Playa Guiones, situated in Nosara was as soon as certainly one of Costa Rica’s better-kept secrets and techniques. If partying all night time lengthy and mingling with the crowds of vacationers wasn’t your factor, then heading to this quiet seashore city within the Nicoya Peninsula was a very good different.
Right here, individuals rise when the solar does, and shut the day quickly after it units. The pura vida way of life is all about sitting again and enjoyable whereas nature does its factor.
First impressions apart, Playa Guiones and the larger Nosara space is hardly a secret anymore. Over the previous couple of many years, it has develop into one of many high locations in Costa Rica. You’ll discover that the native scene is dominated largely by yogis and surfers. If you wish to disconnect and possibly experience a very good wave, you’re in luck.
There is no such thing as a lack of alternative in the case of yoga retreats, surfer hostels, and worldwide delicacies. Then again, the rising neighborhood additionally means quite a lot of new institutions popping up right here and there. Recognizing (or listening to) howler monkeys within the wild is a little more difficult, however the jungle attraction stays.
Playa Guiones is well-loved for its laid-back, small-town vibe. We solely have good issues to say when it comes all the way down to sea, sand, and surf. Playa Guiones is among the greatest Nosara seashores! You’ll see why the second you see the mile-long crescent-shaped shoreline, with good waves constant all yr spherical.
Watching the surf at Playa Guiones, Nosara
Find out how to Get to Playa Guiones, Costa Rica
By Aircraft
If Playa Guiones isn’t your first cease in Costa Rica, taking a home flight to Nosara is the best and quickest choice. A variety of home airways, like Sansa, provide fast flights to Nosara from San Jose Airport or Liberia Airport.
Some accommodations or hostels provide transfers from the Nosara Airport to Playa Guiones. Alternatively, it’s simple to seize a taxi and get to the seashore in about quarter-hour.
By Automotive
Whereas taking a flight is fast and simple, we all the time go for renting a automotive to get to this space. The retailers, accommodations, and different facilities are fairly unfold out in Nosara space, so having a car is unquestionably useful to get across the space round Playa Guiones.
From San José, Playa Guiones is about 250km (160 mi) away. Driving will take you 4-5 hours.
From Liberia, it’s a roughly 130km (80 mi) street journey that can take you about 2.5 hours.
Word that whereas the mountain surroundings is fantastic, the street can get quite bumpy. Unpaved roads and poor reception are widespread in Costa Rica, so be ready while you make the drive–particularly through the wet season.
Downtown Playa Guiones
By Bus
In case you’re on a decent funds, travelling by bus is an reasonably priced choice. You possibly can all the time buy tickets on the station or guide prematurely on-line. Bus costs often vary from USD $8 to USD $12.
- San Jose to Nosara: A direct bus (operated by bus firm Alfaro) leaves for Nosara each morning at 5:30am.
- San Jose to Nicoya: Another choice is taking an Alfaro bus to Nicoya. This route has extra frequent journeys that depart at 5:30am, 7:30am, 10am, 12nn, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
- Liberia to Nicoya: From Terminal Liberia, the bus (operated by bus firm La Pampa) to Nicoya departs at 4:30am and runs each half-hour till 8pm.
- Nicoya to Playa Guiones: If arriving in Nicoya, you’ll have to take one other bus to Nosara (operated by bus firm Traroc) that departs at 4:45am (besides Sundays), 10am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, or 5:30pm.
By Shuttle
From SJO Airport, you’ll be able to rent a personal minibus that takes you straight to your lodge in Playa Guiones. The costs from suppliers like Tropical Excursions Shuttles begin at USD $297, and the drive down takes roughly 4.5 hours.
From Liberia Airport, there’s a typical minivan or bus service to Nosara. You possibly can select between day by day shared shuttle bus providers (beginning at USD $50 per individual) or non-public minibus transportation (beginning at USD $160). It will take round 2.5 hours. When you get to Nosara, it is going to be a fast 15-minute drive to Playa Guiones.
Shuttle pick-up at Liberia Airport
Parking at Playa Guiones
There’s a protected parking space by the Guiones seashore with guards who work for ideas. They’re attentive and reliable–sufficient that some native surfers even belief them to carry on to their automotive keys whereas they hit the waves.
We don’t encourage others to do that and recommend that you just watch over your personal valuables. Keep on the protected aspect and by no means depart your belongings unattended, particularly in a parked automotive, as petty theft does happen.
