Tag Archives: Nicoya Peninsula

The Top 16 Must-Do Highlights of the Nicoya Peninsula

Nicoya Peninsula - Costa Rica RiosImagine a place so beautiful, tranquil, and refreshing that it enhances the health and well-being of anyone who lives there? That’s the Nicoya Peninsula in a nutshell! Read on to discover the top 16 must-do highlights of this magical destination in Costa Rica.

The Nicoya Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s most delightful off-the-beaten-path destinations. It is roughly 80 miles long and 40 miles wide and blessed with long stretches of pristine sandy beaches and mountainous rain forests replete with exotic wildlife.

This is one of Costa Rica’s least-developed corners and is often overlooked by mainstream tourists. However, those looking to get off the usual touristy path find their heaven here. Recently, the peninsula has gained popularity among surfing crowds and anyone after a relaxing wellness experience.

The most popular activities to enjoy here are surfing, yoga retreats, beach combing, water sports, and spotting nesting turtles in season.

Nicoya: a recipe for a long, happy, and healthy life

Long renowned as one of the healthiest and happiest places on earth, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s five original Blue Zones. This northwestern region boasts such an idyllic lifestyle that it is home to the highest number of centenarians on the planet.

On average, people here are about twice as likely to reach 90 years of age as North Americans. Experts have put this down to the local diet (made up mostly of organically grown fresh produce), strong family and community ties (for that all-important human connection), calcium-enriched water (fewer bone fractures than usual, even at an elderly age), and a strong sense of purpose. Life on Nicoya is still inherently tied to agriculture and hasn’t really changed much over the years. Locals don’t retire: they simply continue working the land with their families for as long as they can. As it turns out, this can be a very long time indeed.

Naturally, you need not live there to soak up the benefits of its pristine wilderness and multitude of anti-stress remedies. An immersive Costa Rica adventure vacation on the Nicoya Peninsula is enough to rejuvenate even the most stressed-out exec.

About the Nicoya Peninsula

Separated from the mainland by a small estuary and a namesake gulf, the Nicoya is only remote on paper. In reality, it takes merely two hours by car to reach it from either the San Jose or Liberia airports.

The majority of the population is clustered in charming seaside towns while inland you’ll discover a lot of nature and not many people. On the coast, villages are small and laid-back. Tourist activities are centered on surfing and water sports, as well as hiking and wildlife-watching.

The most popular bases are the towns of Santa Teresa, Nosara, Mal Pais, Montezuma, and Cabuya. Eco-lodges, surfing hostels, hotels, and rental villas abound, but note that you’ll want to get around in a 4WD to reach even the most popular towns. Perfectly asphalted roads don’t exist here!

Wondering what there is to see and do in this sublime corner of paradise?

Here are the top 16 must-do highlights of the Nicoya Peninsula:

1.   Go surfing on Playa Tamarindo

Surfing Nicoya peninsula - Costa Rica RiosNicoya’s surfing beaches are legendary, none more so than Playa Tamarindo. This is the reputed best surfing beach in the whole country and you’ll find it on the northwestern border of the peninsula. This is a well-developed part of Costa Rica and is favored for its particularly dry climate. In fact, the northern and southern sections of the Nicoya can easily be considered two worlds apart in this respect.

Surfing is what defines Nicoya to a T, so exceptional waves can also be caught all over the coast. Beginners tend to favor Mal Pais and Playa Hermosa, while more experienced surfers should head to Santa Teresa, after having tamed the Tamarindo beasts.

2.   Catch glorious rays on Playa Carrillo (even with kids in tow)

Playa Carillo - Costa Rica RiosFamilies love Playa Carrillo because it is almost completely devoid of big waves. Add a stretch of impossibly beautiful sandy shores, swaying palm trees, and breathtaking sunsets, and you’ve got a Nicoya beach made in heaven.

Just south of uber-famous Samara Beach (which tends to attract bigger crowds) Carrillo is quieter and boasts a glorious coral reef near the shore that’s ideal for snorkeling. Enjoy the picnic set up under the shade of palm trees and the long half-moon shores. A favored beach for locals, Carrillo can get busy on weekends but there’s usually always a chance to find some peace and quiet here.

3.   Enjoy yoga and laid-back sundowners in Santa Teresa

Often dubbed the Tulum of Costa Rica, the remote village of Santa Teresa is enjoying a crazy surge in popularity right now. The enchanting beach town boasts unpaved roads, loads of wellness retreats, amazing food (more international options available), and a sublimely chilled-out vibe. This has now become THE most happening surfing town on the entire peninsula.

