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.
See more photos in the Mal Pais - Santa Teresa photo gallery. (photo gallery opens in new window)
Mal Pais - Santa Teresa Information
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.
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.
What and Where is Mal Pais - Santa Teresa?
Mal Pais - Santa Teresa is a Costa Rica Travel Destination located in the Nicoya Peninsula region of Costa Rica. (see all Costa Rica Regions)
Recommended Mal Pais - Santa Teresa Hotels and Accomodations
Hotel Tropico Latino
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The Hotel Tropico Latino is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, at Santa Teresa de Malpais. Malpais is a small fishing village with a white sand beach and excellent surf. A couple of kilometers north is Santa Teresa and further up is Playa Hermosa, a...
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Hotel Horizon
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The Horizons Yoga Hotel is located on one of Costa Rica's most secluded gems, the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, in the town of Santa Teresa. The peninsula is renowned for its stunning marine life, jagged islands and cliffs, sunshine, secluded...
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Costa Rican National Reserves and Parks near Mal Pais - Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
6 KM to
Barra Honda National Park
6 KM to Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
33 KM to Curu National Wildlife Refuge
6 KM to Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
33 KM to Curu National Wildlife Refuge
