Southern Nicoya Peninsula
Malpais, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Tambor
Tambor, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Playa Tambor is located in the south of the Nicoya Peninsula in Puntarenas province. The Nicoya Peninsula is packed with beautifully attractive small beach towns, all with the same laid-back sensations and amazing surf. Engulfed by moist greenery with a gorgeous long sandy beach, it sits in Ballena Bay with tranquil aquamarine colored water, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Tambor is 1.5 kilometer long beach and has a lovely white sandy beach is also perfect for strolling and making your skin tan. It is situated about 20 kilometers south of Paquera and 38 kilometers south of Naranjo between thriving green hills. Playa Tambor, Costa Rica is a well developed town and even has its own domestic serving the entire of the southern region of the Nicoya Peninsula. It is bordered by two rocky platforms to the north and south and protected from Ocean swells that make it an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling and diving. A block buster Fox TV series “Temptation Island 2” was filmed in Tambor.
Playa Coyote Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
The Playa Coyote area is among the most beautiful, undiscovered and remote beaches on the pacific side of the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste province. It is lying on the pristine coast of the Pacific. Its beaches are flat and safe. It is located in between Playa Manzanillo and Playa Samara. Playa Coyote is actually fairly isolated as nearly all roads leading to the beach are dirt tracks that are very rough and practically blocked during the rainy season. Moreover, most of the land around the area is owned by just a few people who are firm to never let the area turn into another Jaco or Tamarindo. Many of the Costa Rica’s richest families, including those of ex- presidents, own beach home here.
Playa Coyote is a virgin tropical ecstasy with a long and sandy horseshoe-shaped beach that is encircled by large coconut trees. Visitors can find several beautiful birds and monkeys along the beach, making it a great beach for bird watchers. The Playa Coyote area is make up of four main beaches. From north, the Playa Bejuco has the celebrated fashionable Punta Islita hotel, and the area’s single airport, which is suitable to land private jets. To the south is Playa San Miguel, which is separated from Playa Coyote with a river estuary. This estuary is wide and great for kayaking. To the farther south is Playa Caletas, where absolutely no development on the beach. South of this is the Rio Bongo area and then Manzanillo, MalPais, and Santa Teresa. We see the Playa Coyote area as becoming one of the nicest in Costa Rica, forever unspoiled by developing much more sustainable. Real Estate prices in the area are still relatively inexpensive because of it’s at present fairly remote.
Playa Coyote is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. It is quite and tranquil. It is a perfect beach to have a long peaceful holiday away from the noise of the city; this scenic beach offers tourists wonderful sunsets and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
The waters here are ideal for swimming as the tide residue low most of the time. However, further south near Punta Coyote, the swells are adequate to surf. Many Tico families frequently visit here for a picnic and you will find good restaurant on the beachfront that has camping services and outstanding seafood. The most of the people who stay in Playa Coyote normally camp out on the beach. On the other hand, for those visitors who prefer a comfortable bed, San Francisco de Coyote has a few hotels, rooms and cabinas to stay at.
In addition the usual water sport activities, visitors can go for horseback rides along the coast or visit the nearby sea turtle rehabilitation program in Playa Caletas. Mountain bikes are easily available for rent out here.
Casa Caletas – Playa Coyote
Casa Caletas Boutique Hotel is an exclusive boutique hotel located on the beautiful western coast and unexplored Nicoya Peninsula, amidst tropical forests and immaculate white sand beaches.
The hotel is set in a peaceful spot surrounded by green gardens and stunning views of the cobalt blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Casa Caletas architecture is consistent with traditional Costa Rican tropical style. It blends modern amenities with tropical cultivated wood constructions, palm thatched roofs, handcrafted wood and wicker furniture, exotic foliage, stunning ocean views, and a gorgeous infinity pool.
Casa Caletas is a magical place to relax and enjoy an unforgettable getaway.
Cristal Azul Ocean View Villas – Playa San Miguel
It is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula at Playa San Miguel. It is a perfect destination for holiday makers looking for the ultimate privacy, comfort and tranquility. They offer a touch of luxury to the visitors and cater to couples, small groups and families traveling to this unspoiled coast. They offer a full service resort, luxury cabinas. Cristal Azul is set on 7 hectares over viewing the stunning views of the ocean stretching to Mal Pais. Enjoy dining in the shade of oversized rancho, or poolside under a canopy of stars.
The most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica are very clean and appealing. The water is pure and at just the right temperature. The beautiful scenery is just amazing. There are several activities in Playa Coyote and in nearby beaches. You can swim, dive, surf, fish or take the sun, some of the so many things you can do. Guanacaste beaches are ideal for surfing, known as one of the five points of the world for the practice of this sport. The fishing in high sea is also excellent since they are carried out championships of this discipline annually. Some of the beaches are ancestral places where the turtles spawn their eggs.
