Full Guide: Nosara, Costa Rica

Put down your phone, get off the grid, and enjoy the essence of pura vida

A short walk through any of the jungle paths that lead to the ocean at Playa Guiones

Traveler Tips:

• No need to bring your fancy fits or designer goods, this is a beach bum vibe, even at the more expensive places in town. Enjoy going makeup free and having sand between your toes the whole time.

• If you rent a car, buy their insurance - it’s a nominal fee and will give you peace of mind because things can happen, and they aren’t handled how they are in the States. Speaking from experience.

• English-friendly, this is the deep cuts of the jungle vibes, but almost everyone speaks English. That said, it’s a great opportunity to practice your Spanish.

• The sunrise is early (before 6am) and everyone is on the surf schedule, so it’s a pretty healthy and restorative vacay, not much of a late night party destination. There are a few bars open late, and once a month or so there will be jungle parties with DJs but otherwise it’s very tranquilo.

• Drink bottled water just to be safe.

Off-roading on ATVs through the jungle with amazing views

Must-See / Do:

• Nosara ATV & Surf - We were introduced to David by our friends who’ve spent a lot of time in Nosara the last few years (thanks Emily and Joao!). He has his own company where he gives surf lessons, takes you on ATV tours to waterfalls, and other fun adventures. He’s a really nice and chill guy, and I was able to stand up my very first time surfing thanks to him! Our recent ATV adventure included an experience where we made fresh sugarcane juice, guarapo, on a local farm. The farmers added a splash of homemade moonshine with some ice and a squirt of lime, drinking out of a small coconut shell - it’s probably one of my favorite cocktails I’ve had maybe ever.

• Sunsets are a community affair. Everyone comes out to watch the sunset with friends, family, kids, dogs, drinks, games, surfing, etc. It’s really the thing to do in the evenings - and the sunsets are especially spectacular in the winter months.

• Yoga at Bodhi Tree - I didn’t get a chance to take any classes here since I did my own thing at the places we stayed, but it’s an institution among the yogis. They hold lots of retreats here as well. On the list for next time.

Left: Tuna carpaccio from Howler's | Right: Best seat in the house at La Luna

Must-Eat:

• Howler’s - Our favorite neighborhood spot. It’s the essential jungle beach shack, an outdoor bar under a palapa next to a surf shop. Great for an ice cold local beer or passionfruit margarita post-surf, but whatever you do, don’t leave Nosara without ordering the tuna carpaccio. It’s their signature dish for a reason and so satisfying. Oh and it’s named for the howler monkeys that like to hang out in the surrounding trees. You’ll see some, or more likely hear them, if you’re lucky.

• Posada Margherita - A new spot that also has a location in Tulum. It’s a quaint Italian place with laid-back ambiance and a plant nursery for a patio. The service was awesome, and we loved the food.

• La Luna - This is the best (and one of the only) beachfront dining options. The sunset views of Playa Pelada are unbeatable for a beautiful romantic night with a bohemian feel. You aren’t going here for the food, but the seafood entrees are fresh. It’s one of the nicer places in town and has higher prices for the view.

• Destiny Cafe - A great breakfast (or lunch) spot, Destiny’s is located within/next to La Negra surf hotel. Their menu is all very delicious and (mostly) healthy - the smoothies are large and filling. Another place you can see / hear howler monkeys.

• Burrito Amor - Simple and casual place to refuel on burritos. They’re a popular staple in Nosara for post-surf or post-adventures when you’ve worked up an appetite. This place does them well and has lots of options.

Left: Carajillo from Rolling Waves | Right: Tamarind margarita from Elixir

Where to Drink:

• Howler’s - Honestly our go-to spot for a bite and a beverage anytime of day. We loved sitting at the bar during the day in between activities, chatting with the locals, and enjoying a cold one in the middle of town.

