One of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula is separated from the mainland of Costa Rica by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque estuary. The northern half of the peninsula is part of Guanacaste province, and the southern portion is part of Puntarenas province. Guanacaste is known for its dry climate, and the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, which belongs to Puntarenas, receives more rain annually. Consequently this is a transitional zone between dry forest climate and tropical rain forest. For this reason the wildlife in southern Nicoya peninsula is common to both ecosystems. Costa Rica car rental
Nicoya Peninsula is the largest peninsula in the country, and is located south of the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It has an extension of 140 km to the south where the landscape gradually gets moist and hilly.
This area is a very popular tourist destination, particularly for the adventurers. Here visitors will find amazing nature reserves, first-class eco-tourism, outstanding hotels and beach resorts, picturesque rural towns, beautiful sunsets. Additionally the area offers great water sports such as surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving. Car rental Costa Rica
The city of Nicoya is considered to be the political and cultural capital of the Nicoya Peninsula. It was the first Spanish colonial city in Costa Rica. It is located 23 km south of the town of Santa Cruz and fiver hours away from San José, by car. The city was originally inhabited by Chorotega Indians, which was the country’s largest indigenous Indian community. Nicoya got its name from a prominent Chorotega chief who welcomed the Spanish conquerors when they first arrived here.
Nicoya is the center for commercial cattle in the province of Guanacaste. It has a relaxed and laid back atmosphere, great weather and gorgeous nearby beaches. For this reason this area is the perfect alternative to stay overnight and explore this interesting region and is dazzling attractions.
Many believe that Nicoya is among the oldest towns in Costa Rica, and its main attraction is definitely its 500 year old church Iglesia de San Blas, which is located in the center of town in the Central Park. This church was built in the 1600’s and it displays the work of renowned artists from the area.
Nicoya is a great place to spend the day and the town has many services and facilities such as banks, supermarkets, open-air markets and stores. There is a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants and hotels. When you come to Nicoya, don’t forget to buy their famous traditional pottery.
To get here by car from San José take the Inter American Highway and make a left turn toward the Bridge of Friendship,(this bridge was a donation of the Government of Taiwan to Costa Rica) for around 30 kilometers. This may be a much better route than going by the city of Liberia.