Paquera travel guide
Paquera, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A small, local town where the Puntarenas ferry lands, with bioluminescent bays, great fishing and Curú Wildlife Refuge right next door.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From San José
About 4 to 5 hours
Best Airport
SJO
Temperature
Hot and sunny
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Our take
Who Paquera is for
Paquera is not a place most people spend much time. It’s usually just the town you drive through after the ferry from Puntarenas on the way to Santa Teresa or Montezuma. But we think it’s not a bad spot for a night or two. The town itself isn’t the best, but there are a few places nearby we really love.
One thing to keep in mind: There’s almost no tourism here, so don’t expect a touristy vibe, many tour companies or car rentals.
How long to stay: About two nights, then move on to Montezuma, Santa Teresa or Mal País. We don’t suggest spending your whole vacation here.
Paquera or Tambor?
Choose Paquera if…
You want a local, budget-friendly stopover near the ferry, plus bioluminescent kayaking or a fishing trip.
Choose Tambor if…
You want a calm beach and a relaxing resort or lodge stay.
Our take
They’re only about 30 minutes apart, so you can easily do the Paquera activities from Tambor too.
Getting there
Getting to Paquera
From San José
You have two options. Drive to Puntarenas and take the ferry to Paquera (about 70 minutes). This is our favorite, since the ferry lands right in town, and in total it’s about four to five hours, depending on how early you get to the terminal. Or drive the whole way around through Nicoya, which takes about five to six hours. If you’re not driving, you can also take the bus or fly (see below).
From Liberia
You drive the whole way, no ferry needed. Take Route 21 south through Nicoya to Paquera. Plan on about three and a half hours.
For more info:
Rental car
We recommend renting a car before you come. There aren’t many rental places on this side of the peninsula, and you’ll want a car for day trips.
Bus and flights
Take the public bus to Puntarenas, hop on the ferry as a foot passenger, then grab a taxi from the Paquera dock. The fastest (but most expensive) option is a domestic flight from San José to Tambor, then a taxi or shuttle about 30 minutes to Paquera.
Where it is
Paquera is on the eastern shore of the Nicoya Peninsula, where the Gulf of Nicoya keeps the water fairly protected from the open ocean.
Good to know: In high season the ferry fills up with cars fast. Get there early or pre-book.
Weather
Paquera weather and best time to visit
Dry season (mid-Dec: Apr)
Hot, sunny and dry. The best time to visit.
Rainy season (May: Nov)
May to August brings afternoon storms that roll in like clockwork around 2 pm. From mid-August to December it can be really rainy, and some places close because there just isn’t enough tourism.
Daytime
Hot and sunny
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Rain usually starts
Around 2 pm
Our tip
Our tip: Bioluminescence is visible year-round, so a rainy-season trip can still be worth it. Go around a new moon.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Paquera
Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel
Glamping · Private island · Romantic
One of our favorite glamping spots in the country, on its own island. More of a destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway than a ferry stopover.
Eco Boutique Hotel
Ocean views · Pool
A nice hotel with incredible ocean views. We like it for the amazing property and the pool.
On a budget? B&B La Casa de Manito is very budget-friendly, with breakfast included, and the staff go above and beyond to make sure you have a nice stay.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Paquera rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Paquera
Hike
Visit Curú Wildlife Refuge
A national wildlife refuge just outside town, with trails of varying lengths and difficulty and a nice beach. Every time we’ve been, there were only a few other people.
Good to know
Go early, when it’s cooler and the animals are more active. Bring water and swim gear.
Day trip
Isla Tortuga
A white sand island with no inhabitants. A fun day trip with snorkeling and swimming in clear turquoise water.
Good to know
Boats leave from the Paquera and Curú area, so you’re much closer here than from most of the country.
Go bioluminescent kayaking
Without a doubt one of the coolest things you can experience in Costa Rica. In the Gulf of Nicoya you can see it year-round, best during a new moon. We suggest Bahía Rica.
Go fishing
Bahía Rica Adventures is our favorite fishing company here. Captain Thomas takes you out for a half day, which is great for roosterfish, plus maybe mahi mahi, tuna or snapper.
Visit the nearby beaches
There are a few nice, quiet beaches near Paquera. We suggest Playa Quesera and Playa Órganos.
Day trip to Tambor
About 30 minutes away, you’ll find a calm beach on Ballena Bay and a walk to El Chorro waterfall at low tide.
Continue to Montezuma or Santa Teresa
Paquera is the gateway to the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Montezuma is about an hour away, and Santa Teresa a bit more.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Paquera
MACHO
Seafood · Our pick
There are apparently two MACHO restaurants, one for seafood and one with burgers and a relaxed vibe. I’ve been to the seafood one and it was great!
Kincho’s Pizza
Pizza · Takeout
Great for takeout or relaxed pizza vibes, with a wide variety of toppings.
Mariscos Grey
Seafood
Excellent seafood. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food quality and presentation are impressive.
Fun fact
Blue Zone
The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the few Blue Zones in the world, where people regularly live to over 100.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Paquera
Very casual clothes
No need to dress up here. Fast-drying shirts and shorts are best.
Sun protection
UV shirts and a hat, especially for the boat to Isla Tortuga or a fishing trip.
Rain gear
For 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
Paquera is a small local town, and we’ve always felt safe. Your biggest concern is petty theft.
Getting around
Getting around Paquera
A rental car is the easiest way to get around. This isn’t a touristy area, so there aren’t many tour companies and you’ll drive yourself to most things.
Rental car
You don’t necessarily need a 4×4 for Paquera itself, but an SUV with decent clearance helps on the dirt roads to beaches.
Rent before you come
There aren’t many rental car offices on the peninsula, so pick up your car before the ferry.
FAQ
Paquera FAQ: your questions
Is Paquera worth visiting?
For a night or two, yes. The town itself isn’t the best, but Curú, Isla Tortuga, bioluminescent kayaking and fishing are all right here. Most people just drive through after the ferry.
How long is the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera?
About 70 minutes. In high season it fills up fast, so arrive early or pre-book.
Can you see bioluminescence in Paquera?
Yes, year-round in the Gulf of Nicoya. The best time is during a new moon, when it’s completely dark.
How far is Paquera from Montezuma and Santa Teresa?
Montezuma is about an hour’s drive, and Santa Teresa a bit more. Tambor is about 30 minutes.
Do I need a car in Paquera?
We recommend one. There aren’t many tour companies or rental offices here, so rent before you take the ferry.
Is Paquera safe?
Yes, we’ve always felt safe. Just watch out for petty theft.
Every guide
All our Paquera guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Nicoya Peninsula
Planning more of the region? See our full Nicoya Peninsula guide.
