In this travel guide, we will introduce you to some of the things to do in Nicoya as well as the best tourist attractions in Nicoya. Nicoya is a city in Costa Rica that is known for its rich culture, history and natural beauty. You can explore the colonial architecture, visit the museums and churches, or enjoy the outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing and wildlife watching. Some of the things to see in Nicoya are the Nicoya Park, where you can learn about the indigenous heritage of the region, the Santa Ana Cathedral, which is a stunning example of neoclassical style, and the Nicoya Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Nicoya. If you are looking for some fun and excitement, you can also experience the nightlife in Nicoya, which offers a variety of pubs, restaurants and clubs where you can dance, drink and mingle with the locals. Nicoya is also a great base to explore the nearby attractions such as the beaches of Samara and Nosara, where you can relax, swim and surf, or the Barra Honda National Park, where you can admire the impressive limestone caves and the diverse flora and fauna. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Nicoya and the best things to do in Nicoya that you should not miss.
Looking for things to do in Nicoya? Discover the best tourist attractions in Nicoya:
- Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve: A national park with diverse wildlife and trails through the dry tropical forest.
- Curu National Wildlife Refuge: A wildlife refuge with a variety of landscapes, animals and plants, as well as beaches and snorkeling spots.
- Barra Honda National Park: A national park that protects a system of 42 caverns, some of which are open to the public with guided tours.
- Puerto Carrillo: A small fishing village with a beautiful palm-lined beach and calm waters.
- Playa Manzanillo: A secluded beach with white sand and clear water, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
- Montezuma Waterfalls: A series of three waterfalls that can be reached by a river hike, with swimming holes and jumping spots.
- Playa Santa Teresa: A long, stunning beach that is famous for its fast and powerful surf break, as well as its laid-back vibe and nightlife.
- Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Curú: A wildlife refuge that is home to many animals, such as monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, birds and turtles.
- Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional: A coastal refuge that protects the nesting site of thousands of olive ridley sea turtles, as well as other marine life.
- Parque Nacional Barra Honda Caverns: A national park that protects a system of 42 caverns, some of which are open to the public with guided tours.
- Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste: A marine park that protects the nesting site of the endangered leatherback sea turtles, as well as other marine life.
- Playa Cocolito: A beach that features a waterfall that crashes down a cliff into the ocean, known as El Chorro Waterfall.
- Macaw Recovery Network: A local NGO that is dedicated to the conservation of Costa Rica’s two species of macaw: the great green macaw and the scarlet macaw.
- Playa Pelada: A family-friendly beach that is good for swimming and surfing, with a rocky point on the northern end that offers a nice view.
- International Animal Rescue Costa Rica: An animal rescue center that cares for injured and orphaned wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, anteaters and birds.
- Playa Grande: A surf beach that is part of Las Baulas marine park, with consistent waves and a long stretch of sand.
- Playa Guiones: A developed beach that is popular for surfing, yoga and wellness, with a wide arc of sand and excellent beach breaks.
- Playa Montezuma: The closest beach to town, with powdery sand and sheltered waters, as well as restaurants and bars nearby.
- Playa Hermosa: A beautiful beach north of Santa Teresa, with soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
- The Jungle Butterfly Farm: A mountainside property that includes walking trails and a butterfly rancho, where visitors can see hundreds of butterflies and moths.
- Playa Barrigona: A hidden, white-sand beach north of Samara, where no development is visible, but a sprawling hacienda owned by Mel Gibson is located inland.
- Dolphin and Snorkeling trip with CostaRican Companys: A boat tour that offers the chance to see dolphins, whales, turtles and other marine life, as well as snorkeling in a coral reef.
- Mangrove Kayak: A kayak tour that explores the mangrove ecosystem, where visitors can see birds, monkeys, crocodiles and other animals.
- Shuttle Service From Liberia Airport To Samara and Carrillo Beach: A transportation service that provides private or shared shuttles from Liberia airport to Samara and Carrillo beach towns.
- Rainforest Tour – Wanna see Sloths?: A full-day tour that visits different habitats in search of sloths, monkeys, birds and other wildlife, as well as a waterfall and a hot spring.
- Samara to from Rincón de la Vieja Private Shuttle (1-8 px): A transportation service that provides private shuttles from Samara to Rincón de la Vieja national park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, zip-lining, horseback riding and more.
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport to Samara and Carrillo Beach: A transportation service that provides private transfers from Liberia airport to Samara and Carrillo beach towns.
- Shuttle from San Jose Airport to Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo: A transportation service that provides shared shuttles from San Jose airport to Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo beach towns.
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Playa Samara- Playa Carrillo: A transportation service that provides private transfers from Liberia airport to Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo beach towns.
- Shuttle From Liberia Airport to Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo: A transportation service that provides shared shuttles from Liberia airport to Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo beach towns.
- Shuttle Service From Liberia Airport To Samara And Carrillo Beach: A transportation service that provides shared shuttles from Liberia airport to Samara and Carrillo beach towns.
- Private Drivers: A transportation service that provides private drivers for various destinations in Nicoya peninsula, such as Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Nosara and more.
- Tours & Sightseeing: A category of activities that includes various tours and sightseeing options in Nicoya peninsula, such as boat tours, hiking tours, cultural tours and more.
- Coffee & Tea Tours: A category of activities that includes tours that visit coffee and tea plantations, where visitors can learn about the production process and taste the products.
- Whale Watching: A category of activities that includes boat tours that offer the opportunity to see whales, dolphins and other marine life in their natural habitat.
- Private & Custom Tours: A category of activities that includes tours that can be customized according to the preferences and interests of the visitors, such as wildlife tours, adventure tours, beach tours and more.
- Water Sports: A category of activities that includes various water sports options in Nicoya peninsula, such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and more.
- Ways to tour Nicoya: A category of activities that includes different ways to explore Nicoya peninsula, such as by bike, by car, by bus or by foot.
- Book these experiences for a close-up look at Nicoya: A category of activities that includes experiences that provide a close-up look at Nicoya peninsula, such as wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, scenic views and more.
- Top Attractions in Nicoya: A category of activities that includes the most popular and recommended attractions in Nicoya peninsula, such as national parks, beaches, waterfalls and more.
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