Nicoya Peninsula Map

A peninsula of long surf beaches, yoga retreats and dirt roads, and one of the world's five "Blue Zones" of exceptional longevity.

Santa Teresa and Nosara book up early in the dry season and around the holidays.

Hotels on the Nicoya Peninsula ↗
  • Surf spots
  • Beaches
  • National parks & reserves
  • Towns
  • Waterfalls
  • Airports & ferries
  • Wildlife

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

Puntarenas ferry
~70 min
San José to Santa Teresa
~4.5 h
Longevity
Blue Zone
Recommended
4x4

South Nicoya: Santa Teresa and Montezuma

Santa Teresa has grown into one of Costa Rica's most popular beach towns, with surf breaks for every level, yoga studios and some of the best sunsets in the country. Next door, Mal País is quieter and rocky. On the other side of the peninsula, Montezuma keeps its bohemian vibe, with a three-tier waterfall and boat trips to Tortuga Island.

From San José, the fastest route is the car ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera (about 70 minutes, several sailings a day), then about 1 h 15 min by road to Santa Teresa. Book the ferry ahead in high season.

Santa Teresa has surf schools for every level, plus yoga and surf retreats.

Book a surf lesson ↗

North Nicoya: Nosara and Sámara

Nosara, around Playa Guiones, is a wellness and surf community with hotels hidden in the jungle behind the beach. Sámara is a small, easygoing town on a reef-protected bay, ideal for families. Between them, Ostional hosts one of the world's largest mass nestings of olive ridley turtles.

Roads on the peninsula

The coastal roads are a patchwork of paved stretches and dusty or muddy dirt tracks with river crossings. A 4x4 or high-clearance SUV is strongly recommended, especially in the rainy season, and some coastal routes are impassable after heavy rain. See our driving guide.

Boutique hotels and jungle lodges in Nosara and Santa Teresa.

Hotels in Nosara ↗

Plan your trip to the Nicoya Peninsula

Where to stay

Compare hotels, guesthouses and cabins in Santa Teresa.

Find places to stay ↗

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Santa Teresa from San José?

Drive to Puntarenas (about 1 h 30 min), take the car ferry to Paquera (about 70 minutes), then drive about 1 h 15 min to Santa Teresa. Shuttles and flights to Tambor are alternatives.

Do you need a 4x4 on the Nicoya Peninsula?

It is strongly recommended. Many roads are unpaved, dusty in the dry season and muddy with river crossings in the green season.

What is the Nicoya Blue Zone?

The Nicoya Peninsula is one of five regions in the world where an unusually high share of people live past 90, credited to diet, an active lifestyle and strong social ties.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.