Mal Pais - Santa Teresa – Nicoya Peninsula Region of Costa Rica
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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 year round. Located 4 miles (6.5 km) north of Cabo Blanco National Park, Malpais sits at the
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southwestern cusp of the Nicoya Peninsula, opposite Montezuma. The Nicoya Peninsula is considered laid-back and the stretch of beach that is Mal Pais and Santa Teresa is an excellent place to do just that so be prepared to kickback and unwind
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The quiet surf village of Malpais provides a great opportunity for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of more crowded destinations. It is an excellent place to enjoy the incredible natural surroundings in relative peace. Reflecting this relaxed attitude, the village of Malpais offers relatively few services with regard to tours. However, Canopy Tours are available, and one can also take Horseback rides along the beach.
The beach at Malpais alternates between long stretches of sand and large patches of rock. A green jungle with its mischievous monkeys lines the shore. For the most part, beaches in Malpais have been sparred of development. Development has largely taken place in areas to the north, around the Beaches of Santa Teresa.
The nearby Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve can make an excellent day trip from Malpais. Check with locals before heading to the Reserve. Usually a visit requires entering the town of Montezuma. There is a road closer to Malpais, but unfortunately, it is often in disrepair.
The hamlet of Malpais is accessible by road via Highway 160, or you can take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera or Naranjo Beach, and ride a bus or drive the rest of the way. Flights to the nearby town of Tambor are also available via San Jose and Liberia.
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The beach at Malpais alternates between long stretches of sand and large patches of rock. A green jungle with its mischievous monkeys lines the shore. For the most part, beaches in Malpais have been sparred of development. Development has largely taken place in areas to the north, around the Beaches of Santa Teresa.
The nearby Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve can make an excellent day trip from Malpais. Check with locals before heading to the Reserve. Usually a visit requires entering the town of Montezuma. There is a road closer to Malpais, but unfortunately, it is often in disrepair.
The hamlet of Malpais is accessible by road via Highway 160, or you can take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera or Naranjo Beach, and ride a bus or drive the rest of the way. Flights to the nearby town of Tambor are also available via San Jose and Liberia.
Comments
"A very different feel. Really needs to have the road improved to cut down the dust and make it more accessable. On the other hand, you got a more remote, small town feel here as it wasn't as touristy. Loved the shops with more local artisan work, rather than touristy shops. Locals were lovely. Loved The Bakery. Surf instructors were great."
Mar 2013
"There is a French Bakery (simply called the Bakery) in the middle of town that is spectacular! Croissants are like those found in Paris and wonderful breakfasts and real French style coffee. The Zula Restaurant has delicious Israeli food. There were lots of surfers and yoga practitioners and the happiest dogs on the planet! Since the road is not paved, it is very, very dusty which makes it difficult to walk on the street. The beach is beautiful and the sunsets are spectacular. "
Feb 2013
"We had no idea it was so undeveloped. It was an eye opening but very enjoyable experience. We loved the food at the Zula Inn Restaurant. Their food was fabulous. Ryan's surfboard rental was knowledgeable and great."
Nov 2012
"LOVED Santa Teresa!!! Koji and Rancho Burger were great places to eat!"
Jan 2013
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"The trip to Mal Pais was definitely long and the roads are not paved and difficult to travel. The beaches here are secluded and were a nice first stop on our honeymoon. We stayed at Pranamar Villas in a beach bungalow. The beach bungalow was spacious and the resort was peaceful. A great first stop for our honeymoon!"
Apr 2013