Your stay — Casa Cecilia
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The Property — Casa Cecilia
Casa Cecilia is a laid-back, 3-star hotel that embodies the surfer town vibe of Malpais, with its rustic-chic decor and lush gardens. Standing in the lobby, you're surrounded by natural materials and colourful textiles, immediately putting you at ease. This hotel is perfect for travellers seeking a relaxed, beach-focused getaway, particularly surfers and nature lovers. The hotel's USP is its proximity to the beach and its knowledgeable staff, who can arrange surf lessons and other activities.
Chronicles of Malpais
Malpais, which translates to 'bad land' in Spanish, was originally a small fishing village that has evolved into a thriving surf town. The area's architectural evolution is characterised by a mix of traditional Costa Rican houses and modern, eco-friendly buildings. Malpais is part of the Puntarenas Province, which has a rich cultural identity shaped by its indigenous, Spanish, and African heritage. Today, the town is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush forests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. The town's laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings make it a popular destination for surfers, yogis, and nature enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit
Full Malpais guide →Best months
December, January, and February are the best months to visit Malpais, as they offer a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. These months are ideal for surfing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Peak / festival surge
March is the peak month, with the town hosting various surf competitions and festivals, which drive up hotel prices and attract large crowds. The Envision Festival, a popular music and wellness event, takes place in February or March, drawing in thousands of visitors.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months, offering discounts on accommodations and a more relaxed atmosphere, with fewer crowds and milder weather. These months are ideal for budget-conscious travellers who still want to enjoy the town's outdoor activities.
Weather & packing
Malpais has a tropical dry climate, with a distinct dry season from December to April, and a rainy season from May to November, so it's essential to pack accordingly, with lightweight, quick-drying clothing and waterproof gear. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, as sudden rain showers can occur even during the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Malpais
- A new bike rental shop has opened in the town centre, offering a convenient way for visitors to explore the area. The Malpais Ferry, which connects the town to the nearby island of Montezuma, has increased its schedule to include more frequent departures during peak season. The town's annual Surf Competition is scheduled to take place in March, with events and activities happening throughout the town.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Casa Cecilia, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
For the best experience at Casa Cecilia, request a room on the upper floors (2nd or 3rd) as they are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's rural location in Malpais. This will also provide a better chance of enjoying the views of the surrounding countryside.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may be noisier due to potential street noise from the main road. Although the hotel has wheelchair ramp access, the stairs-only access to all floors means that guests and staff may be more active on the ground floor, leading to increased noise.
Best views
Rooms on the upper floors (2nd or 3rd) may offer views of the surrounding countryside, making the most of the hotel's rural location.
Quietest floors
The 2nd and 3rd floors are likely the quietest at Casa Cecilia, given the hotel's layout and rural setting.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may experience some street noise from the main road, particularly on the ground floor. However, the hotel's rural setting and lack of nearby streetlights may also provide a peaceful atmosphere.
Insider tips
Arrive early for parking, as the on-site parking lot may fill up quickly, and the nearest public car park is 500m away. Consider arriving before check-in time to secure parking and get settled. Take advantage of the free WiFi, which is a rare perk in many Costa Rican hotels. Although the speed is capped at 10 Mbps, it's a convenient feature for staying connected during your stay.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Casa Cecilia
free, 10 Mbps, no login required
no lift, stairs-only access to all floors
complimentary digital newsstand via hotel WiFi
15:00-20:00, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out ₡10,000 per hour until 14:00
available 08:00-20:00, free
step-free access to ground floor, wheelchair ramp, no structural limitations
on-site parking available, ₡5,000 per night; nearest public car park 500m away, ₡2,000 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit, ₡50,000 incidental card hold at check-in
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Amigo — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Colón (CRC)
US dollars are widely accepted, but exchanging at airports or tourist bureaus may get you a poor rate; consider exchanging at banks or currency exchange offices in town. Also, be aware that commission rates can add up.
