My Costa Rica Vacations

Playa Mal Pais Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica

Mal Pais Costa Rica
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Beach Vacation
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Surfing Mal Pais
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Mal Pais Beach
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A sought-after tourist location

Once a small beachfront village, but fast becoming one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after tourist attractions, the area of Mal Pais, Costa Rica, located on the tip of the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, on the Pacific side of the country is a great place to take up surfing, visit a yoga center or just take in the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. For a simple beach holiday in the heart of Costa Rican nature, then Mal Pais is one of the great beaches to visit in Costa Rica. Getting there is part of the adventure; you can take a ferry from Puntarenas, an hour’s drive from the international airport to Paquera or Playa Naranjo or fly from San Jose to Tambor and catch a cab.

Mal by Name but not by Nature

The area may be named ‘bad land’, but is certainly not that by nature. Mal Pais, Costa Rica boasts fabulous weather all year round and as a result has become a surfer’s paradise, with a long beach break, consistent waves and great swells. The coast is dotted with with cool bars and restaurants as well as a variety of places to stay for all budgets. Despite being one of the trendiest places to visit in Costa Rica, Playa Mal Pais is often uncrowded and therefore a peaceful spot to spend the day taking in the wonderful surroundings and relaxing in the sun. The beach itself is mainly rocky but with good stretches of sand and surrounded by lush vegetation. Just a few miles north of Mal Pais beach is Playa Santa Teresa, one of Costa Rica’s most renowned beaches, famous for its beauty as well as its amazing surf.

Something for everyone

From luxury accommodations to more affordable hotels, Mal Pais, Nicoya Peninsula has something for everyone when it comes to places to stay in Costa Rica. The area has recently become very popular with celebrities, so much so that many have purchased property in the area, a sign of it’s tranquil haven quality. For a fun place to stay try Frank’s Place or for a more exotic stay Surf The Place Boutique Hotel offers separate rooms, villas and bungalows all with different themes from Africa to Mexico. For fun after the sun has gone down round Mal Pais, Costa Rica there is lots of fun nightlife with bars, restaurants and frequent parties organised in the area.

A Haven for Surfers and Nature-Lovers Alike

Whilst surfing rates highly in this Pacific coast area of Costa Rica, there is still plenty to do if you aren’t one for riding the waves. Fishing tours are popular, as is scuba diving, kite-surfing and even snorkeling. Out of the water, you will find canopy tours, quad biking, mountain biking and horseback riding as well as many opportunities to hike around the area and explore. For birdwatchers, the area is an aviary paradise, with the Cabo Blanco National Park just a few kilometres away. The Park also offers magical sightings of whales and dolphins at their celebrated marine sanctuary.