Frequently Asked Questions
Please read the answers to commonly asked questions below.
If you still have unanswered questions about the property or would like to request a reservation, please contact us. Keep in mind that Costa Rica is still a third world country. Please realize that the power will go out occasionally and the phone lines might not always work. The roads are rough, and can be quite muddy or dusty depending on the season. Nosara is not Florida, nor do we wish that it was. If you enjoy a little adventure though, this might be just the place for you.
What amenities does the house offer? Fully stocked kitchen, hot water, washer/dryer (upstairs only), AC in all bedrooms, ceiling fans, standing fans, laptop safe, wireless internet and local phone. We have taken great care to create a secure and comfortable home environment. There is no pool here, but the beach is an easy 5-10 minute walk down the road.
How do we get there? Casa Wallace is located in the Las Tecas neighborhood in Playa Pelada. Sansa and Nature Air both offer daily flights to the village of Nosara, about two miles from the house. Driving time from Liberia International Airport is about two and one half hours, or four-five hours from San Jose. Please see the map for more specific location info.
How far is the house from the beach? The house is set back from Playa Pelada by about 500 meters. It takes five to ten minutes to walk down to the Northern end of Playa Pelada, one of the nicest spots in Nosara to watch the sunset or go swimming. Walking time to the Southern beach parking area by Olga's is ten minutes. Olgas is the only beachfront bar/restaurant in Nosara, and is a great place to get a cold beer and an inexpensive meal. From the Olga's parking area, it is an additional 5 minutes walk over to Playa Guiones.
What is the neighborhood like? Casa Wallace is located on one of the quietest and most private streets that is close to the beach in Nosara. Several of the surrounding homes are occupied by full time residents, and everyone who lives nearby is super friendly. If you want to party every night, stay in Guiones. If you prefer to be a bit removed from tourists, dusty traffic, and loud bars, you'll enjoy this location.
Can I walk to surf? Some people surf in Pelada and Playa Nosara, but most visiting surfers paddle out at Playa Guiones. The house is a short walk from the surf break at Olgas and the Nosara Rivermounth. You can walk to Guiones if you have a shortboard, but It might be a bit far to carry a longboard. We ride our bikes to surf at Guiones, and many people in Pelada drive over.
Do I need a car? A car is very nice to have in the Nosara area and we highly recommend it. Everything you really need is within about a ten or twenty minute walk from the house, but it is very nice to be able to go out to eat in Guiones at night and not worry about walking home in the dark. If you fly in to Nosara, rental cars can be arranged through Alamo, Advantage, National, Toyota or Budget.
Is there a bank in Nosara? There is a bank in the Guiones beach area of Nosara and another at the gas station on the way into Nosara Village. At both locations cash can be obtained from a credit card or traveler's checks, and dollars can be changed to colones. Lines can be long, so try not to use the bank any more than you have to.
Is there an ATM in Nosara? There are ATM machines adjacent to both banks. Look for the "Cajero" sign. Like all other ATM machines in Costa Rica, these machines won't work with every bank card out there, but they should work with most. If you've got a debit card and plan to use the ATM in Guiones, make sure it has a Visa symbol rather than Master Card. Otherwise, you'll need to get to the bank at the gas station to get money.
How much cash do I need? Many restaurants do not accept credit cards, and those that do often charge an additional fee. A few grocery stores now accept credit cards. There are a handful of inexpensive places to eat, but most restaurants in the area can be quite expensive. Be prepared to spend as much on meals and groceries as you would at home.
What is the weather like? During dry season from December through April, temperatures are usually in the upper eighties. Very little rain falls during this time and skies are most often clear. Temperatures drop to the lower eighties during green season, which lasts from May through November. This season typically provides brief afternoon showers and the occasional downpour, with most of the rain falling during September and October. Travel can be a little more difficult during periods of heavy rain.
Is it safe? Nosara is generally quite a safe place to be. As with everywhere in Costa Rica, theft does occur on a regular basis. Be aware of your belongings. Do not leave items unattended on the beach or in your vehicle. Money, passports, and valuable should be left in the house inside the safe or the locked bodega.
Where can we get groceries? There is a large market in the village of Nosara, and smaller markets in both Pelada and Guiones. Pancho's, in Pelada, is about a five or ten minute walk from Casa Wallace. Please note that as of 11/2011 Pancho's is temporarily closed.
Can I rent a surfboard in Nosara? Surfboards can be rented at both Coconut Harry's in Guiones, as well as Nosara Surf Shop, El Punto Surf Shop, Kaya Sol and the Frog Pad.
Can I bring my dog? Travel with pets can be difficult in Costa Rica. If you can get them to Casa Wallace, they are welcome to stay. We will require an additional cleaning deposit for pets.
Who owns this house? Jeremy and Meri Wallace own this house. When we aren't in Costa Rica, we live in Colorado.
More Questions? If you've got more questions about the house, the area, or anything else - please email us at wallacejer@yahoo.com