Malpais, Costa Rica

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Malpais (9°36'03 N, 85°08'36 W) is a town in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica which began as a fishing and cattle-farming village, and has become popular among surfers and adverture travelers around the world. Recently, Forbes Magazine voted the beaches of Malpais and neighboring Santa Teresa as "One of the ten most beautiful in the world."

The town got its name from the fact that all the rivers and streams that flow into the beach in the area dry up in the summer season, making it a "bad land" to try to live in.

Malpais now is known for its incredible beauty, with white sand coves, rocky outcroppings, steep jungle-covered hills, and forests teeming with animals, birds, and insects.

The area has recently become famous due to several celebrities buying land and building dream houses, including actor Mel Gibson and top supermodel Gisele Bündchen.

While Malpais is still a remote fishing village, it also is known for modern day luxuries. Many excellent hotels and luxury houses have been built in recent years, and there are many excellent restaurants, with cuisine from around the world.

Panoramic Photo of Malpais, Costa Rica

Malpais Beach, just before a storm hits

Nearby Montezuma, Costa Rica and Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve are also big draws, as well as a canopy tour, fishing tours, and of course lots of excellent surf spots.