Nosara travel guide
Nosara, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
With world-class yoga studios, curated concept shops, and waves that draw the global surf elite, Nosara is effortlessly stylish and soulfully slow. Basically, it’s the Costa Rican town on everyone’s vision board.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From Liberia
~2.5 hours
Best Airport
LIR
Temperature
89 to 95°F
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Our take
Who Nosara is for
Nosara is for surfers, yoga lovers and anyone into a more hippie, organic vibe. Think yoga studios, juice bars and healthy cafés. Lots of people from the US and Europe have moved here, and it’s a popular base for the digital nomad crowd.
One thing to keep in mind: Nosara is remote and spread out, and it can feel a bit disconnected. The easiest side trips are Sámara and Playa Ostional, where the sea turtles nest.
How long to stay: Two nights is enough to get a feel for it. But it’s also the kind of place you could stay two weeks, or two months, if you want to embrace the vibe and get into the community.
Nosara or Santa Teresa?
Choose Nosara if…
You want a slower, quieter stay focused on surf, yoga and wellness, and you don’t mind things being spread out. Nosara is more remote, and most day trips are to Sámara or Playa Ostional.
Choose Santa Teresa if…
You want more to do around you. In Santa Teresa everything is in one condensed area, with more restaurants, nightlife and activities close by. It’s our favorite town on the peninsula.
Can’t decide?
If you like having everything close by, pick Santa Teresa. If you want to slow down and maybe stay a while, Nosara is a great fit.
Getting there
How to get to Nosara
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Nosara is by flying into Liberia (LIR). It’s about 2.5 hours from the airport. From San José (SJO), it’s about 5 hours.
There is also a domestic airport in Nosara, so you can take a domestic flight from San José. For shared shuttles, use Bookaway. Use code SARAHMC5 at checkout.
For more info:
Rental car
Renting a car is the easiest way to get to Nosara, and you’ll want one once you’re here since everything is spread out. The drive is about 2.5 hours from Liberia and about 5 hours from San José.
Shuttles and tours
Most activity tours include transport. For point-to-point shuttles use Bookaway.
Where it is
Nosara is on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, just north of Sámara. The town of Nosara itself is a bit inland and is more of a bustling town. If you’re visiting, you most likely want to stay in the Playa Guiones or Playa Pelada area, where there are more hotels, restaurants, and shops, and you’ll be almost directly on the beach.
Good to know: There is also a beach as you come into town from the south called Playa Garza. There are a few hotels there, but we think you are better off looking in the Playa Guiones area.
Weather
Nosara weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Nosara. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (Dec: Apr)
The most popular time to visit Nosara is from the end of December through early May. Expect extremely hot weather and no rain.
Rainy season (May: Dec)
From May through mid-August, you’ll likely get a daily afternoon thunderstorm, but there are fewer tourists. From mid-August through mid-December, it cools off a bit and there is more rain.
Daytime high
89 to 95°F (32 to 35°C)
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Nighttime low
70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C)
Our tip
Pro tip: We like to visit Nosara between May and mid-August. You’ll likely get an afternoon thunderstorm, but there are far fewer tourists.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Nosara
Guiones, Pelada or Garza?
Playa Guiones
Most popular · Surf · Restaurants
The most popular area, with the main surf beach and the most going on, including hotels, restaurants, cafés and yoga studios.
Playa Pelada
Quieter · Tide pools
More chill, with a smaller beach just north of Guiones. Good if you want a quieter stay that’s still close to everything.
Playa Garza
Very quiet · Few hotels
A small beach you pass as you come into town from the south. It’s very chill with only a few hotels, so most visitors stay in Guiones.
Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge
Nature lovers · Tiered pools · Next to a nature reserve
Spacious rooms with big views, tiered pools and lots of wildlife, right next to a nature reserve. It’s a bit remote with not much in walking distance, but the hotel has everything you need.
The Gilded Iguana
Boutique · Surf-chic · Playa Guiones
A surf-chic landmark with airy rooms, a saltwater pool, and effortless access to Playa Guiones’ famed waves. We love the relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.
Tierra Magnifica
Luxury · Hilltop · Ocean views · Spa
An intimate hilltop resort with panoramic ocean views, a spa, and chef-driven dining. It’s not on the beach, but the free shuttle runs to Guiones four times a day.
The Sunset Shack
Mid-range · By the Guiones main break · Breakfast included
A mix of surf culture and laid-back luxury, less than 200 feet from the Guiones main break. Year-round pool, an on-site restaurant, and an authentic surf-camp vibe.
Also worth considering: Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences (luxury, two-minute walk to Playa Guiones), Sendero Hotel (boutique, four-minute walk to Guiones Beach), Casa Vitality Nosara (mid-range bed and breakfast with a pool), and Burnt Toast Surfcamp (budget, five minutes from Playa Pelada).