Since this quaint little town hit the news a few years back (thanks to Giselle Bundchen and Tom Brady buying a house here), an increasing array of luxury options for accommodation and activities have sprung up. Great news for anyone who wants more comfort while still getting way off the beaten path.

Surfing and swimming beaches in and around Santa Teresa have now made this the most popular base of all.

4.   Go horseback riding in Cabuya

What do you get when you have a stunning western-facing beach, stunning wilderness, and tropical climate? A romantic sunset horseback riding tour, of course!

Horseback riding is offered all over the Nicoya, but we think the torus on offer in Cabuya are sensational. The tiny hamlet is nestled just east of the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, the resplendent park on the southern tip of the peninsula.

This is the remotest and wildest corner you can visit, one home to ranches offering day-long and multiple-day horseback riding experiences.

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5.    Watch nesting turtles on Ostional beach

Two of the best night tours in Costa Rica take place on the Nicoya Peninsula. The most famous is the turtle testing tours in Ostional on the Nicoya Peninsula, which run from the end of May, all the way to October. The protected beach at Ostional attracts Olive Ridley turtles in extraordinary numbers.

These mass nesting events, called arribadas, are among the most magnificent natural events you could experience, anywhere in the world.

6.    Enjoy the nightlife action in Playa Samara

Adventure vacations on the Nicoya don’t tend to focus on nightlife action. Usually, everyone is far too wiped out from the day’s thrilling activities to even consider a night out on the town. But if you think you might want to stay somewhere a little more ‘vibrant’ then Playa Samara is for you.

Between the beach tapas bars, wine bars, dance clubs, and live-music venues, you are sure to find plenty of after-dark entertainment here.

7.    Visit Isla Tortuga

As mentioned above, Montezuma is one of the popular bases for Nicoya adventures. The town itself doesn’t hold tremendous appeal but it does offer the shortest boat transfers to Isla Tortuga, one of Nicoya’s prime highlights.

Turtle Island, as the name translates in English, is heaven on earth. A protected nature reserve boasting just enough amenities to make a day visit super comfy (deck chairs, kayak rental, snacks, drinks, and more), this amazing island offers excellent SCUBA and snorkeling options. In high season, boats run daily and trips take just under one hour. Spend a whole day at the beach here and you’ll feel incredibly rejuvenated!

8.    Take a wildlife-watching cruise in the Palo Verde National Park

One of Costa Rica’s magical mangroves, Palo Verde is a hive of biodiversity, attracting an insane array of migrating birds between December and April, which join countless resident species. Meander the rare ecosystems of Palo Verde in search of giant jaribou storks on boat rides in wet season, and explore the park on foot during the dry season.

No matter when you visit, Palo Verde is a must!

9.    Hike the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve

If you’re staying in Montezuma for a night or two to visit Isla Tortuga, then you’ll have Cabo Blanco at your doorstep.

Comprising the southernmost cape of the Nicoya Peninsula, Cabo Blanco is best visited on a one-day hike, given that most of the reserve is actually impenetrable. Aside from being drop-dead-gorgeous, Cabo Blanco is revered for being Costa Rica’s first-ever protected reserve. It’s been kept pristine since the 60s and a visit is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Read our Cabo Blanco guide before visiting, and find out where to go and what to expect.

10.   Go chasing the Montezuma Waterfalls

A series of three waterfalls just east of Montezuma town will entice you to spend an entire day frolicking in the refreshing water. Enjoy the hike up the river and reward yourself with a swim, picnic, and relaxing afternoon.

The three-level waterfall offers easy and more challenging access depending on your fitness level. The first pool is undoubtedly the most popular, so keep hiking up to reach the higher levels to enjoy it with fewer visitors. The upper levels are accessed via bridges built by a local tour operator, who charges a few dollars for access. Money well spent!

11.   Go zip lining in Montezuma

The Montezuma Waterfalls can be visited on a thrilling zip line course as well. Currently, two companies offer canopy tours down south: the one connecting you to the waterfalls and a longer, faster and higher course just outside Mal Pais.

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12.   Visit the Curu National Wildlife Refuge

Located near Tambor in southern Nicoya, Curu is part of a privately-owned bio-reserve home to a local farm ranch and a small pocket of wilderness awash with monkeys, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, iguanas, racoons, deer and masses of ghost crabs on the beach.

