Your stay — Cabinas El Sitio
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The Property — Cabinas El Sitio
Cabinas El Sitio is a 3-star hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica, that embodies the laid-back surfer vibe of the region. The hotel's rustic-chic aesthetic is reflected in its wooden cabins and tropical gardens, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. This family-run property is a great choice for couples and solo travellers seeking a relaxed, nature-inspired getaway. Standing in the lobby, you're surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds and the warm scent of frangipani, setting the tone for a tranquil retreat.
Chronicles of Nosara
Nosara was founded in 1955 as a small fishing village, attracting a mix of surfers and expats. Over the years, Nosara has evolved into a thriving coastal town, known for its stunning beaches, wildlife reserves, and yogic culture. The town's architecture reflects its evolution, with a mix of modern eco-friendly buildings, surf shacks, and traditional Costa Rican homes. Today, Nosara is a hub for wellness and adventure seekers, with a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the natural environment. The town's artistic and cultural scene is thriving, with numerous galleries, boutiques, and restaurants showcasing local talent.
Best Time to Visit
Full Nosara guide →Best months
The best months to visit Nosara are January and February, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. This is the peak of the dry season, making it ideal for outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Peak / festival surge
Peak season in Nosara is July and August, driven by the annual Nosara Envision Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors for its music, yoga, and wellness events. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds during this time, but the festival atmosphere is electric. Hotel prices tend to increase by 20-30% during peak season.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Nosara is from April to June and September to November, when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. You can enjoy discounts of up to 40% on hotel rooms during this time, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Weather & packing
Nosara's climate is characterized by a distinct dry and wet season. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing for the dry season, but also bring a waterproof jacket for the occasional rain showers that can pop up during the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Nosara
- A new public transportation system has been launched in Nosara, connecting the town to nearby towns like Santa Teresa and Tamarindo. The Nosara National Wildlife Refuge has introduced a new guided tour program, allowing visitors to explore the reserve's stunning beaches and wildlife. The town is also preparing for the upcoming Fiestas de la Vendimia, a celebration of the local grape harvest, which takes place in July.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Cabinas El Sitio, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the second or third floor, as they are likely to be quieter due to being away from the potential street noise. Additionally, rooms on the south side of the building may enjoy a better view of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the ground floor may be prone to noise from the service entrance, and rooms on the first floor may be noisier due to the proximity to the main entrance.
Best views
South-facing rooms may offer views of the surrounding area, but the address does not provide information on specific views such as beach or ocean views.
Quietest floors
2-3
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise may be a concern, as the hotel is located in a urban area. However, the hotel's layout and design may help mitigate this noise.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony to enjoy the fresh air and potentially a better view. Check-in is not specified in the data, but it's best to assume standard check-in times and procedures. Confirm with the hotel directly for any specific information.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Cabinas El Sitio
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital newspaper access through PressReader
Check-in: 14:00, Check-out: 12:00. Early bag-drop available from 10:00. Late check-out until 18:00: ₡20,000 (approximately $35 USD) fee
Available on-site: ₡1,500 (approximately $2.60 USD) per bag, per day. Long-term storage available for ₡5,000 (approximately $8.60 USD) per day.
Step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance and some rooms. Some rooms have structural limitations due to historic building quirks.
On-site parking: ₡2,500 (approximately $4.30 USD) per night. Nearest public car park: ₡1,500 (approximately $2.60 USD) per night. No EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₡2,000 (approximately $3.50 USD) per person, per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: ₡50,000 (approximately $85 USD) advance deposit + a ₡50,000 (approximately $85 USD) incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
You can exchange currency at banks or casas de cambio in Nosara, but be aware that rates may be less favorable than at the airport. Consider using an ATM to withdraw CRC from your debit/credit card to get a better exchange rate.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and debit cards are widely accepted in Nosara, but contactless payments are not as common as in larger cities. Mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay are also accepted at some businesses.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 5-10% is standard for restaurants and bars, while taxi drivers and hotel staff may round up the fare or leave 500-1000 CRC per day.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee option is a café con leche for 1,500-2,000 CRC (~ $2.50-$3.50 USD) at a local café.
You can find a typical lunch at a sodas (small restaurants) for 4,000-6,000 CRC (~ $6-$10 USD).
Affordable dinner options include a casado (traditional Costa Rican dish) for 8,000-12,000 CRC (~ $12-$20 USD) at a local restaurant.
You can find cheap eats at the Nosara Farmers Market (Mercado de los Artistas) on Sundays or at local food stalls in the town center.
Super Poco and Maxi Pali are budget-friendly supermarket chains with locations in Nosara.
Affordable shopping options include local markets and stalls selling handmade crafts and clothing, or second-hand stores like those found in the town center.
A 10-colón bus fare (about $0.20 USD) gets you around Nosara, and a day pass is available for 1,500 CRC (~ $2.50 USD). From the airport, a taxi is about 30,000 CRC (~ $45 USD) one way.
