Nosara, Costa Rica Travel Guide
An Introduction to Nosara, Costa Rica
Located on the Nicoya Peninsula along the northwest coast of Costa Rica, Nosara is a small town known for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle. Surrounded by lush forests and pristine beaches, it is a popular destination for travelers seeking a tranquil getaway. Visitors to Nosara can enjoy a variety of activities, including surfing, yoga, and wildlife watching. With its friendly locals and sustainable tourism practices, Nosara offers a unique and authentic experience for those seeking to connect with nature and immerse themselves in a truly unique culture.
Getting to Nosara
There are quite a few ways to get to Nosara, with options to fit your budget, schedule, and travel preferences. Personally, we recommend securing your transportation with our property manager, Roy. He can provide transportation to and from the Liberia airport, as well as stops along the way to pick up groceries if needed. Roy can be reached via WhatsApp at +506 7274-8845.
If a private shuttle doesn’t make sense for you, a shared shuttle may be the way to go. This option offers a cost-effective alternative for 1 or 2 travelers, but may require you to wait for a while after your arrival to Liberia Airport. These shuttles are about $50 per person, with a few departure times throughout the day. Terratour Nosara provides a convenient, easy option for both private tours and shared shuttles to Nosara.
If you plan to explore other areas outside of Nosara during your trip, you may want to consider renting a car for complete control and flexibility. Of course, this is a much more expensive option and requires being comfortable driving in a new country. Compared to many other options in Central America, driving in Costa Rica is relatively tame- the roads can be rough, but the drivers are mostly considerate. Do plenty of research on renting a car in Costa Rica before you arrive, with this guide being a fantastic starting point. Our recommendation is to have Roy pick you up at the airport and bring you to Nosara, then use Limo Dan for a car or cart rental. Limo Dan provides a range of vehicles that will fit your needs, from electric golf carts for local transport around Nosara to premium SUVs for exploring some of the harder-to-access roads around the Nicoya Peninsula. Reservations can be made on their website, or by calling +506-8718-7197 via WhatsApp.
Another viable option is flying directly to Nosara, which helps you bypass 2 hours of bumpy, curvy roads. Though good for those with car sickness, it is quite pricey. The departure times are often quite a long while after arrival, so you may end up getting to Nosara later than you otherwise would if taking a car or shuttle. Still, for the convenience, it could very possibly be worth it for you. Flights to Nosara leave from San Jose and Liberia airports through Sansa Airlines.
Culture, History, and Designations
Nosara, Costa Rica boasts some unique and enriching cultural elements that make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience a slice of paradise. The community of Nosara is composed of a diverse range of cultures from indigenous Costa Ricans to international expats who have all contributed to the town’s distinctive identity. Along with its vibrant local traditions, Nosara has also been shaped by its thriving surf culture, which adds an energetic and dynamic vibe to the area. Additionally, the town’s focus on sustainable development has created a responsible ecotourism industry, which is deeply ingrained in the local culture.
Nosara’s designation as a Blue Zone is a testament to the town’s enlightened values and cultural practices. The Blue Zone designation recognizes certain regions that have a high concentration of individuals who live healthy and happy lives well into their old age. This achievement is only possible through the practice of sustainable living, connection with nature and a strong sense of community. These are all critical cultural elements of Nosara that contribute to the longevity and happiness of its inhabitants. In Nosara, you’ll find organic local markets with fresh produce, natural and open community spaces, healthy and active lifestyles, and a sense of community that is rare and deeply cherished. If you’re looking for a truly immersive cultural experience that will nourish your mind, body, and soul, then Nosara is not to be missed.
Getting Around Nosara
If you’ve rented a vehicle, problem solved! The roads around Nosara are accessible enough during most of the year that you’ll be able to travel as you please. If you are just going directly to Nosara during the dry season, an SUV should work fine. If you’re looking to explore around the national parks, or you’re going during the wet season, a four wheel drive SUV or truck is a better decision. Keep in mind that most of the roads around Nosara are gravel, and there are some stream crossings you have to traverse to get into town from the Liberia airport.
