Welcome to the Nicoya Peninsula

The largest and most exuberant peninsula in the country, bathed by the Pacific Ocean, bordering the Papagayo Gulf to the north and the Nicoya Gulf to the south. Its coasts alternate between white-powdered and gray sand beaches, cliffs, abrasion platforms, capes, gulfs, bays, estuaries and rivers, with waters draining down hills covered with sedimentary and volcanic rocks. A landscape of dense tropical vegetation is predominant, as a result of a warm and sub humid climate. Here, some of the most isolated and beautiful beaches are found, making this one the most popular tourist attraction.

At the Nicoya Peninsula, you will find a top range of tourist attractions for all different tastes and market niches; given its ample biodiversity and wealth of history and cultural wealth, the peninsula has become the new “jewel” for national and international tourist market.

The first humans to arrive in Costa Rican territory came in through the Nicoya Peninsula, some 10,000 to 7,000 C.E. The Chorotega people where the main inhabitants around 800 C.E., and established the most important “cacicazgo” or chieftainship in the region.

During more recent periods, specifically in the early 50’s and 60’s, its economy begins to take its first steps in the form of agriculture, fishing and cattle raising. However, the development of the cattle and agriculture had a drastic impact on the ecology of this area, devastating approximately 80% of the forests, yet, this impact also propelled a positive outcome for Costa Rican society. Thanks to the visionary initiative of conservationists such as, Nicolas Wensberg, Karen Morgan and Albert Ingalls III, the first areas of national conservation are established in Costa Rica and Central America, such as the Absolute Reserve of Cabo Blanco, Romelia Wildlife Refuge, and the Curu Biology Station, and the Biological Peninsular Corridor which has restored multiple species which were already extinct in the southern tip of the peninsula.

These sanctuaries forged and gave life to what is known today as the NATIONAL SYSTEM OF CONSERVATION AREAS (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación-SINAC), harboring more than 25% of the national territory under absoluter protection.

Since then, tourist activity has evolved significantly in the area, with destinations such as Montezuma Beach, Santa Teresa, Malpais, Tambor and Cabuya among others, these areas have been positioned at the center of hundreds of tourists and national, as well as international tour operators.

“Montezuma, submerged at the foot of high cliffs with a jungle bathed by small rivers pouring into picturesque waterfalls of life, the small and expressive townhouses a mix of local residents, foreign entrepreneurs, artists and nature lovers who share this bright blue corner rich in fauna, a lush mantle of protected forests, beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea pools at the southern tip of this beautiful Nicoya Península, in Cóbano, Puntarenas.

A place full of warm restaurants, boutiques and small hotels a few meters from beaches of extreme beauty, Montezuma is rich in opportunities for exploration, whether for its various beaches, rivers and walks through the forest. There is also a surfing opportunity for beginners.”

By Arrieta Alfredo

Nya Hotel is a meeting point for visitors and locals dedicated to hospitality in a quiet and fresh space surrounded by a chic tropical garden with exuberant vegetation. It is an exciting base to explore the vibrant life of Montezuma and its natural landscapes. Enjoy hospitality focused on details. Experience a genuine treatment in relaxing rooms with minimalist design, signature cuisine in Ubin by Keilor Sánchez, and eclectic fitness sessions in our studio, tailored to have the best instructors in the area with the most varied workout styles from yoga, HIIT, or Zumba. A perfect balance to transform and recharge energy by the healing sounds of the jungle and the sea.

Chorotega    English
Nya noun    ‘treel’ nm

WAYS TO ACCESS HOTEL NYA IN MONTEZUMA

Despite the impact of the pandemic, means of access to the Nicoya Peninsula have been kept accessible and easy to navigate for tourists and locals alike; nonetheless, changes and alterations created by the new regulations, a reduction in transit and tourism have affected the peninsula.

Here are the three main ways of access to the Nicoya Peninsula if you are planning your vacation at nYa hotel:

By Air:

International tourists can fly to San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport, or to the Daniel Oduber International Airport. From there, domestic flights depart for Tambor, the only regional airport located approximately 30 minutes from Montezuma, and currently there are two local airlines operating.

These airlines operate out of the local terminal at San Jose’s Juan Santamaria’s International Airport (SJO), located within a minute’s walking distance west of the main terminal. There are no shuttles from the airport, since the only way to reach the local terminal is by walking.

