Los Sueños Vacation Rental Tips for First-Time Guests

Your first trip to Los Sueños is different from a typical Costa Rica beach vacation. This isn’t a town that grew up around tourism. It’s a purpose-built resort community where the marina, golf course, and residential villas were planned together. That means some things work differently than you’d expect from Jacó or Tamarindo.

Here’s what you actually need to know before you arrive.

Getting to Los Sueños: Arrival Logistics

Most guests fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) outside San José. From there, Los Sueños is about 80 kilometers and 75 minutes via Route 27, the toll highway that runs along the Central Valley before dropping down to the Pacific coast.

Private transfer is the most popular option for first-time guests. Plan on $130-$150 one-way for up to 4 passengers. Your driver waits at arrivals with a sign, handles your luggage, and drops you at your villa gate. No navigation, no toll stops, no figuring out where you’re going after a long flight.

Rental car works well if you want flexibility for day trips to Manuel Antonio, Jacó, or the farmers market. Route 27 is well-maintained and straightforward. You don’t need a 4x4 for Los Sueños. The roads inside the resort are paved. Budget $50-$80/day plus insurance.

Shared shuttle runs about $35-$55 per person if you’re traveling solo or want to save. The tradeoff is multiple stops at different hotels, which can add 30-45 minutes to your arrival time.

Once you turn off Route 27 at Herradura, you’ll pass through the resort’s main gate. Security will ask for your name and confirm your reservation. This is normal. The guard just wants to verify you’re expected. From there, it’s another few minutes to your villa or condo.

Our complete transportation guide has detailed pricing and booking advice for each option.

The Resort Layout: Marina Village, Golf Course, and Beach Clubs

Los Sueños spreads across 1,100 acres with a few distinct zones. Understanding how they connect helps you plan your days.

Marina Village

This is the heart of the resort. The 200-slip marina anchors everything. Walk the docks at sunset and you’ll see sailboats, sport fishing yachts, and The Hook Up restaurant overlooking the water. There’s also a small grocery store, a Budget rental car desk, and several restaurants ranging from casual to upscale.

If your villa doesn’t come with a golf cart, Marina Village is where you’d rent one. It’s also where you’ll likely check in with our team if you’re staying with Nest Stays.

Golf Course

The 18-hole championship course winds through the resort with ocean views on several holes. Scarlet macaws are a regular sight on the 7th fairway. Non-resort guests can play, but tee times fill up during high season. Green fees run roughly $150-$200 depending on the time of year.

Beach Clubs

Los Sueños has two beach club areas. The main one is near Marina Village with a pool, restaurant, and direct beach access. It’s relaxed, family-friendly, and the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon without moving.

Some neighborhoods have smaller, more private beach access points. Your villa details will specify which amenities are included with your stay.

Getting Around

Golf carts are the default transportation inside Los Sueños. Many villas include one. If yours doesn’t, you can rent from Marina Village for about $60-$80/day or $350-$week. Everything, the marina, golf course, beach clubs, restaurants, is within a 10-minute cart ride.

Walking is pleasant too, especially in the evening. Sidewalks connect the main areas, and the resort is flat near the water.

What to Expect as a First-Time Guest

Here’s the reality of a Los Sueños vacation that no brochure tells you.

The resort is quiet. This is a residential community, not a party town. Nights are peaceful. If you’re looking for nightlife, you’d head to Jacó (10 minutes away). But if you want to sleep with the windows open and hear the ocean, Los Sueños delivers.

Service is concierge-level. Whether you’re staying with Nest Stays or another management company, expect someone to meet you at the property, walk you through how everything works, and be available throughout your stay. The pool heater, the outdoor speakers, the golf cart. Someone will show you the quirks.

You will see wildlife. Howler monkeys wake up around 5 AM. They sound like dinosaurs, not monkeys. Either you’ll love it or you’ll request a room farther from the trees. Iguanas sun on pool decks. Scarlet macaws fly over in the late afternoon. This isn’t a zoo. It’s just what happens when you build a resort in the rainforest.

The weather is microclimate-driven. Los Sueños is generally sunnier than San José, but rain can show up unexpectedly, especially in the green season (May-November). Check the forecast but don’t stress about it. Afternoon rain usually clears by evening.

You need a car or cart. Unless you’re content staying on-property, you’ll want wheels. Taxis exist but aren’t as readily available as in town. Our team can arrange transportation for excursions, but having your own vehicle gives you freedom.

Packing Tips Specific to Los Sueños

The general Costa Rica packing list applies, but Los Sueños has a few specifics worth noting.

