Local Information
This page contains local information on Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, the District of Nicoya, the Village of Nosara and our own subdivision. It contains brief glimpses of local history, the currency, currency conversion, language and custom, The Legend of Nosara, water and beverages, flora and fauna. Simply click on the subtitles below to jump to the appropriate section.
| Local History | Currency of Costa Rica | Currency Conversion | Language and Custom | The Legend of Nosara |
| Water | Flora | Fauna | Food and Beverages |
The district of Nicoya reeks with history; from the archeological digs of the ancient Chorotega Indian culture to the remnants of the Spanish Conquest. Historians suggest that the original Chorotega Indians populated the Nicoya Peninsula for thousands of years. At one point, their population reached around 20,000 in number in two major sites not far from Nicoya. They traded up and down the land connections between North America and South America. Many artifacts (gold, jade, pottery,stone carvings, etc.) from this amazing civilisation can still be seen in the local museums and sites. For example, the large round stone ball seen in the following photo is only one instance of a form of art practised by the ancients of the region. This photo was taken on the main road just outside the Liberia Airport. These round spheres can be found in archeological sites all up and down Central America.
With the arrival of the Spaniards in search of gold, Central and South America culture changed forever. Again, many artifacts from this period can be seen. The old church in Nicoya is an outstanding relic from the past. This church is currently undergoing a major renovation with the initial construction completed in the 1500's. Can you believe that the building is still standing and still in use? The Banco National de Costa Rica in Nicoya also boasts a fine collection of carved wooden religious figures dating back to the Spanish arrival. Naturally, the Spanish language and place names remain evident today.
The Nosara region is dotted with historical sites as well. One of the huge trees in the area remains a reference point for location information. Local inhabitants will tell you where they live in relationship to the location of the big tree or they will arrange to meet at the big tree at a certain time.
In the early 1970's a developer acquired all of the property along the Playa Guiones coastline. The subdivision was surveyed into approximately 500 residential lots with some commercial sites sprinkled through the design. Most of the lots were about 1/3 to 1/2 an acre in size. Plans included an 18-hole golf course winding through the subdivision. Roads were built and the services were installed (hydro, phones, water).
Unfortunately, the developer was unable to secure the necessary capital to complete the project. Individual investors acquired the various sites, a community association was formed and the area became popularly known as "The Project" (or Bocas de Nosara). Many of the original families still live year-round in the subdivision and can regale you with many tales of the early days. Today about 15% of the lots have permanent dwellings established. The golf course area was purchased by the Community Association and converted to a wildlife preserve inside the Project.
Today, the Community Association manages the project through the assessment of modest annual dues. With a combination of volunteers and professional managers, Nosara Community Association operates one of the finest facilities that can be found. An elected Board of Directors guides the evolution of the project. Our roads are maintained, the beach is managed, the water is regularly tested and monitored, security, government relations and much more.
Currency
The local currency in Costa Rica is the colones (prononced like "co-loan-nays" with the emphasis on the "loan"). US dollars are welcome everywhere as are travellers checks (in US funds). CAUTION: Make sure that your US bills are immaculate - the smallest defacement (for example, a rip, a mark, a pen mark or any writing, etc.), makes the bills unacceptable except perhaps at large banks in San Jose (but who would want to spend a couple of hours waiting around a bank on a beautiful day). In complete contrast, The Costa Rica treasury gets every last mile out of the colones bills - they may be mere tattered fragmentary remnants of the original bill but nevertheless they are readily accepted in transactions. The closest bank machine is located outside the Banco Populiare, just down from the Cafe de Paris (about three blocks away) but sometimes the machine runs out of cash. The Banco Populaire here has reasonable business hours and you can get cash inside. You will also find bank machines in Nicoya which is about one hour away by car from Nosara. Check the different banks in Nicoya for the banking system that you normally use (for example, CIRRUS, Interac, etc.). Another caution about travellers checks - make certain your signature is totally repeatable. We have seen folks unable to cash their travellers checks due to some small variations in their signatures.
You can exchange US dollars for colones at hotels, banks, and money changers but the usual exchange charges apply and most folks do not bother. You will almost always get your change in colones even when you pay in US dollars. Hence, you will eventually end up with a supply of colones no matter what. Keep an eye on the exchange rate (and do not be afraid to ask what the current exchange rate is) but you can expect small variations from one location or vendor to the next.
