Malpaís

Rock tower on Malpais Beach

Malpaís is a town in Costa Rica's Central Pacific. Located along a dusty road southwest of Cóbano, it is one of the country's premier surfing spots along with the neighboring community of Santa Teresa.

Get in

From San José, the most convenient drive into the area is via the Puntarenas-Paquera ferry. Once in Paquera, follow the signs on the roads that take you through Playa Tambor and Cóbano. A 4x4 is strongly recommended, as this route includes sections of dirt road through the mountains.

The drive from the north (Liberia, Tamarindo, Nicoya, etc.) is quickest along Route 21, which is mostly (but not completely) paved heading all the way down to Paquera. From there, follow the above directions. During the dry season, the entire drive will take approximately four hours from Liberia airport, but plan to factor in a couple hours more during the rainy period. Alternately there is a coastal route from the north, but this is not recommended as the road is all dirt and there are several rivers to ford.

A small airport in Tambor, less than an hour east of Mal País, services flights to and from San José. Buses and taxis can take you from there to the coast.

Do

Proyecto Montezuma - TEFL Certification, Surf School, Spanish Classes, Tour Agency

Sleep

• Bungalows Super Vista, ☏ +506 8873-8303. The only bungalows that are directly on the beach. US$100-120. 
• Frank's Place Hotel, Playa Carmen (Right before the crossroads at the entrance), ☏ +506 2640-0096. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Established in 1992 and located at 150 meters from the surfing beach of Playa Carmen. Different types of rooms, A/C, cable TV. fridge, safe box deposit, courtesy breakfast, private bathrrom with hot water. There is a large pool area, on-site restaurant, WiFi and free internet, parking and a tour desk. US$45-145. 
• Tranquilo Backpackers, Malpaís, tranquilobackpackers2@gmail.com. Dorms are US$11 per night. Doubles with private bathroom are $35 per night. Loft room with up to 6 beds $78 per group per night or $13 per person. Private bathroom included. US$11 dorm.