Cabuya travel guide
Cabuya, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A tiny, peaceful fishing village at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, between Montezuma and Mal País, home to an island cemetery and Cabo Blanco Reserve.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From San José
About 5 to 6 hours
Best Airport
LIR or SJO
Temperature
77 to 95°F
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Our take
Who Cabuya is for
Cabuya is a small, peaceful village, but there are plenty of things to do nearby. This is actually our favorite area in the country. It just has a different vibe than everywhere else. Cabuya is for those of you looking for all the peaceful beach vibes.
One thing to keep in mind: There’s no ATM, bank or gas station in Cabuya. The nearest are in Cobano, about 30 minutes away.
How long to stay: Four nights or more. Getting here takes time, and there’s lots to explore nearby.
Cabuya, Montezuma or Santa Teresa?
Choose Cabuya if…
You want total peace, quiet beaches and nature, with Cabo Blanco and the island cemetery right there.
Choose Montezuma or Santa Teresa if…
You want a downtown with restaurants and shops (Montezuma), or surfing, yoga and lots happening (Santa Teresa).
Our take
Cabuya is minutes from Montezuma, so you can enjoy the quiet and still pop into town.
Getting there
Getting to Cabuya
From San José
Take the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry. It’s really the way to go, since it cuts the trip to about five hours and gives you a relaxing boat crossing (more below). You can also drive the whole way, which takes about six hours via Routes 27, 1 and 18 to Nicoya, then south to Paquera, Cóbano and Montezuma.
From Liberia
No ferry needed from this side. Take Route 21 south through Nicoya toward Paquera, then on to Cóbano and Montezuma. In Montezuma, turn right and follow the coast road to Cabuya. Plan on about four and a half hours.
Don’t let Google Maps send you down the west coast of the peninsula, because it has river crossings and is almost impossible to pass. Bernina Artisan Food in Nicoya is worth the 10-minute detour.
For more info:
Rental car
A 4×4 isn’t required but is suggested, since the road from Montezuma is unpaved, and many side roads are hilly with river crossings. At minimum, rent an SUV.
Flights and buses
You can also fly to the Cóbano airport, about 30 minutes away. The bus is really difficult, with three or four changes.
Where it is
Cabuya is at the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, close to Montezuma and Santa Teresa.
Good to know: Use Waze. People here are great about marking police, road hazards and more.
The ferry
Taking the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry
Coming from San José, the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera is the way to go. It cuts out a lot of driving, and the crossing takes 70 to 80 minutes, with restrooms, snack bars, and indoor and outdoor seating on board. From Paquera, it’s about 1.5 hours to Cabuya.
Departures from Puntarenas: 4:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM. The schedule changes sometimes, so check before you go.
Cost: about $24 for a regular car and about $2 per adult.
Our tip: Book online on QuickPayCR, especially around Christmas, Easter, and school vacations, and arrive 30 minutes before departure. If you don’t know your rental car’s plate yet, just type “rental car”.
Weather
Cabuya weather and best time to visit
Dry season (mid-Dec: Apr)
Sunny and dry, and this area tends to stay somewhat dry even in the green season.
Rainy season (May: Nov)
We once visited in early August with no rain for four days. One late September it rained every day. The next year, same time, perfect weather. It’s impossible to predict!
Daytime
77 to 95°F
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Nights
68 to 77°F
Our tip
Our tip: In the rainy season, ignore the forecast. It often predicts rain all day, and that’s just not true.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Cabuya
Calala Lodge
Jungle bungalows · Pool
A beautiful jungle hotel with private bungalows that sleep up to 5, plus a pool.
Villas Cabuya Beach & Jungle
Simple · Kitchenettes · Pool
Simple but nice, with a pool and kitchenettes. Family rooms sleep up to 6.
Jungle Lodge at Wild Sun
Infinity pool · Coastal views
A beautiful hotel with an infinity pool and views of the coast, connected to a wildlife rescue center that takes volunteers.
Coyote Rooms
Boutique feel · Walk to the ocean
A bit of a boutique feel, with shared or private bathrooms. No pool, but you can walk to the ocean.
