Nosara, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- More about your Oliver Guide: Courtney Celeste Fisch
- Trip type: Adult, Family, Group getaway, Solo, Beach
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: Minumim 5 days. . . Some people never leave!
to & from
Southwest, Delta, American all fly into Liberia. Direct flights are available from Miami and New York City.
- The drive from Liberia to Nosara is roughly 3/3.5 hours. I have visited three times in the past two years and each time there is more paved road. Locals say with the development in Nosara the “main road” will be paved in the near future as well. Regardless, be prepared for some bumps and if you suffer from car illness come prepared. It is all part of the adventure!
- There is a small airport in Nosara. Nature Air provides flights during high season. If you traveled with a large group you could most likely arrangement a private flight from Liberia or San Jose to Nosara. Checkout Carmon Air.
- For a splurge- stop at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. It is roughly 40m from the airport and breaks up the travel to and from Nosara. I recommend stopping on the way back to the airport as the resort is one of the best in the world and you will never want to leave! That being said, it is a RESORT- so it is a different type of experience. But, it is a great way to break up the drive from Nosara to Liberia and indulge in some of the most scenic coastal and real estate views in Costa Rica.
Where to Stay
Option to go VRBO route or stay at one of the hotels. Nosara Hotel is a wise choice, good balance of Nosara hippy and Nosara nice. The Gilded Iguana also recently opened in Spring 2018 and is ideally located on a happening part of downtown Guiones where food and shopping are abundant.
- For yoga- Bodhi Tree Resort. Their yoga shala’s offer sweeping views of the jungle and ocean. Expect to have a howler monkey come close to observe your “down dog.” Personally I am also a fan of their food as well- it is mostly vegan and vegetarian options although their chicken plates always left me yearning for more.
- Casa Gloria Nosara. The house is approximately 20 minutes outside of downtown Guiones, but the view is BEYOND! It really does look like the photos you see on AirBnB. Come with your family or with friends (I have been lucky to experience both!). I have enjoyed evenings with girlfriends sitting outside by the pool drinking wine and taking “yoga photos” as well as early bedtimes after playing with the kids all day on the majestic property. The owners are accommodating and will ensure your trip is comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.
- There are numerous hostels in town and everyone just wants to give you the opportunity to experience PURA VIDA. I would go out on a limb and suggest any place in Playa Guiones would be suitable for someone looking to “drop in” and live like the locals. There are numerous homes and apartments available on AirBnB.