Rent a Four Wheeler
If you don’t want to rent a car or want access to rougher, less certain terrain, a four wheeler is a great option. Monkey Quads rents four wheelers and lifted golf carts on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis for a large selection of vehicles. If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to go, Monkey Quads offers tours and iQuads offers a few great recommendations on spots that are accessible to ATVs! Be aware that roads are very dusty, with clouds bellowing behind vehicles as they pass by. Sunglasses should be worn to prevent any kind of injuries or irritation while you ride around.
Ride an E-Bike
There are few things cooler than riding a bike on Playa Pelada. Motorbikes, e-bikes, and regular ol’ bicycles can all be rented through Cali Bikes, a quick stroll from Casa Costa Azul. Prices start at $39 per day depending on what you choose, with discounts offered for weekly or monthly rentals. As with four wheelers, be sure to wear eye protection as you travel through the dusty, rocky roads.
Take a Tuk Tuk
Motor Tuk Tuks are fun little 3-wheeled vehicles that resemble the combination of a Prius and a tricycle. The minimum rate for tourists is about $8 per trip and goes up from there depending on how far you’re traveling. They can be acquired readily among the main road or side roads of Nosara simply by waving one down as it passes. If you want to call ahead and have one come to you, that is possible as well. This article shares some history behind Toritos, the vehicles that are coloquially called Tuk-Tuks, as well as the contact information for some great local drivers.
Where to Eat in Nosara
Nosara, Costa Rica, offers a unique culinary experience that combines local produce and international influences. La Luna provides an intimate dining experience, overlooking Playa Pelada where the seafood-focused menu changes depending on the season. Vegetarian options abound at the highly-acclaimed Naked Foods, where dishes feature locally-sourced organic ingredients. Other restaurants in the area offer a range of cuisines, from Italian to sushi. The use of fresh, local ingredients is a priority, with many restaurants growing their own produce or sourcing it from nearby farms. Overall, Nosara’s culinary scene can be described as diverse, sustainable, and delicious.
Breakfast & Lunch
Rosi’s Playa Pelada
A much-loved community staple that also happens to be the closest restaurant to Casa Costa Azul. Drop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a traditional Costa Rican casado- the best in the area, in my opinion. It can get busy around the lunch rush, so keep that in mind. Be sure to nab a pineapple water, too!
Sunrise Coffee
A bit further down the road from Rosi’s is Sunrise Coffee, a hip spot for breakfast bowls and coworking. Prices are much higher than at Rosi’s, but the coffees are delicious and the bowls equal parts aesthetic and flavorful. For a breakfast closer to what you’d get in the US, come here.
Destiny Cafe & Restaurant
Extremely well-prepared and presented food right next to La Negra hotel. Destiny reimagines breakfast and brunch staples, including the local casado, with ingenuity and decadence in mind. Their cloud coffee is perhaps their most popular offering, looking and tasting like a dream!
Olga’s Beach Bar
An unpretentious beach bar that opens a bit earlier than some of the other spots around it. Not nearly as high-end as the other nearby beach bar, La Luna, Olga’s is best for a simple, quickly-delivered meal overlooking Playa Pelada.
Beach Blend Coffee
The coffee shop that opens the earliest also offers one of the best breakfasts in town. Located a short drive away in Nosara Town, Beach Blend Coffee offers flavorful roasts with pastries and light breakfast fare. The breakfast burritos kept me full half the day, great for a pre-surfing meal.
Naked Foods
Tasty vegan and vegetarian food in the main strip of North Playa Guiones right beside Blue Zone Brewery. The best veggie joints can delight even the most staunch meat eater, and Naked Foods passed that test. Their in-house made faux burgers were great, as well as their fruit smoothies.
Dinner
La Luna
Fine dining with a view of the unmatched Nosara sunset. The ceviche was outstanding, the red snapper delectable, and the sunset- well, there aren’t any words to describe it. As expected, it gets very packed in the early evening so reservations are highly recommended.
Howler’s Beach Lounge
Is there anything better after a day of surfing than overstuffed tacos, cold beer, and friendly conversation? Not that I know of. Howler’s is the community meeting spot, bringing in locals and tourists alike to share a drink and delicious food. I’ve had quite a few tacos in my day, and these were some of the best.
Comal Mexican
One of the newer spots in town located just down the road from Casa Costa Azul. The menu is relatively small, but the quality is phenomenal. I had the enmoladas, but have heard great things about the fish tacos and the enchiladas as well. The margaritas are, simply put, to die for.
