Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
high tide much of the fine, silver-gray sand gets swallowed up. San Miguel and Coyote
serve as nesting grounds for olive ridley turtles.
There are no coastal villages to speak of, though a number of in-the-know foreigners
have settled in the area and have built accommodations near the shoreline. The nearest vil-
lage is San Francisco de Coyote, which is 4km inland and has a few small
sodas, cabinas
and an internet cafe. For a good online map of the area, visit
www.nicoyapeninsula.com/
Sights & Activities
You can surf crowd-free beach breaks off San Miguel, particularly when the tide is rising.
At Coyote there is an offshore reef that can be surfed at high tide. If swimming, you are
advised to take precautions as the surf can pick up, and there are not many people in the
area to help you in an emergency. If you have your own sea kayak, these beaches (as well
as nearby Islita) are perfect for coastal exploration.
Mike's Jungle Butterfly Farm
GARDENS
( 8719-1703, 2655-8070;
www.junglebutterflyfarm.com
; tours adult/child US$20/10, cottages
US$65; 9am-3pm Mon-Sat)
Mike's beautiful 47-acre mountainside property includes walking trails and a butterfly
ran-
cho
. In addition to the butterflies, you might spot howler monkeys, agoutis and iguanas.
He also has colonies of wild bees, and you can buy their honey in the gift shop. Book
ahead for a tour.
If you need a place to lay your weary head, Jungle Mike has two cute cottages on a hill
overlooking a sublime stretch of coast. You can also pitch a tent on his farm.
Sleeping & Eating
You can camp on both beaches if you're self-sufficient, as there are no services.
Flying Scorpion
HOTEL
(
2655-8080;
www.escorpionvolador.com
;
d/ste incl breakfast US$55/70, houses US$100-200;
)
