Dry forest, surf and long afternoons

SlowDaysonNicoya

Regions

Guanacaste, Nicoya

Suggested length

Around 9 to 10 nights

Pace

Slow

Plan this journey

TheShapeOfSlowDaysonNicoya

Ideal for couples
Ideal for surfers of all levels
Ideal for families
Ideal for a second trip to costa rica

Not every trip needs to cover ground. This journey is built around the Pacific, with just enough variety to keep things interesting: a couple of nights inland among the dry forest and volcanoes, then two longer stays on the peninsula.

It suits couples, families who want an easy rhythm, and anyone whose idea of a holiday includes a surfboard, a good book or both.

An illustrative route, not a bookable package. Stays, timings and transport are chosen with you and confirmed only in your own proposal.

Guanacaste:Dryforestandvolcano
About Guanacaste
Suggested: 2 nights. Begin near Liberia with a taste of the dry forest and the volcanic landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja.
Nosara:Intothetrees
About Nicoya
Suggested: 4 nights. Low-rise and leafy, Nosara is made for morning surf, yoga and long walks on the beach. Ostional's turtles are nearby when the timing is right.
SouthernNicoya:Tothetip
Suggested: 3 to 4 nights. Further south, around Santa Teresa or Montezuma: surf, waterfalls and the protected forest of Cabo Blanco.

Palm trees shading a white-sand beach under a blue sky

MakeItYourOwn

Adapt this journey

GoodToKnow

Small hotels and villas set back among the trees, often with a short walk to the beach. Many travellers on this route choose a private house for at least part of the stay.

Typical stays: Boutique beach hotels · Private villas · Small wellness retreats

Experiences along the way: Surf lessons or guided surf days · Yoga and wellbeing · Turtle nesting at Ostional, in season · Waterfall walks near Montezuma · Sunset sailing. Nothing is included by default; we choose with you.
Getting around: Roads on the peninsula are often unpaved and slow; some routes involve river crossings in the rainy months.
Before you go: December to April is driest and busiest; we recommend planning well ahead for those months.
Timing: Turtle arribadas at Ostional are natural events that can't be scheduled precisely.

Start planning this journey

TheRegionsOnThisRoute

All regions

RegionNorth Pacific
Guanacaste and the North Pacific
Tropical dry forestProtected Pacific baysVolcanic highlands around Rincón de la Vieja
Dry forest, broad bays and the country's sunniest coast.
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RegionPacific peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula
Surf beaches and rocky pointsCoastal dry forestRiver mouths and estuaries
Surf towns, quiet coves and long, slow afternoons.
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