Nicoya Peninsula
The southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula offers some of the most pristine and idyllic beaches including Tambor, Montezuma, and Mal Pais in the south and Nosara, Samara and Punta Islita further north on the Pacific Coast. At Playa Tambor you’ll succumb to sexy beaches, seductive waterfalls, and alluring forests as did the contestants on Fox’s Temptation Island 2 (filmed here). If at the end of your stay you find that you don’t want to leave.don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Like many other beach towns in Costa Rica, Montezuma is now adjusting to its rapidly increasing popularity as the town’s main industry has turned to tourism. It’s no wonder why-once you see Montezuma’s glistening rock coves, lazy waterfalls, and picture-perfect tide pools, you’ll want to spread the word too. The town is set around a tiny bay, which helps to maintain its small, cozy size.
Mal Pais is known to its visitors as “the end of the world” (in a good way). Paradoxically, the term actually means “bad country” but its false descriptor might be just what keeps Mal Pais so private and untainted, along with the bumpy access road and ferry or plane ride necessary to get there. Accordingly, Mal Pais and its neighbor Santa Teresa are less developed than the aforementioned but its charm is still top rate. Beware the dusty roads and scaly friends of the large amphibian variety (iguanas are like squirrels here).
Things to Do:
1. Jump off a cascading waterfall.
Or maybe leave it to the experts! This hike across the river and through the woods leads to a beautiful crater-shaped hollow with a crystal clear waterfall and a pool that is refreshing during Montezuma’s hottest days. There is a second waterfall higher up that has a rope swing. However the only way to reach it is to climb a very steep, dangerous cliff. If you’re lucky you may catch Armando, a native Montezumian, in action as he is the master of these waterfalls. To find the path, head down the main road past the town to the west, there is a small parking area and signs marking the start of the trail.
2. Catch a Break!
A favorite for surfers, the Nicoya Peninsula is made up of white sand and big waves. Santa Teresa and Nosara are favorites for surfers with exquisite palm-lined beaches and strong waves. Playa Grande in Montezuma is also a must-see with an endless stretch of white sand. Most of the time these beaches are nearly deserted so you can sunbathe in privacy.
3. Go on a ghost hunt
The aforementioned Playa Grande, just 30 minutes north of Montezuma, is said to be the site of an ancient burial ground with active spirits that don’t welcome night visitors. While camping is not allowed, night hikes to the area are an option. It is also a site for nude bathing and great surf breaks.
4. Find yourself behind bars
The San Lucas Prison, was Costa Rica’s version of Alcatraz. The island housed some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, and was the setting for the book “Island of the Lonely Men” by Jose Leon Sanchez. While tourist facilities are being developed, some tour companies offer day trips to the island that must be booked well in advanced.
