Hostel Nicoa

Enter Costa Rica’s wellness capital, where yogis, surfers and 270 species of animals happily coexist. Nosara sits peacefully upon kilometres of unspoiled coastline within the country’s protected national park, where only vibrant sunsets and the odd palm tree dominate its skyline. Through its tangle of thick jungle, you’ll find a traditional Tico village with a scattering of healthy juice bars and Costa Rican food and craft stalls. A maze of forested pathways connects the village to secluded yoga spots and sandy surfing beaches. 

You can stay in a Nosara hostel within short walking distance to the area’s beaches. Stay in a beach-style cabin with outdoor terraces and hammocks, or in a hostel that fuses traditional Tico buildings with contemporary interiors. You can also base yourself in a hostel within the middle of the jungle and enjoy views over the canopies from its terrace swimming pool. Nosara hostels embrace the city's wellness vibe – expect stays with yoga classes, healthy dishes and vegetable gardens. 

Nosara is made up of three communities, which are spread throughout the jungle and along the coast. Its main traditional Tico village sits 6km inland and is home to a few shops and authentic restaurants. A 15-minute drive towards the coast is Playa Pelada, a sheltered swimming beach with yoga retreats and cafés. As you head north along the coast, you’ll come to Playa Guiones, the area’s best surfing beach with restaurants, surf shops, yoga studios and boutiques at its northern end. 

Surfing and yoga are the top attractions in Nosara, but there are plenty of other things to do. You can go on a zip-lining canopy tour near Playa Pelada, flying over some of the 2500-acre forest that makes Nosara so picturesque. Or hop on a river safari down the Rio Nosara and Rio Montana to spot parrots crocodiles, and iguanas. To see more of the region’s wildlife, you can hike through the mangrove forests at the Nosara Biological Reserve (a 15-minute ride from the village centre). 

Liberia Airport is 115km away from Nosara. To get into town, you can rent a car or jump in a taxi. A bus runs from San José (about a 6-hour journey). As Nosara is spread out and the roads tend to be quite rough, so the best way to get around is by ATV (quad bike). These can be hired in town. Tuk-tuk taxis are also available, and these are ideal if you want to head to Playa Pelada.