There are several activities in Playa Coyote, Costa Rica.
Camping Tanga and restaurant
Birds watching
Surfing
Turtle rehabilitation program and playa Caletas
Biking
Boat Tours
Canopy Tours
Diving: Scuba Dive Training
Horseback Riding
Sport fishing
The best way to reach this stunning Playa Coyote is to catch a domestic flight from the capital San Jose to the airports of Samara or Islita, and then drive out to Playa Coyote via the village of San Francisco de Coyote, which is around four kilometers from the beach.
Located around 7 km from Playa San Miguel, you can also take a ferry from Puntarenas city to Playa Naranjo or Paquera, and then drive up to Jicaral. From here, head west to San Francisco de Coyote.
The area is reached in rainy season only from the north. It is 3 hour drive to the international airport in Liberia. In dry season, the Rio Bongo to the south can be crossed to reach the upscale areas of MalPais and Montezuma. The coastal road is eventually be paved, linking the Playa Coyote area with both the north and south much more quickly.
Montezuma Beach
Montezuma
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Puntarenas Province
Montezuma is a town located near the southern tip of Nicoya Peninsula in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica. It is placed 41 km southwest of Paquera and 8 km south of the town of Cobano. Most of the services are in Cobano. Montezuma is a pictorial village nestles into a spectacular landscape of verdant forest and a rich backdrop to miles of beautiful coastline. The area started as a small fishing village and attracted tourists in the 1980s because of it natural beauty, waterfalls, assortment of activities, and chance to relax. This town is also recognized for its yoga community as well as its innovative and healing arts.
The Montezuma vicinity has been inhibited for around 10,000 years, but the farmers and the ranchers first came in large numbers a few decades ago. Many new people from other places of the world have settled here over the past twenty five years, helping to form a flourishing local culture, unlike anywhere in Costa Rica. This is a real melting pot culture, with no single community is dominating; the population here is mix of Italians, Americans, Germans, Argentinean and Canadians and from other countries also. Several people have opened hotels, restaurants, gift shops, yoga centers, and much other business, catering for both the locals and tourists. The locals and new settlers are making of new blend of life with the local customs creates in the Montezuma a rich, unique culture.
The Montezuma and the southern Nicoya Peninsula has the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. There is an incredible variety and something for everybody, from virgin white sand beaches a mile long, to small Mediterranean style beaches with unbelievable Snorkeling. The Grand beach provides relaxation with beautiful surroundings. Surfing is generally good, but the rip tide currents can be strong, so you have to take care and be cautious. The beach water is always warm and a fish can be caught, Beachcombers sometime find unusual materials such as agates, shark teethes, and their fossils. You can make horseback riding at the beach and also to see the sunset. There is an attractive 80 feet waterfall with superb swimming holes. Numerous places with warm natural springs are available nearby.
Montezuma is situated in the middle of striking and diverse landscape, it posses an exclusive open-air comfort and culture. Costa Ricans understands the significance of living a relaxed lifestyle and getting time to relax and read. The jingle of birds and the sound monkey’s sound of insect, water sound waves, waterfalls and all other natural sound wherever you are will take you back to the nature.
Living in a world encircled by natural world is an incredible experience, and after spending some time here, you will remember these days in your whole life. This part of Costa Rica have over 300 birds species and over a dozen of mammals, including two kinds of monkeys, five types of wild felines, anteaters, porcupines and several water species such as dolphins, whale sharks, whale and sea turtles. You can find three types of land turtles that live in the jungles; however, very few people have seen it. Real vanilla, the world’s most expensive food and the only edible orchid, grow up wild here.
The nightlife in the small town is exceptional; people are throng to small bars and clubs to dance. Montezuma’s restaurants host excellent cuisine.
A combination of Costa Rican cooking and international cuisine are offered in many restaurants. Foods like ceviche, which is made from fresh fish prepared without heat using only lemon juice and herbs, are served in conventional Costa Rican restaurants called “sodas”. Costa Rica is also known for its “casados”, the rice and bean mixture which can come with chicken, meat, or fresh fish, plus salad, and grilled plantains. Other restaurants comprise several authentic Italian brick-oven pizzerias, the Argentina grills, and Mediterranean food such as fish tacos and Portobello mushroom sandwiches. Both the Montezuma and the MalPais side have vegetarian restaurants they serve fresh and newly made foods with organic ingredients. With the fresh food, some restaurants present live music and art parties which give entertainment for the guests.
