Simple 3–4 Day Nosara Itinerary (Balanced, Realistic, and Actually Enjoyable)
If you’re visiting Nosara for a few days, it can be hard to know how to structure your time.
You don’t want to overpack your schedule—but you also don’t want to miss out on what makes this place special.
This Nosara itinerary balances surf, exploring, and downtime in a way that actually feels good while you’re here. You can follow it exactly or just use it as a loose guide.
Every trip here ends up looking a little different depending on where you stay, your travel style, and who you’re traveling with.
If you want this mapped out specifically for your trip—so everything flows easily and makes sense—
Arrival Day: Set Yourself Up for an Easy Start
Once you arrive, the goal is to make your first night (and especially your first morning) as easy as possible.
If you can, arrange to have groceries stocked ahead of time—or plan to pick some up once you’re settled. Having basics like snacks, breakfast food, and coffee ready makes a big difference.
If you arrive early enough, head out for sunset. It’s one of the easiest ways to shift into “vacation mode” right away.
If you’re planning to have wine or drinks at your place, it’s worth stopping by a dedicated wine shop like Bottle-O at some point during your stay. The selection is much better than the grocery store, and it’s an easy upgrade for a relaxed night in.
If you arrive later in the evening, grab dinner on the way or keep things simple your first night.
Day 2: Surf + Sunset Experience
Start your morning with coffee and fresh fruit, then head out for a surf lesson while you’re still fresh.
Even if you’re tempted to just try it on your own, taking one lesson helps you get comfortable faster and actually enjoy it sooner. After that, you can keep going on your own the rest of the trip.
After surfing, head to La Ventanita for a well-earned brunch.
In the late afternoon, plan a sunset horseback riding tour.
It’s one of the most memorable experiences here and a great way to see the beach from a different perspective.
In the evening, head to Pacifico Azul for fresh seafood and cocktails. It’s a great first “nice dinner” of the trip. Reservations are recommended, especially in high season.
Day 3: Adventure Day (ATV Tour + Exploring the Area)
This is a great day to get out and see more beyond Guiones.
Plan an ATV tour in the morning—we recommend a waterfall(adventure) or coffee farm(cultural) tour. If you’re traveling with young children, a river splashing/jungle tour is a good choice as it’s shorter and action-packed.
It’s one of the easiest ways to explore multiple areas in one go, especially if you want a mix of adventure and scenery.
(If you’re not sure what to book, check out our guide to ATV tours and traveling with kids in Nosara.)
Depending on your tour, you may be out through part of the afternoon—so keep the rest of the day flexible. If you still have energy, this is a great night to go back out for a sunset surf session—it’s a completely different feel from the morning and a really fun way to end the day.
For dinner, Al Chile is a great option for fresh, flavorful Mexican food in a casual setting.
Day 4: Wildlife + A Strong Finish
Start your day a little slower and head out to a wildlife refuge like SIBU or IAR for a guided visit. It’s a great way to see animals up close and learn more about local conservation efforts.
Or if you happen to be visiting during an arribada(mass nesting event), a turtle tour in Ostional is an incredible experience and absolutely worth prioritizing.
For a casual lunch, stop by Blue Zone Brewery—a fun spot for tacos, caldosas, and a cold drink.
If this is your last full day, spend the afternoon exploring, picking up souvenirs, or just enjoying your last few hours.
For your final night, plan a special dinner:
• Lagarta Lodge (Chirriboca) – great views and a memorable setting
• Tierra Magnifica (Huacas, 15+) – a more elevated, quieter experience
Reservations are recommended for both.
Want this mapped out specifically for your trip—based on where you’re staying, your dates, and what you’re most excited about?
If You Have More Time
If you’re staying longer, these are all worth adding into your trip:
Coyol sunset dinner – one of the more unique experiences in the area. You’ll head up into the hills for incredible views, a more secluded setting, and a really memorable dinner. Plan ahead—reservations and transportation are needed.
Zipline tour – long lines, beautiful views, and a surprisingly fun adrenaline rush—even if you don’t usually go for this kind of thing.
Yoga at Bodhi Tree – the setting alone makes this worth it. It’s one of those places that feels special the moment you arrive.
Dinner at La Luna – right on the beach, perfect for a slower evening. If you can’t make it for dinner, they also have a delicious breakfast menu.
El Chivo happy hour – a great casual stop, especially for margaritas (the passion fruit is a favorite).
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to plan every minute of your trip—but having a simple structure makes everything easier once you’re here.
This itinerary gives you a mix of what Nosara does best: surf, adventure, great food, and time to actually enjoy where you are.
Planning the Rest of Your Trip?
You might also find these helpful:
Want help turning this into a plan that actually fits your trip—without overpacking your days or missing the best parts?