Resort Casual Is the Dress Code

This isn’t a place where you need resort formal. Think: what you’d wear to a nice lunch at the marina. Breathable linens, sundresses, nice shorts, polo shirts. For dinners at the resort restaurants, just look clean and put together. Nobody’s wearing a jacket.

What to Bring

Sunscreen, and plenty of it. The sun near the equator is no joke. Bring your preferred brand because prices at the Marina Village store are markup-heavy. Make sure it’s reef-safe if you plan to snorkel.

Binoculars. If you want to watch the macaws, monkeys, or the boat traffic at the marina from your terrace, a small pair makes a big difference.

A reusable water bottle. The tap water in Los Sueños is safe to drink. A good bottle means you stay hydrated without buying plastic.

Motion sickness pills. If you’re planning a fishing charter or a boat trip, and you should, take the pills 30 minutes before departure. The Pacific can get choppy.

A light rain jacket. Even in dry season, a sudden afternoon shower isn’t unheard of. A packable jacket folds into your day bag.

Closed-toe shoes for tours. If you’re doing any off-property excursions (ziplining, waterfall hikes, Crocodile Bridge), leave the flip-flops at the villa.

What Not to Bring

Heavy jeans. They won’t dry in the humidity. Skip them.

Fancy evening wear. There is no formal dress code anywhere in Los Sueños.

More than one nice outfit. You’ll live in swimwear and resort casual. Trust us.

Our full Costa Rica packing list has everything you need for any season or activity.

Dining In and Around Los Sueños

Your villa likely has a full kitchen. Stock it at the Marina Village grocery store or the larger supermarkets in Jacó before you arrive, especially if you’re traveling with kids or have specific dietary needs.

For meals out, Los Sueños has several options:

Lanterna Italian Steak House serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with golf course and bay views. Upscale Italian dining in the heart of Marina Village.

The Hook Up sits right on the marina. Best for lunch. The ceviche is fresh, the location is unique, and you can watch the boats come and go.

Dolce Vita offers a more relaxed atmosphere—perfect for lingering over coffee, gelato, or a leisurely dinner with bay views.

Bar Ocho at the nearby Marriott is the casual spot for sandwiches, burgers, and cold drinks.

In Jacó, 10 minutes away, the restaurant options expand significantly. Our dining guide covers the best spots from quick ceviche stands to date-night restaurants.

FAQs: First-Time Los Sueños Guests

Do I need a visa to enter Costa Rica?

US, Canadian, and EU citizens get 90 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your arrival date.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Los Sueños?

Yes. The resort has reliable, potable water. Many guests still prefer filtered water for taste, so bring a reusable bottle with a filter or buy large jugs at the Marina Village store.

What time zone is Los Sueños in?

Costa Rica uses Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-6. There’s no daylight saving time, so the difference from US time zones stays consistent year-round.

Can I use US dollars in Los Sueños?

Yes. Most places accept US dollars, though you’ll get change in colones (Costa Rican currency). ATMs are available in Marina Village and Jacó. Credit cards work at most restaurants and stores.

Are there medical facilities nearby?

There’s a pharmacy in Marina Village and a medical clinic in Jacó (about 10-15 minutes away). For emergencies, Hospital CIMA is about 1.25 hours away in Escazú. Your travel insurance should cover medical evacuation if needed.

Is Los Sueños family-friendly?

Yes. The beach clubs have kids’ areas, the pool is calm, and the resort is gated and safe. Many villas come with multiple bedrooms, making it ideal for families.

Do I need travel insurance for Costa Rica?

Absolutely. Medical evacuation from Costa Rica to the US runs $50,000+. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is essential. It should cover adventure activities if you plan to surf, fish, or zipline.

Can I rent a golf cart at Los Sueños?

Yes. You can rent golf carts at Marina Village for $60-$80/day or $350-$week. Many villas include one with the rental, so check your property details.

Ready to Book Your Los Sueños Stay

Los Sueños rewards guests who arrive prepared. Know how you’re getting there, understand the resort layout, pack for the climate, and you’ll spend less time figuring things out and more time actually enjoying it.

If you’re looking for a villa or need help planning your first trip, our team can connect you with the right property and handle the details, from airport transfers to restaurant reservations to fishing charter bookings.

Book direct through Nest Stays to skip platform fees and get our best rates. And if you have questions about your specific arrival or property, reach out before you fly. We’re here to help.

Have questions about your Los Sueños trip? Our concierge team can help with everything from transportation to activity bookings.