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Your search stops here, because this is the ultimate guide you need to exploring Nosara, Costa Rica.
If you’re considering traveling to Nosara, then you’ve probably already heard people gush over how magical it is—and truthfully, I’m not here to convince you otherwise. In fact, after visiting over 50 countries and countless destinations across the world, Nosara remains one of those places I plan to revisit again and again.
To me, Nosara feels much less like a “travel destination” and more like a way of life. People don’t visit here to check off a laundry list of itinerary activities. You visit Nosara to soak up slow mornings, immerse in the sounds and sights of nature, try new ways of movement, and perhaps even reconnect with yourself more deeply.
Nosara just has an energy to it that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it for yourself. It must be that juicy Costa Rican pura vida at work.
The first time I visited Nosara was fresh off a breakup. And I swear that trip healed my heart in a lot of ways. Since then, I’ve returned with my now husband and have spent weeks at a time, exploring this sweet surf town slowly and intentionally.
Ready to plan your own journey to Nosara? Below, we’ll get into everything you need to know to plan your adventure with ease.
The Complete Guide to Nosara, Costa Rica
Where is Nosara, Costa Rica Located?
The laid-back surf town of Nosara is located on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica in Guanacaste Province. To give you a little geographical perspective, it’s equidistant between two of Costa Rica’s other popular beach destinations, Santa Teresa and Tamarindo.
One important thing to note is that if you search Nosara, Costa Rica on Google Maps, you’ll be directed to the inland town area, but when people refer to “Nosara” they’re really talking about the beach community mostly along Playa Guiones that bleeds along Playa Pelada, so that’s where you want to focus your searches in terms of hotels, restaurants, etc
What is Nosara, Costa Rica Like?
Nosara is known as a beach community that attracts a big wellness-oriented crowd. The town offers tons of surf lessons, yoga classes, retreats, and other wellness offerings. But think more young family / remote entrepreneur vibes rather than backpacker. Nosara doesn’t have a big nightlife scene, it’s more of a wake with the sun and surf kind of place.
You’ll find a big North American expat community here. And be prepared that Nosara can definitely be pricier than other parts of Costa Rica. If you think you’re traveling to Central America for a “cheap vacation” to Nosara, you may be unpleasantly surprised.
It’s also a bit remote and tough to get to, which while a tad annoying has helped Nosara avoid a typical “resort tourist” type of crowd.
What Nosara isn’t: Don’t expect a super budget-friendly, walkable destination with tons of tours and typical tourist offerings or a nightlife/backpacker scene. If that’s more your vibe, I would look at visiting Santa Teresa instead.
How to Get to Nosara, Costa Rica
As I just mentioned, Nosara is a bit remote. But those that are willing to put in the effort to get here are rewarded with a slice of Costa Rican paradise that hasn’t been overtaken by resorts and all the tourist traps that come with it.
Below I’ll get into the two best ways to get to Nosara and either is a great option—it just depends on your preference. I’ve done it both ways!
Different ways to Get to Nosara
Option 1: Fly into Liberia Airport (LIR) which is the closest major airport to Nosara. However, from here you’ll have to rent a car and drive to Nosara or book private transport for the long journey (it’s about 2.5-3 hours depending on road conditions).
Important Note: Roads along this route range from paved to incredibly bumpy unpaved roads and can vary depending on the time of year, so add extra time for the drive to be safe.
Option 2: Fly into San José Airport (SJO) which is further away (about 5 hours from Nosara) but has more direct flight options. If you first fly into SJO, you then have the option of taking a small domestic flight directly into Nosara with Sansa Air. From Nosara Airport there are typically tuk tuks you can jump on to head into town.
This is how I traveled to Nosara the first time. While it’s definitely quicker and more convenient, it can be a little nerve-wracking if you’re not a fan of tiny airplanes.
How to Get Around Nosara
Rent a Car
I’ve done Nosara both with a car and without a car. Having wheels is definitely the most convenient way to get around as the town is a little too spread out to walk everywhere. By renting a car, you’ll have much more freedom and flexibility with more options available to you as far as what to see, where to eat, and where to stay.
With that said, it is possible to book accommodations within walking distance from the beach and just focus on the walkable areas from there during your stay. You won’t have as many options available to you, but you also won’t miss out on the “essence” of Nosara either.
Where to Rent Cars in Nosara:
- For the best available vehicle options, you’re better off booking a car to pick up at Liberia or San José Airport. Check rental car prices here.
