Nicoya

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with a curved beach, rocky outcrops, and dense vegetation.
A historic building with ornate carvings, a wooden door, and a clock.

Where to stay in Nicoya

Find the best Nicoya areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nicoya
Learn more about Nicoya

El Carmen

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in El Carmen and surrounding area, you can visit Recaredo Briceno Park and La Casa de la Cultura.

Casitas

While Casitas isn't home to many top sights, Recaredo Briceno Park and La Casa de la Cultura are some notable places to visit nearby.

Azura Beach Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Azura Beach Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Playa Samara, Carrillo Sámara Guanacaste
$425 nightly
The price is $480 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$480 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Samara Beach and Refugio Nacional ...
Azura Beach Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only
Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge

Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge

4 out of 5
Nosara, Guanacaste Nosara
$233 nightly
The price is $263 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$263 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Nosara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (435 reviews)
"Es un hotel fenomenal, su ubicación permite unos atardeceres increíbles. El servicio y trato de sus colaboradores es muy cálido y cordial, realmente se esmeran por que uno se sienta bien. Deberían considerar cambiar los aires acondicionados de los cuartos por que están viejos y casi no enfrían. Tuvimos ..."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026

Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge
The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

4 out of 5
Playa Guiones Nosara
$292 nightly
The price is $330 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$330 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Nosara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (423 reviews)
"We loved The Guilded Iguana for so many reasons! The staff is excellent, the restaurant food is exceptional, and the property is gorgeous and well maintained. We will definitely be back!!!"

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2026

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
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.
Residencias Samara

Residencias Samara

4 out of 5
Ruta 160, esquina Calle Parque Sámara Provincia de Guanacaste
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Sámara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Samara Beach and Refugio Nacional ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
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Reviewed on Oct 23, 2026

Residencias Samara
BEACH Castle w/ WATERSLIDE, WATERFALL, 2 Pools on SANDY BEACHFRONT August Discount!!

BEACH Castle w/ WATERSLIDE, WATERFALL, 2 Pools on SANDY BEACHFRONT August Discount!!

Junquillal Costa Rica
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Veintisiete de Abril. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Junquillal Beach and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
"This was the perfect home. The pictures do not do it justice. The home owner Kelly was so amazing! I felt like we were family. We didn't really have communication with the Host BUT Kelly was there every step of the way she responded fast and made sure we had everything we needed. It was our 40th ..."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2026

BEACH Castle w/ WATERSLIDE, WATERFALL, 2 Pools on SANDY BEACHFRONT August Discount!!
Luxury Oceanview Villa with Private Chef, Infinity Pool, & Staff

Luxury Oceanview Villa with Private Chef, Infinity Pool, & Staff

Puerto Carrillo Guanacaste
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Puerto Carrillo. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Samara Beach and Playa ...
10/10 Exceptional! (164 reviews)
"Best ever!"

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2026

Luxury Oceanview Villa with Private Chef, Infinity Pool, & Staff
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 Nicoya attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Nicoya worth visiting?
Nicoya is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the historic Nicoya Colonial Church and the peaceful Recaredo Briceno Park. Travelers can also enjoy diverse food and local dining experiences, with options ranging from Latin American to Asian cuisine, offering a variety of flavors to explore.
When is the best time to visit Nicoya?
The best time to visit Nicoya is from July through November, when the climate is generally pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of February through May are a good option, offering a different experience for travelers.
What is Nicoya known for?
Nicoya is known for its historic Nicoya Colonial Church and Recaredo Briceno Park. This Costa Rican city also features the Iglesia de San Blas, and travelers can enjoy a rich Latin American food culture throughout the area.
What is a good itinerary length for Nicoya?
A good itinerary length for Nicoya is two to three days to explore local highlights like Nicoya Colonial Church, Recaredo Briceno Park, and Iglesia de San Blas. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to enjoy activities such as a Guided Naturalist Walk in Curu Wilderness Refuge or a Private Tour to Quesera Beach. See Nicoya Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Nicoya?
Nicoya offers a mix of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and unique local experiences for travelers:

  • Explore Curu Wilderness Refuge on a guided naturalist walk.
  • Enjoy a private tour to Quesera Beach.
  • Visit the historic Nicoya Colonial Church.
  • Stroll through Recaredo Briceno Park.
  • Discover local cuisine and culture with Guanacaste Flavors.

How do I plan a trip to Nicoya?
To plan your trip to Nicoya, search for places to stay and book flights in advance. Explore attractions like Nicoya Colonial Church and Recaredo Briceno Park, and consider activities such as a Guided Naturalist Walk. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Booking a rental car can help you explore further, like a Private Tour to Quesera Beach.
What cuisines can you find in Nicoya?
In Nicoya, travelers can find Mediterranean cuisine, featuring dishes like hummus, falafel, and gyros. You can also enjoy Latin American flavors, such as tacos and ceviche, along with Italian options like pasta and pizza. Additionally, there are Asian choices, including Chinese and Japanese dishes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Nicoya?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Nicoya 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 Nicoya with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Nicoya 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 Nicoya?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Nicoya 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 Nicoya trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Nicoya 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 Nicoya trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Nicoya 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 Nicoya?
If it's your first trip to Nicoya, 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 Nicoya 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 Nicoya hotel.

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

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