Nosara
The Nosara area is located in the province of Guanacaste, on the Nicoya peninsula, just a skip north of Samara. The area consists of Playa Guinoes, Playa Pelada, and the small community of Garza to the south. The area is a landscape of lush rain forest even during the dry season, and wildlife abounds. The area is also known for it’s consistent surf, and easy acccess to heavier breaks like Marbella to the north. However, even if you’re not into surf, Nosara still has plenty to offer.
The best beach of the three in the area is Playa Guiones, a vast crescent shaped beach with great sand and few rocks. Almost nothing is built close to the beach, as there is a protected band of land between the beach and the rain forest that serves as a picturesque backdrop. On the hilliside above Guiones, amazing homes dot the area. If you are looking for entertainment head to Kaya Sol, pretty much the closest bar to the beach in Guiones. You’ll find a well balanced menu and plenty of cold beer. For a little more lively atmosphere, walk a couple of meters to the Guilded Iguana. During the day time this pool bar is a favorite meeting spot of local ex-pats. Nosara even has it’s own English pub, The Black Sheep. the authenticity of this bar is so amazing that if you woke up inside, you could think that you were actually in a roadside pub in the English countryside. The owner doesn’t even stock local beers, and has his favorites specially imported. Find a local to get directions, and you’ll definitely need a ride.
Nosara in a larger map
Nosara is also considered the yoga capital of Costa Rica, with yogis from all over coming to practice and teach. The Nosara Yoga Institute offers a variety of courses, and has daily classes to balance out the alcohol and drug intake. There are a few areas that are worth a good hike, horseback riding on the beach and sea kayaking, can all take up some of your leisure time.
For a true beach hostel experience, you’ll have to stay at Solo Bueno. Located just a short walk from Playa Guiones, Mateo and Kimberly run a lively hostel with a super laid back atmosphere. Beds are cheap, and there are private rooms out back in the rancho. It’s also the central meeting spot more or less for the areas surfers. Be wary of staying in the area for too long if you aspire to accomplish anything in your life, Nosara has a way of sucking people in and keeping them. You can find former executives waiting tables or bartending, and they’re not stuck in a rut, they’re stuck in their paradise.
Nature Air and Sansa offer daily flights to Nosara from San Jose. Nature Air even has some flights from Tamarindo. To get to Nosara by bus, you need to catch the 5:00 AM bus from Tracopa in San Jose (direct) or you can take any direct bus to Nicoya and catch the collectivo or a taxi to Nosara from there.
