www.CostaRicaTicas.com

After a few days in SJ, I'm heading out to the coast for surfing, hiking, and maybe a little relaxing. Do you guys recommend Tamarindo or Mal Pais? Why? Thanks for your help.

Tamarindo and the mal pais area could not be more different. The former is a booming resort town rapidly becoming a victum of its popularity.

The latter is an area with miles and miles of beautiful beaches with year round waves. It is spread out with all ranges of hotels and restaurants and is a favorite with celebrities . It has a remote feel to it and there is no place like it in CR.

Not much of a choice really, an overdeveloped crime ridden city with a dirty beach or a remote classy clean area with great waves and interesting people from all over the world.

nfm

Mal Pais area over Tamarindo for the same reasons listed above by ZMAN.

Mal Pais area has alot of places to stay, eat, etc....I have stayed at several places there but would always try to get a room at FRANKS PLACE 506-640-0096.... it is very close to everything.....walking distance to many places to eat etc.. nice pool...a/c....free breakfast.

Great surf when I have been there...always seems to catch swell from all directions..Lots of peaks so the line-up stays pretty well spread out.