Mal Pais
Mal Pais which translates to (Bad Country) is located down on the western side of the southern-most tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The area is comprised of Playa Santa Teresa to the north, Playa Carmen in the middle and the pueblo of Mal Pais to the south. This is all laid out on a single dirt road which stretches along the coast and is backed by the hillside. The area is bustling with activity and American style development, which is primarily geared at the surfer community who congregate here to take advantage of some of the best breaks in Costa Rica. Many say this is the next Jaco or Tamarindo, only time will tell.
The main road of Mal Pais is lined with backpacker hostels, bars, and restaurants. If you are looking for an area that is true Pura Vida Costa Rica, this is not the place, but if you are looking for an area where you can surf in the morning, practice yoga in the afternoon and party into the night, this is the right place for you.
Playa Santa Teresa has a consistent break and can be surfed in all tides. Use caution though as there are some scattered rocks. Playa Carmen can also be surfed all day, though not quite as popular as Santa Teresa.
Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco (Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve) is a national park located a short drive away. This park was created in the 1960s when Costa Rica first decided on creating a national park system. This is a beautiful park where you will likely hear the squawking of Scarlet Macaws and the bellow of Howler Monkeys as you hike through.
The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is referred to as absolute natural reserve because when the park was originally created, people were not allowed to enter it, leaving it in an absolute natural state.
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