The Southern Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
The southern Nicoya Peninsula has long been one of Costa Rica's most secluded gems. From the hilly interior the mountains sweep down to the Pacific Ocean, creating some of the most beautiful and solitary beaches of Costa Rica.
The Southern Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica
Because of poor or non-existent roads, this tropical paradise has long been off the beaten track for travelers in Costa Rica.
The last 10 years however roads and public transportation have improved which has spawned development on the southern Peninsula de Nicoya.
Crossing the Gulf of Nicoya by ferry
Tourism is now an important part of the economy and prices for real estate have soared during the last years.
Most hotels and businesses on the southern peninsula are small and privately owned and the atmosphere still feels unhurried and laid-back.
Sunrise on the beach near Santa Teresa
Among the most popular beach villages are the off-beat enclave of Montezuma which is surrounded by scenic waterfalls and rivers, the laid-back village of Tambor set in a huge half-moon bay, and Malpais along with Santa Teresa on an endless expanse of beautiful wild beach offering best surf conditions.
As it has always been easier to travel to the southern Nicoya Peninsula by boat from the port town of Puntarenas, the region belongs to the province of Puntarenas rather than Guanacaste. Roads connecting the southern to the northern peninsula are still sparse and in bad condition.
While Guanacaste is known for its dry climate, the southern Nicoya Peninsula receives more rain, making it a transitional zone between dry forest climate and tropical rain forest. (See also: Weather).
River and beach scenery in Montezuma
Rivers and waterfalls form part of the scenery and wildlife is preserved in various reserves with a biological corridor connecting to the mountainous interior. Many animals are seasonal commuters who migrate between different ecosystems.
Lodging options on the southern peninsula range from low key hostels with outdoor showers to some of the most elegant small hotels in Costa Rica, while package tourism and big chain hotels aren't yet common to the area.