Nicoya Peninsula
Why go?
Stretching out into the Pacific, the long Nicoya Peninsula
encompasses the drier plains of Guanacaste and the forested hills
of southern Nicoya, with mangrove forests and lots of wildlife in
the gulf.
But its greatest pleasures are along the Pacific shore, which has
superb beaches separated from one another by steep, forested
ridges. Northern Nicoya, around Tamarindo, is too developed for our
liking; we prefer the quieter beaches of the south. There are
tranquil coves, like Islita, and excellent surfing beaches towards
the tip of the peninsula, where boutique hotels and secluded villas
make blissful hideaways in untouched spots far from the crowds.
Montezuma is a laid-back hangout with a younger, hippier feel, and
both places are within reach of 2 nature reserves: Cabo Blanco and
Curú.