The southern most tip of the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the most difficult places to reach in the country but the journey is well worth the effort. It is also becoming one of the most popular spots in the country too as it has a combination of several incredible surf spots, deliciously world class restaurants and a handful of truly luxurious places to stay. Make sure to tick these experiences off your list when you are there. Enjoy!
1. Ride with cowboys
Take a horse riding tour through a 5000 acre private beachfront farm with a cowboy and a guide with Ario Tours in Manzanillo. The two hour tour takes you to places that no cars or vehicles get to and you ride with the cattle, feeling like you are being transported back in time. It is utterly peaceful and you see stunning vistas up the coastline finished off with a gallop along the empty beach and an ice cold beer. Heavenly.
2. Eat world class sushi
Taste anything off the menu at Koji’s sushi restaurant Playa Hermosa De Santa Teresa and you will not be disappointed. The artist that is Koji makes exceptional Japanese dishes, served by the delightful staff and cocktails that are equally divine in a magical night time setting. The only issue is that they are often fully booked, so get in early.
3. Immerse yourself in nature
Kayak to a deserted beach at Curu national park, Paquera with Olingo Tours. Start the day at 6am where you are met by Jepo, owner and passionate sustainable guide extraordinare! Once at Curu, you are taken on a hike to see monkeys, anteaters, crocodiles and masses of birds and butterflies. Then comes the really fun part, when you pile into kayaks and head for the deserted beach where Jepo makes a delicious lunch for you all. It is an amazing day out surrounded by the beauties of the natural world.
4. SUP paddle at sunset
Stand Up Paddle Boarding is an amazing way to get into surfing and also have an awesome upper body work out. Andy at Freedom Riding, Mal Pais is an expert and all round nice guy and runs the company with his wife. They have several tours for beginners and advanced riders and you will be in awe of the views out back behind the waves.
5. Treat yourselves to a couples massage
Florblanca Hotel, Santa Teresa has an incredible spa, called Bamboo that has often been featured in Conde Nast’s best global spas lists. The design of the space alone makes you feel like you have been transported to another world of serenity. The couples experience is unique starting with the coffee or coconut scrub, followed by a full body massage, bath and topped off with a glass of Champagne what is there not to love.
6. Catch the sunset
Catch the sunset at Rocamar Beach Lounge, Santa Teresa on Sundays for their Beach Family Gatherings with puraSonica. This is THE place to be on Sundays where locals mix with tourists, there are live puraSonica DJ’s playing beach sunshine music, fire dancing hoopers, aerial acrobatic performers, Argentine BBQ, capoeira dancing and one of the best surf spots at Suck rock too. Head there anytime after 3pm… cocktails, ceviche and beers also flow till after sunset.
