El Casado del Carro

Playa Tamarindo


Doña Rosa has been delivering top-notch casados from her late-model red Toyota hatchback for more than a decade. Her devoted Tico following lines up daily at noon, and she generally sells out by 2pm. You'll get your meal from hubby Salvador in a Styrofoam platter (nobody's perfecto), usually with yucca or plantains, rice, chicken or beef, and tasty black beans.

There's a competing blue car around the corner – accept no imitations!


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Playa Tamarindo attractions

3. Sibu Sanctuary

24.96 MILES

Reservations are required to visit this wildlife sanctuary, set on 50 glorious acres of jungle and garden. The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing,…

4. Reserva Biológica Nosara

25.61 MILES

The private 35-hectare reserve behind Lagarta Lodge has trails leading through a mangrove wetland down to the river and beach. Stop in the Lagarta lobby…

5. Playa Pelada

26.53 MILES

North of Guiones, Playa Pelada is a family gathering place for sunset, swimming and surfing, though the waves can get a bit rough. On the northern end,…

6. International Animal Rescue Costa Rica

27.11 MILES

Make an appointment to visit this animal rescue center. Brenda Bombard is an incurable animal lover who has devoted two decades to caring for injured and…

7. Playa Guiones

29.48 MILES

Nosara's most developed beach is also a stunner, with a wide, generous arc of marbled sand (and a few pebbles and shells mixed in), excellent beach breaks…