Canada, EN (CAD) 
Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula - A Central American Tropical Gem
The largest peninsula in Costa Rica, Nicoya Peninsula boasts some of the most secluded and captivating beaches in the Western Hemisphere. One of the most rugged places on Earth, it is a hotspot for summer escapades, replete with world-class resorts, natural reserves and picturesque towns. Its appeal lies in its remoteness – the peninsula's finest beaches are a day away from any major city. Shielded from the hustle and bustle of Costa Rica's metropolises, Nicoya is beaded with tiny villages and small towns that offer a lifestyle of relaxation and exploration.
Commence your tropical adventure in the town of Montezuma, whose bohemian character grows amid a lush jungle. Sited on the southernmost tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma's quaint, artist vibe may appear far away from any outside influences, but that is hardly the case. The small restaurants here serve dishes and beverages from disparate corners of the world. Yet, the beaches flanking Montezuma remain characteristically Costa Rican. Playa Montezuma stretches to the north of town and is by far the most popular beach with towering palm trees, powdery sand and choppy waters. Further north, along the beach, is a cluster of cairns (makeshift rock sculptures) near a waterfall.
Exploring the the Nicoya
One of the most captivating ways to appreciate the majestic shores here is by capturing them from a distance, under the water. Many companies offer boating and sailing opportunities here, but the Montezuma Crew stands out with its eclectic mix of experts who come from Italy and Argentina among other places. Dive in and snorkel off the coast with one of them, when the weather is dry, and a whole new world will reveal itself. From sea turtles to eels to octopus, a snorkeling tour will acquaint you with the residents of Montezuma that not everyone sees.
Then, venture to Montezuma's main attraction – the Montezuma Waterfalls just south of town. A string of three falls (ranging from 15 feet to 80 feet tall) that raise fine mist into the thick forest, the area allows for picnicking and swimming. A path along the riverbed and another upon a hanging bridge lead to the waterfalls after some trekking. When it comes to hiking, though, no other place compares to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, the country's first national reserve. But be prepared – you are to embark on a trail that snakes some five miles at air temperatures that rarely dip below 80 degrees.
The SWISSGEAR 2703 pack is to help you get through the jungle, home of a variety of monkeys and birds, in a stylish manner that can reflect Montezuma's proclivity for aesthetic expression. Durable and comfortable, it has enough space for a day's worth of necessities as well as digital devices like laptops, cameras and phones (after all, snapping captivating images of the flora and fauna here is hard to resist). The trail ends at a remote beach, where you can cool off and ravel at the cerulean horizon in front and the dark foliage behind you.
SWISSGEAR 2703 Laptop BackpackNever forget the camera or a change of clothes with the spacious 2703 and it's multiple compartments.
Shop Now
Bad Country
From Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve head to the nearby village of Mal Pais, which attracts surfers and birdwatchers from around the world. If you speak Spanish, you might wonder whether there is some veracity behind the name ("bad country"). The concise answer – no, except during the occasional summer draught. Surrounded by bigger, busier towns, Mal Pais has managed to preserve its leisurely pace of life, filled with water-centered activities. The rocky shoreline, intercepted by splotches of sandy beaches, meets the rough waters, which lash against several volcanic formation along the coast, shaping an idyllic surfing paradise. If you are unsteady on the board, head to Mal Pais Surf Camp to gain your sportsman's confidence. Test the waters in Mal Pais and proceed to Playa Hermosa, which affords an easy break for beginners, or go to Playa Carmen, which is to hone your skills.
No matter which beach you pick, the scenery somehow remains untrammeled even though thousands of tourists and water-sports enthusiasts descent on the seaboard. Kite surfing, fishing and diving are also popular, and so is Mal Pais' nightlife. Several coveted bars line up the beach, stirring midnight fiestas, while more secluded reefs offer private and romantic suppers.
Costa Rica
Dia de Ganacaste
After traversing the southern treasures of the peninsula, venture into its interior toward the town of Nicoya. Scores of tourists overlook this tight-knit community – much to their misfortune. A centuries-old settlement, first populated by the Chorotega Indians, Nicoya boasts a slew of ancient cultural and architectural landmarks. One such sight is the 500-year old church in the middle of Parque Central, which harbors vestiges of bygone eons. La Casa de Cultura is another. It houses the creations of contemporary local artists. If you happen to visit Nicoya in the end of July, be sure to stay for the Dia de Ganacaste festival, which commemorates the annexation of the Guanacaste province with lively parties and vibrant street processions.
As the mood in the city spikes during the celebration, so do the temperatures, which sizzle to the high two-digit degrees. Showers, however, cool down the region regularly during the rainy summer season. With hot and wet weather, exercise some foresight when packing. In addition to your bathing suit and flip flops, make sure to bring some sturdy shoes and blazers. If you fret that your luggage does not have the space for a versatile vacation wardrobe, don't. Pick a piece from the SWISSGEAR 7366 collection. Varying in size from 18" to 27", the expandable hardside cases split in two to accommodate garments, footwear and any smaller personal necessities. The metal zippers, premium aluminum handles, three-dial combination lock and a rugged exterior provide unmatched security, elegance and utility.
From the Dia de Ganacaste festival, drive for an hour and a half north until you hit the nation's soiree capital of Santa Cruz. Dubbed the "National Folklore City of Costa Rica," the city is a hotchpotch of festivities, parties, dances, rodeos and delectable cuisine. While Santa Cruz, alone, can fill a week with memorable activities, venture out of the city limits and visit some of the many pristine and spectacular beaches that lie only minutes away.
Sailing the Horizon
No trip to Costa Rica is complete without sunset sailing, a thrill that paints the nation in memorable pastel hues that only accentuate the tropical nirvana here. Tamarindo, which lies on the shore an hour away from Santa Cruz, bustles with late-evening escapades, which blend sailing and snorkeling. A local favorite, the Blue Dolphin Crew will guide you through the calm waters as the sun thaws in the horizon and, if you are lucky, point out to dolphins, turtles, rays and even whales who call the area home.
SWISSGEAR 3577 Artz Laptop BackpackOrganize your essentials and commence your adventure in style with this feature-rich laptop backpack.
Shop NowFor these adventures, take a SWISSGEAR 3577 Artz Laptop pack, whose doctor-bag aesthetic and modern practicality make for the perfect companion on a leisurely sailing outing. With a front organizer pocket and spacious main compartment, it can easily carry a change of clothes, a laptop and a camera – what else do you need, anyway?
From the beaches that frame the peninsula, to the tiny villages on the coastline to the busy towns in the heartland, Nicoya is a Central-American gem. Its vibrancy turns ordinary tropical vacations into unforgettable forays into an eclectic culture and a mesmerizing land. If Costa Rica is on your radar this summer, the Nicoya Peninsula should be on your trip itinerary.