• Blue Zone Brewery - Among the relatively newer places to hang, Blue Zone is one of the breweries we got to check out. Lots of light lagers, fun music playing, and board games to pass the time.

• Elixir - If you’re looking for a more upscale cocktail experience, Elixir is your best bet. It’s from local power couple Amy and Carlos, the same owners as Howler’s, but unlike most places in Nosara, it’s completely indoors with air conditioning, plush velvet seating, and a creative menu of libations.

• Rolling Waves Coffee & Cocktails - Tiny little place with big barista energy. Not only is their coffee arguably the best in town, but they also make coffee cocktails with their brews too - espresso martinis, carajillos, and more. We’re here for it.

• Yaxa Nosara - This is a hotel but while we were there, they had a jungle party one night. The bar area is partly covered under a palapa with a DJ booth, with the back part extending out into an open air courtyard with string lights. It was a fun hangout with a mix of locals and visitors coming together to shimmy to some dancehall and afrobeats. Otherwise if you’re looking for a little more turn up, there is a Selina hotel in Nosara as well that throws some parties, but we haven’t been. That’s about the extent of nightlife here.

Checking into the Pelada Beachfront Pool Suite at Nosara Beach Hotel

Where to Stay:

• Nosara Beach Hotel - rates from $295, depending on the season

  • We stayed here our first trip to Nosara in 2022 and loved it. It’s more of a hotel with services and amenities (no room service), but the location is just outside of the main town area, so you either have to walk 15-20 mins each way in the heat (which can be very sweaty at lunch time), take a tuk-tuk or drive each time you want to be near the action. If you want more of a resort feeling, this is a great option. If you are prioritizing surfing and getting on the water every morning, you may want to consider something closer to town. It is nearby La Luna restaurant for an easy walk to a beautiful dinner (more on that below).

  • The design is iconic and has a Mediterranean feel. The suites are spacious and simply adorned, some have plunge pools and incredible ocean views. I also loved their breakfast burrito.

• La Negra - rates from $220, depending on the season

  • We stayed here on our most recent visit this year, since we wanted to be in town this time. It’s a no-frills bed and breakfast in a great location. What’s really special about La Negra is that there’s a direct beach path (2 minute walk) and it’s surrounded by trees that the Howler monkeys love to hang out in. We would hear and see them throughout our stay, which was great since we didn’t get to see any monkeys last time. It’s also connected to a great breakfast and lunch spot called Destiny’s that has delicious smoothies, acai bowls, and other healthy ways to fuel up pre-or-post-surf.

  • It’s a really reasonable place to stay for the rate. Rooms are plain but have A/C, and you’re not spending too much time in the room on a trip like this. They also have a small yoga shala with mats and blocks that you can use at your leisure, which I loved for a less structured kind of trip instead of having to schedule around when classes take place.

• Sendero - rates from $540, depending on the season

  • Full disclosure, we did not stay here. We discovered it while we were in town on this last visit, but we didn’t get a chance to check it out. This is part of the new wave of higher-end hospitality options coming to the coast. It looks nice in terms of the product and design, definitely our type of spot, and we’ll consider it for our next visit if we want to splurge a bit. However given all the more affordable local options, it does seem a bit too luxe for a no-frills town like Nosara, where the back-to-basics beach bum vibe is part of the charm. Either way it’s on our radar, so we wanted it to be on yours too.

One of those remarkable sunsets that Nosara is known for

Hidden Gems:

This entire town is a hidden gem, but there are some newer commercial businesses coming in as it becomes more popular for expats and tourists. Our recs are (mostly) focused on the local spots.

Packing Essentials:

• Sunscreen

• UPF shirt / rash guard - if you plan to surf

• Swimsuits - you’ll live in your swimwear even when not at the beach because it can be so hot during the day

• Cover-ups - a casual option for those who are clothing-averse since the whole town is laid-back

• Sandals

• Sunglasses

• Hat

Have you been to Nosara or visited from our recommendation? Let us know in the comments!