Malpais

This sleepy beach hamlet is billed as a surfer’s paradise, and indeed the surf is exceptional, consistently providing outstanding swells. Located 4 miles (6.5 km) north of Parque Nacional Cabo Blanco, Malpaís sits at the southwestern cusp of the Nicoya Peninsula, opposite Montezuma. If the Nicoya Peninsula is considered to be laidback, then Malpaís is the epitome—an excellent place to kickback and unwind.

The beach at Malpaís swaps between patches of sand and rock, while the jungle makes its way down to the shoreline. Trekking this area is easy—Canopy Tours are available as well as Horseback riding up and down the beach.

Unfortunately, the nearby Cabo Blanco National Park is not accessible from the road that leads south of Malpaís. Usually a visit to the park requires first going through Montezuma. Another road exists closer by, but is often in disrepair. Check with locals before heading out to the park.

Malpaís has largely been spared of the development occurring to the north around the Beaches of Santa Teresa. The quiet village provides a great opportunity for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the more crowded destinations and to take-in these incredible surroundings in relative peace and quiet. The village of Malpaís reflects this general attitude and thus offers few services in regards to activities.

The hamlet is accessible by road via Highway 160, or you can elect to take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera or Naranjo Beach, and then drive or bus the rest. Flights are also available to nearby Tambor via San José and Liberia.