Holiday houses in Malpaís

Find and book unique accommodation on Airbnb

Quick stats about holiday rentals in Malpaís

  • Total holiday rentals

    Explore 190 holiday rentals in Malpaís

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Malpaís holiday rentals start at $52 NZD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 6,520 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly holiday rentals

    110 properties offer extra space and kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly accommodation

    Find 110 rentals that welcome pets

  • Holiday rentals with a pool

    120 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    140 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    190 of Malpaís holiday rentals include Wi-Fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Gym, BBQ grill and Laptop-friendly workspace across Malpaís rentals

  • 4.8 Average rating

    Malpaís stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.8 out of 5!

Top-rated holiday rentals in Malpaís

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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Top Guest favourite
Treehouse in Puntarenas
5 out of 5 average rating, 56 reviews

Ocean View Luxury Tree House w/ Hot Tub

Enjoy the sounds of the natural world when you stay in our one of a kind home. Trees, birds and monkeys will have you immersed in the tranquility of nature while overlooking the ocean Beautiful views and sounds are the perfect get away yet close to the beaches, just a 10 min drive to Lajas River and Cedros beach, 15 to Manchas Beach in Montezuma. Cabuya Island is a 5 min drive, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are 16 mins. Don’t forget to enjoy the sunrise in the 3rd floor! Nestled in a 7 acre property

Guest favourite
A tranquil outdoor space features a newly built pool surrounded by greenery. Comfortable lounge chairs are positioned beside the water, and a tiki bar is visible in the background, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding jungle atmosphere.
Villa in Playa Malpais
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 71 reviews

Jungle Oasis w/ Pool - walk to beach – Sea Monkey

Amidst lush jungle, surf sounds, exotic birds & monkeys, our architect-designed showcase bamboo home is located in the jungle, abutting 2 nature preserves. 3 bed (with private balconies), 2.5 ba, deck, porch and lovely pool and patio with tiki bar, fiber optic internet. Walk to idyllic Malpais Beach, 10 mins to vibrant Santa Teresa. PARTIES/LOUD MUSIC NOT ALLOWED. NO COMPARABLE LODGING for the environment-conscious and nature lovers in the entire Malpais/Santa Teresa area. Sleeps 6.

Guest favourite
An outdoor terrace features a wooden lounge chair positioned for ocean views. A private infinity pool reflects the serene surroundings. Two black mugs rest on a table nearby, while gray cushions line the edge of the terrace, enhancing the inviting setting.
Home in Puntarenas
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

Casa Opale : Pool & Ocean View

With years of hosting experience, I've included everything you need to know so you can feel certain—you’ve found the ideal haven at Casa Opale Casa Opale blends comfort with style, providing hotel-like services, daily housekeeping, and a dedicated team to ensure a smooth, restful stay. ★ "We considered so many options, but Casa Opale instantly felt like the right choice." ☞ Daily housekeeping ☞ Private pool with serene views ☞ Just a 5–6 minute drive from Main Street ☞ Visitors possible..

Superhost
Home in Santa Teresa Beach
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 75 reviews

Casa Layla ocean/jungle retreat satellite internet

This elegant accommodation is ideal for group trips. Whether you are here for surfing, yoga, exploring, cruising around in a quad or simply relaxing in our beautiful pool, Casa Layla, offers a scenic escape. Casa Layla is more than a luxury home, it is a life style! Immersed in nature, you will enjoy the spectacular views of the jungle diving into the ocean, beautiful birds, monkeys climbing on the property trees all while lounging on the pool deck or relaxing in the sunk-in living room.

Top Guest favourite
Home in Santa Teresa
5 out of 5 average rating, 20 reviews

Casa Solana - Modern House with Ocean Views

Unwind in this calm, stylish space. This light-filled house is designed to highlight space, openness, and natural light. Clean lines, large windows, and warm natural materials create bright, calm interiors that connect seamlessly with the surrounding jungle and ocean views. The open-plan living areas invite relaxed indoor–outdoor living. Located close to Santa Teresa’s best restaurants and top surf spots, the house offers comfort, design, and privacy, while being elevated on the hill.

