Can I drink the water?
Yes! Pretty much everywhere in the country.
Definitely at the restaurants and homes in the Nosara area.
Costa Rica takes great pride in the nationwide quality of its water systems.
We've never known anyone who got sick from Costa Rican water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica Safe?
The Costa Rican people (they call themselves Ticos) are friendly and trustworthy.
As when you travel anywhere, use common sense, keep your valuables safe
and don't walk dark streets alone in San Jose;
but don't worry that people you do business with are trying to pull one over on you.
We have never felt either at risk of physical harm or of being cheated in Costa Rica.
When leaving the house, put everything in the safe and don’t leave valuables in view of the windows.
Your car should not be left unattended with your belongings in it.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Passports must be valid for six months AFTER your return.
You can no longer enter Costa Rica with just your birth certificate.
Your baby needs one too!
Do I need to get shots?
No. Some people get anti-malarial shots, but most doctors here do not recommend it.
What kind of clothes should I pack?
San José can be cool in the evenings, a long-sleeved denim shirt or light jacket might be desired.
If you plan a trip to a rain forest you should bring the same plus a rain poncho, umbrella & hiking boots.
Once you head to the beach all you need are shorts, lightweight T-shirts, swim wear & a sun hat - that's it!
You might like a cotton sundress for evenings out but nothing that is “dress-up” or needs ironing.
Casual is accepted everywhere in Nosara
What is included when I rent a house? What should I bring?
All homes are fully equipped with linens, towels, kitchen equipment, ghetto blaster & high speed wireless internet
You might want to bring your favorite music, beach towels, binoculars & an umbrella during rainy season.
A flashlight is handy since there are no street lights & short term electrical outages are somewhat common.
You should also bring suntan lotion & bug repellent. You can buy it here but it is a bit pricey.
Food stuffs are not included; however stocking of the kitchen can be arranged by request.
Do I need an adapter for my hairdryer or other electrical appliances?
First, why would you bring one!?
But, to answer your question, if you are from the U.S. - No.
If you are from Europe you will need a converter.
Is maid service included? Cook? Gardener?
All homes have at least once a week maid service (some twice a week)
Additional days can be arranged. Rate is $10.00 an hour.
Most maids are also available for cooking.
Tips are appreciated.
Houses without washers can have personal laundry done for $10.00 per load
or there is now a laundromat in one of the mini-malls.
Gardening & pool service is also included.
What about grocery stores?
There are two large grocery stores, Super Nosara & Super La Paloma in the town of Nosara,
approximately 4 kilometers from the beach area.
Another, Super Dos Lorenas, is located in Esperanza.
We have three mini-supers in the beach area:
Mini Super Guiones (delivers) and Delicias del Mundo in Playa Guiones; and Pancho's in Playa Pelada.
Our markets have become better stocked with "Gringo food" than the stores in Nicoya.
The organic farmers market is in the parking lot of Giardino Tropicale on Saturday mornings 8 a.m. til noon.
How do I book a reservation? What kind of deposit is required?
It's easy, just E-mail us with questions and to confirm availability of dates.
All rentals require a 50% deposit at time of reservation.
Instructions for wiring a deposit will be provided.
Before 90 days of arrival date deposit is refundable, less a $300 fee,
Within 90 days of arrival date deposit is non-refundable.
A $200 cash security/key deposit is required at time of arrival, refundable upon departure.
We do not accept credit cards.
If you wish to pay the balance of rent with a personal check or Travelers' Cheques there is a 2% fee.
This fee is charged because Costa Rican banks freeze both for 22 WORKING days.
Quoted rates are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change until confirmed.
Rates include all taxes.
Are the rates the same for Christmas, New Years and Easter?
No, because of high demand they are higher. Please E-mail us
What do I need to know about money?
The Costa Rican currency is the colon (¢).
You can use US dollars just about anywhere without difficulty; however,
it is a good idea to get a fistful of clean new currency before leaving the States
since torn or dirty bills may be rejected.
Change will be given in colones, so you'll want to have smaller bills for smaller purchases.
Inquire about the exchange rate offered at small establishments;
Travelers' Cheques are not accepted in many places and when they are expect to pay an additional 2%.
Many local establishments now accept credit cards (usually VISA),
but ask about their policy first since the quoted amount usually includes a 7% cash discount.
There are two banks in Nosara where you can exchange money, cash travelers cheques, and get cash advances.
Be sure to take your passport.
Hours are Monday–Friday from 9:00-3:00 and Saturday 9:00-12:00.
There is an ATM at the banks where you can get a VISA or Master Card cash advance, in colones.
How do I keep in touch with Home?