As an example, the exchange rate in March 2001 was as follows:
| Date of Exchange | Rate (colones per US Dollar) | |
| March 2001 | 321 | |
| August 2002 | 364 | |
| September 2003 | 400 | |
| July 2004 | 440 | |
| February 2005 | 465 | |
| February 2006 | 500 | |
| March 2007 | 565 | |
| February 2009 | 563 | |
The exchange rate for the Costa Rica currency used to be on an ever-increasing curve as you can see in the table above. This generated an internal rate of inflation in the range of 12% per annum. However, in 2007, the Costa Rica federal government changed the basis of the currency to allow it to float between an upper and lower bound. This has had the effect of stabilizing the colon against the US dollar.
Below is a picture of a crisp new 5 colones bill - this was a commemorative issue.
Currency Conversion
If you want a "free" currency calculator, visit www.gocurrency.com to get the current rate of exchange. Sorry about all of the annoying advertisements but that seems to be the web price we have to pay these days. Enter 1 USD and ask for the Costa Rican Colone equivalent. Enter 1 in the upper box (i.e., the amount of money to be converted). Scroll down the "From" box until you reach United States Dollar (i.e., USD) . In the "To" scroll up until you reach Costa Rican Colone (i.e., CRC). Hit the "Convert" button and this service will provide the current exchange rate. Of course, this is not exactly the rate you will get on the street or in the stores in Costa Rica but it will be close.
Language and Custom
The native language of Costa Rica is Spanish. You will find that many other languages are spoken due primarily to the large tourist industry. Tourism typically rates as the number one or number two industry for the country; coffee will be the closest rated industry. Specifically, English, Italian, French and German are common in larger centres or certain sites. You can make an instant friend by trying out your Spanish. The easiest greeting, accepted by everyone is a big smile and the word "Ola" which means "Hello". Sign language also works like a charm.
In some smaller centres, the local population will observe a "siesta" from about noon until 2:00 pm. There is usually a good reason for this - the heat! This is a good time to make something to eat or take a dip in the ocean. The pace of life in Costa Rica is a bit slower than what we might find in North America (for example, give yourself an hour or two to rent your car) but you will soon mellow out and join in this much more relaxed atmosphere.
Education is mandatory in Costa Rica and the country has a literacy rate in excess of 90%. Students are required to wear school uniforms and multiple languages (English, French, German) are available to students as part of their curriculum.
In Nosara, the traditional fiesta is held every year in the third week in January. This is a most exciting time with a rodeo, parade, beautifully decorated prancing horses, traditional dances, music, typical food and dancing.
In years past, a local fashion designer, Mr. Alfred Levy used to organize a full blown fashion show. The date was usually set for around mid-February at one of the local hotels. A pre-event showing was available for seniors at a smaller location. Folks came to enjoy the music, the excitement, the amazing clothes on both male and female highly attractive models. Many of the models were local and the clothing was all for sale. This was a major February social event that no one would want to miss. Everbody was there. Adults mostly and the poolside fashion walkway was a delightful setting. Unfortunately, Alfred passed away recently and no one has stepped in to replace his energy and talent. He will be missed.
One of the most important religious holidays in called "Cinco de Mayo" or the "Fifth of May". During this time, restaurants do not serve liquor and the stores do not sell alcoholic beverages. If you are vacationing during this period, you may want to stock up on anything you need in advance. The most important week of the year (July 24 and 25) is called Cultural Week. July 24 is called Dia del Maiz. July 25 is called Annexation Day. This festival time will include many exciting activities including live theater, traditional food and beverages, contests of skills and strength, typical dances, a horse parade, and races. This is an event enjoyed by the entire family. Check out the following photo of the traditional dancers in action.
A few years ago, I asked one of the old timers in Nosara about the origin of the name "Nosara". Amazingly, she did not know but she was as curious as I was. After a bit of research and some help from my daughter, we found an old legend that gives credence to the name. The story is entitled "Curime and Nosara - A Legend of Love". The story was written by José Ramirez Sáizar and has been translated by Richard Jenssen, Jr. We hope you enjoy the story as much as we have.
There once was a tribe of Indians called the Tarascos, who lived on Janitzio, an enchanted isle in Lake Pátzcuaro, México. They fished, warred on occasion with neighboring tribes, and produced exquisite ceramic pottery, jewelry and feather adornments.
