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District in Nicoya canton, Guanacaste province, Costa Rica
Photo: Marco Villegas B, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Nicoya is the main town of the Nicoya Peninsula, in Guanacaste Costa Rica. It has limited appeal for tourists but is a commercial center with more transportation connections than the small rural and beach towns of the region.
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Nicoya Central Park
The town square is a pleasant green space with big shade trees, walkways, and a playground for children. Great place to do some people watching.
Colonial church
One of the oldest churches in Costa Rica, established in the 16th century. Stone construction with stucco walls and an interior with heavy beam wood ceiling. Come Sunday morning and attend mass with the locals.
Fun, friendly casual restaurant with open-air outdoor dining area. Food is typical Costa Rican with large portions. Excellent breakfast with fresh coffee. Dogs allowed on the patio.
Family-friendly Chinese restaurant known for large portions and tasty food. Locals recommend the house specialties like Rice Kubak or Filet Mignon on a hot plate.
Friendly, casual seafood restaurant serving whole fried fish, filetes, ceviche, shrimp dishes and huge frozen drinks.
Friendly local bar with occasional live music.
Probably the cheapest place in town. Clean rooms with fans. Possibility to have a shared or private bathroom.
Small budget hotel in the city center. Basic rooms are spacious, clean and have air conditioning. Ample secure off-street parking is available.
Moderate budget hotel with small rooms, offers buffet-style breakfast.
Moderate hotel with large comfortable rooms with air conditioning. Be aware that some rooms do not have hot water, so ask when registering to avoid problems. Ample off-street parking.
Moderate hotel with large rooms. Swimming pool and gym on-site. Rates include typical Costa Rican breakfast (i.e., gallo pinto).
The town's traditional marketplace sells farm-fresh produce, household items, and has some of the town's cheapest sodas, selling traditional Costa Rican food at low prices. Great place for budget travelers to pick up supplies and a cheap meal.
Costa Rica's Route 21 is the main road serving Nicoya, connecting the city with Liberia 76 km to the north.
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Nicoya · Regional · NOB
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