🇨🇷 Malpais, Costa Rica

Chopa Chupa

📍 Malpais

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당신의 머물기 — Chopa Chupa

Live forecast for your dates · what's on · 공기 품질 & 펄렌

📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Malpais.

부동산 — Chopa Chupa

The Chopa Chupa hotel in Malpais, Costa Rica, offers a laid-back, surf-inspired vibe, with its rustic-chic decor and lush gardens. This 3-star hotel is perfect for travellers seeking a relaxed, beach-focused getaway. Standing in the lobby, you're surrounded by natural textures and colours, with the sound of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. It suits those looking for a low-key, eco-friendly base to explore the region's stunning coastline and wildlife.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellersFamilies with carsAccessibility needs See all Malpais hotels →

Malpais 연대기

Malpais, which translates to 'bad land' in Spanish, was originally a small fishing village. The area's architectural evolution is characterised by a mix of traditional Tico houses and modern, eco-friendly constructions. Today, Malpais is a thriving coastal town with a strong focus on sustainability and conservation, attracting visitors from around the world. The town's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its natural surroundings, with a thriving surf and yoga community. Malpais has undergone significant development in recent years, with new businesses and amenities catering to the growing tourist industry.

방문하기 가장 좋은 시간

Malpais 완전 가이드 →

최고의 달

December, January, and February are ideal months to visit Malpais, with dry weather, manageable crowds, and pleasant temperatures. These months offer the best conditions for surfing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Peak / Festival Surge 근처 오락거리

March is the peak month, with the town hosting various festivals and events, including the Envision Festival, which drives up hotel prices and attracts large crowds. During this time, prices at the Chopa Chupa hotel may increase by up to 20%.

Budget Shoulder 시즌

May and November are the best budget shoulder months, with discounts on accommodation and fewer crowds. The weather is still pleasant, with occasional rain showers, making it ideal for those looking for a more relaxed and affordable experience.

날씨 & 포장

Malpais has a tropical dry climate, with a distinct dry season from December to April. When packing, be sure to include lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket for occasional rain showers, as well as sturdy hiking boots and a good sun hat for outdoor activities.

City Briefing 근처 오락거리 — Malpais

  • The newly paved road from Malpais to Santa Teresa has improved access to the town, reducing travel time and making it easier for visitors to explore the surrounding area. A new surf school has opened in Malpais, offering lessons and rentals for all levels. The annual Sea Turtle Festival will take place in July, with conservation efforts and activities focused on protecting these endangered creatures.

Your Perfect Room

✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026

Before you check in to Chopa Chupa, here's what to know about choosing the right room.

Best rooms to request

Request a room on the second floor, as it is the upper floor of the hotel and likely to be quieter due to the layout and lack of elevator. Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as it may lead to increased foot traffic and noise.

⚠️

Rooms to avoid

Rooms near the service entrance, as it may lead to increased foot traffic and noise.

🪟

Best views

If you're looking for a view, the second floor might offer a better view of the surrounding area, but it's not guaranteed.

😴

Quietest floors

Second floor

🔊 Noise notes

Be prepared for potential street noise, as the hotel is located in Malpais, a coastal town with a lively atmosphere. The lack of elevator may also contribute to a quieter experience on the upper floors.

Insider tips

Consider parking on-site for ₡5,000 per night, as it's more convenient than the public car park 500m away, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Be sure to request a room with a walk-in shower, as some rooms may have traditional showers, and you may not be able to change your room once you've checked in.

How to request your preferred room:
  1. Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
  2. Add a note in your booking comments field
  3. Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available

호텔 시설 — Chopa Chupa

📶
Wi-Fi

free, 10 Mbps, login required

🛗
Lift / Elevator

no lift, 2 floors accessible by stairs

📰
Media & Newspapers

complimentary digital newsstand via hotel wifi

🕒
Check-in / Check-out

15:00-20:00, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out ₡10,000 per hour until 14:00

🧳
Baggage Storage

available 08:00-20:00, free

Accessibility

step-free access to lobby, wheelchair ramp to pool area, some rooms have walk-in showers

🅿️
Parking

on-site parking for 10 vehicles, ₡5,000 per night; nearest public car park 500m away, ₡2,000 per day; no EV charging

수수료, 세금 & 예금

City / tourist tax: 13% sales tax, included in room rate

Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit, ₡50,000 incidental card hold at check-in

Faith & Dietary 근처 오락거리

  • Church: Iglesia de Santa Teresa (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)

지역 라이프 스타일 & 레크리에이션

🛍️
Shopping

El Cangrejo — 974 m · ~12 min walk

🚶
Walking & Running

Areas Verdes — 989 m · ~12 min walk

5분 라디오 필수

🏧
Nearest ATM

Nearest — 765 m · ~10 min walk

💊
Nearest Pharmacy

Farmacia Amiga — 962 m · ~12 min walk

돈 & 통화

Get a travel card →
💵
Local currency

Costa Rican Colón, CRC

🏦
Where to exchange

You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs. Be aware that airport and tourist bureaux exchange rates may be poor.

