Undiscovered Nicoya
When it comes to beautiful beaches, Península de Nicoya is blessed richly indeed. Development here is uneven, which means there are plenty of hidden nooks, secluded coves and pristine paradises that remain unexploited.
1 WEEK
Of course, you can’t just take a direct flight to paradise; you have to work for it. In Costa Rica, that usually means switching to 4WD, driving over some brutally bumpy roads, and perhaps fording a river or two. (Note: this itinerary is not recommended during the rainy season.)
Starting from Liberia, your first destination is Playa Pan de Azúcar, accessible via the infamous Monkey Trail. It’s a rough ride but you won’t care once you reach this jigsaw of rugged cliffs and clandestine coves. The only place to sleep is the Hotel Sugar Beach – a sweet choice.
Heading south, you’ll pass through resort towns like Playa Flamingo and fishing villages like Playa Brasilito. The main road detours inland, so you can buzz right by Tamarindo. It’s not until you reach Playa Junquillal that you’ll start to feel you’re really out there. And you are. Unless the surf’s up, this stunning wilderness beach is often deserted.
Keep moving south, skipping Nosara and Sámara, but stopping at Playa Carrillo, a white-sand beauty, framed by granite and backed by towering palms. Locals descend from the village to watch the sunset. You should join them.
The area between Carrillo and Santa Teresa remains one of the peninsula’s most isolated and wonderful stretches of coastline. Tackle the rugged roads and you’ll be rewarded with miles of abandoned beaches backed by forest-covered hills. Our favorite is Playa San Miguel, at once desolate and divine. Don’t miss sundowners at LocosCocos.
Your final stop is the Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco, a nature reserve that covers the entire tip of Península de Nicoya. Here, the evergreen forests and wilderness beaches are mostly empty of visitors – a perfect ending to your tour of Undiscovered Nicoya.