Nosara Costa Rica: A Curated, Wellness-Focused Travel Guide
Nosara Costa Rica and Playa Guiones might just be Costa Rica’s best-kept secret and if you haven’t yet heard about them you’ll want to keep reading. Located in Guanacaste Province in North West Costa Rica, Nosara is a small town with a unique, laid-back atmosphere, surf, yoga and one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches.
Nosara Costa Rica has such a welcoming, friendly, laid back vibe that it’s the perfect place for a retreat, a week of surfing, a self-care vacation or a place to base yourself, as a digital nomad for a while. Here you’ll find some seriously gorgeous rentals and eco-hotels, lovely boutiques and a great selection of healthy and plant-based restaurants.
It’s probably worth mentioning here that when people say, ‘I’m in Nosara’ or ‘Nosara in gorgeous’, they actually mean the whole area, particularly Playa Guiones a little further south. The actual town of Nosara is a local, functioning town that isn’t particularly attractive, nor does it have much appeal for visitors. The best places to base yourself are in Playa Guiones or Playa Pelada. Further north, Ostional is an option too.
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HOW TO GET TO NOSARA
To get to Nosara, just like with most places in Costa Rica, it’s best to drive as other transportation options are limited. In fact, renting a car for your entire Costa Rica trip is a good idea as it will allow you to explore much more than trying to navigate the entire country by bus or by an overpriced shuttle.
Car
You can rent a car at San Jose or Liberia International Airports and the process is extremely straightforward. You’ll want to make sure to book your rental car well in advance especially during the high season (November-February). This way you’ll also find the best deals.
I always use Rental Cars for the best deals online- especially in Costa Rica. Check their rates and deals here.
I would highly recommend renting a car or even an ATV in Nosara as you’ll need something to get around. While you can easily walk around Playa Guiones, you’ll need transportation to get to Playa Pelada and to explore the area. It’s all a little spread out.
Renting a car locally is quite difficult because of the remoteness of this part of Costa Rica. There is just one Alamo in Nosara. The best place to rent a car on the Nicoya Peninsula is at Liberia airport or better still, book online here for the best prices.
Private Shuttle
You can also get to Nosara/ Playa Guiones by private shuttle. Tourist shuttles exist all over Costa Rica and provide quick and direct transfers between all the major popular destinations. From the airport, you’ll be able to organise a direct transfer to Nosara. Costa Rica Shuttle is just one company to check out before booking.
Tourist shuttles in Costa Rica are expensive and sometimes it’s cheaper to rent a car, especially if you’re a small group. I’d definitely compare prices between renting a car and a tourist shuttle first to see if it’s actually worth it.
Public Transport
The other way to get to Nosara is by public bus. Buses travel to Nosara from San Jose, Liberia and some other towns on the Nicoya Peninsula. There is one direct bus per day from San Jose. You can also take a bus from San Jose to Nicoya and change there for an onward bus to Nosara.
I personally wouldn’t rely on Uber in this area as it is pretty remote.
WHERE TO STAY
Nosara has so many places to stay from luxury resorts to beach-chic surf schools, hostels and VRBOs. There’s something for all budgets. The best place to stay in Nosara is in the Playa Guiones area. Here’s you’ll have most of the best restaurants, boutiques, hotels and surf schools within walking distance. You’ll also be just a few minutes from the best beach- Playa Guiones.
OLAS VERDES
Located in one of the best locations right behind Playa Guiones, Olas Verdes is our top pick for the Nosara area and it’s where we stayed during our time in Nosara. A true eco-lodge and surf school, this sustainable option has a variety of different types of lodging from tasteful pool-view suites to ample and airy apartments surrounded by jungle foliage and singing birds.
They’re a true eco-lodge at heart- there is no single-use plastic on the premises and you’ll receive a reusable water bottle upon check in to encourage you to not use plastic bottles. Your stay at Olas Verdes also includes complimentary bike rental to explore the Nosara area, boogie boards, complimentary laundry, choice of 9 delicious breakfast options, free parking and courtesy transfer from Nosara airport if you need it.
In addition, you also have access to the jungle-surrounded yoga deck and daily yoga classes to flow and stretch after a morning surf session. There’s even a pool and Club House- a place to relax, watch a movie, play a board game or catch up on work. Their surf school on-site also provides you with private or group classes and board rental to get your surfing skills up to the next level.
At Olas Verdes, you’ll also find El Manglar restaurant where you can enjoy local, healthy cuisine at all times of the day. Playa Guiones is a 5-minute walk away down a secluded path through the mangroves. The property really does have everything you need for the perfect stay in Nosara.
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BODHI TREE YOGA RESORT
A great option for yoga lovers, check into the Bodhi Tree for a week of surfing, yoga, healthy food and good vibes. This is the ideal escape for the wellness traveller looking to discover some of the magic that this area of Costa Rica has to offer. Built and functioning with sustainability and green energy in mind, they also support local projects and conservation initiatives.
Bodhi Tree offers daily yoga classes as well as yoga retreats throughout the year where you can deepen and strengthen your practice. You can also take advantage of their lovely spa to fully relax with a massage post-surf.
Their restaurant and juice bar also keep your body and mind supported and running on the best local produce possible.
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THE GILDED IGUANA
Another top-notch option in Nosara especially for surfers and design lovers, rooms here are spacious and beautifully kitted out. They have a gorgeous pool area to relax around during the day and a great restaurant on-site too.
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MOANA SURF RESORT
A great option for surfers just a stone’s throw away from Playa Guiones. Lovely and comfortable apartment-style accommodation surrounded by a pool and the jungle.
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WHERE TO EAT
Luv Burger
One of the two best plant-based restaurants in Nosara, Luv Burger was one of my firm favourites. With a great selection of vegan burgers, tacos, salads, bowls, solid breakfasts as well as juices and kombuchas and of course local, organic coffee.
All food is made using 100% wholefoods, plant-based ingredients and without any chemicals, preservatives or nasties. They locally source their produce and use non-GMO food. The restaurant itself is large with amazing outdoor seating surrounded by jungle. It’s the perfect place for a slow lunch or a romantic dinner in Nosara.
Naked Foods
Another plant-based restaurant right around the corner from LUV Burger, Naked Foods the other option you just have to try. Their plant-based menu includes burgers, curries, bowls, salads and healthy spins on local dishes. They also do great breakfasts, juices and smoothies and if you’re in the mood for something sweet you have to try their great selection of organic and healthy treats. A must-try.
Organico
More of a grocer than a restaurant this is a great place to stock up on organic, healthy ingredients if you’re self-catering or staying in Nosara for a while. Stock up on bars, grains, legumes and local produce as well as buy coffee, tea and everything else you might need during your stay. Organico also offers produce boxes and picnic boxes in case you’re heading to the beach and don’t have time to organise your own. Read more here.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN NOSARA
Go Surfing in Playa Guiones
Most people head to Nosara for the amazing waves and surfing is the number one activity in the area. The waves are suitable for beginners and pros alike and there are plenty of places to learn and/or rent a surfboard if you’re already past the beginner phase. Some of the best surf schools in Nosara are Nosara Surf Academy which offers g