Mal Pais Costa Rica
Malpais began as a small fishing and cattle farming village in the Puntarenas province. The name Malpais comes from the Chorotega Indians that were the original inhabitants of the area and means literally “bad land”. Actually nothing is farther from the truth. Located on the southwest cusp of the Nicoya Peninsula, across from the village of Montezuma, Forbes magazine has voted the beaches of Malpais and the neighboring Playa Santa Theresa as some of the most beautiful in the world. Known for its spectacular beauty, dramatic volcanic rock outcroppings and white sandy beaches covered with beautiful little shells, this region of Costa Rica is thought of as the Hawaii of Latin America. Considered a surfer’s paradise because of its consistent waves, a long beach break and good swells, the beaches of Malpais and Santa Theresa are perfect for those looking for a peaceful vacation away from the crowds.
The area runs approximately six km east to west and includes a number of great surf beaches and the amazing Cabo Blanco National Park on the southern end. With great weather year round and lots of natural beauty and plenty of wildlife and birdlife to view- Malpais is a great place to visit while in Costa Rica.
Malpais boasts a strong surf culture and embodies the laid back attitude of that demographic. The perfect place to lay back and enjoy some sunbathing, relaxing on the beach or to search for the perfect wave, Malpais has grown into the ideal vacation spot. There are a number of charming restaurants and bars in town and there are now accommodations to fit every budget. The area has recently become popular with celebrities that have purchased nearby property, so that they too may enjoy the spectacular surroundings in relative peace and quiet.
The region around Malpais is not just for surfers, bird lovers will find this a haven, as there are huge numbers of coastal and migratory birds. The Cabo Blanco National Park is just south of the village and offers a unique look into Costa Rica’s conservationist history. Named by the Spanish explorers for the white earth and cliffs that dot the area, Cabo Blanco National Park is really the pet project of a couple from Sweden that came to the area in 1950. Outraged by the rain forest clear cutting that was occurring in the area, Karen and Nicolas Wessberg made an international appeal to conservationists everywhere. Their efforts were the basis for the Costa Rican National Park system which is recognized everywhere for its progressive ecological position. The marine sanctuary at Cabo Blanco is the ideal place to watch many aquatic animals- including whales and dolphins.
A small fisherman’s port is at the southern end of Mal Pais where you can book a boat tour or arrange for a fishing excursion. The sports fishing out of
Mal Pais is legendary.
Getting to Malpais is half the adventure! Most people take the ferry from Puntaneras to Paquera or Playa Naranjo or you can fly into Tambor from San Jose and take a taxi. Here you can check out our Costa Rica Transportation guide There is plenty to do besides surfing in Malpais! Horseback riding, sports fishing, mountain biking and great hiking are just a couple of the options. There are also plenty of places to snorkel, scuba dive or just relax and chill out on the beach. But, with waves that are perfect for any level of surfer, the prime attraction in this area is the great surfing!