Services at Playa Guiones
Whether or not you come within the dry season (December to April) or inexperienced season (Could to November), Playa Guiones city is a sight to see. The beachfront and forest areas are well-preserved, and there are tons of nature and outside actions all yr spherical.
So far as small surf cities go, Playa Guiones has heaps to supply. The surf is among the important attracts, and naturally, there are various surf colleges providing surf classes for all ages and talents. In case you want tools, you gained’t have a tough time on the lookout for that, both. There are retailers by the seashore for board leases and different stuff you may want.
Alongside the shore, distributors usually stroll by promoting completely different gadgets, from native wares to the occasional chilly beer. If one thing catches your eye, don’t shrink back from supporting the locals. The great factor is, that the native distributors are in no way pushy, so for those who’re not , a easy “no, gracias” will do.
Although the seashore is ideal for getting some solar, the white sand stretches on for miles with out a lot shade. There aren’t any bushes round–at most, there are medium-sized shrubs removed from the water. There aren’t any seashore umbrellas for hire, both. We suggest you come ready with your personal seashore umbrellas and hats. In any other case, your greatest guess is to go to the close by eating places to chill off.
If you have to do some buying on the town, there’s a primary minimart and an natural grocery retailer for meals and contemporary produce. There are additionally shops for clothes, swimsuits, and jewellery.
Locals catching up outdoors of Nosara Espresso Home, Playa Guiones
Issues to Do at Playa Guiones
Hit the seashore! Each browsing and swimming are the highest issues to do right here, however it’s also possible to spend the day making an attempt out paddle boarding and kayaking.
Trip a Bike or Go Horseback Using. In case you’ve had your fill of water sports activities, a seashore experience is a enjoyable strategy to discover the realm. It’s good to watch the Costa Rican sundown on horseback not less than as soon as!
Observe Yoga. Playa Guiones has quite a few spectacular, world-class yoga studios that provide a wide range of yoga lessons. Some accommodations even have yoga studios on website, like Concord Lodge. The Therapeutic Centre in Concord Lodge is often named the most effective yoga retreats in Costa Rica, and is a good place to strive yoga lessons in Nosara.
Spot the ocean turtles on the Ostional Wildlife Refuge. Head north to Ostional Seashore, which is among the world’s most vital nesting websites for Olive Ridley sea turtles. It’s an incredible expertise to see hundreds of them swim to the shore. Peak time is often from July to November. Nonetheless, turtles come ashore each within the dry season and the inexperienced season.
Go to the close by seashores. Another seashores within the space embody Playa Pelada, Garza, and San Juanillo. Playa Pelada is extra swimmer-friendly in comparison with Guiones, whereas Playa Garza is one other good surf spot. Each see extra locals than vacationers and really feel very down-to-earth. San Juanillo is a must-visit for snorkelling!
Take pleasure in a Costa Rican sundown. You possibly can watch it from the sand, on a ship, and even at a beachfront restaurant with dwell music and cocktails. La Luna Restaurant is a good spot proper on the seashore, with an important atmosphere and a scrumptious menu to match.
Two backpackers on the seashore in Playa Guiones
Yoga space in Nosara Concord
Turtle laying eggs on Playa Ostional through the Arribada
FAQs:
Are you able to swim at Playa Guiones?
Sure. The water is heat all yr spherical, making it nice for swimming.
Are you able to Fish at Playa Guiones?
Sure! There are many Nosara excursions that may take you on a fishing journey. The waters in Costa Rica are identified to have sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, snook, Cubera snapper, yellowfin tuna, dorado or mahi-mahi, roosterfish and extra.
Are you able to Surf at Playa Guiones?
100% Sure! It’s the most effective locations for browsing–not simply within the Nicoya Peninsula however on the earth! No kidding–Nosara was named the most effective 20 surf cities on the earth by Nationwide Geographic.
What makes Guiones stand out is its constant waves and clear strains, whether or not excessive tide or low tide. The sandy ocean flooring and uncrowded waters make it a perfect place for a surf lesson. Newcomers and superior surfers gained’t have bother discovering an space that matches their skills. As for reserving your lesson, we suggest doing it when you’re there because the browsing lessons may change relying on tide situations.
Is Playa Guiones Protected for Households?
Playa Guiones, Costa Rica is unquestionably protected for households. A visit right here gained’t simply make for a very good trip; it’s additionally a hands-on strategy to introduce your loved ones to nature. In case you’re pondering of staying right here for longer, Guiones does have good colleges in addition to youngsters’ camps that set up enjoyable actions for the little ones.
