Backpacker Beaches
The easy-going nature of young, wandering travelers seems to linger in some destinations more than others. The natural charm of these backpacker beaches is often complemented by artisans peddling their handcrafted wears on the sidewalk, delicious and healthy restaurants around the corner, and the chatter of half a dozen languages over a cup of coffee. Whatever the traveler spirit represents, these communities are appealing to many visitors seeking to enjoy the natural settings and bohemian vibe.
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Puerto Viejo de Limon
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Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it surfing, Puerto Viejo beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side. The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself. A mere 11 miles (18 km) from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo is accessible via Highway 36 or by simply walking south, along the beach.
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Dominical
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About 27 mi (44 km) south of Quepos is the quaint and growing beach town of Dominical. Along the coast, before arriving in this popular surf town, the cascading cliffs converge with the deep-blue ocean, producing a scenic landscape full of small coves for truly precious views. The laid back beach town is surrounded by plantations, estuaries, mangroves and marshes. Birder beware, you may not want to leave!
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Montezuma
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A favorite for youths, surfers, and alternative-types, the bohemian town of Montezuma is an ideal, laidback beach town. Situated on the southeastern cusp of the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma's immense natural beauty ranges from mangroves and estuaries to dense tropical forest.
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Samara
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The beautiful coastal hamlet of Samara is a paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore. Known as one of the prettiest and safest beaches in all of Costa Rica, Playa Samara radiates wonderful white sand in contrast to the aquamarine water. Tropical plant life and living coral encompass Samara's 3-mile (5 km) coastline, and the beach is a favorite among locals, foreigners, and wealthier Ticos- forming a quintessential beach community.
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Mal Pais - Santa Teresa
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The sleepy beach hamlet of Malpais is billed as a surfer's paradise, and the surf is indeed exceptional; It provides consistent and outstanding swells. Located 4 miles (6.5 km) north of Cabo Blanco National Park, Malpais sits at the southwestern cusp of the Nicoya Peninsula, opposite Montezuma. If the Nicoya Peninsula is considered laidback, then Malpais is its epitome- an excellent place to kickback and unwind.
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