Pura Pizza
A taste of home right in downtown Guiones. A good many places in the area offer brick oven pizza, but Pura Pizza seems to do it best. The crust was just the right amount of crisp, the cheese melted perfectly, and the flavors perfectly balanced. I’m a pizza snob, and this was a darn good pie.
Logarta Lodge
I ended up here after a hike at the adjoining nature reserve, and I’m so glad I did. This restaurant is upscale with a price to match, but the quality of the food and the views are simply unmatched. The restaurant is built onto the side of a hill overlooking Playa Pelada and the mouth of the river, with a perfect angle to view the setting sun.
El Local Nosara
Great cocktails, great food, and great vibes. The tuna poke ball was uniquely delicious, but the burgers and jerk chicken are popular crowd favorites as well. From the upper level you have a great view of the sunset, and from the lower level can check out tropical trees all around. A unique, much-loved dining staple in Playa Guiones.
Cocktails & Drinks
El Chivo Cantina
I’ll be honest, my first experience was not great. My next few? Phenomenal. The fries are out of this world, the drinks are strong, and the selections wide. Happy hour is one of the best deals around, with $5 margaritas from 4pm to 6pm. Craft beer from all over Costa Rica can be tasted either on tap or in cans. Best of all, it’s just a short walk from Casa Costa Azul.
K-Rae’s Irish Pub
Getting here can be a bit sketchy- it’s literally on top of a mountain- but the views and vibes can’t be beat. The owners welcome you to their semi-Irish abode with a local stout or a cas cider, both delicious and unique. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the local howler monkeys that sometimes pay this bar a visit. A pool is onsite too if you’d like to take a dip.
Blue Zone Brewery
The more established of the two craft breweries along Playa Guiones. I had the opportunity to try a few of Blue Zone’s beers and was left impressed with all of them, with my favorite being their Jungle Haze IPA. They also had a cool collection of guest taps from breweries across Costa Rica.
Jungle Cocktail Bar
A classy cocktail bar located in the Norte Hotel. Both bartenders, Ari and Yerlon, make you feel very welcomed and prepare absolutely top-notch drinks bursting with creativity. The Jungle Cocktail Bar is unique in the area for having a younger, high-energy vibe that can be a cool change of pace.
Things to Do
Go Surfing at Playa Guiones
Surfing in Playa Guiones, Costa Rica is a must-do activity for any surf enthusiast. The beach is known for its consistent waves, warm water, and stunning scenery, making it the perfect spot for surfers of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, there is something for everyone in Playa Guiones.
One of the great things about surfing in Playa Guiones is the warm water. The water temperature rarely drops below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can surf comfortably in board shorts or a rash guard. The consistent waves also make it an ideal spot to learn how to surf, as you can expect small to medium waves most days of the year.
Additionally, Playa Guiones is surrounded by beautiful and lush jungle, which provides a stunning backdrop for your surf sessions. You can also spot wildlife such as howler monkeys and iguanas while surfing, which adds to the unique experience.
If you’re looking to surf in Playa Guiones, there are several surf shops that offer board rentals and surf lessons. One option is Coconut Harry’s Surf Shop, which has been in operation since 1993 and is a local favorite. Coconut Harry’s offers surfboard rentals, surf lessons, and surf camps, all led by experienced and knowledgeable instructors. They also offer a wide selection of surf gear and clothing.
Another option is Nosara Tico Surf School, which has been operating in Playa Guiones since 2001. The surf school offers group and private surf lessons, as well as surfboard rentals and surf camps. The instructors are all certified and experienced, and they provide personalized instruction tailored to your skill level.
Visit the Nosara Biological Reserve or the Ostional Wildlife Refuge
The Nosara Biological Reserve is a private nature reserve offering 3 miles of hiking trails through the jungle. This space is home to many different species of monkeys, birds, and lizards, all viewable if you go at the right times of the day (early morning or before dusk) and walk silently. At the river, use your vantage point to spot alligators, snakes, and coatimundis that may be in or near the river.
