Things to do in Central Peninsula
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Koss Art Gallery
Visit Jaime at his outdoor studio on the beach, where he frequently displays his richly hued works in the high season. Call ahead for a viewing.
reviewed
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Organico
Attention Whole Foods addicts, let this be your methadone. Here you'll find a healthy helping of organic fruits and veg, exotic and local spices, almond and soy milk and a fair amount of goods that are not organic in the slightest (we're looking at you, Cup O' Noodles). But they have bulk nuts and dried fruit and enough organic goods that it qualifies. There's a deli, and a wine and liquor selection too. It's on the highway south of Marlin Bill's.
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Cafe Sante
This cheery new spot is set in the quaint crossroads town of San Francisco de Coyote. They serve espresso, sandwiches and salads but are only open for lunch during the week.
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Playa Guiones
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A
Iglesia de San Blas
In Parque Central, the colonial Iglesia de San Blas dates back to the mid-17th century. Appealingly peaceful, with an old brick floor and crumbling stone walls, it's under continuous restoration, but it can be visited when mass is not in session.
reviewed
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B
La Casa de la Cultura
On the opposite side of the park is La Casa de la Cultura. This small area has cultural exhibits a few times a year and features work by local artists. The exhibit schedule and hours of operation are erratic, but it’s worth a peek if the doors are open.
reviewed
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Café Ambrosia
Excellent espresso drinks, pasta carbonara, gnocchi and fresh sandwiches and salads are the specialties of the house. They also dish out ice cream, for which you'll be thankful if the air-conditioned room isn't doing enough for you. They even accept credit cards.
reviewed
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C
Restaurant El Teyet
Chinese restaurants such as this are some of the tastiest and cheapest spots to eat in the city. Grab a seat on the patio or in the air-conditioned interior and feast on huge portions of chow mein and other noodle dishes.
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D
Guayacan Real
The best place for a drink and delicious bocas is the consistently packed Guayacan Real. The ceviche and patacones (fried plantain with bean dip) are exceptional - and there is cable TV.
reviewed
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Market Sodas
There are a number of cheap sodas in the mercado (market) that are good for a quick bite, as well as all your favorite Costa Rican fast-food chains.
reviewed
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E
Super Compro
Provides food and supplies for self-caterers.
reviewed
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Palí Supermarket
Provides food and supplies for self-caterers.
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Yoga House
An inviting, professional, nurturing yoga space tucked behind Cafe de Paris in the Guiones area, they offer a Surfers Class at 12:30, geared to soothe and stretch the upper body, and a terrific, passive but still challenging Yin Yoga class that smooths out kinks in your faschia and demands surrender.
reviewed
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Stand Up Paddle Nosara
Nosara's original SUP outfitter, located at Yoga House, runs tours, rentals and lessons, and offers a range of kayak trips through a third entity, Drifters Kayaking, which is the same company as the other two. Confused yet? Just call them. You'll have fun.
reviewed
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Rosi's Soda Tica
Next to Marlin Bill's on the main highway, this is the only soda in Guiones and it's a damn good one. They keep it simple with a few sandwiches, salads, casados, and gallo pinto in the morning. All are served in airy, cheerful environs.
reviewed
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Robin's
Perfectly suited to the health-conscious yogis and surfers who live in and visit Nosara, Robin prepares (you'll see her working the kitchen) a welcome menu of salads, wraps and sandwiches on homemade, whole-wheat foccacia. She also has a worthy raw menu including 'living' pad thai and maki rolls, and veggie quesadillas with gluten-free tortillas, organic kale and roasted peppers. But if you must indulge your sweet tooth, get the ice cream. It too is homemade and sublime.
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Popo's Surf Camp
This old standby offers surf lessons and kayak tours along the river and all the way out to Isla Chora aboard expedition-style kayaks. Tours operate with a minimum of two guests.
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Pizza Tree
As you head north, after you pass the turn to Playa Coyote and are almost into San Miguel proper you'll come across a fantastically whimsical tree-house pizzeria in Javillal. Italian-owned and operated, they serve crispy thin-crust pizzas and foccacia prepared in a wood-fired brick oven.
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Pilates Nosara
Set in the Heart of Nosara Wellness complex is this upstart studio, offering Pilates mat and Power Yoga classes. Check their website for an up-to-date class schedule.
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Pato Surf School
Set right on the beach, Pato offers inexpensive and quality board rental, and beginner surf instruction.
reviewed
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Parque Nacional Barra Honda Caverns
You can only explore the caves with a guide from the Asociación de Guías Ecologistas de Barra Honda, which can be arranged at the ranger station. A guide charges about US$36 per person, US$52 for two, not including park admission. The descent involves ladders and ropes, so you should be reasonably fit and must be at least 12 years old.
The only cave with regular access to the public is the 41m-deep La Terciopelo, which has the most speleothems – calcite figures that rise and fall in the cave’s interior. The best known of these is El Órgano, which produces several notes when lightly struck. Scientists and visitors must obtain permits to enter other caves. These include…
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Nosara Wellness
A wellness studio in Playa Pelada that, in addition to their offerings of massage, Pilates and sports rehab, acupuncture and dance classes, offers something called Aerial Yoga. It involves slings and hammocks and various compromising positions.
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Mike's Jungle Butterfly Farm
Mike's beautiful mountainside property includes a lovely butterfly garden. He'll give you a tour if you make reservations in advance, and you can camp here too.
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Marea Surf Shop
Part cafe, part downtown surf shop, they don't rent gear but they have top-quality tees, hats, board shorts and boards for the buying and the shopkeeper steams a fine espresso.
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Lo Que Hay
Brand new and already rocking, this beachside taqueria and pub strobes ball games on the big screen, offers four delectable taco fillings (fish, chicken, beef or pork), and mains like blackened fish, slow roasted pork and beef fajitas. The grilled avocados stuffed with pico de gallo are money, and the bar crowd sips into the wee smalls.
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