Sand and Sea To Spare In Costa Rica

By Ted Rose
The New York Times

January 18, 2004

THE Nicoya Peninsula juts off Costa Rica into the Pacific Ocean like a misshapen ear. It is rugged terrain, formed by the string of volcanoes inland. Other than a few large beach resorts in the far north, Nicoya's coastline has missed much of the development that has spread across the country.

In a search for an affordable, relaxed beach vacation, I first visited Nicoya in January 2002, traveling to Montezuma, a small town on the bottom tip of the peninsula, and returned last year. Once an active fishing village, Montezuma has developed a reputation as a backpacker haven, a beachside Katmandu.

Read more about Costa Rica.

Ted Rose is a writer in residence at Shambhala Mountain Center in Colorado.

Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company