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases; mobile payment options like Monedero are also popular.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers is sufficient; hotel staff may also receive a small tip for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee can be found for around ₡800-1,000 (approximately $1.50-$2 USD) at a local café or market stall.
A meal from a local soda (food stall) can cost around ₡2,500-3,500 (approximately $5-$7 USD) for a plate of casados or gallo pinto.
A budget-friendly dinner at a local restaurant can cost around ₡6,000-8,000 (approximately $12-$16 USD) for a main course, such as arroz con pollo or chifrijo.
The area around the town center and the main road through Malpaís has a variety of street food options, including tacos, empanadas, and fried plantains.
Supermarkets like Pali and Auto Mercado have locations in the nearby town of Playa Cielo.
For affordable shopping, try the local markets or the town's central park, where you can find vendors selling handmade crafts and second-hand clothing.
A bus ticket from the Liberia airport to Malpaís costs around ₡2,000-3,000 (approximately $4-$6 USD) and can be purchased at the airport or in town.
Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save on taxi fares.Eat at local sodas or street food stalls for affordable meals.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, and opt for a local bank or currency exchange office instead.
Emergency Contacts
MalpaisIn 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
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Malpais, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Casa Cecilia
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Amigo — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Cobano bus station → Malpaís main road (drop off near Bluejay Lodge turn)
💡 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).
San José Airport (SJO) or Liberia Airport (LIR) → Bluejay Lodge, Malpaís
💡 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.
San José Airport (SJO) or downtown hotels → Bluejay Lodge, Malpaís
💡 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.
San José (Calderón Guardia bus stop, near Hospital San Juan de Dios) → Malpaís bus stop (entrance to town, on the main road)
💡 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.
About Malpais
Wikipedia ↗Malpais (9°36'03 N, 85°08'36 W) is a town in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica which began as a fishing and cattle-farming village, and has become popular among surfers and adventure travelers around the world. in 2006, Forbes Magazine voted the beaches of Malpais and neighboring Santa Teresa as "One ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Casa Cecilia?
For the best experience at Casa Cecilia, request a room on the upper floors (2nd or 3rd) as they are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's rural location in Malpais. This will also provide a better chance of enjoying the views of the surrounding countryside.
Which rooms should I avoid at Casa Cecilia?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may be noisier due to potential street noise from the main road. Although the hotel has wheelchair ramp access, the stairs-only access to all floors means that guests and staff may be more active on the ground floor, leading to increased noise.
Is Casa Cecilia noisy?
Guests may experience some street noise from the main road, particularly on the ground floor. However, the hotel's rural setting and lack of nearby streetlights may also provide a peaceful atmosphere.
Which rooms have the best views at Casa Cecilia?
Rooms on the upper floors (2nd or 3rd) may offer views of the surrounding countryside, making the most of the hotel's rural location.
What are insider tips for staying at Casa Cecilia?
Arrive early for parking, as the on-site parking lot may fill up quickly, and the nearest public car park is 500m away. Consider arriving before check-in time to secure parking and get settled. Take advantage of the free WiFi, which is a rare perk in many Costa Rican hotels. Although the speed is capped at 10 Mbps, it's a convenient feature for staying connected during your stay.
What time is check-in at Casa Cecilia?
Check-in at Casa Cecilia is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Casa Cecilia have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps, no login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Casa Cecilia?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Casa Cecilia?
A meal from a local soda (food stall) can cost around ₡2,500-3,500 (approximately $5-$7 USD) for a plate of casados or gallo pinto.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Casa Cecilia?
A bus ticket from the Liberia airport to Malpaís costs around ₡2,000-3,000 (approximately $4-$6 USD) and can be purchased at the airport or in town.
When is the best time to visit Malpais?
December, January, and February are the best months to visit Malpais, as they offer a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. These months are ideal for surfing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Top Attractions in Malpais
💡 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.
💡 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.
💡 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.
💡 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.
💡 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.