Nosara & Playa Guiones

Nosara is a spread-out community of jungle lanes around Playa Guiones, one of the most consistent surf beaches in Costa Rica. Strict zoning keeps buildings hidden in the trees — and the rough roads are part of its charm.

Roads

From Nicoya, the final stretch is gravel with potholes and washboard. Inside Nosara, most lanes are dirt: dusty from December to April and muddy from September to November. An SUV is the minimum; rent a 4×4 in the rainy season. Many visitors rent an ATV or golf cart locally.

Where to stay

Nosara isn’t one town but several spread-out areas. Most visitors stay near Playa Guiones, where the surf, yoga studios and restaurants are, hidden in the forest behind the beach. Construction near the shore is restricted, so there are no beachfront high-rises, and you’ll often walk a few minutes through the trees to reach the sand. Rooms range from about US$80 to US$400+.

What things cost

• Surf lessons: about US$60–80.
• Drop-in yoga classes: roughly US$15–25.
• Ostional turtle arrivals (arribadas, mostly in the rainy season): guided visits only; ask locally for dates.

Practical tips

• The roads within Nosara are unpaved, dusty and bumpy; an SUV with clearance is strongly recommended.
• Most daily life happens by golf cart, ATV or bike; parking at the beach access points fills up at sunset.
• Grocery stores and ATMs are limited and pricier than in the cities, so stock up in Nicoya on the way in.

Top things to do in Nosara & Playa Guiones

• Surfing at Playa GuionesConsistent waves year-round, great for learning.
• Yoga retreatsNosara is one of the world's yoga hotspots.
• Ostional Wildlife RefugeMass olive ridley turtle nestings (arribadas).
• Nosara Biological ReserveRiver mangroves and wildlife trails.

Driving, parking & safety notes

• Coastal routes to Sámara and Ostional cross rivers — check conditions.
• Dust is intense in dry season.
• Fill up in Nicoya before the gravel stretch.