Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
Situated at the southernmost point of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve encompasses 2,896 acres (1,172 ha) of pristine dry tropical forest famed for its biologically rich ecosystems, which consist of unique plant and animal species. Anteaters, coatis, margays, ocelots, sloths, spider, howler and capuchin monkeys and a variety of snakes call Cabo Blanco home, not to mention over 150 species of trees that makeup the animals habitat.
The forest of Cabo Blanco is composed of mostly secondary forest; however, a small portion of primary forest exists at the reserve's higher elevations. Hardy trekkers will get the most out of Cabo Blanco as terrain is sometimes difficult to traverse, chiefly at higher elevations in the park's interior. That said, novice hikers should not shy away from the park as certain trails are ideal for anyone, regardless of physical condition.
The 3 mile (4.5 km) Sueco Trail winds through the entire reserve north to south, eventually leading to a secluded white-sand beach complete with taps for refilling drained canteens and fresh water showers to cool off from the hike. The hike is strenuous.
Cabo Blanco was Costa Rica's first national park and is one of its most beautiful. Established in 1963 by a couple of Swedish immigrants, the park's establishment indicated a movement by authorities towards a stringent ethic of conservation as opposed to its previous strategy of development at all costs. The reserve is the result of efforts by private land owners and conservationists concerned with the overdevelopment of the Nicoya Peninsula who banded together to lobby the government for the creation of a national park. After Cabo Blanco, successive administrations realized the importance of the parks system, as well as the value of ecotourism.
The park is just south of Montezuma and Malpais, encompassing the remaining part of the peninsula as well as the island of Cabo Blanco on the southern coast. The park is not accessible from the west from the beach town of Malpais. Visitors must use the road that runs west of Montezuma and eventually through Cabuya on route to the park's entrance. A ranger station here offers information about the reserve's biodiversity and trails. Visitors should arrive to the reserve early to allow for sufficient time for exploring.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
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Honeymooning by The Beach
I am so happy that we had booked with Anywhere! You provided excellent service in both planning and during the trip. I loved that it was so easy to enjoy the trip as everything was booked and paid for in advance.
On the Road to Pura Vida
Emmett & Bridgette explored Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes on an extensive self‑drive adventure. From Corcovado’s rain‑soaked forest and Cabo Blanco’s coastal cliffs to Rio Celeste’s cloud‑forest, they hiked, kayaked mangroves, and floated down turquoise rivers. Friendly local guides shared conservation stories, letting both leave with a deeper respect for Costa Rica’s wild heart and its sustainable rhythms.
Experiences in Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
Explore hand-picked Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Cabo Blanco Guided Hike
Where to stay in Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Casa Chameleon
Casa Chameleon is a luxurious resort in the surf town of Mal Pais, which is located on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. It has a look defined by natural materials and old-world elegance.
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach offers modern, air‑conditioned rooms with flat‑screen cable TVs and views of the sea or garden. Each bathroom features a shower and complimentary toiletries, and guests enjoy complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout the property.
Casa Marbella
Casa Marbella is a boutique hotel perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Needless to say, the view from here is awesome, with sunsets that are acclaimed as being some of the best in the area. The hotel itself is small and quaint, featuring Spanish architecture.
Atrapasuenos Lodge
Visit Costa Rica’s stunning Nicoya Peninsula region, where Atrapasuenos Lodge is situated in a tropical beach setting just a minute walk from the beaches of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. The lodge, built in harmony with the natural environment, is ideal for surfers, beach lovers, and adventure seekers and has options for large group accommodations.
Hotel Tropico Latino
Hotel Tropico Latino is a boutique property situated on the Pacific coast of Santa Teresa, a small surf town in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. The hotel occupies a modest stretch of beachfront just north of the main village, offering direct views of the ocean and easy access to the town’s central plaza, local markets, and a selection of restaurants and cafés. Its location places guests within walking distance of the widely known Playa Santa Teresa, while still providing a degree of seclusion that helps to preserve a sense of calm.
Zula Inn Bungalows
Zula Inn Bungalows is located in Santa Teresa, only a few minutes from amazing white sandy beaches on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Set back from the road in a quiet location, the Zula Inn Bungalows consists of self-contained houses. If you are looking for a more independent way to spend your vacation, this hotel is a great option.
Hotel Horizon
The Horizon Yoga Hotel is located on one of Costa Rica's most secluded gems, the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, in the town of Santa Teresa. The peninsula is renowned for its stunning marine life, jagged islands and cliffs, sunshine, secluded beaches and one of a kind sunset.
Canaima Chill House
Just a short walk from Santa Teresa’s white sand beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula, the Canaima Chill House offers a luxurious place to lounge in a jungle setting. The “rustic boutique hotel” fulfills the image of tropical paradise with its wood and bamboo décor and swimming pool pillow area blending in seamlessly with the rain forest.
Nautilus Hotel
Hotel Nautilus is found in Santa Teresa, a leisurely beach town along the Nicoya Peninsula where visitors can enjoy surfing, scuba diving and more.
Manala Hotel
Hotel Manala is located along the Nicoya Peninsula’s southwest coast near the Santa Teresa beach. This area is famed for its spectacular surfing, pleasant beaches and mellow atmosphere.
Esencia Hotel and Villas
Esencia Hotel and Villas is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, on the picturesque Santa Teresa Beach. This area is known to be one of the most untouched and beautiful regions of Costa Rica. Indulge yourself in the endless stretches of white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, perfect for swimming and surfing. Santa Teresa is a quaint artistic village with plenty of tropical vegetation and diverse wildlife nearby.
Casitas Sollevante
Casitas Sollevante in Montezuma, part of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula region, provides a dream vacation getaway. Guests enjoy unwinding at the resort’s charming apartment or Villa style accommodations set against an unforgettable ocean and rainforest backdrop while having the excitement and wonders of the beautiful Montezuma area at their fingertips.
Flora & fauna in Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