Montezuma offers several economical accommodations to suit for all the budget, the district also features fashionable and expensive resorts, catering to lavishness and comfort travelers. All the visitors and vacationers will enjoy Montezuma’s cherished and romantic surroundings.
The real estate market of Montezuma has been very active during the last years and the local community has become an attractive melting-pot of cultures from all over the globe that share zeal for nature and good simple living.
Montezuma Hotels
Anamaya Resort
Anamaya Resort is an unusual boutique hotel placed on a cliff edge overlooking the incredible ocean views. The resort is few steps away from classic waterfalls, encircled by the rain forests and the world’s most beautiful tropical beach towns. Anamaya means “good health” in Sanskrit. The hotel provide organic food, yoga classes and retreats, varieties of health and spa services and a workshop and lessons in respect to the Body, Mind and spirit.
It also offers exclusive fire dancing and circus entertainment experience. They have rooms and cabinas, which are elegantly designed with each detail focusing on protecting the environment, the room have the oceanic views and they are building with non toxic building materials. You can enjoy in the salt water pool also.
El Sano Banano Hotel
The Sano Banano village hotel is situated in Montezuma. It is a fun place to hang out. One can eat shop and surf the net. They offer a large selection of fresh food in their restaurant. The hotel offers a best comfort in Montezuma town.
Montezuma Beach Houses
The three stars Montezuma Beach House is set along the coast of Montezuma, It is beautifully designed and have all type of amenities. It is built at the ideal location within yards of the pacific coast and a few minutes walk from the town. Their several layouts are perfect for families or groups. They have also a large two level swimming pool.
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Things to in Montezuma
The most popular activities in Montezuma
Surfing
Sport fishing
Scuba Divin – www.CostaRica-scuba.com
Horseback Riding
Hiking
Snorkeling
Nightlife/Bars & restaurant
Taxi Boat from Montezuma to Jaco Enjoy the sights of Golf of Nicoya during the 4 hour trip which connects the central pacific coast to the energetic Nicoya peninsula.
From San Jose: It will take 4-7 hours, depending upon the availability of ferry
From Liberia Airport: This will take about Four and half hour, drive south towards Jicaral, then to Naranjo and Paquera. From Paquera, follow the directions as if you just landed from the ferry.
By Airplane: You fly here from San Jose airport to Tambor Airport. There is no public flight from Liberia to Tambor.
By Bus: Take a transport bus/shuttle from San Jose to Montezuma. This is the cheapest and very common way to get here.
By Boat Taxi: You can also hire a boat taxi from Jaco. It will take from you $50 and you can reach In Montezuma in an hour passing through Gulf of Nicoya.
Liberia 214km
Manuel Antonio Manuel 182km
Monteverde 112km
San Jose International Airport 132km
Mal Pais – Santa Teresa 19km
Jaco 126k
Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve 11km
Montezuma Waterfalls 1km
Malpais / Santa Teresa
Mal Pais is a peaceful little village with wonderful hotels and some restaurants scattered along five kilometers of road that starts at “El Cruz” the junction where the road from Cobano ends at Playa Carmen. On the southern end it borders with Cabo Blanco Nature reserve while on the northern end borders with playa Carmen, it merges with Santa Teresa where the visitors can find Tourist facilities, shops and a vivacious surf scene.
MalPais and Santa Teresa are placed near the angle of the Nicoya Peninsula and are combined towns, but several people refer to the whole area as Mal Pais. When you listen to about Mal Pais is the top and favorite Surf destination in Costa Rica. Climate in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa is usually complimentary for tourist throughout the year. There are two rainy months during September and October, rest of the year the rain falls during afternoon with sunny mornings and clear skies during the nights.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa is part of the area generally known as Malpais, which is on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. These beaches are known for their excellent surfing, the lack of over-development, the many small boutique hotels on the shore, and the amazing restaurants of the area.
The area has especially become known for its amazing surfing. Santa Teresa surfing is among the best in the country of Costa Rica. The area faces straight out to the pacific ocean, catching swells from both north and south, so it consistently has excellent waves coming into the many breaks. In addition to great sandy beach breaks, there’s a large assortment of interesting point breaks around the area, including the famous Sunset Reef and Suck Rock.
Further Info about Santa Teresa
Costaricasurfing.org/surfing-in-santa-teresa-and-mal-pais/ – Surfing info for Santa Teresa and Malpais areas in costaricasurfing.org
Costaricajourneys.com/5-exotic-places-to-stay-in-santa-teresa/ – Article: Five Exotic Places to Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Montezumabeach.com/area-info/towns/santa-teresa/ – Montezumabeach.com article about Santa Teresa