Why Nosara? A sense of community
 
“The Beaches of Nosara”, as the area is known, encompasses two very different communities: Nosara, a little Costa Rican town boasting an airstrip, a pharmacy, a "disco bar" and a year-round supply of fresh fruits & vegetables in two fully stocked grocery stores; and Playa Guiones, a developing community just minutes away from Nosara, comprised of about 3,000 Canadians, Americans and Europeans, all living on or near two fabulous beaches, who enjoy the convenience of two dozen good hotels, shopping, a hospital, private school and many excellent restaurants and bars.

Guiones is a friendly and sociable retirement community, where thousands of wealthy North Americans and Europeans have found their own piece of paradise. With its laidback lifestyle, high standards of sustainable living blend seamlessly with the creature comforts of low key beach life.  

In addition to the first-class Costa Rican, Italian and French restaurants in the area, the world-renowned Nosara Yoga Institute is just steps from the beach. Healing centers are plentiful, offering massage and bodywork in an idyllic setting for people to get in tune with their natural rhythm.
 
The Beaches of Nosara are international attractions thanks to the excellent surfing and fishing, and the turtle watching on nearby Playa Ostional is a family-favorite tourist destination. Outdoor activities abound in Nosara and Guiones, and the more adventurous will want to try the highest and longest zipline experience in the world
 
 
The Beaches of Nosara
 
The two primary beaches in the community, Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada, are pristine, untouched coastlines, as federal law guarantees that no commercial development will ever be permitted on the beaches. To further protect the natural beauty of the area, the Nosara Civic Association (NCA) was formed with the creation of "the American project" in 1968 by a visionary American investor whose forward-thinking vision resulted in the Nosara area becoming Costa Rica's first self contained, planned and completely expatriate community..

The Costa Rican government later decreed the first 600’ of all beaches “owned by the people,” with no commercial or residential development allowed, to ensure they remain as pristine as they are today. That is why there is no “beachfront development” in most of Costa Rica.