Nosara Costa Rica doesn’t give an excellent first impression. In contrast to most different seashore cities in Costa Rica, Nosara doesn’t have a city middle with resorts, surf colleges, retailers, and eating places vying in your consideration.
So driving down the slender bumpy grime street that results in Nosara’s well-known Playa Guiones, you by no means actually get the sensation that you’ve arrived to this seashore city.
After getting misplaced and working into a number of extra dead-end roads than we might’ve favored to (beware even Google Maps can ship you down roads which can be truly impassable by automobile), we lastly made our approach to Downtown Guiones, a 500 m street working all the way down to Guiones Playa (additionally typically referred to as Playa Nosara, Costa Rica).
Downtown Playa Guiones. Nothing however lush vegetation and grime roads.
Important Journey Information
Nosara Airport is a small home airport positioned about quarter-hour from the primary strip in Nosara Playa. There are not any worldwide flights to Nosara Costa Rica. Nonetheless, the Nosara Airport does obtain non-public chartered or home flights with Nature Air.
The closest worldwide airport is Liberia Airport, positioned about two and a half hours by automobile in Liberia, Guanacaste. Plenty of direct flights function day by day from the US and Canada. Nonetheless, it’s typically cheaper and extra handy to fly into the capital of San Jose.
The driving distance from San Jose to Nosara is about 4.5 hours. You’ll be able to rent a taxi or take a shuttle to Nosara from the airports, or choose to take a neighborhood bus.
Touring from different elements of the nation? Anticipate a 4.5-hour drive from Nosara to Santa Teresa and a 2-hour drive from Tamarindo to Nosara.
Getting round Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara is a spread-out city, making it robust to get round from Guiones to Pelada on foot. Take into account renting a automobile in your time in Nosara or renting a motorcycle or golf course cart from one of many retailers on the town. You’ll discover numerous golf carts cruising the streets regardless of the dearth of a close-by golf course. For this reason.
FAQ’s
Is Nosara Costa Rica Protected?
Typically talking, Nosara is secure. The largest danger you face is petty theft. So our recommendation is to maintain your valuables in a secure place, like your resort lock field, and don’t flaunt your costly possessions.
Secluded part of Playa Pelada
What does Nosara imply?
The meanings of the title Nosara are different. Nonetheless, some say that Nosara has origins that imply “Reward of God” in Spanish. Subsequently we are able to’t assist however suppose that it’s a reputation for the sweetness and abundance of the realm!
Our First Impressions of Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara was 90% full once we booked our keep, but strolling down Downtown Guiones, it felt like we have been there alone. Overpriced air-conditioned memento retailers sat behind closed doorways, with small “Open” indicators serving as the one indication of any sort of exercise.
Not that we sometimes take pleasure in crowds, however we couldn’t assist however surprise the place everybody was.
“Let me introduce you to the realm,” mentioned the girl on the entrance desk of our B&B in Nosara, gesturing in direction of a big map hanging on the wall behind her desk.
Map of Nosara
“We’re positioned in Playa Pelada, a smaller quieter a part of Nosara, Costa Rica. You’ll discover a number of locations to eat within the space, however the majority of retailers and eating places are all in Playa Guiones,” she defined tracing circles on the map.
“All the pieces is type of tucked away, so you actually need to know the place you’re going or you’re certain to overlook it from the primary street.”
So along with her recommendation, we dropped off our baggage and hopped again in our automobile to discover. It felt like a little bit of a treasure hunt.
As soon as in Playa Guiones, there was no denying it, Nosara wasn’t abandoned. We simply needed to discover its scorching spots.
The city was having fun with their mid-Sunday morning rush. Children have been working round conversing in a peculiar Spanglish dialect, relaxed hippy moms have been cooling their infants within the shade of mango timber, dads with dreadlocks and inventive tattoos have been discussing Nosara Costa Rica browsing and the newest information whereas sipping on coffees.
We ate our gallo pinto and silently noticed the Nosara neighborhood in motion. Everybody appeared so zen, so comfortable, so of their aspect. Most of them weren’t native Costa Rican, however they weren’t guests both. For these expats, this space was their residence away from residence and we couldn’t assist however really feel a tad bit jealous over their seemingly splendid life-style. (We have been completely judging each single one in all them based mostly on first impressions, however let’s be critical, isn’t that the entire level of individuals watching?)
