Last Updated: April 8, 2022
Many of the beach towns in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province have become extremely popular over the years due to their gorgeous sands and turquoise waters. Development has hit the northern Pacific coast, and those interested in luxury condos and world-class cuisine don’t have to look far. But for others seeking a more authentic visit to Costa Rica, there is Samara. While Samara has its share of amenities, it still has a local vibe and small beach-town feel. In this post, we’ll give our tips for getting the most out of your visit to Samara, including recommendations for hotels, activities, and restaurants.
About Samara
Samara is located in Guanacaste Province on the northern Pacific coast. It is about two hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR). The drive from the airport is along all paved roads, making it is an easy destination to reach.
One of the main draws of Samara is its centrally located downtown. The downtown abuts the beach and is full of restaurants, trendy boutique shops, tour operators, and some small hotels.
Another draw is its surrounding forest and wildlife. Unlike areas to the north, thick tropical dry forest borders Samara. Even on hotel grounds, you can find animals like monkeys, iguanas, and many kinds of birds.
Samara’s biggest attraction is its beautiful beach. Playa Samara attracts all types of travelers with its rows of palm trees and light tan sand. You will find 20-somethings grabbing a beer at one of the beachside bars, couples strolling at sunset, and children at play in the calmer ocean waters.
Tip: If you’re looking for a more developed beach town in Guanacaste, consider Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playas del Coco, or Playa Hermosa.
Activities in Samara
While many people visiting Samara do little more than hang out at the beach, there are plenty of things to do. Here are some activities that will show you hidden waterfalls, beaches, and nature-filled forest.
Beaches
The main beach, Playa Samara, is the area’s most popular and for good reason.
The wide cove has relatively calm water due to a coral reef just offshore. This makes it a decent place to swim and also enjoy water sports. It’s one of the better beaches in Costa Rica for families.
Playa Carrillo is more of a locals’ beach, just to the south. This beach is also very pretty, with light sand, rows of palms, and calm waves for swimming. It doesn’t have the amenities of Playa Samara like restaurants and tour operators so be sure to bring everything you need for the day.
To learn more about this beach, read our post, Playa Carrillo: A Favorite Locals’ Beach in Guanacaste.
Playa Barrigona is farther from town and accessible if you have a rental car. This beach is the site of Mel Gibson’s seaside estate and considered by many to be the most beautiful in the area.
Although it is a trek to get to along rough, dirt roads, we were impressed once we arrived. The sand is bright white, the water is intensely blue, and it feels far removed from civilization.
If you venture to Playa Barrigona, bring everything you need as there isn’t anything for miles. Don’t leave valuables in your car as there have been problems with theft. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially for the rainy season.
Directions to Playa Barrigona: Playa Barrigona is 1 km off the main road that goes to Nosara. The entrance was unmarked at the time of our visit. During the dry season, you can take the shortcut through the riverbed from Samara and get there in 15-20 minutes.
In the rainy season, it will take a bit longer via the inland route up Route 160 and over the Buena Vista River Bridge.
Hiking at Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve
This is the best option for hiking in the area. The Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve is a 140 hectare (346 acre) private reserve just outside Samara. Here, you can discover the tropical dry forest and learn from an expert guide why it is such an important, though often overlooked, ecosystem.
In between observing the Reserve’s abundant wildlife like monkeys, porcupines, and owls, you will climb to a lookout with an amazing view of the beach and forest.
We loved our trek through the Reserve. We couldn’t believe how much wildlife we saw and how much we learned, even after hiking throughout Costa Rica.
The hike through the Werner-Sauter Reserve is moderately difficult and you need a guide to visit.
For more information, read our post, Samara Trails: Exploring the Tropical Dry Forest.
Water Activities
Surfing
The gentle waves at Playa Samara are perfect for beginner surfers, including kids.
There are several different surf companies along the main beach in Samara. Lessons are around $60-80 per person, depending on if you want a group or private lesson.