- Economy has a rental office in Nosara/ Playa Guiones if you prefer to rent one once you reach town.
Important Note if You Plan on Driving: If visiting Nosara in the rainy season, you’d be better off to rent a 4wd vehicle with higher clearance as roads can sometimes flood and get damaged.
Rent an ATV
Renting ATVs is another popular way for people to get around. But there are factors to consider like exposure to the elements (rain in wet season, dust in dry season) and safety. Last time I visited Nosara was during the rainy season. And we would have gotten absolutely destroyed by rain if we were trying to get around in ATVs all the time.
Still, ATVs can be fun for short hops around the town. But they aren’t as practical if you plan to do activities beyond the beach and dinner. iQuad is a quality operator offering various vehicle options for your time in Nosara.
Local Tuk Tuks
You will see local tuk tuks run by ticos scooting around town, but they’re not plentiful enough to be reliable, ie. don’t expect to hail one everywhere like you’d hail a cab in New York City.
The Best Time to Visit Nosara, Costa Rica
The best time to visit Nosara is absolutely during the dry season December to April. The weather is more consistently sunny and dry (duh), but also more businesses are open this time of year. The last time I visited was in October and while we still lucked out with mostly decent weather, there were a lot of closures in terms of restaurants and shops around town.
With that said, Nosara is much more quiet and lush in the wet season. And you can find better prices on accommodation, so pick your poison.
In short, dry season = Better weather, more businesses open, easier driving logistics.
Wet season = Cheaper prices and more peace and quiet around town. But with it comes more rain—and more bugs and mosquitoes!
How Much Time Do You Need in Nosara?
Since there isn’t a ton to see and do in Nosara, you could certainly spend a long weekend here and be just fine. However, the magic is really in taking it slow and enjoying the area for a bit longer.
If you have the time and flexibility, taking a week or two here will feel like a truly nourishing reset.
With 3 days in Nosara: Spend your time at the beach and exploring town. Take a couple surf lessons or yoga classes.
With 5 + days in Nosara: You’ll have time to take things slower. Join a yoga retreat or add some excursions outside of town to your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Nosara
Best Hotels in Nosara
Just steps from Playa Guiones, the Silvestre was awarded one Michelin Key in 2025 and is a haven for wellness enthusiasts.
Guests get the best of both worlds between a hotel and homestay vibe; rooms here feel more like small apartments with multiple bedrooms, kitchens and ample living space, and guests can even book rooms with their own private barrel saunas. Still you have all the amenities of a luxury hotel including a rooftop infinity pool, gym, and cocktail bar.
Between its stunning minimal meets earthy design and close proximity to the beach, Sendero Hotel is hard to beat. I stayed here for a few nights during my first trip to Nosara and loved everything about this peaceful retreat.
The grounds are lush as can be and they offer surfboard rentals and lessons. They also have a full restaurant, and a stunning wellness studio with yoga, pilates and more on offer.
Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel
If you have a rental car and want a peaceful retreat away from it all, then Tierra Magnifica is a magical location high up on a mountain with sweeping panoramic views. You’ll definitely be outside of the hustle of the Playa Guiones beach community, but Tierra Magnifica definitely offers a different kind of ambiance that other places in Nosara can’t provide.
Plus they have an extensive range of activities for guests. Including everything from beach horseback rides and surf lessons to ziplining and sport fishing.
If you’ve been called to Nosara for the endless yoga options, then Bodhi Tree is the place to stay. They offer some of the best yoga classes in town with multiple gorgeous yoga shalas with a mix of lush jungle and ocean views—trust me, it’s magical!
For those on a tighter budget, Norte Nosara is a more affordable option for yogis and surf enthusiasts in town with plenty of offerings for the wellness conscious.
Their open-air yoga studio is gorgeous (I took several classes here during my first trip to Nosara), and you’ll find a daily schedule of activities including yoga, reiki, ice baths, and even options to partake in cacao ceremonies, sound baths, and somatic breathwork.
Best Airbnbs in Nosara
Airbnb stays are a great option in Nosara, especially if you’re traveling with a group of friends or family. They vibe well with Nosara’s slower pace of life because you can cook some of your own meals and enjoy downtime in the privacy of your own space.
Keep in mind that great Airbnbs in Nosara by the beach book out fast in high season. So I recommend locking one down ASAP. Here are a few amazing stays worth checking out.
