Costa Rica · Route map
Sun-Drenched Nicoya Peninsula Coastline
This budget-friendly loop takes you down the Nicoya Peninsula's most famous shores and local hangouts.
- 1
Liberia
1 night
Easy entry and authentic Guanacastecan local life
- 2
Tamarindo
3 nights
Bustling surf beaches and lively nightlife
- 3
Nosara
3 nights
Laid-back surf, yoga, and untouched coastline
- 4
Santa Teresa
3 nights
Dramatic sunsets and hip beach culture
- 5
San Jose
1 night
A final night in the bustling capital
- ✦5 stops · 11 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Arrival in Liberia
Arrive into Liberia
Flight · Afternoon · Liberia
Land at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.
Pick up 4x4 rental car
Car hire · Afternoon · Liberia
A 4x4 is absolutely essential for the rough Nicoya Peninsula roads.
Take videos of the car's exterior and undercarriage before driving off the lot.
Stroll around Liberia's historic plaza
Excursion · Evening · Liberia
Grab a traditional copo shaved ice from a vendor under the giant guanacaste trees.
Overnight in Liberia
Accommodation · Evening · Liberia
Welcome to Gold Coast Tamarindo
Self-drive Liberia to Tamarindo
Self-drive · Morning · Tamarindo
A straightforward drive of about one hour and fifteen minutes.
Afternoon finding your feet on Tamarindo beach
At leisure · Afternoon · Tamarindo
Walk to the southern estuary mouth where the crowd thins out significantly.
Sunset beers at El Chiringuito
Excursion · Evening · Tamarindo
Sit on the plastic chairs right in the sand for the best view.
Overnight in Tamarindo
Accommodation · Evening · Tamarindo
Beaches and Local Night Markets
Explore remote Playa Avellanas
Excursion · Morning · Playa Avellanas
Drive thirty minutes south to this pristine beach.
Say hello to Lola, the famous resident farm pig who hangs out near the beach.
Relax at Playa Langosta tide pools
At leisure · Afternoon · Playa Langosta
Bring your snorkel gear; the rocky pools here are full of tiny colorful fish.
Tamarindo Thursday Night Market
Excursion · Evening · Tamarindo
Sample homemade pupusas and empanadas from local vendors rather than sitting at a restaurant.
Overnight in Tamarindo
Accommodation · Evening · Tamarindo
Estuary Wildlife and Surf Vibes
Panga boat tour of Tamarindo Estuary
Excursion · Morning · Tamarindo
Hire a local boatman at the beach to see crocodiles and howler monkeys.
Sunset surf watching at Pico Pequeño
At leisure · Afternoon · Tamarindo
This rocky break offers great espectating of skilled local surfers.
Overnight in Tamarindo
Accommodation · Evening · Tamarindo
Journey South to Surf-centric Nosara
Self-drive Tamarindo to Nosara
Self-drive · Morning · Nosara
A rugged two and a half hour drive requiring river crossings.
Ask locals about the Rio Montana water level before attempting to cross.
Decompress on Playa Guiones
At leisure · Afternoon · Nosara
The beach is protected, meaning no buildings are visible from the shoreline.
Overnight in Nosara
Accommodation · Evening · Nosara
Turtles and Tico Flavors
Seek out Playa Ostional wildlife
Excursion · Morning · Ostional
If you are lucky, you might spot olive ridley turtles nesting on the dark sand.
Afternoon exploring off-beat Nosara village
At leisure · Afternoon · Nosara
Eat at a local 'soda' in the inland town center for the best prices.
Overnight in Nosara
Accommodation · Evening · Nosara
Pink Sands and Tide Pools
Beach walk to Playa Pelada
Excursion · Morning · Nosara
Look for the keyhole cave on the north end of the beach during low tide.
Swim in the tide pools of Pelada
At leisure · Afternoon · Nosara
Bring a cheap hammock to string up between the beachside coconut palms.
Overnight in Nosara
Accommodation · Evening · Nosara
To the Edge of the Peninsula
Self-drive Nosara to Santa Teresa
Self-drive · Morning · Santa Teresa
A very bumpy, scenic four-hour drive through remote coastal roads.
Keep your fuel tank topped up as gas stations are scarce on this route.
First sunset dip at Playa Carmen
At leisure · Afternoon · Santa Teresa
This is where the community gathers every single evening for sunset.
Overnight in Santa Teresa
Accommodation · Evening · Santa Teresa
Cabo Blanco and Local Eats
Hike Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve
Excursion · Morning · Cabuya
Costa Rica's oldest protected area.
Start at 8 AM sharp to beat the midday heat and spot white-faced monkeys.
Salty relaxation in Malpais
At leisure · Afternoon · Malpais
Visit the local fishing port to watch the pangas bring in the daily catch.
Overnight in Santa Teresa
Accommodation · Evening · Santa Teresa
Waterfalls and Tide Pool Beers
Chasing Montezuma Waterfalls
Excursion · Morning · Montezuma
A short, rugged riverbed hike to towering falls.
Wear sturdy water shoes, as the river rocks are incredibly slippery.
Soak in Playa Hermosa tide pools
At leisure · Afternoon · Santa Teresa
The giant natural pool is located just left of the main beach entrance.
Overnight in Santa Teresa
Accommodation · Evening · Santa Teresa
The Road Back to the Capital
Self-drive Santa Teresa to Paquera
Self-drive · Morning · Paquera
Drive one hour and fifteen minutes to the ferry terminal.
Naviera Tambor Ferry to Puntarenas
Transfer · Afternoon · Puntarenas
A scenic one-hour Gulf of Nicoya crossing.
Book your vehicle ferry ticket online days in advance to secure a spot.
Self-drive Puntarenas to San José
Self-drive · Afternoon · San Jose
Drive two hours on Route 27 to the capital.
Drop off rental car in San José
Car hire · Evening · San Jose
Overnight in San Jose
Accommodation · Evening · San Jose
Adiós Costa Rica
Taxi transfer to San José Airport
Transfer · Morning · San Jose
Use official red taxis or Uber for a reliable, safe ride.
Departure flight from San José
Flight · Morning · San Jose
Depart from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
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