The small fishing villages encompassing the southern most Pacific side of the Nicoya Peninsula are generally known as Mal Pais and have in recent years become a prime destination for eco and surf tourism alike. Geographically, the area is known as a tropical-dry forest and essentially has two seasons, wet and dry, from May to November and December to April respectively.

Tropical-dry forests are rare in the world and enjoy a wide range of foliage and wildlife, the ecosystem here being no different. Cabo Blanco National Reserve is located only 3-kilometers to the south and old growth forests adorn the coastline, eventually cascading into pristine white sand beaches with scattered reef points, accentuating the views and sea-life habitats.

Visitors enjoy a wide range of activities including surfing, sport fishing, hiking, horse back riding, or simply relaxing in a hammock, taking it all in, the troubles of home miraculously having disappeared upon arrival to such a unique destination. Immigrants have been congregating here consistently during the last few years, thus integrating a rich and diverse culture to this Latin America paradise.

There is no shortage of international cuisine, of course specializing in locally caught sea-food; the shops off the main road boast local artisan creations with unique style and presentation. Mal Pais, Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, Play Hermosa, and Manzanillo blend together being connected by one dirt road, though each area has its own special qualities that will continue to entice the senses of world travelers for years to come.