Small town charm and big ocean waves are just two of the reasons Nosara, on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica’s province of Guanacaste, is becoming a hotspot for visitors from around the world. Once just a place where cattle lazily grazed, this area has undergone successful, eco-friendly development projects and is able to host nature lovers and others who want to enjoy its beautiful beaches and explore its natural habitats. Vacation rental homes sized to accommodate couples to large groups are affordably priced.
Nosara is great for anyone who wants to get away from the crowds and congestion found at typical beach resorts. Its Playa Pelada offers picture perfect sunsets. Its waterways and wetlands are full of exotic creatures and colorful foliage. A kayak expedition on the Nosara River is a photographer’s dream. Another spectacular activity is a guided tour on horseback. It goes along the beach, through rivers and across jungle paths. A stop at a small village will give riders a chance to meet, greet and get to know a little about the locals.
Of course, surfers come for the long rides on what seem like endless sets of perfect waves. But just relaxing on the beach or sitting out on the deck of a vacation rental villa and sipping a cold drink while listening to the birds, watching the antics of the monkeys and pizotes (raccoon-like characters) is time well spent in this paradise.