Locals catching up outdoors of Nosara Espresso Home, Playa Guiones
Finest Time to Go to Nosara
The most well-liked time to go to Nosara Playa is from December to April, through the dry season. The climate is at its hottest and driest nevertheless, touring to Costa Rica in these months additionally means larger costs and extra vacationers.
In our opinion, the “inexperienced season” is simply pretty much as good a time to go to. The vegetation is lusher as a result of rains, there are fewer vacationers and costs are usually decrease. Simply bear in mind a rain jacket for these moist mornings.
Issues to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica
Go to the Seashores
Playa Guiones Seaside
There are not any scarcity of lovely seashores in Nosara. However Playa, Guinoes, is arguably, essentially the most well-known and the most effective Nosara seashores
It’s identified for its lengthy stretch of pristine sand and wonderful browsing situations, making it a preferred vacation spot for surfers. One of many distinctive options of Playa Guiones is its constant surf breaks, which make it a great spot for each novices and superior surfers. In reality, the seashore hosts a number of worldwide surf competitions all year long.
When you don’t have your individual board or if you happen to’re new to browsing, contemplate renting a surfboard and taking a number of surf classes. The Nosara Surf College presents group and personal classes for all expertise ranges, advance teaching, and board leases.
Even if you happen to don’t surf, it’s enjoyable to go all the way down to the seashore the place you’ll be able to be part of different Nosara residents and watch the surf neighborhood do what they do greatest.
Two backpackers on the seashore in Playa Guiones
Playa Nosara
Playa Nosara is one other lovely seashore positioned within the city of Nosara. It’s positioned a number of kilometers south of Playa Guiones and is understood for its laid-back ambiance and scenic magnificence typical of the Pacific Coast.
The seashore is extra secluded than Playa Guiones and is surrounded by a lush tropical forest, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers. It’s additionally an excellent place for swimming, with its calm waters and delicate waves.
Playa Pelada
Primarily based on the variety of locals hanging out on the seashore throughout our go to, it was clear that Pelada was extra swimmer-friendly than Guiones.
The seashore at Punta Pelada is crammed with locals fishing at sundown, children enjoying soccer on the shore, and residents perched on their reclining chairs with beers in hand awaiting the proper sundown and ocean views. After a fast swim, we discovered ourselves an ideal spot to catch the sundown.
Playa Garza
Playa Garza is positioned within the small fishing village of Garza, simply north of Punta Guiones. You’ll possible cross it if you happen to journey from Tamarindo to Nosara.
This down-to-earth seashore has nice surf spots alongside its Pacific Ocean shore, is appropriate for swimming, and is residence to a couple easy “soda’s” the place you’ll be able to seize lunch.
In contrast to close by Nosara seashores, anticipate finding extra locals than expats occupying the sand at this seashore.
Native man fishing on Playa Pelada. Nosara. Costa Rica
Take Surf Classes
Taking a surf lesson whereas in Nosara ought to be a no brainer since Nosara was named one of many high 20 greatest surf cities on this planet by Nationwide Geographic. The area is understood for its constant waves and clear strains.
You’ll be able to e-book a personal lesson or be part of a Nosara surf camp your teacher to get native’s steering on the perfect breaks round Nosara Seaside. If you’re a direct surfer who doesn’t want a lesson it received’t be exhausting to discover a surf store to hire a board from both. There are loads on the town.
Go to a Wildlife Sanctuary
Nosara presents a number of choices for animal lovers visiting the Nicoya Peninsula, set in a lush jungle with ample wildlife discovered within the space.
SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary
Set on over 50 acres of pristine jungle, SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary cares for orphaned and injured native wildlife. They specialise in caring for golden-mantled howler monkeys and goal to rehabilitate them into the wild. A serious concern of theirs is the variety of monkeys being electrocuted by energy strains.
Guests and volunteers are welcome to go to the wildlife reserves and be taught in regards to the sanctuary’s work however touching the animals is prohibited to stop the unfold of illness and in order that the animal life can return to the wild.