It is best to bring an international calling card.
All Nosara Home Rentals have phones, buy most have international calling blocks on them.
You can buy both local and international phone cards in Nosara to use in the pay phones.
All homes have high speed internet
There are numerous internet cafes in the project.
Many restuarants also offer wireless internet.
How do I get to Nosara?
From San José
By air - Sansa and Nature Air (two small plane, in-country air services) fly to Nosara daily (45 minutes).
Private charters are also available.
You can have a rental car waiting at the Nosara airport for you.
By bus - A bus goes to Nosara daily, leaving San José at 6:15 am and arriving at Nosara at noon.
It leaves Nosara for San José at 1:00 PM.
The trip is long and not very comfortable, but the price is right (about $12 roundtrip).
By car - The drive from San José takes approximately 4½ hours via the Pan American Highway
although it is not uncommon for it to take a couple of hours longer, depending on traffic & road work.
You leave San José and head towards Puntarenas, but do not take that exit.
Continue north until you see the turn for the La Amistad Bridge which crosses the Tempisque.
From there you follow the signs to and then through Nicoya.
After Nicoya you will cross over several one-lane bridges, not fun at night!
Note the Ceda signs, they mean Yield! .. However, don't always believe the oncoming understands that!
About 30 minutes out of Nicoya you will pass a Castrol gas station, on the left.
Immediately after that, the paved road curves left and a dirt road to the right goes to Nosara.
This road varies from bad to worse
with more one lane bridges over creek beds that may or may not have water in or over them.
About 10 minutes after the fishing village of Garza (where you first see the ocean on your left)
you will enter Playas de Nosara an obvious "Gringo" development.
You have arrived!
This little jaunt on the dirt road takes about 45 minutes.
From Liberia
By bus - Don't do it if you are pressed for time.
It could take you a whole day or two and we can't begin to tell you how to do it!
By car or taxi - The drive from Liberia takes about 2½ hours.
Head west from the airport follow the signs to Nicoya and then see above to get to Nosara.
Do I need a car in Nosara and must it be a four wheel drive?
If you are a healthy walker and just plan on going to the beach, a few restaurants,
and the mini market you can do without a car.
However, if you can afford one, it is nice to be able to go into town to the larger groceries,
some of the more out of the way restaurants and generally explore.
There are also bicycle and quad rentals available
What is there to do in Nosara?
Turtle watching
Monkey watching - out the front door
Surfing - in the ocean - and there are plenty of schools!
Yoga - there are several schools ...we are a healthy community!
Get a massage - there are many very good practitioners
Swimming - in the ocean or rent a house with a pool
Sport fishing - from pangas to sportsfishers
River fishing
Horseback riding
Bird watching - from your porch, bring binoculars
Music - "music nights" are frequent
Socializing - any bar or on the beach
Reading - in the hammock
Nothing - anywhere & everywhere - anytime!
Are there bugs in Nosara?
The ecosystem in Nosara is still intact so bugs are not really a problem.
That said, Costa Rica is home to over 34,000 species of insects so it is likely you will see a few!
If you are allergic to bee or scorpion stings, bring your epi pen.
Some people seem to be more prone to mosquitos,
if you are one of them bring or buy your body spray or lotion here.
Almost all of the rest of the insects are perfectly harmless and many are quite beautiful or at least interesting
Consider yourself lucky if you see Army Ants.
You will know them by the long line of ¼" black ants, some carrying other insects or egg sacks on their backs.
When we say long line, we mean it, it can take hours for them to pass.
They will clean out the cockroaches and other vermin as thoroughly as any exterminator might.
The will not touch human food.
They are not aggressive to you, or to other large creatures, and they will go out of their way to avoid you;
however, if you do inadvertently step into their midst they will sting.
If they arrive pack a picnic lunch, go to the beach or to a bar, or just stay and watch, as they are fascinating.
You can’t kill them off with spray, there are too many, and you’ll do more harm to yourself than to them.
Please don't try, they are good ants!
Where can I get more information about Nosara?
These sites are full of useful information for a tourist or a potential homeowner.
Email: bobbij@nosarahomerentals.com
Bobbi Johnson
Apdo 43-5233
Bocas de Nosara
Nicoya, GTE, Costa Rica
Central America
Phone 8844-9520
(from the U.S. dial 011-506 first)
© 2009 Nosara Home Rentals, all rights reserved
join the fight to ensure their survival
Nosara Home Rentals
Bobbi Johnson's
Representing Nosara's finest vacation home rentals since 1990
Can I bring my pet?
Most of our houses are pet friendly.
Please inquire, some houses do require a pet deposit.
