Shared shuttle from Liberia
3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Daily departures to Nosara. The current listed price is $70 per person. Confirm current availability and price before booking.
Your student guide to Nosara
Welcome. You’re almost here.
Everything you need to arrive prepared, understand your NSI program and find your feet in Nosara—without reading it all at once.
01
A note from NSI
Welcome—we’re glad you’re here.
Nosara is a special place to study Spanish—not only because of its beaches and natural surroundings, but because learning here gives you the opportunity to connect with Costa Rican life beyond the classroom.
Your classes will give you a strong foundation. The rest of Nosara gives you places to use it: with your host family, in a local restaurant, during an intercambio, on a community activity or simply while finding your way around town.
Nosara is made up of several communities, each with its own character and rhythm. Our campus is in Playa Guiones, and we hope your time here gives you the chance to explore beyond the classroom, meet people and experience more of the place we call home.
We created this guide to answer the practical questions before you arrive, so you can feel prepared and look forward to the experience ahead.
¡Nos vemos pronto!
The NSI Team
Start here
Your short pre-arrival checklist
Your selections are saved only on this device.
Getting here
Travel and arrival
✈
Planning your return flight?
8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
Shared shuttles currently depart Nosara for Liberia daily at these times. Allow for the drive, road conditions and airport check-in.
Choose how to reach Nosara
Liberia Airport is generally the most convenient international airport. San José offers more flights but a longer ground journey.
Options include shared or private shuttles, domestic flights, rental cars and public buses. Use the NSI arrival form if you want NSI to arrange your arrival transportation.
Your first 24 hours
- Go to the confirmed drop-off point and use the exact Google Maps pin.
- Connect to WhatsApp and tell your host or residence contact if you are delayed.
- Save your accommodation details somewhere accessible offline.
- Follow the first-day instructions and schedule sent by NSI.
Your first morning may include coffee, a short conversation in Spanish and an oral assessment. It is placement—not a performance.
Accommodation
Homestay
Connect with Costa Rican daily life. Ask about meals, keys, laundry and household routines, and communicate respectfully.
Student residence
A more independent experience with other NSI students nearby. Respect shared spaces and report concerns promptly.
Your own lodging
Confirm the exact location and daily route. A property described as “Nosara” may not be within easy walking distance.
Your program
How classes work
A1 → C2
Classes run Monday through Friday and are organized by Spanish level. We consider schedule preferences whenever possible, but specific time slots cannot be guaranteed.
Group classes
8:00–11:40
or 1:00–4:40
Group classes
8:00–9:40
or 1:00–2:40
Private classes
Most often 1:00–2:40
or 3:00–4:40
Daily breaks9:40–10:0011:40–1:002:40–3:00
Level first, schedule second. We build the weekly schedule around student levels, then match time preferences whenever possible. NSI will send your confirmed class time before your program begins. If you have a question about your placement or schedule, please speak with us—we’re happy to help.
A typical day
Class is the anchor. The rest is yours.
Morning classes begin
Coffee and a short break
Lunch or the end of morning class
Afternoon classes begin
Afternoon break
Classes finish
Depending on your schedule, the rest of your day might include lunch, a surf or yoga session, an optional NSI activity, independent study, the beach or simply practicing Spanish around town.
PURA VIDA TIP Don’t fill every hour before your schedule arrives. Nosara rewards a little flexibility.
Beyond class
Optional activities and program add-ons
NSI typically offers one to three optional activities each week. They vary and may include cooking, salsa, intercambios with students from our English program, tai chi in Spanish, community experiences or seasonal turtle trips.
CookingSalsaIntercambiosTai chi en españolCommunitySea turtles
Spanish plus surf or yoga
If your NSI program includes surf or yoga, we will coordinate those sessions alongside your Spanish schedule and share the confirmed times, meeting points and other details separately. Please review any preparation or equipment information provided for your sessions.
Surf times may shift with ocean conditions, weather or instructor availability. If you booked Spanish classes only and would like to explore local surf or yoga options, ask us once you arrive.
Everyday Nosara
The practical stuff
☀
The main communication tool for NSI, accommodations, drivers and many local businesses. Make sure it works before arrival.
