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Cost Rica Map | Driving Directions | Nicoya Peninsula Map | Nosara Maps
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Driving Directions from Nicoya
Once in Nicoya, continue straight down the main road right through the center of town. You'll stay on this road for nearly 30 kilometers. You will encounter several turns along the way, but just stay on the main road and you'll be fine. If you are in doubt, look for signs pointing to either Nosara or Samara.
Be aware, there are two unmarked speed bumps about 5km south of Nicoya. Take it slow over these! Wear your seat belt and do not speed. There will be pot holes, pedestrians, bicycles, dogs and numerous other obstacles along the way - so you'll need to pay attention.
All of the bridges along this stretch of highway are wide enough for only one vehicle at a time. There will be a Ceda (Yield) sign on one side of every bridge. If you have a ceda sign and there are cars coming the other direction, pull aside and let oncoming traffic through.
Driving in Costa Rica can be exhausting. If you need a break, look for signs for La Roca, about 20km from Nicoya. This little soda is a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Shortly after passing La Roca, you'll see a gas station on your left. This is the last place to get gas, so fill up your tank. There is a small bomba (pump) in Nosara, but it is more expensive and a little difficult to find.
Immediately after the gas station, the main road turns to the left and you'll see a sign for Nosara on your right. Slow WAY down and turn onto this road. From here you've got about 25km on a rough and bumpy dirt road. The road is occasionally graded, so depending on its condition the drive should take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. During dry season, dust can be a big problem on this road. If you see locals walking or riding a horse along the way - slow down to avoid covering them in your dust.
After about 10km, the road comes to a T intersection where you'll see signs for Nosara. Turn right and continue on your way. When you reach Playa Garza, you are at the beach! This is a beautiful spot, and a great place to take a rest if you need one. Otherwise, continue on over a hill and down to Playa Guiones.
The sign pointing to the southern end of Guiones has been covered by a Coconut Harry's sign. This road does go to the beach, but you are still a bit south of Nosara. Continue straight ahead, through the village of Esperanza, and into Nosara.
You'll know when you've reached Nosara - you'll pass the Yoga Institute on your left and see lots of signs for local businesses. This second road in Nosara (Coconut Harry's on the left and Cafe de Paris on your right) is the main entrance to Playa Guiones, where you'll find the surf beach parking. The next two roads passed go down to the northern end of Guiones, where you'll find numerous hotels and restaurants. After a few more kilometers, you'll see signs for Playa Pelada. Take the second left turn to go to the beach, or continue straight ahead to get to the village of Nosara.
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