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Nosara rentals on VRBO →
See all of our favorite Nosara hotels →
Good to know
Is Nosara expensive?
Yes. Nosara used to be really popular with budget travelers and backpackers, and it still attracts them, but prices have gone up a lot and budget-friendly places are hard to find now.
Hostels: If you want a hostel stay, book as early as you can. Options include Hostel Nicoa (simple rooms, a pool and a garden), Surfhost, and Nosara Hostel Costa Rica near Playa Guiones.
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Things to do
Things to do in Nosara
Surfing
Surfing in Nosara
Surfing is the main reason most people come to Nosara. Playa Guiones is the main break, a long beach with several peaks, and conditions change a lot with the tide. We haven’t surfed here ourselves, but friends of ours with some surf experience found it a more advanced spot. If you’re new to surfing, take a lesson.
Renting a board
There are so many places to rent a surfboard. Rent as close to the beach as you can so you don’t have to carry it far. The dry season (roughly November to March) usually brings smaller, cleaner waves, while the rainy season brings bigger swells.
Retreats
Yoga and surf retreats
Nosara is one of the best-known places in Costa Rica for retreats, from yoga and wellness to surf camps. BookRetreats is the easiest way to compare them by length, price and type.
Popular in Nosara
Yoga retreats · Yoga and surf retreats · Affordable retreats · Wellness retreats
Go surfing
Surfing is the main draw in Nosara. The beaches have golden sand and consistent waves. Beginners should stick to the inside at Playa Guiones, and experienced surfers can head to the more powerful breaks further out. Read our Costa Rica surfing guide.
Take a yoga class
The relaxed vibes of Nosara are perfect for yoga. If you want a class every day, stay at a hotel with yoga included in the room rate, or just enjoy your own sunrise session on the beach.
See the turtles at Ostional
Playa Ostional, just north of Nosara, is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. In the autumn you can sometimes see thousands at once. During nesting, the beach is only accessible with a certified guide.
Go beach hopping
One of our favorite things to do here is to drive the coastal roads and explore the side roads down to remote beaches. Our favorites are Playa Pelada, San Juanillo, Garza, and Playa Azul. Don’t leave anything valuable in the car.
Horseback riding on the beach
Riding along the Nosara beaches is a peaceful way to enjoy the waves and the landscape. We suggest going at sunset for an extra special experience.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Nosara
HUACAS Restaurant
Fine dining · Sunset views · Date night
The most high-end dining experience in Nosara, at Tierra Magnifica. It’s a good spot for date night, and we like coming for dinner because the sunset views are great.
Orgánico Bakery
Café · Breakfast & lunch · Organic
Our go-to spot for breakfast or lunch in a relaxed café setting. Sandwiches, bowls, salads, smoothies, and baked goods, with a focus on local organic ingredients.
Rosi’s Soda Tica
Traditional Costa Rican · $
Our go-to for authentic Costa Rican food. Come for a traditional breakfast with gallo pinto and fresh fruit juice, or a casado for lunch.
Howler’s Beach Lounge
Tacos · Cocktails · $
Our favorite place for tacos and cocktails in a fun, chill atmosphere. Don’t miss the tuna carpaccio. It’s amazing.
Book HUACAS around sunset for dinner with a view.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Nosara
Yoga
Think a mix of beach, yoga, and surf-wear in a relaxed style. We like to bring our own travel yoga mat and very lightweight, breathable clothes. It is hot here!
Surfing
Don’t forget a rash guard with UV protection. We usually go long sleeve because the sun is so powerful.
Luggage
If possible, pack a large backpack instead of a suitcase. The roads aren’t all paved, so rolling a suitcase around is not ideal. Save some space for the cute shops downtown.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Nosara is generally safe, but it is always best to exercise caution. Petty theft sometimes occurs.
Getting around
Getting around Nosara
If you only plan to surf and stay in town, you really do not need a rental car. However, if you would like to explore other beaches or make day trips, a rental car is always the best way to get around in Costa Rica.
Rental car
Best for beach hopping and day trips. The roads aren’t all paved here, so check where your hotel is located.
Tuk-tuks
There are some tuk-tuk-style taxis you can take if you need to get around town.
FAQ
Nosara FAQ: your questions
Is Nosara Costa Rica worth visiting?
Yes, Nosara is worth visiting for the relaxed atmosphere, great surf, and nice beaches.
Is Nosara or Tamarindo better to visit?
That really depends on what you are looking for. Nosara is more geared towards backpackers that want to surf and do yoga. Tamarindo is a lot bigger. It is also a good surfing destination and is popular with families.