You can choose to stay overnight in one of the farm’s cabins and rent kayaks on the beach, for a truly immersive Nicoya wilderness experience.

13.   Explore the mysterious caves at Barra Honda

One of the least known but most fascinating national parks in Costa Rica, Barra Honda is a hidden Nicoya gem. It straddles the area where the peninsula meets the mainland and comprises a complex limestone cave system that’s still being explored by scientists.

The Barra Honda underworld is mesmerizing and the above-ground hiking trails offer ample options for fantastic wildlife-watching. Right now, tours must be guided and only a section of the enormous complex is open for visitors.

Here’s our guide to discovering the Barra Honda National Park.

14.   Experience the magic of bio luminescence at Bahia Rica

Bio luminescent waves in Costa RicaThe second awesome night tour in Nicoya is to see the otherworldly bio luminescence at Bahia Rica, on the south-eastern corner of the peninsula. This glow-in-the-dark plankton is best viewed on overcast nights and, if one is forecast, you’ll find local kayaking tours selling out fast.

Tours cast off from the Bahia Rica Kayak Lodge and last around one hour. Departure times differ depending on the month and weather conditions. Suitable for beginner kayakers, the tours are on calm water and only require a minimum of equipment, aside the rented kayak. Bring a head torch and make sure you have water shoes and bug spray with you.

The rest, will be taken care of by Mother Nature!

15.   Feast on health-boosting local produce

Soak up the health benefits of the local Blue one diet and treat your taste buds to glorious local food when visiting the Nicoya Peninsula.

Most of the lodges and hotels in this area of Costa Rica place heavy emphasis on serving up locally grown organic produce. Farm to table experiences abound and include delicious avocado, guava, mango and a local variety of passionfruit called granadita. Fresh fruit juices and whole coconuts are sold everywhere and you’ll find stalls at the entrance of all major attractions (like the Montezuma waterfalls).

Cabuya is also famous for its abundance of local producers, who make honey, jams, and coconut oils.

Follow in the footsteps of those who’ve come (and feasted) before you: check out the top 10 best-rated restaurants in Nicoya on TripAdvisor.

16.   Stay in a luxury boutique resort in Santa Teresa

Well, we did promise you could indulge in luxury on Nicoya, and luxury you shall have!

We collaborate with a handful of gorgeous hotels in and around Santa Teresa. Of course, we are always happy to arrange any accommodation option you prefer (by location and budget), but if you do want a little luxury on your adventure vacation in Nicoya, Santa Teresa is where you’ll find it!

Ready to explore this off-beat, totally addictive corner of Costa Rica?

We can take you there!

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Nicoya beats to a different drum than the rest of Costa Rica. The beaches here are as outstanding as any you’ll find on the mainland, yet their remoteness means they see far fewer visitors. This makes them unspoiled, laid-back, and immensely relaxing. They provide the perfect backdrop for adventures that are as eclectic as they are unforgettable.

The Nicoya Peninsula is tailor-made for adventure-seekers who are constantly on the hunt for unique experiences off the beaten path.

Where exactly is the Nicoya Peninsula and how can you reach it on your next Costa Rica adventure vacation? We detail it all, right here.

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A Nature Lover Overview of Costa Rica

Braulio Carrillo National Park - nature lover in Costa RicaWith its lush jungles, array of wildlife, innumerable volcanoes, waterfalls and idyllic beaches, Costa Rica is one of most rewarding travel destinations in the world for an avid nature lover. The country has essentially acted as a migratory land-bridge between two continents since time immemorial. This, coupled with decades of environmental protection, has resulted in this marvelous country becoming a bona fide utopia for exotic flora and fauna.

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Costa Rica is an unrivaled destination for unique wilderness experiences. This year, the National Geographic even gave the country a wonderful nod for pioneering sustainable tourism.

What makes Costa Rica such a rewarding destination for a nature lover is the fact that the climate is idyllic and predictable, all year long.  Temperatures in this tropical haven don’t fluctuate all that much during the year on any given spot. The predictability comes for the varied altitudes (the higher you go, the colder it gets, of course) and the ebb of the rain season.

Genially, however, Costa Rica boasts a central spine of spectacular mountains that essentially splits the country in two – the Pacific (western) side and the Caribbean (eastern) side. This allows adventure seekers to carefully choose where to go. When it’s rain season on the Pacific, it’s drier on the Caribbean – and vice versa.

