The Nicoya Peninsula is the largest peninsula in Costa Rica. The Peninsula measures 85 miles (140 cm) northwest and forty to sixty miles (65-96 km) southwest. The base of the peninsula lies in the arid Guanacaste lowlands whilst the central points of the mountain range rises up to 3,000 ft. The Nicoya Peninsula, colonised in 1530 is thought to be the first place in Costa Rica that the Spanish settled Indians from the north are found to this day, living in villages on the peninsula, not speaking their original language but speaking Spanish instead. On the Nicoya peninsula there are some traditions that distinguish the peninsula from the rest of Costa Rica such as reliance on corn and mining gold in the north. The most noted feature of the peninsula are its beaches which bring in tourists every year! The Nicoya peninsula is divided into two sections otherwise known as provinces: The Guanacaste which occupies mostly the northern part and the province of Puntarenas in the south. Lots of wildlife also live on the Peninsula such as sloths, birds turtles and dolphins to name a few! They are seasonal commuters and migrate between different ecosystems throughout the peninsula. Overall Nicoya peninsula is a famous part of Costa Rica geographically and culturally.