Top Guest favourite
An infinity pool reflects the soft hues of a sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by lush greenery, the tranquil water appears to merge with the horizon, creating a serene viewpoint framed by tropical foliage.
Home in Provincia de Puntarenas
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 182 reviews

The Rock House: Oceanview w/ Private Infinity Pool

THE ROCK HOUSE is a contemporary style home boasting EXQUISITE VIEWS OF THE PACIFIC. This two-story house sits on a 3 acre hillside property surrounded by the jungle providing a very PRIVATE and TRANQUIL backdrop for your tropical getaway. With beautiful indoor/outdoor design elements and just steps from the INFINITY POOL, the house features a spacious kitchen, dining area, living room and bathroom on the first level and TWO MASTER SUITES with private bathrooms and a balcony upstairs.

Top Guest favourite
Home in Malpais
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 353 reviews

Stylish Home • Tropical Pool • Walk to Beach

Family-friendly stay with warm design, thoughtful layout, spacious terrace, purified water, and fast fiber-optic WiFi with Starlink backup. Relax poolside in a hammock under the tropical tiki hut, surrounded by lush gardens with a pool shared with only one other unit. Walk to Mal País beaches, tide pools, a grocery store, Italian pizzeria, and microbrewery. Quiet location, yet just 10 minutes from Santa Teresa’s main bustle, with dining, cafés, nightlife, and top surf spots nearby.

Top Guest favourite
Home in Mal País
5 out of 5 average rating, 17 reviews

Private Hilltop Villa · Panoramic Ocean View

Wake up above the ocean with panoramic views and complete privacy in a hilltop luxury retreat. Kasbah is a unique hilltop villa in Malpaís that combines stunning panoramic ocean views, total privacy and distinctive architectural design to create an unforgettable stay. Set on a large private property surrounded by nature, the villa offers a peaceful and immersive environment where guests can truly disconnect while still being within driving distance of Santa Teresa and the beaches.

Superhost
Home in Malpais
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 81 reviews

Ocean View Dream Casita - Mal Pais of Santa Teresa

Welcome to our stunning Airbnb! Our casita offers unrivaled ocean views from Mal Pais to Nosara. Enjoy a king-size bed, a comfy living area, a fully equipped kitchen, spacious bathroom, and outdoor living space with epic views. Stylish design and perfect details ensure a dream vacation. Enjoy the morning light, nightly sunset spectacles or stargaze in our little slice of heaven. Bask in the glory of the view and live the pura vida! We are just a 15 min 4x4 drive into town. Come!

Top Guest favourite
Tall palm trees sway gently over a lush green lawn, leading to a serene beach scene. Hammocks are strung between the trees, offering a shaded space to relax while overlooking the ocean. The clear blue sky enhances the coastal ambiance.
Villa in Malpais
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 266 reviews

Private Oceanfront Villa | Pool, Year-Round Sunset

Casa Celeste is a private beachfront villa set on 1.5 acres in Mal País, where the ocean, jungle, and sunset meet. Wake to the sound of waves, spend your days between the pool and sea, and end each evening with unobstructed sunset views. Designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living, the home opens fully to nature. With daily housekeeping and concierge included. Casa Celeste offers a rare combination of privacy and comfort, located a couple of blocks from Playa Santa Teresa.

Superhost
An outdoor dining area is situated on a wooden deck, featuring a long table surrounded by four white chairs. Lush trees provide shade and views of the distant coastline and ocean can be seen in the background, creating a serene and inviting space.
Bungalow in Santa Teresa
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 191 reviews

Ocean View with Private Pool - Santa Teresa Beach

Casa Copal is a beautiful new home, overlooking the jungle and surf above Santa Teresa. The house is perfectly located, less than a 10 minute walk to amazing white sand beaches and surf breaks, as well as some of the best restaurants in town, while still offering tons of privacy. Surrounded by lush jungle and breathtaking views, you're secluded enough to get away from it all, but still so close to town you can walk. The most ideal location, you get the best of both worlds here!

Guest favourite
A vibrant sunset casts warm orange and pink hues over the tranquil Pacific Ocean. Silhouettes of trees frame the view, enhancing the serene landscape and creating a picturesque connection with nature.
Villa in Puntarenas
5 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews

Q HOUSE - unique luxury villa with ocean view

Q HOUSE - THE QUERENCIA HOUSE in Malpais an architectural jewel surrounded by lush jungle on an idyllic mountain at the end of Malpais. QUERENCIA symbolically translated from Spanish means "beloved place". A sense of belonging in the world, a rootedness to a particular memory that we relive through the landscape. Built in the tradition of midcentury houses, you will experience the elegant pure design of raw concrete and beloved interiors.

