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Peninsula of Costa Rica
Photo: Panegyrics of Granovetter, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Nicoya Peninsula (Spanish: Península de Nicoya) is a region in Costa Rica. It has spectacular coastlines and jungle landscapes, yet is sparsely populated and often ignored by foreign tourists, making it an ideal destination for travelers who value seclusion and natural experiences.
Naviera Tambor operates a frequent ferry service running from Puntarenas to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. From the ferry station you can take a bus easily to Mal Pais, Montezuma, Cobono, or Santa Teresa.
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Nicoya · Regional · NOB
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Montezuma is on the Nicoyan Peninsula's southeastern end, at the end of an unpaved road that winds down forested hillsides. The shoreline is largely sandy beach, as fine as any on the peninsula, interspersed with rocky outcroppings. Many come to see the popular Montezuma waterfalls, 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 José 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.
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, now more food and lodging options than Montezuma.
main city on the Nicoya Peninsula, easy access to beach areas and national parks
Small fishing port on the Gulf of Nicoya, ferry boats to Puntarenas
An isolated village that offers excellent sport fishing.
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 is not much different from Malpaís. It offers great surfing and affordable hostels and hotels. Santa Teresa also has the best sunsets in the Nicoya Peninsula.
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