Getting to Nosara is not easy, but is well worth the effort; that’s the general consensus among those who have visited the beaches of Nosara, three of the most unspoiled beaches in Costa Rica, namely Playa Pelada, a small and pretty white sand beach, Playa Guiones, a long and expansive beach with good surf breaks, and Playa Nosara, a turtle nesting beach with an estuary and a large mangrove forest that offer exciting activities for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Nosara is also the gateway to Ostional National Park, one of the most important turtle nesting sites in the world.

Behind the beach line, private beach homes, small hotels and restaurants scatter through miles of rainforest which teems with wildlife such as howler monkeys, iguanas, pizotes, and birds. The pristine nature of Nosara is somberly guarded by a large international community who calls this region home.

Away from the beaches, the hills around Nosara are dotted by private vacation homes with charming forest and ocean views, many are offered as reasonably priced vacation rentals. Even more affordable beach rentals can be found on the flat behind Playa Guiones and Play Pelada - apart from not having an ocean view, beach houses here can be a real bargain for both short term and long term renters.

About 5 km inland from the beaches, in the sleepy and quiet village of Nosara, life revolves around the football field in the center of the village, its perimeter lined with schools, churches, sodas and mini supermarkets. At the fringe of the village lies the all-important regional airport which services daily commuter flights from San Jose, and is the preferred entry point for incoming tourists to this area.

For those who are not flying into Nosara, getting there is akin to a 4x4 adventure. Journeying on an unpaved road can be back-breaking for some, but local residents believe the not-so-easy access has helped deter weekend tourists from flocking in from the rest of the country, preserving the area’s serene atmosphere. On the other hand, words are out that the main road to Nosara and the maze of dirt roads connecting the beaches will soon be paved, so it may not be long before Nosara wakes up from its slumber.

For the moment, if you are driving from San Jose, you should allow 5 hours for the 228 km journey. First, get on to Highway 1 towards Liberia, then aim for the turnoff to Tempisque Bridge, where you cross the Gulf of Nicoya. Then head for the city of Nicoya in the heart of the Peninsula. When you arrive at Nicoya, drive straight through the town center and you will be on your way to Samara Beach. After about 32 km you will see the first gas station located in the outskirt before Samara, and opposite the gas station there is a turnoff to the right onto a gravel road, from here it is about 15 km to Playa Guiones and 22 km to Nosara.
 

Vacation Rentals in Nosara