Cuajiniquil is a small fishing village on the Pacific coast of northwest Costa Rica with gray sands, pristine clear waters, small waves, and abundant marine life. This little town is located about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the Pan-American Highway, 56 km (34.8 miles) northwest of Liberia, and 50 km (31.1 miles) southwest of Nicaragua. It is also just north of the Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste.

The coast of northwest Costa Rica is one of the richest marine areas in Central America. About 2,000 people live in and around Cuajiniquil. Many people make a modest living by fishing from shore, fishing from small boats near the coast, or working as crewmembers on larger boats. Fishermen fish from small boats using nets, hook and line, and spear guns. Their harvest includes lobster, octopus, and red snapper. Long-liners travel far from shore and extract pelagic species, mostly dolphin fish and thresher sharks.

The land near Cuajiniquil is a mix of cow pastures, regenerating dry forest, and mature dry forest. Cuajiniquil’s largest neighbor is a protected wild area, the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG). This conservation area is a set of national parks that was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 by the United Nations. Cuajiniquil provides the ideal base for exploring and appreciating the biodiversity and natural wonders of this area. Tourists can observe humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, angelfish, spoonbills, boat-billed herons, monkeys, fishing bats, Guanacaste trees, mangroves, and hundreds of other species. Visitors can also see extraordinary geological formations caused by the collision and subduction of tectonic plates.

In Cuajiniquil, you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, fishing, and kayaking. This town offers all of the main services: good quality drinking water, electricity, mini supermarkets, restaurants, trash service, public telephones, and medical services. There are a few lodging options, but camping is also available.

The people of Cuajiniquil are a combination of Guanacasteco (northern Costa Rican) and Nicaraguan cultures. They are warm, hospitable, and friendly to visitors. Although there is much to do for eco-tourists, the pace of life is relaxed and enjoyable. This is a very typical town, rich in nature with all the comforts tourists are looking for.