Neighborhood
Malpais, Costa Rica
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Malpais is a serene coastal enclave within Montezuma, offering some of Costa Rica's best surf breaks along a rugged shoreline. Visitors come for the consistent waves, golden sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets that paint the Pacific sky. The area maintains a quiet, bohemian atmosphere with a handful of casual eateries and lodgings tucked among the trees. It's a place to unwind, watch the tide roll in, and feel the rhythm of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Don't miss
- Surf the consistent breaks at Playa Malpais, suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Watch the sunset from the rocky point at the southern end of the beach.
- Explore tide pools and coastal trails at low tide along the shoreline.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Malpais, Costa Rica
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inSloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica5★ · 336 travelers~1 hoursFrom$35 per personSee dates →
Most bookedSloth Watching Wildlife Tour in La Fortuna, Costa Rica4.9★ · 1,004 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$62 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Tour to Rio Celeste Hike and Flavors of Costa Rica5★ · 13 travelers9–10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$195 per personSee dates →More attractions in Montezuma