Guiones Beach Family Luxury Home – For larger groups, this is the ultimate luxe stay with modern design. The amenities are perfect for a bachelorette party, family vacation, or multi-family group.
The Gypsy Den – This little wooden jungle cabin is outfitted in boho furnishings and accents, giving it a relaxing artist’s abode feel. The house is perfect for a small family, with one main bedroom and a second smaller kid’s room.
Tiny Home in Nosara – If you’re looking for something more simple that is still thoughtfully designed, this small space for two is perfect with a location just four minutes by foot to Guiones Beach.
Raintree Experience – With an excellent location close to Playa Pelada, this luxury home makes for the perfect relaxing escape that is both super elevated and convenient. Your jaw will literally drop when you see this house!
Where to Eat in Nosara
For such a small surf town, there are a lot of places to eat in Nosara. I wrote a post breaking down all my favorites here, but here are a handful you can’t miss.
Howler’s
While the menu at this open-air beach bar isn’t extensive, they have one menu item which is probably the best thing I’ve ever eaten in Nosara, and that’s their tuna carpaccio. The flavors, the freshness…I don’t know what exactly it is but it’s absolutely delicious. Come here for a post-surf snack and you won’t regret it.
La Ventanita
La Ventanita is a little hidden away from the main strips through town. But it’s one of my favorite lunch or brunch options in Nosara. You can get various healthy bowls, salads and sandwiches here and dine in their beautiful lush setting. I’m personally a big fan of their pork banh mi.
Coyol
A trip to Coyol requires a more adventurous trek up the mountain. But it’s a dining experience you can’t get anywhere else in Nosara. From Coyol’s high-up perch, you’ll get treated to stunning sunsets and ocean views in an upscale farmhouse atmosphere with a delicious menu bursting with Mediterranean and barbecue flavors.
La Malacrianza
I discovered La Malacrianza on my second trip to Nosara and it quickly became me and my husband’s favorite restaurant—we loved it so much we went back three times! It’s slightly out of town on the route to Playa Garza, so you’ll need a car or ATV to get here, but it’s worth it for their wood-fired pizza and fresh fish.
Sendero Kitchen
Nosara is notoriously casual, but Sendero Kitchen offers something a bit more refined and upscale close to the beach. The restaurant is part of the Sendero Hotel. And the service and flavors here are outstanding. Come here for a romantic date night or special occasion.
What to do in Nosara, Costa Rica
Take Surf Lessons
Nosara is one of the top surf destinations in Costa Rica, and Playa Guiones is known for having both beginner-friendly waves and consistent breaks for more experienced surfers year-round.
If you’re staying at one of the hotels by the beach, they may offer surf lessons or surf schools on site. But there are many other surf schools in town to check out. All of them offer a little something different. So it’s helpful to scope out a few to see which ones cater best to your needs.
Here are some of the best surf schools in Nosara:
If you’re already an experienced surfer, you can also just rent surfboards around town rather than join in on a lesson. Surfboard rentals typically cost around $10-$15 per day.
Also, if surfing isn’t your thing that’s totally fine and don’t think a visit to Nosara isn’t still worth it. I’ll let you in on a little secret, and that’s that I have never surfed in Nosara and I still love visiting there—though I probably should give it a try sometime!
Relax at Playa Guiones
If you’re not a surfer like me, then that’s totally fine. There is so much more to enjoy at Playa Guiones beyond surfing. The beach is long and perfect for morning strolls, plus the nightly sunsets here are BEYOND.
You’ll notice that sunset here is somewhat of a ritual and everyone stops whatever they’re doing and heads out to the beach to take in this daily magical moment.
At low tide, there are often tidepools that are a hit with kids. And the beach is dog friendly so there’s always cute pups running around.
Visit Other Nearby Beaches
Though Playa Guiones is the main beach in Nosara with the best proximity to town, it’s not the only beach in the area worth checking out.
- Playa Pelada – Though Playa Guiones is the main hub beach in Nosara for activities, I find Playa Pelada to be more picturesque. It’s a bit more visually interesting and quiet. And especially stunning at sunset (book a table at La Luna for sunset which sits right along Playa Pelada).
- Playa Garza – South of Guiones is Playa Garza, situated in a fishing village. It’s got a much more rugged and wild feel. But is a nice alternative if you want something more remote and quiet where you have the beach to yourself.
- Playa Nosara – More of a locals beach, Playa Nosara is located 20 minutes up the coast from Guiones.
