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Mal Pais, Santa Teresa and Manzanillo de Cobano are located near the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, adjacent to Cabo Blanco National Park. These are two of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica favorite beaches for surfers and beach bums. Climate in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa is generally favorable for tourism year around with only two rainy months during September and October. The area offers fine to excellent service with great attention to details and are set on a few of the most gorgeous beaches in Costa Rica.
 The town of Cobano is the local hub for the whole southern part of Nicoya Peninsula. Roads to all beaches pass through this little town and in many cases you will have to backtrack through Cobano when going from one beach village to another.
Only 10 years ago, Cobano was little more than a cattle raising region crossroads. The coastal villages were supplied by boat from Puntarenas, because roads didn't exist or were unpassable by car. As transportation shifts to the steadily improving road system, bringing more and more tourists to the beautiful beaches of the southern Nicoya Peninsula, Cobano has quickly developed into a lively little town.
. In spite of rapid growth over the last few years, Cobano is still not a big town. During the day the town fills up with travelers, Ticos and expatriates from surrounding villages, taking care of their business. But by sundown Cobano returns to its sleepy roots and only the large rancho bar in the center of town draws much of a crowd, serving Costa Rican snacks, called "bocas" along with beer, wine and Guaro, the local hard liquor.
The branch of Banco Nacional de Costa Rica in Cobano is the only bank  on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Although it has recently been enlarged, it can be very crowded in high season. It's better to have bank affairs settled before coming here. As for Credit Cards theyonly accept Visa and Master Card. Travelers from Europe should know that changing Euros is charged with a 10% conversion fee. Banco Nacional hours of operation are from Monday to Friday 8:30 - 15:45.
The post office at the side of the police station is also the only one of the whole area. Open from Monday to Friday 8:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:30.
In Cobano there is a pharmacy, several dentists, a small hospital and a private ambulance. Serious  cases will be transferred to Puntarenas or San José.
A major attraction of Cobano are the annual Fiestas Civicas held in February or March. It begins with the tope, a parade of horse riders from all the surrounding villages and far away ranches. From Cobano the parade proceeds to the Plaza de Rodeo where the fiesta runs for three days, with bull riding, a big fair with colorful booths and circus, food stalls and cumbia dancing at night.
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