The resulting cacophony of ecosystems is like nothing you’ll ever experience, anywhere else on earth. Costa Rica is one of the world’s most bio-diverse countries, bursting with a head-spinning array of natural wonders.

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Here’s an overview of Costa Rica’s regions:

The Northern Pacific Coast

Rugged, dry and home to the country’s most iconic beaches, the northern stretch of Pacific coast is where most first-time visitors head to, first and foremost. Here, dry tropical jungles literally tumble onto the shore, creating dreamy landscapes revered by honeymooners the world over. The highlights of the northern Pacific Coastline include the spectacular Nicoya Peninsula beaches and the many luxurious eco-resorts of the Papagayo Peninsula.

Beaches of Costa Rica - nature lover in Costa RicaFor nature lovers who want to surf and soak up the sun on the country’s most jaw-dropping beaches, this region is ideal. Plus, those beaches are framed by some of the most amazing national parks in the country, including Marino las Baulas, Palo Verde, Santa Rosa, and Guanacaste.

Choose to fly into the Liberia International Airport and you’ll be amid all the northern Pacific action. You could lay on a beach within an hour of landing! Adventure sports abound in this area, and you’ll also have easy access to Arenal & La Fortuna, as well as the Manuel Antonio National Park, the country’s two most-famous highlights.

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The Southern Pacific Coast

Wildlife in Juan Castro Blanco National ParkChoose to head south, along the Pacific coast, and you’ll see the landscapes make a dramatic turn. This is the hot, humid, lush and undeveloped side of the western coast, the one home to the world-renowned Corcovado National Park. This is the single most bio-diverse reserve in the entire country, and a place where nature reigns. A smattering of eco-lodges allows you to enjoy it thoroughly, however, yet to have this pleasure you will need to forego WiFi and the kind of luxury comforts found elsewhere. But that’s a small price to pay for dedicated nature lovers.

Perfect for those looking for solitude and immersive nature experiences, the southern Pacific offers insane outdoor adventures in the Osa Peninsula and its extraordinary Golfo Dulce. If you’re looking for the ultimate eco-adventure for the nature lover inside you, here is where you’ll find it.

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The Central Valley

Over 75% of Costa Rica’s inhabitants call the Central Valley home. This is where you’ll find the capital, San Jose, and the country’s premier international airport. Being so central, the valley is a wonderful springboard for adventure tours of Costa Rica – from here, you can reach every corner of the country.

Aside from its convenience, however, the Central Valley is not without its own wild merits. Rolling green hills are accentuated by stunning mountains that rise to the heavens. Most of this area is blanketed by working coffee farms, many of which you can visit. Here is also where you’ll find the most picturesque volcanoes of all (Poas, Turrialba and Irazu) and the very best whitewater rivers of the country – head to Turrialba for world-class rafting and kayaking.

This region boasts the best tourist infrastructure in Costa Rica – roads are plentiful and in good condition and the region is so densely packed with virgin forests and charming villages that it makes for a well-rounded trip. Soak away your worries in the natural hot springs of the Orosi Valley, hike up Irazu Volcano (the highest in the country, at 11,250’), take a road trip through the eye-popping Cordillera de Talamanca and be spell-bound by the magical Monteverde Cloud Forests.

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The Northern Caribbean Coast

Tortuguero National Park - Costa RicaOne of the least-accessible regions of Costa Rica, the northern Caribbean coast is defined by water. The flat plains here are interspersed by a maze of rivers that comprise the Tortuguero National Park, one of the world’s prized sea turtle nesting sites. Accessible only by air or boat, the park is undoubtedly one of the country’s most unmissable natural highlights.

The contrast between east and west in Costa Rica is astounding. This is one of the least-developed corners of the country, one that’s devoid of ‘idyllic’ Insta-worthy beaches but filled to the brim with wildlife and nature. This is eco-tourism at its very best.

The Southern Caribbean Coast

Easier to reach (because roads!) yet just as uncrowded, the southern Caribbean coast is where travelers go when they crave an off-the-beaten-path adventure. With its Afro-Caribbean roots and laid-back vibe, the southern Caribbean seaside town of Puerto Viejo reveals a totally different side of Costa Rica. Until very recently, this was the country’s hidden treasure and, although the game is definitely up on that secret, it remains unhurried and devoid of mass tourism.