The Tarasco warriors delighted in the distant triumphs of the Nahuas, the Aztecs, the Popolocas, the Otomíes and the Chorotegas, and were fascinated by the accounts of how the Chorotegas, of Aztec lineage, had grown tired of the incessant conflicts with other tribes in México, and migrated to a peninsula in Central America called Nicoya. Yet, life was good on Janitzio, and no one seriously considered leaving. No one, that is, except Curimeo.
Curimeo was a warrior blessed with a powerful physique, who had gained fame in battle against the savage Spaniards. He longed to leave his island and join Huitzilpochtli, the Aztec hummingbird god of war, for a life of adventure. One day he set out alone on a long journey to the Valle del Vetka of the Nicoya Peninsula. He traveled day and night, crossing crocodile-infested rivers, bone-chilling mountain passes, fathomless gorges and never ending plains, until he finally reached the Vetka Valley.
Nambí, the chief of the Chorotegas, greeted Curimeo upon his arrival, and in a short time the Tarasco warrior had earned the chief's admiration for his bravery, prowess at hand-to-hand combat, and accuracy with spear and arrows. Curimeo soon became a respected Chorotega warrior and leader of the tribe's archers.
Before long he met a beautiful young Chorotega princess named Nochari. Curimeo recalled with pleasure that in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, nochtli meant prickly pear, and that tlalli meant land of. Thus, in Nahuatl, Nochari meant Land of the Prickly Pear. He would call her Nosara, a name used by the Tarascos. In turn, Chief Nambí would shorten his name to Curime, which meant the man with the big mustache in Nahuatl. Nosara and Curime soon fell very deeply in love, but life in the land of the prickly pear wasn't without hardship. The Chorotegas had mortal enemies nearby- the Chiras.
One evening during a full moon the Chiras mounted a surprise attack. They watched and plotted as the Chorotegas celebrated the anniversary of their arrival to their promised land. The Chorotegas made offerings in the sacred temple they called the teyopa, drank chicha, a beer made from fermented corn, and danced well into the night.
When they were sure the Chorotega warriors were asleep, or too intoxicated to defend themselves, they attacked. The Chiras slaughtered a number of Chorotegas, then headed for the teyopa to plunder the precious jewelry and golden artifacts. Curime and Nosara awakened to the cries of those being attacked. Upon recognizing the intentions of the Chiras, they raced to the teyopa to save their tribe's treasures.
With a fury he hadn't felt since his days fighting the Spaniards, Curime laid siege to the marauding Chiras. His fusillade of arrows decimated the intruders and forced them to flee for cover. This allowed Nosara to reach the temple, gather the treasures, and escape to a nearby mountain. Curime soon joined his beloved Nosara, and helped her carry the sacred cargo to the summit.
The Chiras then regrouped and launched an assault on the mountain. Curime's deadly hail of arrows held the Chiras at bay just long enough for Nosara to bury the treasures. Yet, the invaders were relentless, and as she rejoined Curime, a Chira arrow pierced his breast, killing him instantly. The valient Chorotega warrior tumbled down the steep flank of the mountain he and Nosara had climbed only moments earlier. Nosara, beside herself with grief, and fearful that the Chiras would capture her and force her to reveal where she had hidden the Chorotega treasures, slid her quartz dagger from its sheath, and took her own life.
Those who now live near this mountain, called Cerro de las Huacas, or Mountain of the Burried Treasures, recount how on evenings with a full moon you can hear the mournful voice of Curime calling out to Nosara in the distance: NO-CHA-RI...NO-SA-RA...IT'S ME...CU-RI-ME!, and if you listen carefully, you can hear her sad reply through the rustle of the leaves: CU-RI-ME...IT'S ME...NO-CHA-RI!
Water
You can drink the water ("agua") from the tap virtually everywhere in Costa Rica unless it is posted otherwise. In our subdivision, the water is tested regularly and managed by the Nosara Community Association and the national water board or ASAYA. We have a number of deep water wells that feed a system of large cisterns located high on the hills behind our location. This water is distributed over a local pipeline network and into each residence. A certified water meter connects each residence to the pipeline and records consumption. A fee is charged each resident based on their monthly consumption. Our water is an extremely precious resource and we do not have an over abundance in the subdivision, especially in the dry season. Please use our water carefully. You will find it has a clear, fresh pure taste. If you prefer bottled water, this is available just about anywhere.
