The Nicoya Peninsula area is well known for its beaches, rivers and mountains full of natural beauty. A wide range of natural life awaits those who cross the Gulf of Nicoya.
Activities such as surfing are well developed in the area. In addition, there are tours to islands like Isla Tortuga and San Lucas, national parks like Cabo Blanco and communities with unique charm like Cabuya, Montezuma, and Santa Teresa.
But to get there drivers have two options, drive three hours around the Gulf of Nicoya or take the ferry. We will talk in this article about both options to get to the peninsula.
Around the Gulf of Nicoya
The first option is the longest route but the most scenic. After passing through Esparza, arriving at the crossroads of Barranca, take the road to Liberia. At the Abangares crossroads, take the road to the west.
You will find one of the few roads in Costa Rica, made entirely of concrete. Cross the Puente de la Amistad (Friendship Bridge) and a few kilometers later you will find another crossing. The road to the south will take you to Jicaral, a town that is on the way to Paquera.
As you arrive in Paquera take the road to the west. As of 2024 we can say that this route is 80% in optimal conditions.
Where you have to be more careful is between the town of Lepanto and Paquera where the road is still under construction. But the works are very advanced and the road is very passable.
Advantages of this route
You can visit the town of Nicoya, an important city in the history of Costa Rica. On the way is the Quebrada Honda National Park, famous for its tours to the caves of the same name.
Crossing over the Friendship Bridge, donated by the government of Taiwan, you can see from the bridge the Tempisque River, one of the most important rivers in the country.
Some islands in the gulf such as Isla Caballo can be accessed from Lepanto.
Boarding the ferry
Arriving in the community of Barranca, take the road to Puntarenas. If you go all the way to the end of town, you will come across the lighthouse and therefore the ferry port.
There are two ferry routes, one will take you to Playa Naranjo, near Lepanto, with which you can go to Nicoya and the rest of the Guanacaste area.
The other is the ferry to Paquera, a town on the way to Cobano. Cobano is important because from here you can drive your campervan to Santa Teresa or Montezuma, two of the most sought after destinations in the area.
The trip to Paquera takes about an hour, plus the 30 hours to embark and disembark.
The ferry has activities depending on the time of day. Usually on the 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM trips there are events that involve passengers who wish to participate, such as karaoke or trivia.
There is a bar and cafeteria in case you wish to have a snack before continuing the trip.
If you want to know more about prices and schedules visit the official web site of Naviera Tambor.
Advantages of this route
You will visit the city of Puntarenas, one of the most historic tourist destinations in Costa Rica. During the tour you can see the Gulf of Nicoya and some of its islands such as San Lucas and Guayabo Island.
At both ferry stops there are grocery stores. You save three to four hours of driving on the road.