Paquera city is a quiet place on the southern finish of the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The city is primarily visited by these taking the ferry from Puntarenas to Nicoya Peninsula and acts as a frequent stopover level on the journey.
Regardless of being a port city, Paquera presents a variety of issues to do within the space, together with some secluded seashores, snorkelling alternatives, sea kayaking adventures, and loads of wildlife recognizing.
Though the neighborhood stays comparatively small with restricted tourism infrastructure, there are nonetheless a number of motels and facilities to make for a snug keep.
In case you’re eager about spending time within the laid-back city of Paquera, this information gives all the pieces it’s worthwhile to find out about this great spot on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Seashore in Nicoya Peninsula
The best way to Get to Paquera
Paquera city is situated proper on the finish of the Nicoya Peninsula, just some kilometres away from the Puntarenas ferry touchdown. It’s straightforward to succeed in by automotive, bus, or ferry from numerous elements of Costa Rica.
By Automobile
In case you’re exploring Guanacaste province, Paquera city is only a 2.5 hour or 150 km drive from Tamarindo. In any other case, from San Jose or Puntarenas, the simplest manner is to make use of a mixture of automotive and ferry to go throughout to the Nicoya Peninsula. Proceed studying for extra data on the ferry.
Automobiles for hire in Liberia Airport in Guanacaste
By Bus/Shuttle
In case you’re travelling with out your individual automobile, then bounce on a native bus from San Jose to Puntarenas, which takes about 1.5-2 hours and prices about USD5 or 2,500CRC. From there, take the ferry throughout to the peninsula after which seize a taxi or the bus to Paquera city simply down the highway.
By Ferry
There’s a ferry service that runs from the very tip of Puntarenas Metropolis throughout to the Nicoya Peninsula. The ferry runs to both Naranjo or Paquera and again and will be boarded both on foot or with a automobile.
The ferry journey throughout to Paquera takes about 75 minutes, with a number of departures all through the day: 6.30 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 am, 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and eight:30 pm. There could also be barely restricted companies within the wet season, relying on demand.
Now you can e book tickets prematurely on-line on the QuickPayCR web site, however bear in mind that the web site is in Spanish. A ferry ticket for automotive with a driver prices from $25 one-way, relying on the automobile. A single-passenger ticket prices about $1.50 per individual.
Costa Rican Ferry
Issues to Do at Paquera City
The small city of Paquera is usually visited by travellers taking the ferry throughout to Puntarenas. There’s not an entire lot to do in Paquera city itself. Nonetheless, it does provide a extra genuine Costa Rican expertise and an ideal base to discover extra of the southern half of the peninsula area.
Some enjoyable issues to do close by embody the next:
Discover Isla Tortuga
Positioned simply off the shore south of Paquera, Tortuga Island is a surprising island with white sand seashores, an abundance of sea life, and clear blue water. To succeed in the island, it’s greatest to affix one of many excursions, comparable to this half day snorkeling tour to Tortuga Island.
You’ll can swim with dolphins, sting rays, angel fish and extra. Plus, there’s additionally three sunken boats that function a habitat for marine creatures that gives widespread diving websites. Take the time to additionally chill out on Playa Tropical or one of many different seashores on the island with out the crowds.
Isla Tortuga
Go on a Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour
A bucket checklist worthy expertise close to Paquera is an opportunity to see the pure phenomenon of bioluminescence. After the solar units, you’ll be capable of witness the ocean glowing at the hours of darkness a superb blue color because the bioluminescent plankton float by way of the water. The easiest way of seeing that is by becoming a member of a two hour kayaking tour at night time.
You’ll begin at Playa Relleno subsequent to the dock close to Paquera, the place you’ll paddle out with a information into the gulf. Alongside the way in which, you’ll take pleasure in lovely sundown views and see the enchanting blue glow as you make your manner again to shore.
Go to the Curu Reserve
One of many highlights of Paquera is the Curu Nationwide Wildlife Refuge situated alongside the coast simply south of city. The privately owned protected space is residence to some nice wildlife, climbing trails, views of the coast and snorkelling and boating alternatives.
The refuge options 5 completely different habitats, together with tropical dry forest and mangrove swamps, with greater than 230 hen species, plus howler monkeys, margays, ocelots, anteaters, otters and extra. There are a number of climbing trails with a good viewpoint of Curu Seashore. You’ll be able to take a guided hike or go by yourself.
Squirrel noticed in Curu Reserve
Hang around at Organos Seashore
Simply exterior of Paquera lie a number of picturesque seashores that supply an ideal escape on a sunny day. One of the lovely is Playa Organos, surrounded by jungle, with views throughout to islands within the gulf and calm waters for swimming.
To get there, you’ll have to courageous an offroad journey on an unsealed highway 10 minutes south of city. The drive is greatest completed within the dry season with a better clearance automobile and requires a 4×4 within the wet season.
Hike to Playa Quesera
One other seashore that’s an journey to succeed in is Playa Quesera simply exterior of Paquera. The simple technique to attain the seashore is to take a ship from the Curú Wildlife Refuge.
Alternatively, it’s a 5 km hike on the dust highway within the reserve to get there. However the journey is nicely price it – you’ll possible have the small white sand seashore paradise all to your self.
The place to Keep in Paquera City
Finances Lodge: El Gecko Lodge
El Gecko Lodge is a straightforward lodge situated proper in Paquera city that gives a laidback and inexpensive lodging possibility on the town. The lodge presents double rooms with entry to a visitor kitchen, lovely backyard space, and a tour desk to rearrange any day journeys within the space.
Mid-Vary Lodge: Mapi’s Cabins
One other mid-range possibility in Paquera city itself, Mapi’s Cabins have a number of trendy and clear rooms, appropriate for households or teams of 5. They provide free parking onsite, so it’s an ideal base from which to discover the southern a part of the peninsula.
Luxurious Lodge: Eco Boutique Lodge Vista Las Islas Reserva Pure
Positioned about 5 km exterior of city, Vista Las Islas Boutique Lodge is a surprising property that includes unbelievable views over the southern coast of the peninsula from the infinity pool and out of doors bar. The king rooms are excellent for {couples} in search of a romantic escape, with sea views from the non-public balconies. Plus, the onsite restaurant serves each typical Costa Rican and worldwide dishes.
Finest Eating places in Paquera City
Lugar Favorito
A hidden gem situated a brief stroll from Playa Organos, this rustic restaurant and bar presents out of doors eating overlooking the seashore under. The secluded spot is accessible by way of a mud highway, however the view of the water for sundown cocktails makes it worthwhile. You’ll be able to take pleasure in contemporary seafood and different native dishes for lunch or dinner.
Macho’s
Positioned on the primary highway in Paquera, this native restaurant is a well-liked alternative with a variety of native and Western favourites, from hamburgers to quesadillas. There’s loads of area within the ethereal restaurant with picket benches. The area is large enough for teams and households in search of dinner after a day of exploring.
Las Vegas Restaurant
On the sting of city, you’ll discover this no-frills seafood restaurant, which is ideal for attempting the catch of the day. From seafood soup to ceviche and contemporary crab, it’s a go-to for native meals in a backyard setting.
Costa Rica is considerable in scrumptious seafood!
The Backside Line
Paquera city is greater than only a stopover on the way in which to or from the ferry to Puntarenas. It presents an ideal base from which to find a number of the underrated actions on the southern finish of the Nicoya Peninsula, from sea kayaking to snorkelling.