Diving and Snorkeling
If you’re interested in diving, the Samara area has some good spots to check out.
Neighboring beaches host shipwrecks where you can see creatures like white-tip reef sharks, snapper, and maybe even hammerhead sharks and bull sharks. Conditions are better during the rainy season (May to November) when the water is cooler. Two-tank dives (5 hrs.) are around $120.
While diving is typically better in Samara, you also can snorkel. Many people combine kayaking with snorkeling on a visit to the white-sand Isla Chora. Kayak-snorkel tours to Isla Chora are around $50.
Dolphin Watching Boat Tour
A fun way to explore the scenic coastline near Samara is on a boat tour. Not only do these tours get you out on the water, but dolphins can be seen in and around the bay year-round. When we did this tour, bottlenose dolphins were swimming right under the boat, catching the waves. You also can see whales seasonally.
Dolphin watching tours are around $60 per person. If you have a group, you can even rent the whole boat. Learn more with our post, Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Samara.
Belen Waterfall
Only 20 minutes from downtown Samara is the Belen Waterfall. This small cascade and series of swimming holes is a popular spot among locals, yet few tourists know about it. The entrance is located in the middle of the countryside and is unmarked. There are no facilities and you will find only a rustic trail that leads to the river.
Tours are available, but it is easy enough to go on your own if you have a rental car. Just be sure to have good directions as we drove right past it our first time.
Important: We recommend visiting this waterfall during the dry season only (approx. late December to early April) for safety reasons.
Read our post, Belen Waterfall: A Hidden Swimming Hole Near Samara, for more information.
Horseback Riding
Another fun way to experience Samara’s beautiful scenery is on a horseback tour. Most operators include a ride through the jungle, where you’re likely to see wildlife, as well as some time to trot on the palm-tree-lined beach. Prices for tours are around $50 per person.
Visit a Macaw Center
About 50 minutes south of Samara is a macaw parrot breeding center that is doing some amazing work. Scarlet and Great Green Macaw Parrots have become endangered in Costa Rica, and this group is working to increase the population through their breeding program.
This is not a wildlife rehabilitation center. Instead, they breed the parrots and then let them fly free. At the center, you will get to see hundreds of these charismatic birds coming back to the center to feed.
If you have your own car, you can reserve a tour directly through the Macaw Recovery Network’s website ($20 per person). If you don’t have one, tours with transportation are possible.
Restaurants in Samara
Samara has an impressive selection of restaurants for such a small town. Here are some of the best places we’ve tried.
Cantina de Baco
Cantina de Baco is a newer spot with a really fun vibe. Their concept is flavors from around the world and connecting the community with local art.
A tapas menu offers many choices for dishes, organized by country. Some of our favorites were the local enyucados (yucca and cheese croquettes), Gallo Duo with homemade chorizo, and Mediterranean shrimp. Look for this restaurant near the soccer field in town. Their menu is on Facebook.
Teca Beach
Another great addition to Samara’s restaurant scene is Teca Beach. The French-inspired dinner spot offers upscale cuisine and unique ambiance. Costa Rican coffee bags adorn the ceiling, and soft lighting creates an intimate feel. Teca Beach has a tapas menu, fish and meat dishes, and delicious burgers.
Samara Pacific Lodge
Another excellent choice for dinner is Samara Pacific Lodge. This French restaurant has a small menu, which rotates daily, but you can’t go wrong with the choices. Typical offerings are fresh fish, pork, beef, and shrimp. They also have an option for kids. Our tuna steak was cooked perfectly, and we also loved our pork with apple and pineapple sauce. Wine pairings are available for all entrees.
This restaurant has only six tables and a small bar so be sure to make reservations.
Bouticafe Bohemia
For the freshest food around, there’s Bouticafe Bohemia. This chic, yet casual, breakfast and lunch spot offers healthy smoothies and lighter options for food.
