Mal Pais is located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. A forty-minute drive from the local Tambor airport transports you to the enchanted tropical paradise that is Mal Pais. Once a destination known only by adventurous surfers, in the past decade Mal Pais has grown from an isolated rustic surf camp to a cosmopolitan destination visited by celebrities such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Joaquin Phoenix, Mathew McConahay, Cameron Diaz and Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers. In addition to the many stars visiting Mal Pais, affluent buyers such as Mel Gibson are also investing here. Nicoya Pennisula Map

Mal Pais and the adjoining Santa Teresa make up a tranquil little village with a variety of amenities and activities. In the center of town there is a pharmacy, bank, market, bar/nightclub, variety of restaurants, budget rent a car, an assortment of hotels and several clothing boutiques. Within a close proximity from the center of town are additional restaurants, markets, bars, and yoga studios. Restaurants in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa range from local joints serving tipico casados, to the hugely popular Mary's serving Italian pizzas and international delights, to the sophisticated Nectar at Florblanca, one of the most sought after gourmet restaurants in all of Central America.

Visitors also enjoy many lodging options from budget surf camps, to moderately priced cabinas such as Casa Ocean Travelers, to luxury resorts such as Florblanca.

Many travelers also choose to stay at one of the various vacation homes that line the lush jungle hills or touch the white sands of Mal Pais's beaches.. Ocean Travelers is in the process of offering visitors a luxurious ocean view vacation home in Mal Pais. More Info

So what do visitors do once they get to Mal Pais? Many people chose to just relax and enjoy nature's overwhelming beauty while others participate in one of the many activities available. The miles of deserted white sand beaches are perfect for sun bathing, swimming, surfing and collecting distinctive shells. Mal pais offers some of the best and most consistent waves in all of costa rica. From beach breaks to reefs mal pais has waves to offer the expert as well as the beginner surfer. Bring your board or rent one at the local surf shop. There are always plenty of waves. Stroll the endless beaches and take in the natural jungle beauty while watching an amazing sunset. Horseback riding, sport fishing, zip line canopy tours, scuba, and nature tours make up some of the other popular activities nearby. One can also visit the maritime sanctuary of Cabo Blanco, which serves as a nursery for many aquatic species and from your boat you can watch dolphins, manta rays or whales. More Info

Mal Pais has the amazing ability to slow even the fastest paced of us. The warm air surrounds you, the gently tropical breezes caress you, the smell of flowers and the sea engulf you, and attitude of the friendly locals sinks in. Whatever you do in Mal Pais you will undoubtedly experience what locals call "Pura Vida" or pure life.