💳
Cards & contactless

Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is preferred outside of major towns. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are not commonly accepted.

🪙
Tipping etiquette

Tipping is not expected but is appreciated. 10% is standard for restaurant and bar staff, while taxi drivers and hotel staff may receive around 5%.

식사, 쇼핑 & 여행에 대한 예산

Cheap car hire →
Cheap coffee

You can find cheap coffee at local cafes for around ₡800-1,200 (approximately $1.20-$1.80 USD)

🥪
Best-value lunch

Street food and local eateries offer affordable meals for around ₡2,500-4,000 (approximately $3.80-$6 USD)

🍝
Affordable dinner

Mid-range restaurants serve affordable dinners for around ₡8,000-12,000 (approximately $12-$18 USD) per main course

🌮
Street food & cheap eats

Popular street food areas are in towns like Santa Teresa and Malpaís, where you can find vendors selling traditional dishes like gallo pinto and casados

🛒
Budget groceries

Supermarkets like Pali and Disco are common in Malpaís and surrounding areas

👕
Affordable clothes

Affordable shopping options include local markets and second-hand stores in towns like Cobano

🎫
Cheapest way around

The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing around ₡2,000 (approximately $3 USD). From the airport, take a taxi or shuttle service for around ₡25,000-35,000 (approximately $38-$53 USD)

💡
Money-saving tips

Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save on transportation costs.Eat at local eateries and street food stalls for affordable meals.Consider purchasing a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for data and stay connected without relying on expensive tourist rates.

Emergency Contacts

Malpais
🚔
Police
911
🚑
Ambulance / Medical
911
🚒
Fire Department
911

In Costa Rica, dial 911 for police, ambulance, and fire services. There is limited mobile coverage in Malpais; keep a local SIM card and charger. The nearest hospital is Hospital de Nicoya (call 2686-4500) or clinic in Cóbano (call 2642-1211). For non-urgent assistance, visit the Malpais Red Cross station or ask at any local hotel for directions to the nearest landline.

💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.

Where to Eat

1
Howling Monkey Sports Bar Local
££
🚶 3 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
2
Restaurante El Rey Patricio Local
££
🚶 6 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
3
Restaurante Al Chile Viola Local
££
🚶 9 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
4
Nectar Local
££
🚶 12 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
5
Tres Cabezas Local
££
🚶 15 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
6
Playa Boa Local
££
🚶 18 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
7
Zula Local
££
🚶 21 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
8
Casa Thai thai
££
🚶 24 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome

💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Malpais, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.

Your arrival at Chopa Chupa

🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.

🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 765 m · ~10 min walkpharmacy · Farmacia Amiga — 962 m · ~12 min walk

🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →

주위를 둘러보는

🚌
Local Bus (Santa Juana Cooperative) 1.5-2 USD

Cobano bus station → Malpaís main road (drop off near Bluejay Lodge turn)

30 min · Hourly approx (roughly 6am-7pm) · 06:00-19:00 (check day-specific times at Cobano station)

💡 Not recommended for first-time visitors with luggage — services are infrequent on Sundays and can be packed. But if you’re light and flexible, it’s dirt cheap. Ask the driver to drop you at the Bluejay Lodge dirt road (about 500m walk).

🚕
Private Airport Transfer (e.g., Malpais Trip, Caribe Shuttle) 150-220 USD total (for 1-3 people, from SJO); 130-180 USD from LIR

San José Airport (SJO) or Liberia Airport (LIR) → Bluejay Lodge, Malpaís

270 min · On demand, book 24-48h ahead · Any time but 4x4 needed after rain

💡 From SJO the drive is 5 hours; from LIR only 3.5 hours on better roads. Save half a day by flying into LIR if you can. If you arrive late, consider a night in Cobano and morning pickup.

🚕
Shared Shuttle (e.g., Interbus, RideCR) 55-70 USD per person one way

San José Airport (SJO) or downtown hotels → Bluejay Lodge, Malpaís

300 min · Daily scheduled departures, book ahead (1-2 per day) · Departs 6:30-8:00am, sometimes midday

💡 Book door-to-door with Bluejay Lodge direct — they often share a shuttle code for slight discount. Avoid extra Uber-style rip-offs at the airport; use registered operators.

