scottst34

I'm looking to take a week off from work for July 4th and head down to Central America to spend a week surfing, relaxing, exploring, speaking spanish, ect. I'm in my mid 20's and not really interested in the party scene, but am looking I could meet other travelers to grab have some drinks and chill out on the beach after a long day (ie. a hostel or cheap hotel). I narrowed it down to Nosara, Costa Rica \ San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua \ & Rincon, Puerto Rico, but am open to anywhere really. Thoughts?

Everything I read about Nosara sounds amazing, but the pictures I see makes it look like there's not much of a backpacker/hostel scene there...it looks extremely quiet with a lot of couples and kids. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

november_moon

I went to Tamarindo, CR a couple years ago. I'm not a surfer, but it seems to be popular with them. The scene there was pretty good - there is a nice beach with the town right there - a road running a long the beach with hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. Its pretty low key. There is some nightlife, but it's not crazy or anything.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I think your assessment is correct. Nosara is so spread out that I never get the feel of it being an actual town. It's also a little more upscale, and not much of a backpacking destination. Tamarindo or San Juan del Sur sound more like what you're looking for.

MichelleY

Puerto Viejo on the Carribean side.

Austin_Molly

Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most popular beach towns. If you're looking for something a little more laid back, visit Playa Grande. You should also try surfing the beaches at Las Baulas National Park - really beautiful and secluded.

NoFlyZone

If you are looking for excellent surfing and to get way off the beaten track, check out El Zonte beach in El Salvador. I spent a superb weekend at Essencia Nativa and had a great time (although I'm not a durfer).