Picture Credit: SIBU Wildlife Fb Web page
Nosara Refuge for Wildlife
Nosara Refuge for Wildlife has an analogous mission. Nonetheless, their amenities are at present underneath renovation so they don’t seem to be working their academic excursions presently.
Volunteers can nonetheless apply and anybody can contribute to their “Cease the Shock” program. Based on their web site, “Refuge for Wildlife responds to over 100 electrocuted howler monkey rescue calls every year”. A tragic determine!
Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1984, the Ostional Wildlife Refuge covers a 15km-long and 200m-wide strip of shoreline simply North of Nosara and is the largest Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting web site on this planet. Although it was established primarily to guard turtles laying eggs through the nesting season, it additionally protects the habitats of many coastal and marine animals.
It encompasses the three seashores of Playa Ostional, Playa Nosara, and Playa Guiones, follows the estuaries of the rivers and mangroves inland, and extends three miles out into the ocean. The small, distant village of Ostional doesn’t have a lot to it, they usually desire it that method.
Inns and eating places in Ostional are restricted. The largest attraction of the realm is the month-to-month Arribada!
Arribada: The Arrival
The arribada in Playa Ostional, Costa Rica is a pure phenomenon that happens when a whole bunch and typically hundreds of Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore to put their eggs. This occasion happens each month, however the variety of turtles will increase dramatically through the nesting season between August – December. The most important on report concerned over 500,000 turtles! One five-day arribada may end up in 10 million eggs being laid.
Throughout an arribada, you can’t simply wander into the refuge. To enter the seashore, you will need to e-book a small group guided tour immediately with the workers on the Asociacion de Guias Locales de Ostional.
Turtle laying eggs on Playa Ostional through the Arribada
Turtles arrival throughout “Arribada” on Ostional Seaside
Go Kayaking
To understand the great thing about Nosara’s rivers, Rio Montana and Rio Nosara, contemplate becoming a member of a kayaking tour. You may get an up-close to the mangroves and see the birds and wildlife of their pure habitats.
Take this tour at dawn or at sundown (relying on the tides) accompanied by a neighborhood, skilled information with a cease at a secluded black sand seashore for refreshments.
Strive Stand Up Paddleboarding
In order for you a extra lively expertise, one other distinctive approach to discover the waters in and round Nosara is stand-up paddleboarding.
The Nomadic Lodge presents plenty of journey excursions, together with stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll be able to calmly paddle by means of the mangroves and alongside the Rio Nosara and the Rio Montana, or you’ll be able to paddle by means of Garza Bay to get to the close by seashores. It’s a good way to see the wildlife and get in a exercise.
Prepared for SUP!
Take a Yoga Class or Be part of a Yoga Retreat
Typically, when individuals analysis what to do in Nosara, Costa Rica, yoga is among the first suggestions. Nosara has some world-class yoga retreats and yoga studios, in varied kinds.
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is among the greatest yoga resorts in Nosara. They acquired the Nosara Yoga Institute when it went up on the market a number of years in the past and have continued the Nosara Yoga Institute custom of offering high quality yoga lessons in a ravishing setting.
Concord Nosara
This Nosara Costa Rica yoga retreat is often named the most effective yoga retreats in Costa Rica. They provide an assortment of yoga kinds, together with aerial, of their open-air Nosara yoga retreat lecture rooms.
Concord Nosara
Blue Spirit
Blue Spirit is a luxurious yoga and meditation retreat on Playa Guiones that additionally presents a spa, outside excursions, and connoisseur vegetarian meals ready with native components. Sharing a border with Ostional Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, this retreat was created with a robust deal with sustainability and the preservation of Nosara’s ecosystem. The buildings have been constructed with regionally sourced concrete and lumber, with rooms designed to permit for pure air flow, and water heated with photo voltaic power.
Go to the Waterfalls Close to Nosara Costa Rica
One of the frequent questions we get is, “are there waterfalls close to Nosara Costa Rica?”. And the reply is sure!
Mala Noche Waterfall
Mala Noche waterfall is the closest to city. Nonetheless, it’s fairly troublesome to go to by yourself so we might recommend you go on a tour. It’s positioned deep inside the forest on non-public property. Nonetheless, when you’re there you should buy snacks and drinks from the native who owns them.