If you’re feeling more like watching wildlife seaside, viewing the sea turtles nesting and hatching at the Ostional Wildlife Refuge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The expert guides at Playa Ostional Tours will ensure you have a respectful and enjoyable visit, not to mention legal- as of now, visitation is off limits to tourists without a trained local escort.
Explore the Beaches With an ATV, Bike, or on Horseback
Nosara has some of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica, including Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, and Playa Nosara. There are quite a few ways to explore the beaches, with many opting for something a bit more adventurous than their own two feet. One option is to take a horseback ride with the Nosara Beach Horseback Riding company. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, rent an ATV from iQuad or a motor bike from Roadrunner Rentals. I’d recommend combining your adventure with some jungle trails for a really exciting time!
Take A Fishing Expedition
Fishing in Nosara, Costa Rica is a fantastic experience due to its diverse marine ecosystem and abundance of fish. With both offshore and inshore fishing available, you can expect to catch a variety of fish such as dorado, sailfish, marlin, roosterfish, and snapper. The warm waters and consistent weather make for ideal fishing conditions all year round, and the experienced local guides and charter companies make for a memorable and successful fishing trip.
Our recommendation is to use Fishing Nosara, a company we have gone with previously that provided an outstanding experience. Their multi-ship fleet is built for performance and comfort, ensuring a fantastic day on the water at a reasonable cost.
Fishing Nosara offer a personalized and professional fishing experience, with knowledgeable guides who know the best spots for the fish you want to catch. They also provide all the necessary equipment, bait, and refreshments for your trip, so all you need to bring is your excitement and sense of adventure!
Visit the Nosara Farmers’ Market
La Feria, or the Nosara Farmers Market, is a popular attraction- and for good reason. This weekly market is a great way to experience the local culture and support the community, while also getting your hands on some delicious fresh produce. The market is open every Saturday from 8:00am to 2:00pm, and you can find a variety of vendors selling fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, and other homemade goods.
One of the great things about the Nosara Farmers Market is that everything is locally sourced and organic, which means you can feel good about the quality of the products you are purchasing. The vendors take pride in their products and are happy to share information about their growing practices and the benefits of their products. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the local agriculture and the importance of sustainable farming practices.
The Nosara Farmers Market is also a great place to socialize and meet new people. The market attracts both locals and tourists, so you can expect a lively and friendly atmosphere.
Practice Yoga & Mindfulness
Practicing yoga in Nosara, Costa Rica is a popular activity among both locals and tourists. The Nicoya Peninsula is known for its tranquil and serene environment, which makes it the perfect place to practice yoga and mindfulness. The natural beauty of the area, with its lush green forests and stunning beaches, provides the ideal setting for a peaceful and grounding yoga practice.
Additionally, Nosara is home to several world-class yoga studios and retreat centers, where you can learn from experienced and knowledgeable yoga teachers. The yoga classes in Nosara are tailored to suit all levels, from beginner to advanced practitioners, and there are a variety of yoga styles to choose from, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and Restorative.
One option is the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, which is a luxury yoga retreat center located in the jungle just outside of Nosara. The Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort offers daily yoga classes, as well as yoga retreats and teacher trainings, led by renowned international teachers. The resort also features a restaurant, spa, and accommodations, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in a yoga practice and relax in nature.
Take a Sunset Cruise
A must-do activity for anyone visiting the area. The stunning Pacific ocean views combined with the vibrant colors of the sunset create a magical and romantic atmosphere that is hard to beat. A sunset cruise is also an excellent opportunity to see marine wildlife, such as dolphins and whales, in their natural habitat. The experienced guides on board the charter boats can provide interesting information about the local marine ecosystem and the different species that call it home.
One charter boat to consider for a sunset cruise is the Pacifica, which is a 38-foot catamaran that can accommodate up to 20 passengers. The Pacifica offers a variety of cruise options, including private charters, sunset cruises, and snorkeling trips. They provide complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as snorkeling equipment for those who wish to explore the underwater world.
Another charter boat to consider is the Sea Bird, a 28-foot center console boat that specializes in private sunset cruises for couples or small groups. The Sea Bird offers a more intimate and personalized experience, and the knowledgeable captain can tailor the cruise to your specific preferences. They provide snacks and drinks, as well as blankets and cushions to make your sunset cruise comfortable and cozy.
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