One of many few retailers in Playa Guiones.
The place to Keep: Greatest Nosara Resorts
Hacienda Sarah
Hacienda Sarah is a sustainable, rustic, open-concept villa in Nosara. Playa Guiones is about quarter-hour away by automotive (4.2km or 2.61mi) from this non-public oasis. You possibly can guide a room for two, or hire out the entire property for those who’re travelling in an even bigger group. The place sleeps as much as 11 individuals, with 4 en-suite bedrooms and a completely outfitted kitchen that opens as much as an al fresco eating space.
There’s additionally sufficient room for work and play, with designated leisure and work areas. Aside from that, the villa has lush backyard environment, a superbly lit patio, a glowing pool, and many areas to chill out. It’s an important mid-range alternative for {couples}, mates, and households.
Olas Verdes Lodge
Another choice is Olas Verdes Lodge, a 4-star lodge solely 600 metres from Guiones Seashore. It’s the first LEED Platinum Lodge in Costa Rica, one of many highest accreditations given to the world’s greatest accommodations when it comes to sustainability. It’s an all-suite lodge run by native workers, with lodging corresponding to suites for solo travellers and {couples} and 2-bedroom seashore residences for households and teams of 8. These rooms include non-public bogs, air-con, free wifi, and a balcony or pool view.
Olas Verdes Lodge has a clubhouse, swimming swimming pools, and a restaurant on-site. Company can go round utilizing the lodge’s free bicycles or stroll down the footpath straight to the seashore. Their prime location makes entry to surf and sand very simple. They will even create customized itineraries for you–from browsing lessons, turtle excursions, yoga classes, wildlife visits, horseback using, and extra.
Lagarta Lodge
For a keep that can put you subsequent to Nosara nature (actually), guide an evening or two on the Lagarta Lodge right here. It’s a 4-star boutique lodge in Nosara situated proper subsequent to Reserva Biológica. Its prime location surrounds Lagarta Lodge, with two rivers, expansive sandy seashores, and woods proper in its yard.
The Lagarta Lodge property was additionally awarded the highest certification for sustainability, making it a wonderful alternative for the setting. Their suites all have verandas that confide in breathtaking views. You may also absorb the sights from their solar deck, panorama deck, or sundown bar. There’s a restaurant and lodge throughout the property, alongside 2 infinity swimming pools, a jacuzzi, a pool with a moist bar, a spa, and an artwork exhibition and occasions area.
The place to Eat: Greatest Eating places close to Playa Guiones
It would sound shocking for a city this small, however there are extra worldwide meals choices in Guiones in comparison with different elements of Costa Rica. From French pastries at Café de Paris, to Mediterranean at La Luna, to scrumptious Italian at La Dolce Vita, you’ll discover one thing scrumptious it doesn’t matter what you’re hungry for. Listed below are a few of our greatest picks:
The Gilded Iguana is mainly a family identify in Guiones. They’ve been working as a bar and restaurant for the reason that Nineteen Eighties, and right now, they’re nonetheless referred to as the most effective eating places on the town for scrumptious meals and dwell music. The Gilded Iguana makes use of solely native and ethically sourced components for his or her dishes. They serve contemporary seafood, pizza, pasta, revolutionary cocktails, and even vegan and vegetarian choices.
In case you’re on the lookout for a brunch spot, head to Future Café in La Negra Surf Lodge, which opens as early as 6 am. They’ve a whole menu, starting from smoothies, breakfast burritos, waffles, French toast, tuna poke, and extra. They’ve vegetarian, vegan, keto, and gluten-free choices, too.
For genuine Costa Rican delicacies, you’ll be able to’t go to Playa Guiones with out consuming at Rosi’s Soda Tica. It’s reasonably priced, tasty, and a good way to expertise the native tradition. We suggest their casado and gallo pinto, with a scrumptious fruit smoothie on the aspect. Additionally they serve vegan and vegetarian dishes, which is a plus!
Go Juice Truck at Playa Guiones
The Backside Line
Playa Guiones is among the greatest locations to disconnect from actuality and reconnect with nature. It has a unique vibe from the opposite lovely seashores in Costa Rica, however the change of tempo is greater than welcome. Positive, there won’t be a vibrant nightlife scene, however you do get VIP entry to peace and tranquillity.
In case you’re planning a visit to the Nicoya Peninsula or already occurring a visit to Guanacaste Province, positively go to Nosara and the well-known Playa Guiones.