The Budget-Friendly Costa Rican Surf Town With A Laid-Back Vibe And Perfect Waves

Costa Rica may be a small country — it's only about the size of West Virginia — but it's full of incredible things to do for tourists. There's truly something for everyone. Whether you're looking to hike epic volcanoes, swim in pristine pools fed by waterfalls, spot wildlife in lush rainforests, or relax on gorgeous sandy beaches, you'll find that Costa Rica is an ideal destination.

For years, Costa Rica has been considered one of the safest places to travel in Central America, making it the perfect destination for travel newbies. Its capital, San Jose, is also a top city for solo travelers, particularly anyone looking for an authentic taste of Latin culture. Tourism is a major part of Costa Rica's economy, so the entire country is very welcoming of travelers, with international flights arriving daily from all corners of the world.

Unfortunately, its popularity has caused it to become one of the more expensive destinations to visit in Central America. There are still a few affordable gems scattered throughout the country, including the beach town of Nosara. If you're looking for a relaxing, budget-friendly getaway with plenty of bohemian surf-town vibes, add Nosara to your bucket list.

Nosara is located in the Guanacaste region in northwestern Costa Rica, perched on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. To get there, you'll first have to fly into one of the major international airports. The largest airport is Juan Santamaría International in San Jose, just under 150 miles from Nosara. If you rent a car and drive, it will take you over five hours, but there are also some affordable domestic flights starting at around $130 each way. Alternatively, you can fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, which is less than three hours away by car.

Accommodations in Nosara are plentiful, with options to fit every preference and budget. If you're looking for inexpensive places to stay, consider one of the hip hostels favored by surfers and backpackers; prices for a dorm-style room start at around $20 per night. There are also numerous hotels with rates ranging from $100 to $600 per night. Most hotels have pools and include free breakfast. If you're looking for something more private, there are over 1,000 listings in the region posted on Airbnb. Choose between eco-friendly earthen domes, cute apartments, or luxurious private villas on the beach.

Nosara is an excellent destination year-round, and it's always warm. There are two seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season runs from December through April, and it's definitely the most popular time for tourists to visit Costa Rica. The hottest months are March and April, with average high temperatures of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and extremely high humidity. The rainy season runs from May through November.

Nosara is the perfect destination for travelers interested in eco-tourism, wellness, and surfing. It's one of the coolest surfing towns in the world, with waves that are perfect for all skill levels. If you're a total beginner, consider booking a surf lesson with a knowledgeable local instructor. Nosara Surf School offers private 90-minute lessons for $90 per person. A package of six private lessons costs $490 per person. If you already know how to surf, you can rent boards and hit the waves on your own. Daily board rentals start at $20; a weekly rental will cost you about $100.

Surfing pairs perfectly with yoga, and you'll find no shortage of zen yoga classes to enjoy during your trip to Nosara. If you're looking for a total immersion into a yoga practice, consider staying at the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort. The eco-friendly property has a pool, a fitness center, onsite dining options, a spa, and multiple yoga classes every single day. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort also offers breathwork workshops and sound healing events. The Healing Center at Harmony Nosara is another excellent choice for yoga and wellness. Regular classes cost $20, and aerial yoga classes cost $28 per person. Other offerings include Tai Chi, breath work, and sound meditation. Most classes are open to all levels of experience.

No trip to Costa Rica is complete without experiencing the incredible biodiversity. Visit the Nosara Biological Reserve, where you can hike for hours on well-maintained trails through the rainforest. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge is a beach preserved for sea turtles, and if you visit Nosara between July and December, you can book a guided tour to see the sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs.