Playa Mal País, A beach in Costa Rica

Playa Mal País is a beach on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The shoreline consists mainly of rocky and volcanic coastal formations interrupted by small sandy coves, where dense jungle extends down to the water's edge.

Mal País lies in Puntarenas Province on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, about 120 km west of San José. The settlement grew from a small fishing community, and fishing still shapes daily life in the village. Unlike neighbouring Santa Teresa, it has seen little large-scale development in recent decades.

The name Mal País means "bad land" in Spanish, yet today it reflects little about how people experience this place. The village has kept its authentic character, with simple homes, an active fishing port, and a relaxed community used by fishermen and visitors who value the untouched nature.

The beach is easiest to reach by car or ATV; driving on the peninsula's hilly roads can be difficult, especially during the rainy season from May to November. The beach itself is safest to explore during daylight, and it is wise to avoid leaving belongings unattended or walking alone on the beach at night.

Playa Mal País lies about 120 km west of San José, in Puntarenas Province on the western side of Costa Rica. Local temperatures average around 24 °C, with January slightly warmer at about 26 °C, and the area receives roughly 2,408 mm of rain a year, most of it falling in September.