The small town of Paquera is located at the southernmost tip of the Nicoya Peninsula gives you some of the best pristine beaches in Costa Rica. This tiny town is mainly visited by tourists who are taking the ferry to Paquera on their way to Montezuma, Santa Teresa, or Tambor. With a climate ideal for growing fruits and vegetables, this coastal town has an abundance for produce, giving you a chance to taste some of the freshest food in the region.
The Curú National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit for travellers heading to Paquera. The nature reserve has several hiking trails that give you face-to-face encounters with the wildlife such as monkeys and deer. It also gives you a stunning view point of Curu Beach. As not many tourists visit this park, you will be able to enjoy the wild uninterrupted by the commotion of over-tourism. The nature reserve houses five different habitats, including tropical dry forest, mangrove swamps and marine zones, making is home to a diverse variety of species. Over 230 species of birds have been spotted in this park, including the mesmerising scarlet macaw, woodpecker and laughing hawks. Mammal species that live in the park include howler monkeys, margays, pumas, ocelots, anteaters, otters and more.
Just outside Paquera you find Playa Organos, a beautiful beach surrounded by dense tropical jungles and few miles off at sea you have Tortuga Island. Tortuga Island is a picturesque place with its pearl white beaches and vivid blue waters home to a wide range of marine life including dolphins, sting rays, angel fish and more. This makes it is an ideal location for scuba diving and snorkelling. There are also three sunken boats on the seabed close by that have now become a perfect habitat for marine life and making it a prime diving spot. The bioluminescent kayak tour is one of the towns famous attractions, were you are taking on a tour to the waters just off the Take this Gulf of Nicoya that contains a type of algae that glows in the dark when disturbed.
While Paquera may not have a lot of accommodation options, there are a few lodges and cabinas, that provide comfortable lodging at reasonable prices. A visit to this town gives you an authentic Costa Rican life experience as the locals of the tranquil village will help you find hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches to get away from the bustling city life.