Can you swim at Nosara Beach?
It is usually best not to swim at Nosara Beach because the rip currents can be very strong. Always ask someone and pay attention to red flags before getting in the water.
Is Nosara Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Nosara Costa Rica is safe. However, it is always best to exercise caution. Petty theft sometimes occurs.
How do I get to Nosara?
Where should I stay in Nosara?
Most visitors stay in the Playa Guiones or Playa Pelada area rather than the town of Nosara itself, which is a bit inland. Guiones and Pelada have more hotels, restaurants, and shops, and you’ll be almost directly on the beach.
Do I need a car in Nosara?
Not if you only plan to surf and stay in town. There are tuk-tuk-style taxis for getting around. If you want to explore other beaches or make day trips, a rental car is the best way to do it. We use Adobe Rent a Car, and our readers get 10% off.
How many days should I spend in Nosara?
Two nights is enough to get a feel for Nosara. But it’s also the kind of place you could stay two weeks or even two months if you want to embrace the vibe and get into the community.
Is Nosara good for beginner surfers?
Playa Guiones is the main surf beach, and conditions change a lot with the tide. Friends of ours with some surf experience found it a more advanced spot, so if you’re new to surfing, take a lesson. There are lots of places to rent boards; rent as close to the beach as you can.
Is Nosara expensive?
Yes. Nosara used to be popular with backpackers, but prices have gone up a lot and budget places are hard to find. If you want a hostel, book as early as you can.
Is Nosara or Santa Teresa better?
It depends on what you want. Santa Teresa has more to do, with everything in one condensed area. Nosara is more remote and spread out, with a slower surf, yoga and wellness vibe. Santa Teresa is our personal favorite.
Every guide
All our Nosara guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Nicoya Peninsula
Planning more of the region? See our full Nicoya Peninsula guide.
Hey there!!! Im trying to put together a “per day” budget for my wife and I. We have airfare, and a house booked on Airbnb….Just trying to figure out between food and spending how to make sure we have enough for 10 days. Just not sure how to figure it all out. Thanks!!
Hi Damon, It is kind of hard to figure out because it is hard to say how much you will spend on activities and food. What we like to do is make a budget (like say we are only going to spend $100 per day) and work backwards. So, on our trip if we spend a lot one day for an activity we might eat a cheaper meal that night. You can definitely save money by cooking at your Airbnb for a few nights. You can get an OK meal for about $10 per person, but if you want to eat at nicer restaurants it will be more like $20 per person.
What other beach spots near Nosara do you suggest checking out? Also what other things can we check out near Nosara? We have rented a car with adobe.
Hi Brittany! You’re going to love Nosara! Heading down to Samara is a nice day trip option. Samara is a little busier than Nosara but has a cool hippie vibe and nice beach. You can also head north from Nosara and stop at Playa Osteonal. This is the beach which is known for being filled with turtles. Usually, this is something you will only see in the fall, but depending on which dates you will be there, you may be able to see at least a few turtles. They keep their Facebook page up to date, so definitely check that out. https://www.facebook.com/GUIASAGLO/ Also, we like to just drive the road that borders the ocean up to Tamarindo and pull off at random beaches along the way. So, what you do is instead of cutting out onto the main road to Tamarindo, enter Playa Junquillal (nice place to stop) in your GPS. Most of the little beaches are down unmarked dirt roads which just randomly end at beaches. You can just park your car at the end of these roads, but make sure you dont leave anything of value in the car. I would make your end goal Lola’s. From Junquillal just type Lola’s in your GPS and make sure it is bringing you along the beach road. Lola’s is a cool beach bar on a nice beach called Playa Avellana. https://www.costaricavibes.com/destinations/guanacaste/avellanas/ You could also head to Tamarindo from there or take another day trip up to Tamarindo. If you make it its own day trip, definitely take the interior road because it’s way faster and better maintained. Hope that helps! Let us know if you have more questions.
I first visited Nosara 28 years ago. I instantly fell in love with the place. I felt like I was stepping back in time. There were horses tied up outside bars and restaurants. That was the major source of transportation. The drive here took us over 8 hours. Driving through 11 rivers on a trip with no pavement on the road upon leaving Nicoya. There was only one hotel at the beach, which is still there but it is empty most of the time.
Now, everything is brand new in Nosara, with the recent development. You now have a luxurious airport in Liberia which shaves 2 hours off of the trip.
The drive is a drag except for all of the beautiful scence you will experience.
Enjoy the trip and pura vita.
Wow thats really interesting. Ffor only 28 years this country has definitely changed a lot! Thanks for sharing! I can’t even imagine Nosara like that with horses tied up outside of bars. I’ve driven through a few of the rivers when the bridge was out and I thought that was crazy.