Major city · Costa Rica
Malpaís
Go for 2–3 nights if you surf; otherwise a half-day visit from Santa Teresa or skip. The beach is the draw, not the town.
Malpaís is a laid-back surf town on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, next to Santa Teresa. It has a consistent beach break, a handful of lodgings and a dusty main road. Most visitors stay in Santa Teresa and walk or bike over for the surf. The town itself has no bank, no ATM and limited dining — plan ahead.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CRC
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry season)
- avoid May–Nov (rainy season, roads worsen)
- Airport
- TMU
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Costa Rica ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Costa Rica's immigration authority (Migración) or a Costa Rican consulate; proof of onward travel is commonly required.
- Costa Rica ↗Rental cars require mandatory local liability insurance, often not included in online quotes: check the full price before booking.
- Costa Rica ↗Do not feed wildlife, including monkeys and coatis; it is illegal and harmful.
- Costa Rica ↗Buy national park tickets (Manuel Antonio, Poás, Irazú and others) online from SINAC before you go; several parks do not sell at the gate and cap daily numbers.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Malpaís911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Malpaís, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡); US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, with change often given in colones.Costa Rica-wide
- SIM or eSIMKölbi, Claro and Liberty sell SIMs at SJO and in towns; passport required.Costa Rica-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most of the country, including San José; drink bottled on parts of the Caribbean coast and in remote areas.Costa Rica-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% service is in the bill; extra optional.Costa Rica-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Costa Rica-wide
- SafetyMalpaís is generally safe, but avoid walking alone on the beach at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; put paper in the bin in many places.Costa Rica-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidayscheckManuel Antonio closes on Tuesdays (check); Semana Santa Thursday–Friday shuts most businesses.Costa Rica-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTMU Tambor Airport (Flights from San José; about 45 min drive to Malpaís.
- Getting aroundWalking or biking along the beach road.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee₡1,000–2,000
- BeerBeer (Imperial or Pilsen)₡1,500–2,500
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi from Santa Teresa to Malpaís₡5,000–8,000
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCRC 11,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room with private bathroom, a night, per roomCRC 70,000
- High-end bedDouble room with private bathroom, a night, per roomCRC 120,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CRC 25,000 · Mid CRC 50,000 · High CRC 100,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TMU Tambor Airport (Flights from San José; about 45 min drive to Malpaís. Check schedules.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C) low), wettest Oct (19 rain days), driest Feb (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Malpaís: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
3 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
19 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walking or biking along the beach road. ATV rental is common. A 4x4 is strongly recommended if you drive in — roads are unpaved and muddy in the wet season.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 10–30 min
Walk along the beach or drive 10 min
More restaurants and shops; surf break at Playa Santa Teresa.
Door to door: About 40 min
Drive via Cóbano, about 30 min
Waterfalls and a bohemian town; good for a half-day.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive south past Santa Teresa, about 25 min
Hiking trails and wildlife; closed Mondays.
Tambor
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive east via Cóbano, about 45 min
Small town with a beach; limited attractions.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Along the main road
Closest to the beach and surf break; basic hotels and hostels.
Santa Teresa
More dining and nightlife; 10 min drive or 30 min walk south.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₡25,000–40,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- ₡40,000–70,000 excl. bed
- High
- ₡70,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room with private bathroom1 × 2 nights × CRC 70,000 | CRC 140,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CRC 50,000 | CRC 200,000 |
| Tambor Airport → Malpaís shared shuttle2 × CRC 25,000 · check | CRC 50,000 |
| ATV rental, one day1 × CRC 60,000 · check | CRC 60,000 |
| Meal at a local soda2 × CRC 7,000 | CRC 14,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CRC 46,400 |
| Trip total≈ CRC 127,600 per person per day, bed included | CRC 510,400 |
2026 estimate in colones; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Meal at a soda (casado) | ₡5,000–8,000 |
| Beer (Imperial or Pilsen) | ₡1,500–2,500 |
| Coffee | ₡1,000–2,000 |
| Surfboard rental, half day | ₡10,000–15,000 |
| Taxi from Santa Teresa to Malpaís | ₡5,000–8,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No ATM in Malpaís; bring cash from Cóbano or Santa Teresa.
- Rip currents at the beach — swim only where locals do.
- Road from Cóbano is unpaved and can be impassable after heavy rain.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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MalpaísMalpaís
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
The US Embassy is in San José; most other countries also have embassies there.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tambor Airport → Malpaís shuttle: about ₡25,000 per person (check)
- Taxi Malpaís → Santa Teresa: ₡5,000–8,000
- Bus Cóbano → Malpaís: about ₡1,000 (check)
Say or show
- Buenos días — Hello / Good morning (BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-see-ahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAHN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DOHN-deh es-TAH lah PLAH-yah)
- No entiendo — I don't understand (noh en-TYEN-doh)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay with card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kohn tar-HEH-tah)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Malpaís. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season) · avoid May–Nov (rainy season, roads worsen) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Malpaís
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