SUV recommendedSanta Teresa & Mal País
World-class surf and jungle-backed sunsets at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula — at the end of a dusty road.
SUV recommendedMontezuma
Bohemian beach village with waterfalls, near the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.
SUV recommendedNosara & Playa Guiones
Yoga, surf and jungle — protected by bumpy gravel roads that keep it blissfully uncrowded.
Any carSámara
A calm, reef-protected bay — the easiest Nicoya beach to reach on pavement.
Routes to Nicoya Peninsula
San José (SJO) to Santa Teresa & Mal País (via the Paquera ferry)
Drive to Puntarenas, take the ferry to Paquera, then 1.5 hours to Santa Teresa. Budget 5–6.5 hours door to door;…
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San José (SJO) to Montezuma (via the Paquera ferry)
Route 27 to Puntarenas, the ferry to Paquera, and a hilly drive through Cóbano. About 4.5–6 hours including the crossing.
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San José (SJO) to Nosara
A long day: 5–6 hours via the Tempisque bridge and Nicoya, with the last stretch on rough, dusty gravel. Rent…
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San José (SJO) to Sámara
The easiest Nicoya Peninsula beach to reach: about 4–5 hours, paved all the way via the Tempisque bridge and Nicoya.
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Liberia Airport (LIR) to Nosara
About 2–2.5 hours: paved to Nicoya, then rough gravel into Nosara. SUV minimum; 4x4 in rainy season.
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Liberia Airport (LIR) to Santa Teresa
The long way down the Nicoya Peninsula: about 4–4.5 hours via Nicoya and Paquera, with a rough final stretch.
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Liberia Airport (LIR) to Sámara
An easy 2–2.5 hour drive on paved roads via Santa Cruz and Nicoya.
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Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
Only 100 km apart on the map, but the safe inland route takes 4–4.5 hours. The coastal shortcut has river…
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Tamarindo to Nosara
About 1.5–2 hours along the coast on gravel, with river crossings in rainy season. 4x4 required; there's an inland alternative.
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