Cóbano

Although Cóbano is not known for its beaches due to its inland location, it is an essential stop for nearly everyone visiting the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Travelers pass through this authentic Costa Rican small town to handle banking, stock up on supplies at larger supermarkets, or access medical services before continuing to more remote coastal towns. The atmosphere is bustling with local commerce and has a strong agricultural vibe. The nature surrounding Cóbano consists of rolling farmlands and patches of forest, offering a contrast to the coastal ecosystems just a few miles away. The gastronomy reflects the everyday life of the locals. Here, you will find some of the most authentic and reasonably priced sodas, serving hearty, traditional lunches that fuel the region's agricultural workers and ranchers. Cóbano is easily accessible via paved roads from the ferry landing in Paquera. From here, the routes split onto gravel and dirt roads heading toward Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and Mal País. The town can be conveniently visited year-round.

Nearby cities

Chacarita

Located on the Pacific coast, this town serves as a residential and secondary service center for the port city of Puntarenas.

Esparza

One of the oldest towns in Costa Rica, strategically located on the way to the Pacific coast.

Quepos

Quepos is a bustling harbor town famous for world-class sport fishing and acting as the dynamic gateway to nearby Manuel Antonio.

Ciudad Neily

The main commercial hub in the southern border region of Corredores, serving as a primary link for trade with Panama.

Jacó

A major beach destination on the central Pacific coast, world-famous for its surfing, nightlife, and proximity to San Jose.

🗺️

Boquete area / San Vito

A tranquil highland region near the Panama border, renowned for its Italian heritage, cool climate, and biodiversity.

Parrita

A town located between Jaco and Manuel Antonio, primarily serving as an agricultural center known for oil palm plantations.

Uvita

Known for the 'Whale Tail' rock formation and the Marino Ballena National Park, it is a key destination for whale watching and nature lov…

Mal Pais / Cabuya

A deeply laid-back coastal stretch on the Nicoya Peninsula, beautifully blending excellent surf breaks with dense jungle.

Mal País

Mal País is a quiet fishing village south of Santa Teresa, ideal for nature lovers seeking rugged coastlines and pristine, uncrowded beac…

Montezuma

A bohemian coastal village at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, popular for its waterfalls, pristine beaches, and relaxed, artistic vibe.

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a trendy beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula, renowned for its spectacular surf breaks, yoga retreats, and vibrant interna…

Playa Tambor

A deeply peaceful, distinctly horseshoe-shaped bay on the Nicoya Peninsula completely known for its calm, shallow waters.

Tortuga Island

Tortuga Island is a stunning day-trip destination in the Gulf of Nicoya, famous for its white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and s…

Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa near Jacó is a world-renowned surf beach featuring powerful waves and dark volcanic sand.

History & landmarks

Puntarenas Pier

The long pier is a landmark of the port city of Puntarenas.

🗺️

Puntarenas House of Culture

A cultural center in the former barracks of Puntarenas.

Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Costa Rica's yoga and wellness retreats combine tropical scenery with rest and mindfulness.

Boruca Mask Art

Exquisite hand-carved masks created by the Boruca people, traditionally used in the annual 'Dance of the Devils' festival.

More places

San Lucas Prison

A former island penitentiary, notorious for its brutal conditions.

Puntarenas-Naranjo Ferry Terminal

Important ferry link between the mainland and the Nicoya Peninsula.

Traditional Fishing Village

Small coastal villages maintain a traditional way of life centered around artisanal fishing and the bounty of the sea.

Puerto Puntarenas

A significant port and departure point for cruise ships.

Puerto Caldera

The largest port on the country's Pacific coast.

Puerto Villas

A maritime terminal facility focused on handling specialized shipments and supporting regional port operations.

Puerto Quepos

Port for tourism and fishing on the Pacific.

Puerto Balboa (Golfito)

A small maritime terminal in the southern Pacific area.