Malpais

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with a beach, rocky shoreline, and residential buildings.
A rocky shoreline with calm waters, a clear sky, and some vegetation.
A coastal landscape with a clear blue sky, turquoise sea, and green hills.
A beach with white sand, palm trees, and ocean waves.
A sandy beach with gentle waves, a forested island, and a clear blue sky.
Ocio Villas Mal Pais

Ocio Villas Mal Pais

4 out of 5
From the ICE tower 500 mts South Cóbano Puntarenas
$194 nightly
The price is $216 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$216 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cóbano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private plunge pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
"Stayed in the Estrella room, it was beyond beautiful. Long scenic walk to the room, kitchenette, and filtered water in the full sized fridge. Staff was very kind and helpful, since the hotel was 6 hours from SJO we had to leave at 4 am and to our surprise there was a staff member there to assist ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

Ocio Villas Mal Pais
Hotel Vista de Olas

Hotel Vista de Olas

3 out of 5
Vista De Olas Cóbano Puntarenas
$115 nightly
The price is $130 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$130 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Cóbano. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Playa Mal País ...
9/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
"Place was spotless. But most importantly, Roger and his staff were excellent and created a tremendously friendly environment. Then, you talk about the view and the food. All top notch. Don’t miss this place."

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026

Hotel Vista de Olas
OCEANA ~ Beachfront luxury Villa ~ 4 Bedrooms ~ Vacation at the beach !

OCEANA ~ Beachfront luxury Villa ~ 4 Bedrooms ~ Vacation at the beach !

Mal pais puntarenas
$1,205 nightly
The price is $1,349 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$1,349 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach villa in Cóbano. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Playa Mal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"We had the most incredible stay at Villa Oceana. The house is absolutely beautiful and just steps away from the stunning tide pools — the perfect backdrop for our daughter’s intimate beach wedding. We hosted the dinner reception in the backyard and ended the night with a magical dance party under ..."

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

OCEANA ~ Beachfront luxury Villa ~ 4 Bedrooms ~ Vacation at the beach !
See all 950 properties in Malpais
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
OCEANA ~ Beachfront luxury Villa ~ 4 Bedrooms ~ Vacation at the beach !

OCEANA ~ Beachfront luxury Villa ~ 4 Bedrooms ~ Vacation at the beach !

Mal pais puntarenas
Book a stay at this beach villa in Cóbano. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Playa Mal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"We had the most incredible stay at Villa Oceana. The house is absolutely beautiful and just steps away from the stunning tide pools — the perfect backdrop for our daughter’s intimate beach wedding. We hosted the dinner reception in the backyard and ended the night with a magical dance party under ..."

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

OCEANA ~ Beachfront luxury Villa ~ 4 Bedrooms ~ Vacation at the beach !
Surfside Apartments Playa Mar Azul

Surfside Apartments Playa Mar Azul

4 out of 5
Malpais - Delicias Shortcut Cóbano Puntarenas Province
Stay at this apartment in Cóbano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Playa Mal País are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Clean, beautiful property, great hosts and service."

Reviewed on May 8, 2026

Surfside Apartments Playa Mar Azul
Tropical home in paradise!!

Tropical home in paradise!!

Malpais Puntarenas
Stay at this vacation home in Cóbano. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Playa Mal País are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"Exceptional home in an ideal location, away from the noise and dust in Santa Teresa yet close enough for easy access to beaches and restaurants. The host, Ruth, lives next door and was super helpful. The house was very well equipped, the pool was large and clean, and we loved the authentic community ..."

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Tropical home in paradise!!
See all properties in Malpais
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Malpais attractions

Playa Mal País

9.0/10 (27 reviews)
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Playa Mal País during your trip to Malpais? Stroll along the beaches or discover the sunsets in this relaxing area.
See properties

Things to do

Tambor Bay Zuma

Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa

$137
per adult
Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa
Paquera: Sunset and Bioluminescence Evening Kayaking Tour

Paquera: Sunset and Bioluminescence Evening Kayaking Tour

$40
per adult
Paquera: Sunset and Bioluminescence Evening Kayaking Tour
Turtle Island, from Puntarenas, snorkeling and lunch included!

Turtle Island, from Puntarenas, snorkeling and lunch included!

$95
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Turtle Island, from Puntarenas, snorkeling and lunch included!
Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco

Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco

$146
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco
Surf Lessons, Santa Teresa North, Costa Rica

Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

$60
per adult
Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa Costa Rica
Roosterfish.

Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa

$360
per traveler
Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa
See all activities in Malpais

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Malpais?
The best time to visit Malpais is from July through November, when the climate is generally pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of February through May offer a good alternative, with mild weather for exploring.
What is Malpais known for?
Malpais is known for Playa Mal País, a beautiful beach that serves as a popular destination for travelers. This city in Costa Rica offers a relaxing coastal experience, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
What is a good itinerary length for Malpais?
A good itinerary length for Malpais is two to three days to enjoy Playa Mal País and try an activity like an Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can experience Offshore Fishing, a Guided Jungle and Beach Horseback Riding Tour, and more time relaxing by the beach. See Malpais Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Malpais?
Malpais offers outdoor adventures, from beach relaxation to thrilling jungle experiences:

  • Visit Playa Mal País, a beautiful beach and natural area.
  • Go Inshore Fishing in Santa Teresa.
  • Experience Offshore Fishing (Deep sea fishing).
  • Enjoy a Guided Jungle and Beach Horseback Riding Tour in Santa Teresa.
  • Soar on a Zipline Jungle Adventure with Ocean Views in Santa Teresa.

Can I book a refundable hotel in Malpais?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Malpais by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Malpais with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Malpais trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Malpais?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Malpais can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Malpais trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Malpais trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Malpais trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Malpais trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Malpais?
If it's your first trip to Malpais, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Malpais hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Malpais hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Malpais

A beach at sunset with a person standing in the sand.

Santa Teresa

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky shoreline, and a forested hill in the background.

Cabuya

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, turquoise waters, and dense green forest.

Cóbano

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