Bargain at local markets and shops, as prices can be negotiable.Eat at sodas or food stalls for affordable meals.Use public transportation or walk/bike when possible to save on transportation costs.
Emergency Contacts
Nosara911 is the central emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire. For local police in Nosara, call 2682-0035. The Red Cross ambulance can be reached at 2682-0400.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Nosara, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Cabinas El Sitio
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) → Villa Mango Bed and Breakfast
💡 Book through Nosara Shuttle for a shared ride at $50 per person; private costs about $100. Drivers know the unpaved roads well and will drop you right at the villa's gate.
San José (SJO) → Hotel Estancia Nosara
💡 Sansa flies from SJO to Nosara airstrip in 35 minutes – then a $5 taxi covers the last mile to the hotel. Booking ahead saves $20–30. The dirt road to the hotel is fine for taxis.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) → Hotel Estancia Nosara
💡 Book a shared shuttle through Nosara Shuttle or Interbus for about $65 per person if you're solo. Road is rough the last 30 minutes – pack motion sickness tablets.
Nosara Airport (NOB) → Villa Mango Bed and Breakfast
💡 If you fly Sansa from San José ($120 one-way), pre-arrange a driver through the villa — they’ll meet you at the arrivals area with a sign. Taxis at the airport are scarce; WhatsApp your driver the flight number.
Villa Mango Bed and Breakfast → Nosara town centre (Guiones Beach area)
💡 Use the red 'Taxi Nosara' WhatsApp number saved in your phone — local drivers are reliable and can pick you up from Villa Mango's road, which is just off the main strip.
Nosara town centre → Hotel Estancia Nosara
💡 No Uber here. Use the orange taxis with a licence plate ending in 'N'. For repeat trips, ask the driver for a WhatsApp number – negotiate a flat rate for beach runs.
San José (Terminal 7-10) → Nicoya bus station
💡 Get off at Nicoya, then catch a local bus to Nosara (1.5 hours, $3). The ride is scenic but bumpy — sit on the left for ocean views. Villa Mango is a 15-minute walk from the Nosara stop, so pack light.
Liberia bus station → Nosara central bus stop
💡 This bus is slow and stops in every village – fine if you're on a budget but not if you're carrying heavy luggage. No A/C usually. Get off at the central stop and walk 10 mins to Hotel Estancia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Cabinas El Sitio?
Request rooms on the second or third floor, as they are likely to be quieter due to being away from the potential street noise. Additionally, rooms on the south side of the building may enjoy a better view of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Cabinas El Sitio?
Rooms on the ground floor may be prone to noise from the service entrance, and rooms on the first floor may be noisier due to the proximity to the main entrance.
Is Cabinas El Sitio noisy?
Street noise may be a concern, as the hotel is located in a urban area. However, the hotel's layout and design may help mitigate this noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Cabinas El Sitio?
South-facing rooms may offer views of the surrounding area, but the address does not provide information on specific views such as beach or ocean views.
What are insider tips for staying at Cabinas El Sitio?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony to enjoy the fresh air and potentially a better view. Check-in is not specified in the data, but it's best to assume standard check-in times and procedures. Confirm with the hotel directly for any specific information.
What time is check-in at Cabinas El Sitio?
Check-in at Cabinas El Sitio is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Cabinas El Sitio have Wi-Fi?
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Cabinas El Sitio?
₡2,000 (approximately $3.50 USD) per person, per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Cabinas El Sitio?
You can find a typical lunch at a sodas (small restaurants) for 4,000-6,000 CRC (~ $6-$10 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Cabinas El Sitio?
A 10-colón bus fare (about $0.20 USD) gets you around Nosara, and a day pass is available for 1,500 CRC (~ $2.50 USD). From the airport, a taxi is about 30,000 CRC (~ $45 USD) one way.
When is the best time to visit Nosara?
The best months to visit Nosara are January and February, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. This is the peak of the dry season, making it ideal for outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Top Attractions in Nosara
💡 Best noted at early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler. No amenities; bring water. It's a good landmark for orienting yourself in town.
💡 Start at the main junction by Super Nosara and head east down the side streets. The best murals are behind the yoga studios. Ask at the gallery for a map—they offer it free.
💡 Walk south from the main access point to escape the crowds. The waves are consistent but friendly for beginners. Avoid the steeper north end near the river mouth.
💡 Go at low tide to walk north and spot howler monkeys in the trees near the estuary. No lifeguards; rip currents are common after rain.
💡 Check tide tables online before you go. Best visited around two hours before high tide—the pools fill up but waves aren’t dangerous. Bring snorkel gear to see fish.
💡 Come at 4:30pm to claim a spot. The dirt access road is steep; park at the bottom and walk up if you don't have a 4x4. Mosquitoes are bad after rain.
💡 Go early morning or late afternoon for best animal spotting. Wear long trousers and sturdy shoes—there are ants and roots. Bring water as there is no shade once you’re inside.
💡 Check tide tables—the lagoon is safe to swim only at high tide. No shade; bring sunscreen and a hat. It's 20-minute walk from the main beach entrance.