The Beach and Town of Malpais
History of Malpais' Name
One kilometer south of Santa Teresa, heading south from the road coming from Cóbano, there is a community with a very unusual name: Malpais. The origin of this unique name is shrouded in mystery. The hypothesis is that the first settlers, aware of the term “malpais” used by the inhabitants of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, named the place after its rocky beach, possibly of volcanic origin. The name remained even after the first settlements in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Beach
In a very general way, Malpais Beach is promoted as another surfing destination on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula by other websites.
But if you want to surf, there are better options to the north, such as the aforementioned Santa Teresa, neighboring Playa El Carmen, and further north, Hermosa. The sandy beach is very small, and the rest is a rocky bed with reefs that protrude above the water level here and there. That’s why there aren’t any waves that are interesting for an expert surfer, and the rocks could be dangerous for a novice surfer.
But Malpais Beach has other charms. At high tide, the bed shrinks, leaving the water very close to the jungle. This is the best time for SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) or kayaking. As the waves are smaller than those of its northern neighbors, it allows for more relaxed water sports. Swimmers can also take advantage of the smooth rocky seabed and play in the waves at high tide and bathe in the pools at low tide.
The Town
Because the beach does not fit the old concepts of an “ideal beach,” Malpais developed in a different way. First as a small fishing village, it now has a group of entrepreneurs who offer a different kind of lodging experience.
The emphasis is on preserving Malpais and the jungle surrounding the beach so that nature lovers and those seeking tranquility have a place to enjoy. Some 600 residents have their homes along the road. Some built in the mountains behind the village.
There are restaurants, basic services such as grocery stores, and other tourism-related services.
Malpais welcomes visitors year-round, both during the green season and the summer season. People who come here are looking for a more intimate, peaceful, and in some cases, romantic place.
Stuff to do in Malpais
Malpais is the quintessential authentic rural experience. A small town with premium services such as gourmet restaurants. Malpais does not seek to attract large numbers of tourists of all kinds, but rather to appeal only to connoisseurs seeking tranquility and relaxation.
There are yoga studios, ATV and bicycle rentals, horseback riding, guided tours to Cabo Blanco Park, diving, and other activities. Malpais is a haven for those seeking to escape the world and find an earthly paradise.