Nicoya

Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is separated from the mainland of Costa Rica by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque estuary. The northern half of the peninsula is part of Guanacaste province, while the southern portion is part of Puntarenas province. While Guanacaste Costa Rica is known for its dry climate, the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula receives more rain annually, making it a transitional zone between dry forest climate and tropical rain forest. The wildlife in Southern Nicoya peninsula is common to both ecosystems.

Nicoya Peninsula, the largest peninsula in the country, sits just south of the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The peninsula extends 140 km to the south where the landscape progressively becomes more moist and hilly.

This peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially for those looking to have some adventure. Here you can find everything from wonderful nature reserves, great options for eco-tourism, to world class hotels and beach resorts, quaint rural towns, amazing sunsets, water sports such as surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving define much of the character of the villages. Some of the best surfing on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.

The City of Nicoya

The city of Nicoya is considered by many to be the political and cultural capital of the Nicoya Peninsula. It is the center for commercial cattle in the province of Guanacaste. Nicoya like many other Guanacaste Towns has its relaxed atmosphere, excellent weather and beautiful nearby beaches that make this area the ideal alternative to stay overnight while exploring this beautiful area and its attractions.

Nicoya Gulf

The Nicoya gulf separates the Nicoya Penisula from the main mass land of Costa Rica, it contains few rocky islands, there are located some inhabitated islands in the zone like, isla venado and isla de Chira.

Getting to Nicoya

If you are coming from San Jose by the Inter American Highway you should make a left turn toward the Bridge of Friendship ( This big bridge is an important donation of the Government of Taiwan) for around 30 kilometers and it is a much better route than going by the city of Liberia

Nicoya

 

Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is separated from the mainland of Costa Rica by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque estuary. The northern half of the peninsula is part of Guanacaste province, while the southern portion is part of Puntarenas province. While Guanacaste Costa Rica is known for its dry climate, the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula receives more rain annually, making it a transitional zone between dry forest climate and tropical rain forest. The wildlife in Southern Nicoya peninsula is common to both ecosystems.

Nicoya Peninsula, the largest peninsula in the country, sits just south of the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The peninsula extends 140 km to the south where the landscape progressively becomes more moist and hilly.

This  peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially for those looking to have some adventure. Here you can find everything from wonderful nature reserves, great options for eco-tourism, to world class hotels and beach resorts, quaint rural towns, amazing sunsets, water sports such as surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving define much of the character of the villages. Some of the best surfing on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.

The City of Nicoya:

The city of Nicoya is considered by many to be the political and cultural capital of the Nicoya Peninsula. It is the center for commercial cattle in the province of Guanacaste. Nicoya like many other Guanacaste Towns has its relaxed atmosphere, excellent weather and beautiful nearby beaches that make this area the ideal alternative to stay overnight while exploring this beautiful area and its attractions.

Nicoya Gulf:

The Nicoya gulf separates the Nicoya Penisula from the main mass land of Costa Rica, it contains few rocky islands, there are located some inhabitated islands in the zone like, isla venado and isla de Chira.

Getting to Nicoya:

If you are coming from San Jose by the Inter American Highway you should make a left turn toward the Bridge of Friendship ( This big bridge is an important donation of the Government of Taiwan) for around 30 kilometers and it is a much better route than going by the city of Liberia

 

Nicoya Costa Rica City Map

Point of interest in Nicoya

Tamarindo Costa Rica Map

  • La Anexion Hospital
  • Gas Station
  • Banco Nacional
  • Catholic Church
  • Hotel Las Tinajas
  • Colonial Church of Nicoya
  • Hotel Jenny
  • Nicoya Airfield
  • Hotel Curime
  • Nicoya Stadium
  • Universidad Nacional Nicoya
click to enlarge

 

 

What to do in Nicoya

ART:  Exhibits of local, regional artists at La Casa de Cultura, located in Down Town Nicoya.

Church of Nicoya: Visit the 500-year-old colonial church, Iglesia de San Blas in down town.  This church presents many interesting old artifacts and relics and after the visit to the church you may simply relax at the Central Park of the city.

Barra Honda National Park ( phone: 2659-1551), located on the road between the Tempisque Bridge and the city of Nicoya, it has natural displays of limestone caves and trails.

Shopping:  There are many open air markets and stores for traditional pottery, look for the Chorotega Indian ceramics from the area of Guaitil.

 

Hotels & Restaurants

 

Hotel Jenny: (Phone: 2685-50-50), basic rooms from ($24) , a/c, cold water,, private bath, phone, cable, Located in Nicoya center.

Hotel Las Tinajas: (Phone: 2685-50-81), nice & quiet rooms ( $14 v/fan, $20 ale), cable, cold water, near bus station in Nicoya.

Albergue Monte Alto: (Phone: 2659-93-47),dorm-style rooms, ( $15/person inc/entrance to the reserve), Tico restaurants, sugar mill, orchid garden, hiking paths ,guides, 4 km. south of Hojancha, inside reserve ( entrance to reserve $2 ).

Cabinas Rios Tempisque: (Phone: 2686-66-50), modern comfy rooms ( $50), cable, a/c, fans, fridge, pool, Jacuzzi, garden, on highway north of Nicoya.

Hotel Curime: (Phone: 2685-52-38), spacious rooms from ($37), a/c, fan, fridge, cable, safes, big pool, playground, soccer field, volleyball, restaurant/bar, tours, south of Nicoya, en route to Samara.

Hotel El Regalo: (Phone: 2686-49-93) Nice cabins ( $40), on spacious grounds, a/c, cable, restaurant, bar, pool, entering Nicoya.

Hotel Mundi-Plaza: (Phone: 2686-67-04) Simple  rooms ($44), a/c, cable, some w/ balcony , just before downtown Nicoya..

Restaurant Mi Soda: In front of Hospital Anexion de la Nicoya, tico food.

Restaurant Nicoya: (Phone: 2685-51-13), on main road, 75m south of Coopmani.

Café Daniela: ( Phone: 2686-61-48), next to Restaurant Nicoya, homemade baked goods, sandwiches, pizza, art gallery.

Casa del Sol & La Luna: ( Phone: 2686-46-46), crafts, clothes, historic building, 75m south-east of colonial church in front of Almacen La Revancha, Nicoya

 

Nearby Beaches

 

Featured hotels in Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica Hotel Giada, Costa Rica Hotel Villas Playa Samara, Costa Rica
Punta Islita Hotel

Giada Hotel

Villas Playa Samara Hotel