Popular amenities for Malpaís holiday rentals

When is the best time to visit Malpaís?

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Avg. price$298 NZD$274 NZD$305 NZD$221 NZD$195 NZD$202 NZD$207 NZD$183 NZD$184 NZD$174 NZD$207 NZD$309 NZD
Avg. temp23°C24°C24°C25°C24°C24°C24°C24°C24°C23°C23°C23°C

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best places to stay in Malpais?

    Malpais has options near the beachfront, in forested hills, or around the village center, ranging from rustic lodges to modern homes. Many travelers look for stays that blend indoor and outdoor living with natural scenery.

  • What are the best things to do in Malpais with kids?

    Families can explore tide pools along the beaches, try beginner-friendly surf lessons, or visit nature reserves for wildlife spotting. Guided horseback rides and boat tours are also frequently suggested for all ages.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Malpais?

    Surfing, yoga, and wildlife watching are among the most popular things to do. Visitors often enjoy exploring local beaches, tide pools, and rugged nature trails.

  • How is the weather in Malpais?

    Malpais has warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 59–92°F (15–33°C). The driest period is between December and March, while rain is more frequent from May into October.

  • When is the best time to visit Malpais?

    The months between December and March are often recommended for drier weather and sunny days. Surf conditions can vary, with larger swells arriving outside the dry season.

  • What are the best places to visit in Malpais?

    Malpais has lush beaches with volcanic rock outcrops, forested hills, and scenic viewpoints along the coastline. The area is known for its laid-back surf scene and vibrant local markets.

  • What are some hiking trails in Malpais?

    Malpais has scenic trails weaving through forested landscapes and stretching along the coastline. Many visitors enjoy hikes that feature ocean views and lush greenery, with wildlife and tropical plants often spotted along the paths.

  • What are some family activities we can do in Malpais?

    Families can enjoy guided nature walks, tide pool discoveries, and swimming at sheltered coves. Kayak excursions and horseback riding tours are also frequently suggested for all ages.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas from Malpais?

    Explore the lively beach town of Montezuma, known for its waterfalls, community art, and locally rooted traditions. Around Malpais, travelers often visit fishing villages or browse local craft markets to take in regional culture and flavors.

  • Are there any pet friendly accommodations available in Malpais?

    Many local stays in Malpais welcome pets, especially in areas close to the beach or surrounded by nature. Look for listings that highlight pet-friendly amenities and outdoor space.

  • What are some local tips for visiting Malpais?

    Pack light layers, sun protection, and sturdy footwear for exploring both the coast and forest. Rain showers are common outside the dry season, so a rain jacket can be helpful, and travelers find that bringing reusable water bottles is useful.

  • What is Malpais known for?

    Malpais is known for its uncrowded beaches, diverse surf breaks, and proximity to tropical reserves. Its relaxed vibe, wildlife viewing, and sunsets draw travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

  • What are the best hidden gems to explore in Malpais?

    Secret surf spots, secluded beaches, and small creek waterfalls are often described as hidden gems around Malpais. Many travelers enjoy quieter coves or walking forest paths away from the main road.

  • What are the best foods to try in Malpais?

    Regional casado plates, fresh grilled fish, and ceviche with local citrus are frequently suggested. You will also find plantain-based dishes, tropical fruits, and locally roasted coffee at cafes around Malpais.

  • What should I bring for a trip to Malpais?

    Bring lightweight clothing, a swimsuit, sun protection, hiking sandals, and a reusable water bottle. A rain jacket is helpful outside the dry season, and many travelers appreciate insect repellent for evening and forest activities.

  • What is the nightlife in Malpais like?

    Malpais has a relaxed nightlife with casual beachfront bars, live music, and small open-air venues. Some travelers enjoy social gatherings with regional DJs or local musicians, particularly on weekends.

  • What are the most popular events or festivals in Malpais?

    Surf competitions, local music nights, and artisan fairs are some of the most popular community events in Malpais. Festivals celebrating Costa Rican traditions or cultural holidays may take place throughout the year.

  • Are there family friendly vacation rentals in Malpais?

    Malpais has a variety of family-friendly rentals, often with open living areas, shaded outdoor spaces, and easy access to beaches. Some accommodations include child-friendly features like pools or kitchens for flexible meals.