Paquera

Paquera is a district of 8,400 people (2022) on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Paquera is less touristy than many of the nearby towns, but noteworthy as the southern landing point of the ferry from Puntarenas to the Nicoya Peninsula, for its bioluminescence, and as a jumping off point for trips to nearby Isla Tortuga.

• Ferry from Puntarenas by Naviera Tambor
• Bus from the north (Nicoya)
• Bus from the west (Santa Teresa, Cóbano, etc)

The ferry port is several kilometers from the center of town. If you arrive on the ferry and don't have your own vehicle, there are typically buses and taxis waiting at the port. There will be two buses. Both go into the center of Paquera, but from there one continues on towards the southwest corner of the peninsula, and one heads north. Check with the driver to make sure you catch the right bus! Also note that the buses won't be there for the last two ferries of the day; taxis or your own transportation are the only option then.

Paquera is easiest to get around by auto, moto, or even bicycle. There are public busses along the main road, but these are infrequent and scheduled to match the ferry arrival / departure times; it could be hours in between busses. The center of town is very compact and walkable, but if you're staying outside the center, be cautious walking along the main road (no sidewalks, lots of hills and corners, fast drivers). And many of the attractions or tour meeting points are outside of the center of town - be prepared for some careful planning and/or long walks if you're only travelling by bus/foot.

• Playa Órganos. Local beach southeast of the center of town, south of the ferry port. Easiest to get to with your own vehicle - the public bus leaves you at the side of the main road, from which it's about a 40min walk to the beach. (updated Oct 2026)
• Curú Wildlife Refuge. National wildlife refuge with several beaches and hiking trails. Also has an onsite restaurant (closed September/October) and possibilities in high season for boat rental, guided walking tours, horseback tours, etc. Technically outside of Paquera, but Paquera is the nearest noteworthy town. Easy to get to on the bus - the welcome area is right off the main road. Pay at the entrance, and walk or drive approx 2.5 km to the beach area, which also has an information center, restrooms, picnic area, etc. You can get a map of the hiking trails at the information center by the beach. $18. (updated Oct 2026)

• Bioluminescence Tour. Multiple companies offer nightly bioluminescence tours, either by boat or by kayak. Paquera is generally recognized as the best location in Costa Rica to experience bioluminescence. Try to go on a night without much light - near the new moon, or cloudy skies - for the best viewing experience. (updated Oct 2026)
• Isla Tortuga Snorkelling. Again, multiple companies have tours to Isla Tortuga - full day or half day, focused on snorkelling or mixing in beach time and lunch time. Make sure you know where your tour is leaving from, as most leave from somewhere along the coast, and access could be a challenge without a car. (updated Oct 2026)

• Soda Chu, near the corner of Avenida 0 and Calle 2. Authentic local restaurant with great-quality food and very reasonable prices. Try a casado and one of the natural fruit juices mixed with either water or milk. Outdoor seating: don't mind the two well-behaved chickens wandering through the yard. (updated Oct 2026)
• Soda Lula, Just west of town center, on the main road. This is a popular little soda (food shop), tucked away on the side of a supermarket. Their prices are slightly higher than some of the local competitors, but the quality is good, the portions are large, and they stay open late. Worth a visit, especially if you're looking for dinner after the town has shut down for the night. (updated Oct 2026)
• Panaderia El Buon Gusto, near the corner of Avenida 0 and Calle 2, across from Banco Popular. Bakery serving sweet and savory baked goods. The products are great, the prices are reasonable, and the staff are very friendly. (updated Oct 2026)