FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Alegria River Hideaways & Retreats is located near the small village San Juanillo, just 18km up the coast from Nosara. This area of Costa Rica is one of only five Blue Zones on earth, where people have an extraordinarily long life expectancy. We have the privilege to be nestled in the middle of the jungle, outside of the touristy area and far away from the crowds.

Costa Rica has two international airports. The closest one is Liberia International (LIR) which is a 2 hour drive away from Alegria River Hideaways & Retreats. San Jose International (SJO) is a 5 hour drive. We highly recommend booking a 4x4 rental car in advance to get from the airport to us and around the area.

You have the option to take a flight on the domestic carrier Sansa to bring you from Liberia and San Jose to the local airport/airstrip of Nosara (NOS). These planes are very small aircrafts which only allow ca. 13 kg baggage. From Nosara it is a 45 minute drive to Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats.

Note: A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica. Please look up the travel requirements from your country of residence.

Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats is only 1 km off the main road 160 between Marbella and San Juanillo right by the bridge over Rio Cuajiniquil (see on Google Maps). Turn into the only small road right south of the bridge and follow that road. You will have to cross the river bed 3 times until you’ll arrive at Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats. The river is low during our rental period. Drive straight through the first one, make a c-curve towards your right with the current and then go to the left back up into the road, the last time you need to cross, you’ll already see our gate, drive straight through.

Yes, we highly recommend renting a car (ideally a small SUV with 4x4). Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats is only accessible via dirt roads which is one of the many things that makes this place so special. To get around the area (beaches, supermarket, restaurants etc.) you definitely need a car. Please ask us for our recommendations regarding car rental companies.

There are many beaches close to Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats. Playa San Juanillo is only a 15-minute drive away and the favorite beach of the locals. Right next to it is the so-called Tree Tops beach, a beautiful white sand beach with calm water. Playa Ostional, famous for the ‘Turtle Arribada’, has black sand and is perfect for a long beach walk. You can get to this magical place in just 20 minutes by car. If you are looking for a good surf session, you should visit Playa Marbella (20 minute drive) or Playa Guiones in the vibrant town of Nosara (45 minute drive).

Yes, the area and our property are safe. We advise you to not leave any valuables unguarded when traveling around Costa Rica particularly on the beaches or visible in the car.

You can find a small supermarket and some authentic local restaurants in San Juanillo that is only a 15 minute drive away.

No, the closest one is an BCR (Banco di Costa Rica) ATM at the Nosara gas station (45 minute drive from Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats). It is best to come with cash even if most of the restaurants and stores accept credit cards. Use the local currency Colones or USD which are accepted at most places.

The nearest gas station to Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats is in Nosara (45 minute drive). If you are coming from a place near Tamarindo you can use the gas station in Villareal which is a 75 minute drive to Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats. From the international airport of Liberia you have the option to drive through Santa Cruz. The town has a gas station and it also takes you about a 75 minute drive to get to us.

Local doctors and pharmacies are available in Nosara (45 minute drive from Alegria River Hideaway & Retreats). You can find general information about health services on Nosara.com