Tico population is approximately 2500 people. The influx of Americans and Europeans is approximately 500 people.

Playa Guiones remains a natural beauty because there are no buildings located on it or rising above the tree level that borders it. All Harmony accommodations are located within our tropical garden, a stone's throw from the beach.

It is a surfer beach with strong waves and occasionally rip tides. There is no lifeguard. People swim at their own discretion. Safer swimming beaches are within short driving distance from the hotel.

There are lots of tours and activities for children, although they are more ideal for children 7 and above. See ACTIVITIES for more.

Yes, learn more about it from RESTAURANT & BAR.

The Harmony will happily receive your payments by credit card, cash (US dollars or Colones), or US Traveler cheques. The Harmony accepts all major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Amex and Diners).

Not all of the restaurants and businesses in the area accept credit cards, but many accept US dollars. Plan to bring small US bills because few places accept $50 or $100 bills. All of our rooms have safe deposit boxes for your convenience.

Yes, you can. Also, please keep in mind that there are NO readily available ATM machines in Nosara.

The weather varies with the months but the temperature is usually around 85-90 degrees in the afternoon and 75 degrees in the evening. September and October are the rainiest months of the green season. For more, see SURF.

The closest gas station is in Samara, which is about 30 minutes away.

There is a wide variety of restaurants for all budgets. We recommend a lunch at the local soda for a casado at least once. A favorite restaurant, located on the beach just past the northern cliffs that flank Playa Guiones, is La Luna. There are even a couple of Pizzerias in town.

Yes, each has an A/C unit and a ceiling fan.

No. We aim to provide a break free from television and the everyday routine.

Yes. See ROOMS & RESERVATIONS.

See ROOMS & RESERVATIONS for a more thorough description.

No, but it is available in the restaurant from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Rooms also have coffee makers.

Yes, there is a direct dial phone for local and international calls in each room.

Currently it is 16.39 percent, which covers sales tax and ICT (tourism ministry tax).

There are the 10% service charge and the 13% sales tax. An additional tip on top of the 10% for servers is welcome but not required.

Yes, they even fit a laptop.

Yes, leave your clothes with us in the early morning and you will have them back in the late afternoon.

Yes, showers in the bathrooms have hot water.

Yes, upon request.

All rooms and the restaurant are no smoking. Smoking is allowed in the open-air areas and at the bar.

Yes, we have WiFi access at the hotel, but no computer terminal. Either bring your own laptop, or visit the nearby Internet café.

There's a shop that provides books and things you can't find easily in Nosara. For more info, visit BOOKSHOP.

There are local government doctors and a private physician in Nosara.

A passport, which needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, is required for entering Costa Rica from another country. Ideally leave the original passport in the room's safe deposit box and carry around your license or a copy of the passport.

No shots are necessary for travel to Costa Rica.

Electricity outlets are standard United States outlets.

Each season has its benefits and typical weather patterns but nothing in Mother Nature is for sure. For more on the weather, see SURF.

Small US Bills, Swim Suit/ Board Shorts (2 pair), Camera, Flashlight, Hat, Beach Towel, 30-45 SPF Sunscreen, Sandals, Tennis Shoes, and Bug Spray. And for surfers: Rash Guards.

The beach at our location is ideal for learning and getting good waves for both longboards and short boards. Within an hour drive either to the north or south there are breaks that will stimulate any surfer.

Yes, the food and water at the Harmony and most spots in Nosara are safe. We pride ourselves in offering guests some of the best drinking water in the world through a rainwater catchment and purification system.

Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in America. In 1869, a compulsory state-paid system of education was established. Today Costa Rica's literacy rate averages around 96%, which is one of the highest in Central America.

Peace is also one of the country's most honored virtues. The army itself was abolished in 1948. And to further their acclaim, President Arias won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1987 for devising a Central American peace plan that was signed by the leaders of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

During the green season (Late April - Early November), it is recommended to use a 4x4 because 3 to 4 times per year there is no road access due to heavy rains.

Almost all of the International car rental franchises have representation in Costa Rica. Car rental rates vary by the car and the season. The poor road conditions, especially in rural areas, drive up the rates because of high vehicle maintenance costs.

Upon returning the car, they will ask you to check out the car with them. They may charge for any surface defect or missing part that was not originally noted before your initial departure. They will charge you at USA body shop prices.

In Costa Rica you are allowed to drive with your regular license for three months.

Please work with a travel agent or directly with the car rental company for your rent-a-car reservations. However we can recommend Alamo Rent a Car since they have very good service. They have offices in San Jose, Alajuela, Liberia and Nosara. Their website is www.alamocostarica.com. The Nosara office does not yet show up on the website, but it is located near the Harmony, across the street from Café de Paris, and the phone number is 682-0254.

Other rental car companies to consider are Toyota Rent-a-Car, Budget Rent-a-Car, Mapache Rent-a-Car, National, Elegante, Hola!, ACE, and Economy.