Luxury Nicoya Peninsula
Vacations & Tours made for you
Start PlanningSolitary beaches, the best surfing area in Costa Rica
Known for its stunning semi-deserted beaches linked together by grey stone cliffs or tangles of knotted mangroves, the rustic Nicoya Peninsula is the ideal destination for a Costa Rica beach retreat. From wildlife excursions and surf lessons to waterfall treks and cultural experiences, your time here is sure to be rewarding and memorable.
Separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque estuary, the peninsula’s relative isolation has meant that it’s quieter than some of Costa Rica’s regions, including its well-known neighbour, the Guanacaste Coast. Life moves at a fairly relaxed pace here, and it’s easy to get used to the unhurried swing of things. Here it’s all about taking the time to appreciate your surroundings and enjoying the natural wonders on your doorstep.
The region is known for its beaches, many of which are gloriously secluded. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard and kayak through the waters then back on land, relax on the golden sand and explore the lush green forest. There are also a variety of wildlife experiences in the Nicoya Peninsula, on which you can see monkeys, sloths, colourful birdlife and maybe even a puma or two.
Many of the lodges here have a strong focus on sustainability and helping to preserve this beautiful natural environment. It’s the perfect place for a few days of relaxation, enjoying everything that is so wonderful about the Costa Rican coast.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
The Nicoya Peninsula is a great destination for relaxing on stunning beaches, catching a few world-class waves and generally just soaking up the laid-back vibe. Think beautiful nature, tasty traditional food and interesting wildlife.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in the Nicoya Peninsula
There are many incredible places to stay in the Nicoya Peninsula. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Costa Rica example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Discover more of Costa Rica
Arenal
The omnipresent Arenal Volcano towers over the region, contrasting against sheer blue skies or framed by verdant jungle foliage as you glance up from your activities. Enjoy hikes, zip lines, hot springs and much more.
Corcovado and Osa Peninsula
Osa enjoys an exceptional wealth of biodiversity, from primary rainforests to sandy coastline. Remote and exciting, this is one of the best places for wildlife encounters in Costa Rica.
Dominical
A sleepy surf village with great access to the national park and various stunning beaches. Learn to ride the big waves or sit back and relax in nature watching fiery sunsets.
Manuel Antonio
One of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. A marine reserve protecting an idyllic coastline and important, verdant rainforests. Spot dolphins, whales, howler monkeys and kingfishers.
Pacuare Reserve
Exhilarating and remote, get off the beaten track here with white water rafting, vast areas of primary, virgin rainforest and masses of wildlife. Stay at sustainable, luxury lodges in this stunning riverside location.
Puerto Viejo
Located on the southern Caribbean coastline there’s plenty to do here. Visit Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge for wildlife, surf the big waves on Salsa Brava beach or find the calmer waters and beach bars at Limon.
Rio Celeste
Over 100 kilometres from San Jose, truly off the beaten track. Many habitats converge here attracting hundreds of bird species. Float on the azure blue river and meet with the Maleku Indigenous Tribe.
San Jose
A cosmopolitan city with some worthwhile highlights to explore. The colonial quarters of the city are vibrant and filled with smells of food stalls and ground coffee.
The Central Cloud Forests
Elevated, tropical evergreen forests, misty and humid, transport you to a magical paradise. Hike to waterfalls among almost luminous green lichen and moss punctuated, with pink tropical orchids.
The Coffee Valley
Fertile volcanic soil and a tropical climate make Costa Rica one of the best places in the world for growing delicious coffee beans. Learn about the culture connected with the land and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and more.
The Guanacaste Coast
Known for wide, long stretches of coastline and consistent sunshine, Guanacaste has long been a ‘surfers paradise’. Explore inland to discover the region's wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Tortuguero
Explore this region on foot or by boat, discovering its many lagoons, canals and rivers. With 11 different habitats attracting a diverse range of wildlife species, including turtles, this is a great place for nature lovers.
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When to visit
The dry season runs from mid November to April, and most areas are dry, warm and sunny. Occasional blustery winds blow during January and February bringing the temperature down. During the wet season, from May to mid November, expect afternoon rains and sunny mornings.
Caribbean coast
May–November
Sea turtle nesting
May–November
Pacific Coast for winter sun
December–April
Birdwatching
Year round
Plan your trip to the Nicoya Peninsula
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Nicoya Peninsula, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
