Mal Pais - Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Travel Modes
Private ~ Shuttle ~ Rental ~ FlightTop Hotels
Aparthotel Zula Inn *** $50
Blue Surf Sanctuary *** $100
Horizons Yoga Hotel *** $80
see more hotels
Top Activities
Costa Rica Surfing ~ ~ Costa Rica ATV Tours
Mal Pais - Santa Teresa
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.
Mal Pais - Santa Teresa is located in The Nicoya Peninsula Region of Costa Rica.
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.