Money
Most established Guiones businesses accept dollars and cards. Keep some colones for buses, tuk-tuks, tips and smaller places.
Water
Drinking water is safe in Nosara. Bring a reusable bottle and stay hydrated in the tropical climate.
Wi-Fi
Available at NSI and many accommodations. Short internet or electricity interruptions can happen, so remote workers should allow flexibility.
What to bring
All year
- Light clothing
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Walking shoes or sandals
- Notebook and pens
- Medication and travel documents
Rainy season
- Light rain jacket
- Umbrella
- Quick-drying clothing
- Shoes for mud and water
- Waterproof cover for electronics
After dark
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Reflective light for walking or cycling
- Charged phone or power bank
Getting around
Nosara includes several communities. Distances that look short may involve unpaved roads, hills, heat or seasonal mud.
- Walk: Use the NCA jungle trails when appropriate and avoid unfamiliar routes after dark.
- Tuk-tuk: Ask NSI on campus for a current driver list.
- Bike or e-bike: Ask about a lock, lights, helmet and road conditions.
- Quad or car: Confirm licensing, insurance, deposits and road restrictions directly.
- Local bus: Ask NSI on campus for the current schedule and stop.
Spanish beyond the classroom
Small interactions count.
You will hear both Spanish and English spoken in Playa Guiones. Your experience depends partly on how intentionally you create opportunities to use Spanish.
Begin in Spanish. Ask one follow-up question. Order without pointing at the menu. Continue in Spanish when someone answers in English.
If someone switches to EnglishGracias. Quiero practicar mi español.
Mini survival Spanish
Tap a phrase to hear it.
The Nicoya Peninsula
Blue Zone, lived—not packaged.
The region is often associated with longevity, daily movement, food traditions, family and community ties. It is part of this place’s story, not a promise or tourism slogan. Appreciate it by paying attention to local life and engaging respectfully.
Culture and community
Be a good temporary neighbor.
- Remember that Nosara is home to established Costa Rican communities.
- Support local businesses and community-led projects.
- Keep beaches and trails clean and respect wildlife from a distance.
- Ask permission before photographing people, homes or activities.
Health and safety
Know who to contact
911
Life-threatening emergencyCall 911
NSI WhatsApp+506 8960 6926General student contact. After hours, please use for emergencies only.
Paradise Medical Services+506 2682 1212Centro Médico Guiones, close to campus
Urgent medical help after hours+506 8909 5769
Practical safety reminders
- Save your address and map pin offline.
- Do not leave phones, wallets or bags unattended, including at the beach.
- Use a light and known routes after dark.
- Ocean conditions can be powerful. Follow local warnings and surf instructors.
- Hydrate, use sun protection and observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
Planning your departure
No need to book it months ahead.
It is still smart to consider ground transportation before choosing an early flight. Book your departure directly with Nosara Booking so you can choose your pickup point, schedule and payment method and communicate with the provider.
THE DAY BEFORE
Plan departure transportation ↗
Reconfirm your pickup and pin · charge your phone · confirm checkout · return keys · check passport, wallet, medication and chargers.
Keep these handy
Your NSI resource shelf
Before arrivalArrival & Transportation FormShare travel details or request arrival transport ↗
Find usNSI Campus MapOpen the correct Google Maps pin ↗
Walk the jungleNCA Trail MapExplore while avoiding the main road ↗
Eat and practiceLocal Restaurant GuideMore Spanish, better connections ↗
What’s happeningNosara CalendarEvents, culture, workshops and music ↗
Your interestsNSI Activity FormTell us what you’d enjoy ↗
Travel Costa RicaBus SchedulesPlan, then confirm locally ↗
RegenerateCostas VerdesCoastal reforestation and volunteering ↗
Protect wildlifeInternational Animal RescueRescue, rehabilitation and conservation ↗
Learn locallyDavid Kitson LibraryBooks, programs and community connection ↗
Medical careParadise Medical ServicesClinic information and services ↗
Our schoolNosara Spanish InstitutePrograms and general information ↗
Schedules, prices, activities and hours can change. Confirm time-sensitive details directly with the provider.