Join a Yoga Class or Retreat
You can’t throw a rock without hitting a yoga class or retreat in Nosara. So the hardest part is narrowing down which ones to book.
My personal favorite spots for booking individual yoga classes are Bodhi Tree, Norte and Sendero. All have stunning yoga studios that have a magical indoor outdoor vibe.
Bodhi Tree though is a yoga institution in Nosara. They host tons of full-scale yoga retreats throughout the year and many weekly classes for all levels. If you’re unsure of where to start, you can’t go wrong with Bodhi Tree.
Here are some other spots to check out for weekly drop-in classes:
- View the class schedule at Norte Nosara
- View the class schedule at Sendero
- View the class schedule at Harmony Hotel
Try Local Costa Rican Food
Playa Guiones is definitely not a destination with a ton of local food. The area caters more to the expat wellness crowd with organic food, smoothies, and healthy brunches. However, if you’re looking for the best Costa Rican fare in town, Rosi’s Soda Tica is the spot.
Plus, if you’re on a tighter budget you’ll be much happier with the prices here.
Enjoy a Sunset at La Luna Restaurant
A sunset meal at La Luna along Playa Pelada is a must during your time in Nosara. And I’d recommend making a reservation to nail down your spot. La Luna has a unique beachfront location in Nosara, which is surprisingly rare for the area. Much of the beach real estate is backed by jungle rather than businesses.
Their outdoor area is super romantic with a magical ambiance strung with bistro lights. But the best part is the location steps from Playa Pelada. It is the most gorgeous beach for sunset in my opinion.
Visit the Weekly Farmer’s Market
Nosara’s weekly farmers market is on Tuesday mornings in Playa Guiones and is hosted by Organic Nosara. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or have a kitchen, this is a great place to pick up some organic produce and support local farmers, or you can peruse their souvenirs and handmade jewelry.
The best way to stay up to date on times and locations as they’re subject to change is by following along on Organic Nosara’s Instagram page.
Shop for Cute Boho Goods in Town
If you love boho and beachy dresses, swimsuits, and accessories than you’ll want to spend a couple hours exploring the shopping scene in Nosara. While it’s not crazy extensive, there are definitely some gems that I love checking out each time I visit.
A few shops in Nosara not to miss:
- WLDFLWRS – This vibey shop is located inside an adorable vintage airstream.
- Hipsea – Tiny but mighty, I love the dress selection in Hipsea if you’re looking for something new and fun to wear with goddess energy.
- Love Nosara – The space itself at Love Nosara is stunning, and the clothes have the quality and style to match.
- Bloom Nosara – Beautiful handmade clothing and jewelry that gives off beachy meets Burning Man vibes.
See the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
If you can time it right, witnessing the “arribada” or turtle nesting at Playa Ostional is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’ll see thousands of these turtles coming ashore simultaneously to lay their eggs.
Turtle nestings here typically happen between July and December right around the new moon each month. It’s a great trip outside of Playa Guiones but absolutely requires a local guide as you can’t just show up to witness the arribada.
There aren’t straightforward tours to book since the timing is so important, so the best way to keep tabs on turtle activity and hire a local guide is by speaking with your hotel or through the Refugio Nacional Da Vida Silvestre Ostional facebook page. You can also contact the WCA directly for more information, though they do not run the tours in house.
Hike to the mirador hermosa nosara Viewpoint
While this isn’t an “official” hike, my friend who lived here showed me this spot on my first trip to Nosara and it offers a unique panoramic vantage point looking down onto both Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada simultaneously.
The hike is short but quite rugged, so good footwear is needed and it’s pretty overgrown in the rainy season, so I’d probably only attempt it if you’re visiting in the dry season. It can also be quite steep at points, so use extra caution.
How to find the trail:
- Walk to the northern end of Playa Guiones towards Mirador Hermose Playa on Google Maps. Look for a path next to a tree that ascends steeply up the hill. It’s a bit of a scramble at the beginning but once you reach the top there’s a dirt path that’s cleared out along the ridge line.
Explore the Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary
This rescue and education sanctuary is focused on protecting Costa Rica’s native wildlife and is a beautiful place to visit for an educational tour through the jungle.
It’s about a 20 minute drive from downtown Playa Guiones and tours are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, lasting for around 2.5 hours. On tours, guests learn about important wildlife and plants that make up the ecosystem as well as the threats to these species.
If you’re looking for a good half-day trip outside of Guiones, this is a great option. Learn more here about how to visit the Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary.
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