Costa Rica Vacation
Costa Rica vacation

The Area

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is considered to be one of the country’s last untouched gems. Once a lush rainforest, this area is now home to the cattle ranching industry. As one of the last known dry tropical forests in the world, the peninsula is a landscape of rolling green hills and lush plains that bloom with flora throughout the rainy season. From December thru May the area becomes dry and hot with cool breezes coming down across the mountains from San Jose and off the Pacific. Wildlife is abundant throughout this region as the natural landscape has remained unharmed by commercialism and development which has affected other areas of Costa Rica.

The coastline is spotted with deserted beaches, some almost inaccessible and considered by many to be the most beautiful in the country. One hundred kilometers of sandy beachfront, swaying palms, clear blue waters and fantastic surf lure the adventurous to traverse rivers and dusty dirt roads to pass the day solo in paradise.

Small towns called pueblos are found every 10-20 km and basic commercial centers are few and far between. Paved roads are rare, making it difficult to get to the more remote areas. Traffic is non existent and 4WD is required especially in the rainy season. The Ticos of this region are proud of their sabanero (cowboy) heritage and it is celebrated throughout the year with annual town fiestas and bullfights.

Playa San Miguel, a 10km stretch of deserted sands, is located on the pacific coast of this peninsula. A small beach front community set off the main dirt road that twists along the coastline, it is home to less than one hundred year round residents and only a handful of local restaurants and cabinas.
Centrally located between the more developed beach towns of Mal Pais and Nosara, with access for day trips to shopping and national parks, Cristal Azul is a great place to kick back and take in this region of Costa Rica.