Belen Waterfall
The opposite waterfall close to Nosara Costa Rica is Belen waterfall. It’s positioned about an hour from Nosara by automobile and 20 minutes from Samara. When you’ve got a automobile you may get there by yourself. We might recommend you pack a picnic and spend the day, swimming within the pool on the foot of the falls.
Esperanza Excursions is a neighborhood tour firm that provides excursions to the Belen Waterfall and the Mala Noche Waterfall, amongst others choices. The Mala Noche Waterfall tour is the shorter of the 2 and begins at $65 per particular person, however the costs turn out to be extra inexpensive in a gaggle. When you’re touring with pals or household, it’s an excellent tour to look into.
Go Snorkeling in San Juanillo
If snorkeling is what you’re after then go to the turquoise waters at San Juanillo Cove, positioned simply off of San Juanillo seashore. This white sandy seashore, positioned half-hour north of Nosara, is beautiful in and of itself. It has an unbelievable view, and is much less of a vacationer attraction than different seashores in Nosara. The waves are comparatively calm, however the space is rocky, so preserve that in thoughts whereas swimming. It’s a good spot to spend the afternoon whenever you’ve had your fill of snorkeling.
The cove is residence to numerous marine life and colourful fish. However if you happen to don’t have your individual tools or wheels there are a selection of excursions that depart from Nosara and take friends to look at San Juanillo Cove on a snorkeling Nosara tour.
Monkey Quads presents a snorkeling tour of San Juanillo Cove, with lunch included. When you don’t have your individual snorkeling gear, then you’ll be able to hire tools from the tour firm. The information is a neighborhood skilled, and the tour lasts between 4 and 5 hours. It is suggested that you simply take the snorkeling tour through the dry season.
San Juanillo seashore
Go Procuring
There are lots of retailers in Nosara that showcase the work of native artisans.
- Jen Stones Design sells artwork, clothes, and jewellery.
- Love Nosara has actually cute locally-made clothes of their open-door store and we love that every part is designed, sourced and produced in Costa Rica.
- Organico Deli-Market has an intensive choice of connoisseur and pure meals to select from.
One of many few retailers in Playa Guiones.
Take Half in a Seaside Clear Up
Nosara is a really environmentally conscious neighborhood that repeatedly hosts seashore clean-ups. You’ll typically see flyers in cafes across the area inviting individuals to affix in.
The Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper and the Nosara Civic Affiliation each function in Nosara and welcome any additional serving to palms when seashore clean-ups are scheduled. They publish upcoming occasions on their Fb pages, so that they’re simple to maintain observe of.
Attend the Farmers Market
Each Tuesday morning there’s a farmers market at Playa Guiones. Right here you discover native produce, scrumptious home made items like vegan snacks, and even artisan crafts by native designers.
The Tuesday morning Farmers Market is to not be confused with the market that was held close to the skate park. Sadly, the Eskina Skate Park is at present inaccessible until additional discover.
The place to Keep in Nosara: Finest Nosara Inns
There are many nice locations to remain in Nosara Costa Rica. Nonetheless, these are our favourites for his or her dedication to sustainability.
Olas Verdes Lodge
Olas Verdes Lodge is positioned on Playa Guiones, partially surrounded by the Ostional-Nosara Wildlife Refuge. The resort has entry to the seashore, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, and presents complimentary bicycles. They provide yoga lessons, browsing classes, horseback using, and turtle excursions to see the Olive Ridley sea turtles. There’s a restaurant on-site, providing Costa Rican dishes and fusion dishes constructed from seasonal native components.
We suggest Olas Verdes Lodge for his or her sustainability and need to protect the pure state of the ecosystem. They’ve a rainwater assortment system, depend on photo voltaic power, try for zero waste, and use solely native vegetation of their landscaping. Additionally they encourage friends to become involved, inviting them to participate within the Pack for a Function venture. This initiative encourages guests to carry provides wanted for community-based tasks.
Picture through olasverdeshotel.com
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort
If you’re on the lookout for a spot to calm down your thoughts and stretch your physique, then Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is a superb choice. It has a pool, vivid sleeping rooms, and a spa. This resort focuses on the well being and wellness of its friends. Additionally they have an on-site restaurant, juice bar and supply day by day yoga lessons of their extremely rated yoga studios.
