Nicoya Attractions

25,000 people live in and around Nicoya, the most important town on the peninsula. Many of the residents in the area claim to be of Chorotega Indian decent, the group living in the area before the arrival of the Spanish.

The town is named for the Indian chief Nicoya, who welcomed Spanish conquistador Gil González Dávila in 1523. The chief gave many rich gifts to Dávila, part of the reason the country was named Costa Rica (Rich Coast).

Today, Nicoya is the commercial and political center of the peninsula. The cattle industry is centered in this town, and it is also the transportation hub of the area. There are nearby beaches, natural attractions and several options for accommodations and dining.