I am planning my trip back to Costa Rica in June and I was planning to spend 5 nights in Malpais. A few tico friends of mine suggest staying at Playa Hermosa instead and visiting all the Guanacaste places from there. They thought I would get bored in Malpais.

What are your thoughts? I like to hike and do physical activities and see animals.

Do you have a suggestion of a nice hotel and tours in Playa Hermoso?

Thanks for your help.

dariow, I think the name of the hotel I have heard a lot of good things about is El Velero. Hopefully I've said that right--haven't thought about it in a long time. However, I've read enough good things about it to think it would be the place for us should we ever stay in Hermosa.

Thanks for the referral Shillmac.

Do you agree with my Tico friends that Playa Hermosa is a better alternative to Malpais?

They thought that there was more to do in Playa Hermosa and that it was more centrally located to see the nearby forests and tours. They thought I would get bored at Malpais.

Your thoughts?

I stayed at El Velero a couple of years back. The rooms were really nice, there was a small pool, and the hotel is right on the beach (I think it's the only hotel in Hermosa right on the beach).

All in all, a cute little hotel, and a great value (I think we paid about $65 per night).

They had a sailboat that took us out for the day; it was a nice trip.

There is also a great little bar right behind the hotel.

Hermosa is pretty quiet, too; we spent a couple of days there and really enjoyed it, but moved down to Tamarindo for a change of pace...

Sorry, but can't help you with Malpais.

Will you have a rental car or will you be doing group tours. I had a rental in PH and had an awesome time. Went to Rincon de Viejo, about 45 min drive, and took the short trail, 3 miles around the volcano, there is also a longer trail, 6 miles I think. Howler and other monkeys throughout the trees, waterfalls, mud pits, it was awesome. Also talked to locals and went to private waterfalls that only they know about, just had to ask, everyone was so helpful. Not alot to do in PH, but I enjoyed the beach, dark sand and relatively empty. There is a restaurant, tucked back about 100 feet off the beach that is owned by a family from atlanta and they served awesome food for little $. Hope you have a great time wherever you go.

ElvisisDead, which sail boat tour did you do and what was the cost?

Ewesthoff, I will not have a rental car. I figure the tours can pick me up or I can take busses or taxis to places. Is that a good idea?

My Tico friends say Coco is nearby which is a small town with markets, banks, restaurants. Etc.

What are your thoughts? What type of tours are suggested in this area?

Thanks so much everyone!!

I loved MalPais. My husband enjoyed his time there, but also stated that he didn't care if he ever went back. I would return in a heartbeat. It was very convenient to have a rental car there, however. I'm not sure I'd want to be there without one. MalPais is very quiet in the evenings (or seemed so to us). We enjoyed Cabo Blanco Reserve and the Montezuma Waterfall as well as Montezuma town. I like the slower pace of the southern Nicoya peninsula.


On the other hand, we really enjoy the northern part as well. We spend more time in the Tamarindo-Flamingo area, but have vacationed near the Papagayo Peninsula as well. I like the proximity of this location to the Rincon de la Vieja. There are many other options for day activites as well--the Rio Corobici float trip, Santa Rosa park (where we haven't been but will one day), etc.

Playa Hermosa has no town to speak of--just a few hotels and restaurants--nearby Coco has a little nightlife that would be fun for you. You won't go wrong with either location.

In Playa Hermosa, the place to stay would be Hotel Velero because of it's proximity to the beach. The rooms are pretty basic though cleanand the staff is very friendly and will arrange tours and they have their own sailboat for day and sunset cruises. (The sunset cruise was $50 w/cocktails and ceviche in 2004)and leaves right from the beach from a launch. The beach is great for walking and you'll find some fun spots for cheap eats along the way. When the manager Mike cranks up his Harley, you'll be sure to see and hear the howler monkeys come around. Coco Beach is just OK. The shops look all the same after awhile but there are a handful of decent restaurants and bars that stay open late. You might want to consider renting a car for a day or two to explore the area although taxis are readily available. In comparison to Malpais, Playa Hermosa is more lively in the evening and easier to get around w/o a car.