Our wedding will be in Nosara, Costa Rica. Costa Rica is in Central America. Its primary industry is tourism. It is constantly ranked the happiest place on earth. San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica but you’re going to go to a much more magical place! Nosara is on the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica which is about a 4-6 hour drive from San Jose. Nosara’s tourist-friendly atmosphere welcomes those who come to surf, sun, explore, fish, play and relax amid an enchanting tropical atmosphere. Start your day with a yoga session at the internationally renowned Nosara Yoga Institute, followed by a typical Costa Rican breakfast at the The Gilded Iguana. How about a leisurely horseback ride along the shallows during low tide, or a crazy ATV trek up a jungle mountain trail? And of course, grab your surf board and paddle out into the unforgettable waves of Playa Guiones.
It is also guaranteed that you will see the best sunset of your entire life in Nosara. The daily sunset begins at 5:30pm, at which time all the locals and tourists go to the beach for what is an unofficial daily sunset party.
Weather:
Dry Season – Dry season typically begins in mid-November. High temperatures are most often in the upper eighties and the skies have very few, if any clouds. Occasional rain showers last into mid-December, and begin again in April. Otherwise, there is no precipitation at all. Dry season is the busiest time of year in Nosara, as many tourists from colder climates seek sunshine and warm temperatures.
Useful Info Money – The Costa Rican currency is called the Colone. The exchange rate changes regularly, but it hovers around 500 Colones to $1.00. It fluctuates between 500-535 Colones to $1.00. Almost every business here will accept both US Dollars and Costa Rican Colones.
Banking and ATM – There are two banks in Nosara. Banco Popular is located on the main street in Guiones, next to the Surfing Nosara Real Estate Office. There is an ATM located next door to the bank’s entrance. This machine ONLY accepts cards with a VISA symbol, and will not work with a MasterCard. If your ATM or credit card is a Mastercard, you’ll have to go to the Banco Costa Rica, which is located next to the Bomba (Gas Station) on the way into Nosara Centro.
Credit Cards – Most hotels will accept credit cards, but there are still a handful of restaurants that will not. Those that do often charge an additional fee. Plan on paying for meals with cash whenever possible. The Mini Supers in Guiones and the Super Nosara will all accept credit cards for grocery purchases.
Travelers Checks – Local businesses will not accept travelers checks. They can only be exchanged at the bank.
Restaurant Bills – Legally, when you get your bill in Costa Rica it is supposed to include both 10% service(tip) and 13% tax. Some restaurants include these costs in the price of the meal, but most add it on when they total your bill. If you aren’t sure, expect that your bill will be 23% more than the prices you see on the menu.
Tipping – You are not expected to leave a tip beyond the included 10% service charge, but most people leave extra change or small bills (as much as another 10%) if their service was good . A few local restaurants will tell you that tip is not included in the bill, hoping that tourists will leave more than the usual 10%. Use your best judgment in these situations and leave what you feel is appropriate.
Phones – There are public phones at Cafe de Paris in Guiones, the Mini Super Las Delicias and the Nosara Super. You can pick up a phone card at either the Guiones Mini Super or Cafe de Paris – make sure to specify if you’ll need an international card. For calls to the US, dial 001 + area code + phone number. Calls within Costa Rica do not need an area code (don’t dial 506, just the seven digit phone number). International calls can also be made from the Frog Pad in Guiones and the Nosara Office Center.
Doctor and Pharmacy – There is always a doctor available during business hours at the Paradise Medical Clinic in the town of Nosara, and an emergency number to call if necessary. There are well stocked pharmacies located both in Guiones and in Nosara.
Safety – Nosara is generally a very safe place to visit. There is little violent crime, and local Ticos are most often friendly to tourists. That said, use your head and avoid dangerous situations. Like anywhere, Nosara has a few unsavory characters and trouble can be found if you are looking for it.
Theft – Theft is a problem throughout Costa Rica. As a general rule,never leave anything of value inside your vehicle or unattended on the beach. Keep passports, credit cards and extra money locked up inside your hotel room or house. If you follow these simple rules, you should never have a problem.
Police and Security – If you do have something stolen, need to report a crime or need some help, there is a police station in the town of Nosara as well as the Policia Turistica in Guiones. You may also see the local police cruising the area on a motorcycle or in a small 4×4. There are paid security guards stationed at some restaraunts, hotels, businesses and private residences in Guiones as well.
Groceries – There are three supermarkets. The Super Nosara and Super La Paloma are in the town of Nosara. Dos Lorenas Super Market is in Esperanza. These stores have the largest selection and best prices in Nosara. If you don’t want to go that far, everything you need can be found at Guiones Mini Market or the Delicias del Mundo Mini Super.