In addition, there are flights to Tambor from the Daniel Oduber International Airport, however, this route is presently closed and it’s usually operated by SANSA Airlines.

CostaRicaGreenAirways has approximately 2 daily flights from San Jose (SJO) and back, depending on occupancy; each flight is approximately 25 minutes and prices range from US$97 dollars and up, according to different categories, and starting November 1st they resume normal operations with 6 daily flights from San Jose to Tambor and back.

SANSA is operational for now, and flights depend on a certain number of passenger occupancy and availability, with prices ranging from US$75 plus taxes, on way. Flights are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Once you arrive in Tambor, you will hire a taxi that’ll take you to NYA Hotel, in Montezuma. We will gladly arrange the ride for you, and the price is approximately US$45.

Also, you can rent a car at the airport with National or Budget, and they will bring it to the airport at Tambor, if you so desire; with this option you will be free to enjoy all the adventure and beautiful sights withing the Cóbano District.

By Sea:

By sea, there are two options from San Jose and/or other parts of the country. The first option, and especially of you travel by car is through Naviera Tambor ferry, on route to Paquera Piers, and travel time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes; we recommend that you check out their website at Naviera Tambor, before traveling, in addition to buying your tickets ahead of time through Quickpass. Prices range depending on your vehicle, and individual passes is still ¢810.00 colones for adults y ¢485 colones for children.
It’s advised that you arrive 45 minutes ahead of departure, if you have purchased your tickets online, and up to 1 hour and 30 minutes when tourist peak is at its highest in Costa Rica. Once in Paquera, drive approximately one hour, crossing Valle Azul, Tambor, and once in Cóbano take the route to Montezuma.

The ferry is best enjoyed in the early morning, when you can enjoy breathtaking sights of the different islands in the Nicoya Gulf, as well as the Central Pacific and GAM mountains; also, the late afternoon permeates the gulf and islands with a beautiful orange hue that is stunning.

ZUMATOURS is a fun maritime alternative, since it crosses the Nicoya Gulf and passes in front of Tortuga Island y Ballena Bay where you can occasionally see dolphins, tortoises and even whales, depending on the time of the year.

The Taxi Boat from ZUMATOURS has a shuttle that picks you up from your hotel or home where you are staying, and it takes you to Herradura Beach, to go to Montezuma, and travel time is approximately 1 hour; right now, this option is not available. It will resume soon with limited itinerary and a minimum of 8 people Mondays and Fridays. We’ll soon have more information right here.

By Land:

You can drive your car or a rental, and it’s recommended that you download the application WAZE since it’s the most accurate in Cost Rica.

Depending on where you plan to go:

If you are coming from San Jose, the best way is to go to the berth or ferry terminal in Puntarenas, which is about two hours from here. You must take a ferry called Naviera Tambor or else, go through the Amistad Bridge, go to Naranjo Beach, Paquera next, Tambor, go to Cóbano and finally Montezuma.

If you prefer a private or shared shuttle, we recommend Tropical Tours because of their excellent service and door-to-door drop-off service.

There is also a regular bus service called Transportes Cóbano, from San Jose hasta Montezuma and vice versa; this is a direct service that goes through the ferry, and your bus ticket includes the ferry. It usually operates with two schedules daily in both directions. However, because of the pandemic, currently, it operates with a single schedule daily, leaving San Jose at 9:00 a.m., it takes approximately 5 hours, and the cost is ¢700 colones plus tax, each way. You can reserve right here.

Once in Montezuma, you will find us behind the Catholic Church or next door to the Public School, in the heart of Montezuma.

Nya Hotel, a meeting point for visitors and locals dedicated to hospitality in a quiet and fresh space surrounded by a chic tropical garden with exuberant vegetation. It is an exciting base to explore the vibrant life of Montezuma and its natural landscapes. Enjoy hospitality focused on details. Experience a genuine treatment in relaxing rooms with minimalist design, signature cuisine in Ubin by Keilor Sánchez, and eclectic fitness sessions in our studio, tailored to have the best instructors in the area with the most varied workout styles from yoga, HIIT, or Zumba. A perfect balance to transform and recharge energy by the healing sounds of the jungle and the sea.

We are delighted to host your vacation in Montezuma. And are excited to tailor the best adventures that suit best your spirit.