Our top choice in Cabuya is Feeling Trees Jungle Lodge, with peaceful one-bedroom houses with the amenities of a hotel, like a beautiful pool.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Cabuya rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Cabuya
Our favorite
Visit Cabuya Island Cemetery
A cemetery on an island you can walk to from the mainland at low tide, with some very unusual gravestones. An interesting place to wander.
Good to know
Check the tide times, since you can only walk over at low tide.
Hike
Cabo Blanco Reserve
At the very southern tip of Cabuya. The hike is mostly flat but strenuous in the heat, and it ends at a beautiful beach.
Good to know
Bring plenty of water and go early.
Swim under the Montezuma waterfalls
A short drive away, with three cascading falls. Enter from downtown Montezuma to reach the biggest one you can swim under.
Hike Curú Reserve
A lesser-visited reserve near Paquera (about an hour away), with trails, wildlife and a beautiful beach.
Day trip to Santa Teresa
The area’s most popular surf and yoga town. Drive around via Cobano, because the direct road needs a 4×4 and is impassable in the rainy season.
Soak in the Río Lajas
The river creates a nice natural pool to soak in, right in Cabuya.
Go bioluminescent kayaking
In Paquera, you can see bioluminescence year-round (best at a new moon). We suggest Bahía Rica Adventures (no transportation included).
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Cabuya
Panadería Cabuya
My favorite · Bakery
My favorite place to eat in Cabuya, with bakery goodies, typical Costa Rican meals, salads, pasta and more.
Salón El Higuerón
Pizza · Lively
We come for the pizza, but they also serve fish dishes. It’s usually very lively in the evenings.
La Selva Cerveza
Craft beer
If you like craft beer, come here! They brew their own, plus beers from around the country. No food.
Arrecife Cabuya
New · Haven’t tried yet
A newer restaurant we haven’t been to yet, but we’ve heard really great things. Check it out and report back!
For more choices, Montezuma is just a short drive away.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Cabuya
Beach and hiking gear
Fast-drying, wrinkle-free clothes are best. No need for anything fancy.
Good sandals
The roads are unpaved and uneven, so wear sandals with a good sole.
Rain gear
In the rainy season.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
I’ve always felt really safe in Cabuya. Your biggest concern is petty theft.
Good to know
Practical basics
Groceries
There’s a small grocery store called Super Davis in the center of the village. For more variety, head to Super Montezuma.
ATMs and banks
There’s no ATM or bank in Cabuya. The nearest is Banco Nacional in Cóbano, so bring cash.
Gas
The closest gas stations are in Cóbano, about 30 minutes away, so plan ahead. All gas stations in Costa Rica are full service, so stay in your car and an attendant fills it up.
Getting around
Getting around Cabuya
We always suggest a car for the most flexibility. Most activities are within a 30-minute drive.
Rental car
An SUV with decent clearance is best. To reach Mal País or Santa Teresa, go around rather than the direct road, which has river crossings.
Pura vida pace
Tours don’t always start on time, and things are more relaxed here. Embrace the pura vida attitude!
FAQ
Cabuya FAQ: your questions
Is Cabuya worth visiting?
Yes! It’s peaceful, with plenty to do nearby, and it’s actually our favorite area in the country.
Can you walk to the Cabuya Island Cemetery?
Yes, at low tide you can walk from the mainland to the island. Check the tide times first.
Is there an ATM in Cabuya?
No. The nearest ATM and bank are in Cobano, about 30 minutes away.
Do I need a 4×4 for Cabuya?
It’s not required, but it’s suggested. The road from Montezuma is unpaved, and side roads can be hilly with river crossings.
Is Cabuya safe?
Yes, we’ve always felt really safe here. Just watch out for petty theft.
How do I get from Cabuya to Santa Teresa?
Drive around via Cobano. The direct road needs a 4×4 and is impassable in the rainy season.
Every guide
All our Cabuya guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Nicoya Peninsula
Planning more of the region? See our full Nicoya Peninsula guide.
