you will find some nice hotels and a sandy beach shaded by stocky trees. Naranjo is also the best base for a trip to the Karen Mogenson Reserve.
3 km after Naranjo a small road to your left goes to Playa Blanca, a little cove with white coral sand, where you can swim and snorkel in turquoise waters.
Playa Blanca
In front of Playa Blanca lies the former prison island, Isla San Lucas and the Sugarhat island. Fishermen praise the lobster banks here.
At Bahia Gigante the road comes close to the shore. You might have a break for bathing in the crescent, sandy bay and have a snack in the funky beach bar.
Bahia Gigante
400 meters offshore is Isla Gitana and some other small islets, which protect the Bahia Gigante and the adjacent Bahia Luminosa, making it a safe and picturesque anchor place for sail boats.
Continuing for another 5 km you pass through Rio Grande. From here you can make a tour into the hills to the "El Salto" waterfall with its swimming hole.
Driving 2 km east from Rio Grande you get to the small, scenic cove of Playa Pájaro where you can swim and relax under huge old trees.
Leaving Rio Grande you have a 7 kms drive on a bolder strewn road to reach the small town of Paquera. Here you can buy fresh sea food, and locally grown fruits and vegetables. There are two supermarkets in Paquera, an ATM cash machine and a gas station.
Playa Organos near the ferry in Paquera
Paquera has several affordable hotels and cabinas, some are with Wifi and AC. It's a pleasant little village but there isn't much to do here. However, it's a good option if you want to visit the Curu Wildlife Reserve which is only 5 km away. Besides hiking, you can also make a tour to the Tortuga Islands from Curu, go scuba diving or snorkeling.
Four kilometers from Paquera is Playa Organos, a placid wide bay with a picture-perfect sandy beach, surrounded by jungle. This is an ideal and safe beach for swimming with views to the Tortuga Islands.
The landing for the ferries to Puntarenas is 4 km out of Paquera. » Ferry Schedules