Fabulous surfing awaits you on this side of the country, and even a couple of fabulous swimming beaches, like Punta Uva and Cahuita.

So, has this piqued the interest of the nature lover inside you?

Just take a look at this glorious spot…

Ready to plan your unforgettable nature and adventure-filled vacation in Costa Rica?

Here’s where to start…

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Fall in Love with Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula

Nicoya PeninsulaIf Costa Rica could be said to have a wild, wild, west then the Nicoya Peninsula would certainly be it. Rough and ready, spectacularly beautiful and offering fun adventure’s at every turn; this is one of the country’s most jaw-dropping corners and a place well worth exploring at length. Set on two provinces (Guanacaste in the north and Puntarenas in the south), Nicoya is Costa Rica’s largest peninsulas and has received much attention on recent years to the surprising longevity of its residents.

But we know their secret.

Who on earth would not live past the age of 100 when one lives in such subliminal beauty?

Where is it?

The Nicoya Peninsula is found off Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline, north-west of San Jose, opposite Puntarenas. Taking the coastal road all the way up to the Friendship Bridge from San Jose and driving onto the peninsula is a longer yet very rewarding option, as it offers the unrivalled chance of stopping along some of the country’s most revered seaside towns on the western coast. If time is of the essence, then simply drive to Puntarenas from San Jose and take the car & passenger ferry across.

What is the Peninsula?

Nicoya PeninsulaEndless stretches of pristine beach, eclectic mix of wet and dry rainforests, rugged hills and an abundance of wildlife. You can hike the Capo Blanco Natural Reserve, visit the Montezuma and Rio Grande waterfalls, test your surfing skills in Mal Pais and enjoy a sundowner in Santa Teresa Beach at the end of a full day’s exploration. Families can enjoy frolicking in the calm waters of Playa Tambor, honeymooners can enjoy a romantic horseback ride on Playa Organos and animal lovers can relish in a visit to the Curu National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you’ll find more than 200 different types of birds, almost 80 species of mammals, over 80 reptiles and 20-odd amphibians.

Isla TortugaJust off the coast opposite Curu is where you’ll find one of Nicoya’s most popular highlights: Isla Tortuga. Enjoying a day-trip here at the end of a Nicoya discovery trip is incredibly rewarding. The turquoise waters off its coast are ideal for swimming; the forests perfect for hiking and the zip-line just the ticket for those who just can’t seem to get enough of Costa Rican adventure tours. SCUBA diving and snorkeling aficionados can look forward to swimming with sting rays and sharks, and jet-ski and kayak riders will also find plenty of way to fill in the hours here.

Isla Tortuga is uninhabited so visitors head here on day trips from nearby ports, like Mal Pais on Nicoya and Puntarenas on the mainland. Full-day adventures normally include transport, food and a host of extras like snorkelling, diving, banana boat rides, volleyball games, lunch and drinks. Obviously, you do get what you pay for, so make sure you know exactly what your day trip will include before booking. The great majority of the ‘cheaper options’ will simply charge extra for lunch and activities.

Two Unique Seasons

The Nicoya Peninsula experiences two distinct seasons: dry (November to May) and wet (April to October). Temperatures here range from 22C(72F) in rain season, up to 36C(97F) during dry season.

How to Get There?

Exploring this peninsula with a rental car is by far your best bet, especially if you’re the adventurous type who loves nothing more than unpaved roads. Public transport here is still very limited, so unless you’re happy to stick to coastal hubs (where everyone else will be) consider this a most spectacular self-drive destination in Costa Rica. The most rewarding parts of the peninsula are inland, where you’ll meet just a few friendly locals riding ox-carts and very few visitors. If traveling here during wet season, note that there is only one road, connecting the whole peninsula along the eastern seaboard, which is open all year round. The roads on Nicoya are notorious and renowned as ‘the worst in Costa Rica’ so prepare for a wild but unforgettable ride (4×4’s are the best vehicles to take). Take your time and keep safe and you’ll be just fine.

Ferries from Puntarenas take visitors to either Paquera in the north, or Naranjo in the south, and run about six times a day. Passenger ferry tickets cost just $1,70 USD per person and vehicle tickets should set you back about $24 USD.

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Top 5 Favorite Honeymoon Locations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica honeymoon

Are you planning your honeymoon and looking for that perfect nook of the world, near your nook of the world?

Well, stop looking right now!

