Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Surfing luscious breaks at
Playas Grande
and
Negra
5
Delighting your sweetheart with a romantic dinner at
Playa de los Artistas
in Montezuma
6
Sitting beneath the palms at
Playa Carrillo
and watching the sun set
7
Glimpsing the turtles on
Playa Grande
and at the
Refugio Nacional de
Fauna Silvestre Ostional
NORTHERN PENINSULA
The northern Nicoya coastline in a snapshot: white-sand beaches, rugged green hills, azure
waters, stucco subdivisions. This is some of the most coveted real estate in the country,
and when you zoom in, it's a jumble of resorts and retirement properties with a high
gringo-to-Tico ratio. The Costa Rican lifestyle here has traditionally revolved around the
harvest and the herd, but today Ticos live by the tourist season. Each year from December
to April, when the snow falls on Europe and North America, Guanacaste experiences its
dry season and tourists descend en masse. Ticos and expats alike are becoming increas-
ingly aware of the tricky balance of development and conservation as the waves keep
rolling in, and the sun continues to smile on the beaches of the northern peninsula.
The main artery into this region, Hwy 21, runs southwest from Liberia, with coastal ac-
cess roads branching out from the small towns of Comunidad, Belén and Santa Cruz.
Playa del Coco
Sportfishing is the engine that built this place, and you'll mingle with the American anglers
at happy hour (it starts rather early). That said, there is an actual Tico community here, and
plenty of Tico tourists. Stroll along the grassy beachfront plaza at sunset and gaze upon the
wide bay, sheltered by long, rugged peninsular arms, the natural marina bobbing with mo-
torboats and fishing
pangas
. All will be right in your world.
Activities
