Location: Nicoya
Top Things to do in Nicoya
Top 5 Outdoor Activities in Nicoya, Province of Guanacaste
Nicoya, a city on the Nicoya Peninsula of the Guanacaste province, Costa Rica, is one of the country's most important tourist zones; it serves as a transport hub to Guanacaste's beaches and national parks. According to the 2000 census, the city's population was 13,334; second in the province only to Liberia. The city is the district seat of a cantón of the same name, which in 2013 had 24,946 residents.
Restaurants in Nicoya
1. Puerto Carrillo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By ccone413 - San Francisco, United States
My boyfriend and I were staying in nearby Punta Islita, but found the beach there to be very volcanic and rugged with silt-filled water. We took about a 30 minute drive north (due to bad roads, not the distance) and found Puerto Carillo! The beach is beautiful! Long crescent beach - easy to walk the whole thing. Lighter sand (but still hot!), and clearer water. There are some good waves here if you like to boogie board. It wasn't too hard to get in past the break, but you need to be careful or you could get pummeled. I'd classify the water as warm. Due to the lack of amenities, it was not overly crowded. Personally, I find that to be a good thing. No bathrooms. No restaurants. No shower/rinse facilities. There are a couple of vendors set up along the street selling coconut water, shaved ice, and a guy renting beach chairs/umbrellas. We paid $10 for two beach loungers and an umbrella and it was (necessary) heaven. There are some palms along the road that you can escape to if you don't feel like springing for man-made shade. Just be sure to bring everything else you need for a day at the beach along with you (towels, books, sunscreen, food, water, etc.) because you won't find it there!
2. Sabanero Horse Ventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Customized horse expeditions through the mountains and beaches of beatiful Costa Rica. We will take you to spectacular places not seen by many tourists. Every detail will be perfectly coordinated so you can just enjoy your trip and relax, always hanging around with a local. Groups from 4 to 10 riders. From one day rides to 10 day adventures. Experienced and well cared horses.
Reviewed By rfeeds
Perfect in every way ! Jorge, Margo the family so welcoming.Great horses , beautiful country and culture . no detail is too small.."Macho" will make it happen. Laid back, peaceful , great food . Five star to historic ranch house. Home cooking to top chefs. This trip will give you all of this. So many favourite things.. Howler monkeys and Brahma cattle, sea turtles hatching, beach vultures..Rodeo !! we will be back !! Thank you for getting my cowboy back in the saddle . Les and Don Richardson Ranch Haida Gwaii B.C ????
3. Playa Manzanillo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
La playa no esta turísticamente desarollada, las puestas del sol desde allí son increibles. Desde el restaurante Puesta del Sol Dorada, cual ofrece comida tica deliciosa, se puede admirar. Enfrente la playa rocosa, mejor para banharse es la playa más al norte en dónde hay piscinas para echarse una banhadita. Allí, envez de conchas, se encuentran piedras en diferentes tamanhos y colores.
Reviewed By hoffman5 - San Jose, Costa Rica
This beach is a little bit down from Playa Punta Uva, which is our favorite beach in the world. Playa Manzanillo is almost as good. The water is a little less clear but still incredibly beautiful. The waves are fun to jump in, not enough for surfing but perfect for body surfing or boogey boarding. The beach was almost empty except ourselves. Highly recommend.
4. Rancho Humo, Protected and Nature Conservancy Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
5. Seascape Kayak Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