With two pristine coastlines just a short plane ride away from each other and an astounding collection of tropical forests, jungles, volcanoes and mountains to explore, you’ll never find a more ideal honeymoon destination than Costa Rica. Whether you want to spend your days sunbathing on pristine beaches, hiking up volcanoes, canyoning raging rivers, or simply relaxing in an idyllic forest resort, Costa Rica has just the spot for you. Several of them in fact!

Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations in Costa Rica

What: Manuel Antonio
Where: Central-western Coast
Why: for the wildlife, beaches and adventure sports

Manuel AntonioIt’s really no wonder that the Manuel Antonio region is the most popular choice for discerning honeymooners. Easy to reach from San José (either by half hour plane ride or 2-hour drive) this stunning nook of Costa Rica is home to an amazing National Park brimming with endemic wildlife offering an array of active pursuits, like kayaking, zip-lining, rafting and hiking.

If that’s not enough, on the heavenly beaches framing the revered nature reserve, you can surf, parasail or enjoy an incredibly romantic sunset horseback ride. Most of the resorts in Manuel Antonio are found along the base of the mountains facing the coast, so you’re guaranteed simply breathtaking sunset views no matter where you choose to stay. If you’re a nature lover looking for luxury comforts on your honeymoon escapade, then Manuel Antonio is the ideal spot for you.

What: Gulf of Papagayo
Where: North-western Coast
Why: for the optimal SCUBA diving, beaches and pampering in luxury resorts

Gulf of PapagayoOn the north-western corner of Costa Rica, in the region of Guanacaste, right near the border with Nicaragua, is where you’ll find some of the most exclusive 5* resorts in the country. One of the most popular diving destinations of all, the Gulf of Papagayo offers a plethora of fantastic dive sites including über-popular Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos), a mesmerizing marine park home of bull sharks, manta rays and more.

If you’re a diving fanatic, planning a wedding between May and September (the best diving times!) and wish to luxuriate in superlative all-inclusive resorts, then you really shouldn’t fly past this little corner of heaven.

What: Tortuguero
Where: North-eastern Coast
Why: for the astonishing remoteness, startling natural beauty and turtle nesting

TortugeuroOn the opposite side of Costa Rica is where you’ll find Tortuguero, the ideal honeymoon destination for nature lovers looking for a more rustic experience. One of the country’s most remote areas (reachable by plane from San José), this is a renowned turtle nesting haven, completely surrounded by superlative wilderness.

Accommodation options here are not nearly as extensive as in Manuel Antonio, but if you’re looking to add a few days of sublime relaxation after a week of adrenalin-pumping action with Costa Rica Rios, and have a chance to explore rain forests and spot manatees, then this is where you need to head to.

What: Osa Peninsula
Where: South-western Coast
Why: for the untouched wilderness, biodiversity and whale watching

Osa PeninsulThe Osa Peninsula is home of the superb Corcovado National Park, the most biodiverse corner of Costa Rica. Virgin rain forests, thousands of plant and animal species and jaw-dropping pristine beaches are what await your arrival here. Accommodation choices here are fabulous, but when you set foot in one of the least developed nooks of Central America, modern mod-cons are the last thing you’ll seek.

The nature reserve offers exhilarating hikes and canopy tours, whilst rewarding diving trips can be had just off the shores of nearby Cano Island Bio Reserve. Visit here in the months between July and March, and you may be lucky enough to encounter several types of migrating dolphins and whales, including humpback and killer whales.

Drake Bay is the ideal whale watching spot on Osa Peninsula and an easy 5.5-hour drive from San José. Some of the best eco-lodges in the country are found here, so if you want luxury of the natural kind (share your breakfast with toucans and wake to the sound of howling monkeys) then this is a definite must-stay spot.

What: Nicoya Peninsula
Where: Central-western Coast
Why: secluded stunning beaches, amazing surfing and top resorts

Nicoya PeninsulaThe Nicoya Peninsula juts out only a few kilometers north of the Manuel Antonio National Park, and is often described as Costa Rica’s most (un)hidden secret. Crowds are still limited however, and the peninsula’s amazing array of accommodation and activity options make it ideal for those who want to have a little of bit everything available right outside their doorstep.

The town of Mal Pais has a fantastic beach and is perfect for surfing. Once here, however, all your transport efforts will be handsomely rewarded. This is Costa Rica heaven at its very best.

To begin your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, please contact Costa Rica Rios at (888) 434-0776 or visit plusaim.co.uk/newprojects/costa_rica.