Inexperienced Sanctuary Lodge
Additionally providing a spa and wellness middle, Inexperienced Sanctuary Lodge has a backyard, terrace, and snack bar. It’s positioned is within the Playa Guiones city not removed from the seashore. It additionally has non-public parking and several other eating places inside shut proximity. Rooms on the resort are snug and we love their lengthy record of sustainable practices.
Concord Lodge
Hidden behind an not noticeable picket roadside signal, this lush jungle enclave was proper up our alley! Concord Lodge is arguably the most effective locations to remain in Nosara. It’s a scorching spot for yogis, well being nuts, and lovers of nature, leisure, sustainability, and because the homeowners describe it, “low key glamour”.
We didn’t get the prospect to remain at Concord Lodge however we did take pleasure in their day by day yoga lessons, scrumptious smoothies at their Juice Bar and a superb lunch at their on-site resort. Friends can take pleasure in comfortable rooms, an onsite pool, and close by surf.
Lagarta Lodge
Lagarta Lodge is constructed on the idea of “Residing in concord with nature”. It has been awarded a certification of sustainable tourism and is understood for its dedication to the neighborhood.
There are 36 suites to select from at Lagarta Lodge with views of the jungle or ocean. They’re effectively geared up, fashionable & trendy, and their suites prioritize privateness. There’s an open-air lounge on-site, in addition to the Restaurant Chirriboca and the Sundown Bar, and a wine cellar out there for romantic dinners. The restaurant makes use of native, natural components of their Conventional Costa Rican dishes, serving them of their non-public wine cellar or with a view of the ocean.
Adjoining to the lodge is Reserva Biologica, the place friends can be part of a guided tour or freely discover the character reserve.
The place to Eat in Nosara: Finest Nosara Eating places
La Luna Restaurant
Hours: On a regular basis 7:00am to 10:00pm
La Luna Restaurant was not the most cost effective spot to dine on the town, however we splurged on an excellent meal with a ravishing view. For some time, the Mediterranean really feel of La Luna, the acquainted chatter throughout us, made us neglect that we have been in Costa Rica altogether.
La Luna turned out to be one other expat hangout in Nosara. This was a gathering place for particular occasions, birthday celebrations, catch-ups with pals, and romantic dates.
La Luna Restaurant in Playa Pelada
Lovely sundown at Playa Pelada. View from La Luna Restaurant
The Mediterranean impressed arrange at La Luna Restaurant
Concord Juice Bar
Hours: On a regular basis 6:30am to 9:00pm
Whereas we have been at Concord Lodge, we observed that it was one other native hotspot. “I’ll have the standard, Maria,” we heard many times as the road on the Concord Lodge Nosara Juice Bar moved alongside.
The Juice Bar was a spot to meet up with pals, and the open-air yoga studio – a spot to reconnect along with your thoughts. You couldn’t ask for a extra splendid setting.
El Chivo
Hours: Sunday 10:00am to eight:00pm, Monday to Saturday 8:00am to eight:00pm
El Chivo Nosara is a Mexican-inspired restaurant that focuses on having an excellent vibe for its patrons. The homeowners are initially from Canada however have traveled extensively in Mexico. They ultimately landed in Nosara to create fabulous dishes, together with vegetarian choices. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday or their reside music acts!
Go Juice Truck
Hours: On a regular basis 8:00am to 4:30pm
This fast and scrumptious meals truck presents recent juices, smoothies, acai bowls and different mild lunch choices just like the tuna poke bowl and ceviche. Go Juice Truck is positioned near the surf in Guiones and different issues to do, Nosara. It’s the excellent place to gas up as you begin your day or for a fast afternoon snack.
Go Juice Truck at Playa Guiones
Future Cafe & Restaurant
Hours: On a regular basis 6:00am to three:00pm
Future Cafe is a captivating spot on Playa Guiones, specializing in modern Central American and Costa Rican meals. They’re open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and each meal is made in-house from components which can be at all times recent. They provide choices which can be vegan and vegetarian, in addition to choices that cater to different dietary restrictions.