What is the best time to visit
The best time to visit Nicoya in Costa Rica depends on what you're looking for. The dry season in Nicoya typically runs from December to April, with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. This is the peak tourist season, and you can expect larger crowds and higher prices. However, the dry season is the best time for outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, and wildlife watching.
The rainy season in Nicoya runs from May to November, with more frequent and heavy rainfall. While the rainy season can bring cooler temperatures and high humidity, it is also the best time to see lush green landscapes and experience the region's natural beauty. Additionally, there are fewer tourists during this season, which can lead to lower prices and quieter beaches.
How to get here
The quickest way to get to the southern Nicoya Peninsula is to fly to Tambor Airport. Failing that, the most direct route is on one of the daily ferries from Puntarenas to Paquera or, less usefully, Playa Naranjo. Buses generally meet these ferries and travel on to Cóbano and Montezuma.
Rental car
Driving here from northern Guanacaste and Liberia is relatively straightforward (from San José it’s still faster to take the ferry). Hwy-21 runs all the way to Lepanto (137km from Liberia and 116km from Tamarindo). The highway reverts to a narrower, bumpier road for another 9km to Playa Naranjo, before becoming a bone-shaking gravel track for the remaining 24km to Paquera. Normal cars can usually pass this section, but it’s not advisable in heavy rain.
From Paquera the road is surfaced again to Cóbano, though it remains narrow and pot-holed throughout. The road between Cóbano and Montezuma is only partly surfaced and south of Montezuma the roads are all rough dirt tracks, best tackled in 4WD vehicles only.