And oh yes, do not forget that you can enjoy the water in other ways. Check out the following photos. You can click on the second and third ones to see a larger view. Note that some of the smaller waterfalls tend to dry up a bit in the "dry season". This may give you a reason to visit during the "rainy season" when everything is lush and green.
And of course, the most spectacular water is our wonderful beach sunset experiences. Following is a recent set of sunset photos that will give you a sampling of something wonderful. Click on an image for a larger version and then "Back" in your browser to return to this page.
Food and Beverages
Food is often a destination in Costa Rica and our subdivision can boast to having a fine complement of restaurants. Check out the list below of some of our favorite destinations. Costa Rica produces several high quality beers ("cervesa") including Imperial and Bavarian brands. Fruit drinks and milk products from the large native producer, Dos Pinos, are excellent. Regular North American pop (Coke, 7-Up, etc) is also available. Glass pop and beer bottles are recycled. Unfortunately, plastic and aluminum containers have yet to be included in the recycling program.
The Project hosts a number of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a great meal and
a relaxing drink. These include the following:
Flora
Costa Rica boasts over 900 national parks for good reason.
In fact, this small nation boasts close to 1/3 of the land mass
dedicated to national parks and nature preserves. Only Canada,
at about 35% (and the world leader in this category) has
more land set aside as natural preserves. Costa Rica is host
to over 30% of the worlds varieties of plants (over 8000
varieties).The country is the world's largest exporter of
Orchids but that is only the beginning. Hedges can be found
everywhere growing colorful Bougenvilya. How about a hedge
of growing cactus specifically planted to keep the
turtles out of your backyard. And fences made from "living
posts". Cut a branch off an existing tree, limb it and simply
plant it to become another living fence post. Fields of
melons, mountains of coffee, plantations of bananas,
groves of mangoes, and so much more. Check out the short slide
show on this page for some sample pictures of some of the fabulous
flora of Costa Rica. We took all of these pictures ourselves from the area.
Many of these pictures were taken
right on our property. Enjoy this wonderful
scenery every day during your stay.
Slide show of some really interesting flora!
Our place is full of flowers. If you would like a bouquet, ask Chico to cut you a nice fresh selection. Similarily, if any of the fruit on our property is in season (for example, lemons, bananas, mango), he will cut you a nice fresh selection.
Fauna
Costa Rica can sometimes appear to be one huge park and zoo combination.The country hosts
over 1400 different species of wildlife. Hence the need for so many parks and nature preserves.
Visit us and enjoy frequent sightings of:
Check out the short slide show below for pictures of many of these.
Slide show of some really interesting critters!
The Howler monkeys are regular visitors throughout the subdivision and are bound to amaze you - such a big, big voice from such a small creature. And the wee babies hanging on to their mothers as they move through the trees are a sight for everyone to enjoy. Can you eat hanging upside down by your tail?
The Turtles of Costa Rica are a study unto themselves. The country hosts some of the largest and most populous turtle hatching grounds anywhere. The University of Costa Rica runs an research site located 5 miles North at Ostional Beach. Many of the following photos were taken on the blacksand that is found there. The Mother turtles come to this area to lay their eggs. They come to shore three times, about one month apart, and lay about 100 eggs each time. The little guys hatch within about 60 days and toddle down to the ocean to begin their new lives. The eggs also serve as a source of food and are considered a part of the local diet. Of course, the baby turtles serve as a source of food for many predators. The large numbers of baby turtles help ensure the survival of the species.
Just could not resist another picture of baby turtles. How about the crocodile? These are found in Costa Rica usually only on the large rivers. And one of my favourites of a group of buzzards at the shore.
Also, take at look at the group of Pashotes (kind of a combination of a raccoon and a cat - wild critter for certain so be wary) coming up to our car to beg for food. Someone has fed these guys before to encourage this behaviour. One of the photos shows a collection of wee tree frogs attached to a large leaf. Cool! We also have a photo of a farmer moving some dirt with his ox.
Of course if you are a birdwatcher, please book in for a couple of weeks to sample the large variety of our feathered friends. The area boasts an amazing number of indigeneous birds. One photo shows a shot of some of the gulls that follow the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. And, another couple of buzzards on a fence.