Nicoya, Costa Rica is a stunning destination that offers a wealth of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. From pristine beaches to lush rainforests, Nicoya has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-filled adventure, here are the top 20 places to visit in Nicoya.
1. Playa Ostional: This beach is a nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles. From July to December, thousands of turtles come to lay their eggs, making it a great place to see this natural spectacle.
2. Playa San Miguel: This beach is located near the town of Santa Cruz and is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand.
3. Playa San Juanillo: This beach is known for its stunning sunsets and is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
4. Río Tempisque: This river is a great spot for bird watching and is home to a variety of species such as the roseate spoonbill, the jabiru stork, and the white-tailed hawk.
5. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: This reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the resplendent quetzal, the three-wattled bellbird, and the howler monkey.
6. Palo Verde National Park: This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the American crocodile, the white-tailed deer, and the great curassow.
7. Las Baulas National Marine Park: This marine park is home to the endangered leatherback sea turtle. It’s a great place to snorkel and scuba dive and to observe the turtles.
8. Miravalles Volcano National Park: This park is home to the Miravalles volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. It’s a great place for hiking and camping.
9. Curu National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including the white-tailed deer, the scarlet macaw, and the American crocodile.
10. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve: This reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the three-wattled bellbird, the resplendent quetzal, and the ocelot.
11. Montezuma Waterfall: This waterfall is a great spot for swimming and is located near the town of Montezuma.
12. Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve: This reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including the white-tailed deer, the American crocodile, and the great curassow.
13. Barra Honda National Park: This park is home to a variety of caves, which are great for exploring.
14. Isla Chira: This island is located off the coast of Nicoya and is a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
15. Playa Tamarindo: This beach is known for its great surfing and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
16. Playa Sámara: This beach is known for its calm waters and is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
17. Playa Nosara: This beach is known for its great surfing and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
18. Playa Coyote: This beach is known for its great surfing and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
19. Playa Hermosa: This beach is known for its great surfing and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
20. Playa Flamingo: This beach is known for its great surfing and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.