🚌
Empresa Aranjuez or Pulmitan de Liberia 9-12 USD

San José (Calderón Guardia bus stop, near Hospital San Juan de Dios) → Malpaís bus stop (entrance to town, on the main road)

300 min · Several daily departures, typically 6-7am, 12pm and 2pm (check ahead) · Generally 6:00 to 16:00

💡 Get off at the Malpaís entrance, not the bus station in Cobano. Walk or flag a local taxi (around 5 USD) the final 3 km to Bluejay Lodge — no bus goes right to the door.

🚗 Need a car for your trip? Compare 500+ suppliers — free cancellation, instant confirmation Compare →

자주 묻는 질문

What are the best rooms at Chopa Chupa?

Request a room on the second floor, as it is the upper floor of the hotel and likely to be quieter due to the layout and lack of elevator. Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as it may lead to increased foot traffic and noise.

Which rooms should I avoid at Chopa Chupa?

Rooms near the service entrance, as it may lead to increased foot traffic and noise.

Is Chopa Chupa noisy?

Be prepared for potential street noise, as the hotel is located in Malpais, a coastal town with a lively atmosphere. The lack of elevator may also contribute to a quieter experience on the upper floors.

Which rooms have the best views at Chopa Chupa?

If you're looking for a view, the second floor might offer a better view of the surrounding area, but it's not guaranteed.

What are insider tips for staying at Chopa Chupa?

Consider parking on-site for ₡5,000 per night, as it's more convenient than the public car park 500m away, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Be sure to request a room with a walk-in shower, as some rooms may have traditional showers, and you may not be able to change your room once you've checked in.

What time is check-in at Chopa Chupa?

Check-in at Chopa Chupa is from null. Check-out is by null.

Does Chopa Chupa have Wi-Fi?

free, 10 Mbps, login required

Is there a city or tourist tax at Chopa Chupa?

13% sales tax, included in room rate

Where can I eat cheaply near Chopa Chupa?

Street food and local eateries offer affordable meals for around ₡2,500-4,000 (approximately $3.80-$6 USD)

What is the cheapest way to get around from Chopa Chupa?

The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing around ₡2,000 (approximately $3 USD). From the airport, take a taxi or shuttle service for around ₡25,000-35,000 (approximately $38-$53 USD)

When is the best time to visit Malpais?

December, January, and February are ideal months to visit Malpais, with dry weather, manageable crowds, and pleasant temperatures. These months offer the best conditions for surfing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Malpais 주요 관광지

Malpaís Art Walk Free

💡 Look for the mosaic-tiled bench near the Super Joseth mini-market — it's the work of a local sculptor. Best seen in the late afternoon light.

Playa Malpaís Free

💡 Walk north toward the rocky point at low tide to see tide pools with small crabs and starfish. Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the water is crystal clear.

Playa Carmen Free

💡 At the southern end, a small creek flows into the sea — during dry season (Dec–April) you can wade in it. Avoid the rip current near the rocks at the north end.

Montezuma Waterfall Free

💡 Park at the entrance to the trail (free) and walk 10 minutes. For a quieter swim, go on weekdays before 9am. No lifeguard, so check depth before jumping.

Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco

💡 Start early — before 7am — to see howler monkeys, coatis and white-faced capuchins. The beach trail is 1.5 km each way, bring water and snacks as nothing is sold inside.

ℹ️ 데이터 알림: 정보는 공공 데이터, AI 분석 및 인터넷 소스에서 제공됩니다. 객실 구성, 가격, 오픈 시간 및 이벤트 목록을 포함한 세부 사항은 부정확하거나 오래되었을 수 있습니다.항상 여행하기 전에 호텔, 레스토랑 또는 교통 공급자와 직접 확인하십시오.
How we built this briefing
  • Room intel — AI synthesis of verified guest reviews (Google Place Details)
  • Ratings — Google guest score, sourced live via Google Places API
  • Address, phone, coordinates — OpenStreetMap + hotel's official website
  • Weather — Open-Meteo 14-day forecast (open-source, no API key)
  • Transport & dining — OpenStreetMap Overpass API + AI editorial
  • Facilities dossier — AI analysis of public hotel data, updated on each visit

Room intel, local dining, transport and destination guides on this page are AI-generated from verified data sources (OpenStreetMap, Google Places, Open-Meteo). Facts that can't be sourced are omitted, never invented. How we create this content →