History of Nosara

The name Nosara was the name of a beautiful and wise Chorotegan princess. Legend has it that Princess Nosara lived on these lands  in the 16th century, before the Spanish came.  Nosara hid all of the gold of the tribal villages, burying it so that it would not be taken. The Spanish stole her off to Europe, though, and she died of a broken heart missing her beautiful people and land. 

When the Nicoyan peninsula, along with most of central America was overtaken by Spanish conquistadores, much of this region was converted into cattle ranches. By the 18th century, cattle, wheat and sugarcane were the primary industries of this area, and evidence of this is still present in “cowboy” culture today.  These industries called for mass destruction of the forests and wild jungle that were the home of the Chorotegans. 

After cattle came the church, and the Spanish set to converting the Indians to Catholicism throughout the region, devastating most of Chorotegan culture and practices. Nosara remained virtually unchanged for the  next few hundred years until the arrival of the first surfer. 

Jerry ( who still has the hardware store in downtown Nosara) drove his VW van down to what is now Garza, and hiked his way into Guiones to surf there.  Surfers continued to trickle down here slowly throughout the 90’s … some people who live here still remember before there was a road to Nicoya, which only happened in about 1980. Back then, lots on the beach started at $3000….

20 years and a few more zeros later, Nosara continues to grow.  We have roads now, some are even paved! A yoga, surfing, and healthy lifestyle hotspot Nosara boasts many restaurants and cafes, yoga studios, yoga retreat centres, surf schools, bars, rental properties, hotels, a co-working spot, surf schools, high school, live music, dancing, ziplines, hiking, and new businesses opening up every year!! 

It’s a magical place, the hum of the jungle and the healing waters of the Rio Nosara still run through. It must be felt to truly be understood. Come visit us and see what everyone is talking about! 

These sunsets, you have to see them to believe them! Off to catch one now. 

​Pura Vida!