Paquera town is a quiet place on the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The town is primarily visited by those taking the ferry from Puntarenas to Nicoya Peninsula and acts as a frequent stopover point on the journey.
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Despite being a port town, Paquera offers a number of things to do in the area, including some secluded beaches, snorkelling opportunities, sea kayaking adventures, and plenty of wildlife spotting.
Although the community remains relatively small with limited tourism infrastructure, there are still several hotels and amenities to make for a comfortable stay.
If you’re interested in spending time in the laid-back town of Paquera, this guide provides everything you need to know about this great place on the Nicoya Peninsula.
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How to Get to Paquera
Paquera town is located right at the end of the Nicoya Peninsula, just a few kilometres away from the Puntarenas ferry landing. It’s easy to reach by car, bus, or ferry from various parts of Costa Rica.
By Car
If you’re exploring Guanacaste province, Paquera town is just a 2.5 hour or 150 km drive from Tamarindo. Otherwise, from San Jose or Puntarenas, the easiest way is to use a combination of car and ferry to head across to the Nicoya Peninsula. Continue reading for more information on the ferry.
By Bus/Shuttle
If you’re travelling without your own vehicle, then jump on a local bus from San Jose to Puntarenas, which takes about 1.5-2 hours and costs about USD5 or 2,500CRC. From there, take the ferry across to the peninsula and then grab a taxi or the bus to Paquera town just down the road.
By Ferry
There is a ferry service that runs from the very tip of Puntarenas City across to the Nicoya Peninsula. The ferry runs to either Naranjo or Paquera and back and can be boarded either on foot or with a vehicle.
The ferry trip across to Paquera takes about 75 minutes, with multiple departures throughout the day: 6.30 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 am, 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 8:30 pm. There may be slightly limited services in the rainy season, depending on demand.
You can now book tickets in advance online on the QuickPayCR website, but be aware that the website is in Spanish. A ferry ticket for car with a driver costs from $25 one-way, depending on the vehicle. A single-passenger ticket costs about $1.50 per person.
Things to Do at Paquera Town
The small town of Paquera is mostly visited by travellers taking the ferry across to Puntarenas. There’s not a whole lot to do in Paquera town itself. However, it does offer a more authentic Costa Rican experience and a great base to explore more of the southern half of the peninsula region.
Some fun things to do nearby include the following:
Explore Isla Tortuga
Located just off the shore south of Paquera, Tortuga Island is a stunning island with white sand beaches, an abundance of sea life, and clear blue water. To reach the island, it’s best to join one of the tours, such as this half day snorkeling tour to Tortuga Island.
You’ll can swim with dolphins, sting rays, angel fish and more. Plus, there’s also three sunken boats that serve as a habitat for marine creatures that offers popular diving sites. Take the time to also relax on Playa Tropical or one of the other beaches on the island without the crowds.
Go on a Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour
A bucket list worthy experience near Paquera is a chance to see the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. After the sun sets, you’ll be able to witness the ocean glowing in the dark a brilliant blue colour as the bioluminescent plankton float through the water. The best way of seeing this is by joining a two hour kayaking tour at night.
You’ll start at Playa Relleno next to the dock near Paquera, where you’ll paddle out with a guide into the gulf. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful sunset views and see the enchanting blue glow as you make your way back to shore.
Visit the Curu Reserve
One of the highlights of Paquera is the Curu National Wildlife Refuge located along the coast just south of town. The privately owned protected area is home to some great wildlife, hiking trails, views of the coast and snorkelling and boating opportunities.
The refuge features five different habitats, including tropical dry forest and mangrove swamps, with more than 230 bird species, plus howler monkeys, margays, ocelots, anteaters, otters and more. There are several hiking trails with a nice viewpoint of Curu Beach. You can take a guided hike or go on your own.
Hang out at Organos Beach
Just outside of Paquera lie several picturesque beaches that offer a perfect escape on a sunny day. One of the most beautiful is Playa Organos, surrounded by jungle, with views across to islands in the gulf and calm waters for swimming.
To get there, you’ll need to brave an offroad journey on an unsealed road 10 minutes south of town. The drive is best done in the dry season with a higher clearance vehicle and requires a 4×4 in the rainy season.
Hike to Playa Quesera
Another beach that’s an adventure to reach is Playa Quesera just outside of Paquera. The easy way to reach the beach is to take a boat from the Curú Wildlife Refuge.
Alternatively, it’s a 5 km hike on the dirt road in the reserve to get there. But the trip is well worth it – you’ll likely have the small white sand beach paradise all to yourself.
READ NEXT: The Complete Guide to Visiting Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Where to Stay in Paquera Town
Budget Hotel: El Gecko Hotel
El Gecko Hotel is a simple hotel located right in Paquera town that offers a laidback and affordable accommodation option in town. The hotel offers double rooms with access to a guest kitchen, beautiful garden area, and a tour desk to arrange any day trips in the area.
Mid-Range Hotel: Mapi’s Cabins
Another mid-range option in Paquera town itself, Mapi’s Cabins have several modern and clean rooms, suitable for families or groups of five. They offer free parking onsite, so it’s a great base from which to explore the southern part of the peninsula.
Luxury Hotel: Eco Boutique Hotel Vista Las Islas Reserva Natural
Located about 5 km outside of town, Vista Las Islas Boutique Hotel is a stunning property featuring incredible views over the southern coast of the peninsula from the infinity pool and outdoor bar. The king rooms are perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape, with sea views from the private balconies. Plus, the onsite restaurant serves both typical Costa Rican and international dishes.
Best Restaurants in Paquera Town
Lugar Favorito
A hidden gem located a short walk from Playa Organos, this rustic restaurant and bar offers outdoor dining overlooking the beach below. The secluded spot is accessible via a dirt road, but the view of the water for sunset cocktails makes it worthwhile. You can enjoy fresh seafood and other local dishes for lunch or dinner.
Macho’s
Located on the main road in Paquera, this local restaurant is a popular choice with a range of local and Western favourites, from hamburgers to quesadillas. There’s plenty of space in the airy restaurant with wooden benches. The space is big enough for groups and families looking for dinner after a day of exploring.
Las Vegas Restaurant
On the edge of town, you’ll find this no-frills seafood restaurant, which is perfect for trying the catch of the day. From seafood soup to ceviche and fresh crab, it’s a go-to for local food in a garden setting.
The Bottom Line
Paquera town is more than just a stopover on the way to or from the ferry to Puntarenas. It offers a great base from which to discover some of the underrated activities on the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula, from sea kayaking to snorkelling.
READ NEXT: Guide to Visiting Playa Herradura in Puntarenas, CR