Much of what goes into the toastinis, salads, crepes, and bagels is homemade, like the almond butter, jam, and pesto. Our brie and apple crepe and veggie sandwich were just what we needed after a lot of travel. Bouticafe Bohemia also doubles as a yoga and Pilates studio.
Gusto Beach
While in Samara, you have to take advantage of the beachside dining. Gusto Beach is one of the best spots in town. They have tables set up right on the sand, good cocktails, and delicious food, with many Italian offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
El Lagarto
During a road trip through Guanacaste, we had one of our favorite meals at El Lagarto. The concept at El Lagarto is simple. They cook everything—meat, fish, and veggies—on a one-of-a-kind wood-fired grill. Everything gets that smoky char flavor, and the grill masters really know how to cook meat to perfection. Prices are a little high, but they use naturally raised meats and organic produce.
Boulangerie
For authentic French baguettes and decadent croissants, don’t miss the Boulangerie. This bakery is a little off the main drag but easily found by looking for the big “Boulangerie” sign on the front of the building. We wish we lived closer to Samara so that we could enjoy their breads and treats all the time.
Samara Organics
Samara Organics is a small organic food market right in the center of town. In addition to produce, they also have coffee, fresh juices, breads, locally made snacks, and natural products like insect repellent and essential oils.
If you’re interested in checking out the local farmers market, it’s now on Saturdays in the park on the side street near Samara Organics. Here’s a map with the location. Open 9 am – 1 pm.
Microbar
Microbar is definitely the coolest place in town. The tiny, dimly lit space and eclectic décor will make you feel like you’ve stepped off the beach and into a trendy speakeasy in the city.
Microbar has the largest selection of local craft beers on tap that we’ve ever seen in Costa Rica. When we visited, there were 20 or so brews. We tried a bunch of different sample sizes. Aletails (cocktails made with beer) are also available.
Opens at 5 p.m. Cash only.
Hotels in Samara
Samara has a range of hotels for all budgets. You won’t find large chain hotels here, but rather quaint villas, lodges, and hostels. Many are located right in town, which is great if you’re traveling without a rental car. If you prefer something more secluded and quiet, there are also places outside the downtown.
Here are our picks for lodging in Samara.
Montelaguna Boutique Hotel
We’ve stayed at Montelaguna Boutique Hotel and really enjoyed it. This hotel is outside town, just a few minutes’ walk to the beautiful Playa Carrillo. Rooms are modern and range from affordable double and triple rooms to spacious suites that are great for families and groups. The pool is also really nice. $90-200, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Villas Kalimba
Villas Kalimba is right in town, but feels very private. The six individual units are surrounded by lush flowering gardens and a tranquil pool. The property is also directly across from the beach. Each villa is equipped with a kitchen for when you want to eat in, and the owner/chef is sometimes available to cook meals as well. The staff at Villas Kalimba is very friendly and helpful. $115-250 double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Belvedere is a favorite among visitors. Although the property is located just a short walk to town, it is more secluded and quiet. The small hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the jungle. Wildlife like monkeys, birds, and iguanas are often seen around the grounds. The hotel is divided into two separate buildings, each with its own pool area. $60-75, double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Samara Pacific Lodge
Samara Pacific Lodge is a comfortable budget option in a secluded location surrounded by pasture and forest. The hotel has four types of rooms, including some larger family rooms able to accommodate six people. The large saltwater pool and comfy lounge chairs are very inviting, and of course, staying here means easy access to the lodge’s delicious French restaurant (mentioned above).
It is best to have a rental car as it a few miles from the downtown. $80-185. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hostel Samara
This hostel is a great option for backpackers looking for an inexpensive place to stay close to town. Hostel Samara has three dorms and also five private rooms with A/C if you’re looking for more comfort. A spacious common area has TV, some space for lounging and checking email, and a well-equipped kitchen. Shared dorm, $16-20 per person; Private room, $45-$60 (double occupancy). Check Rates and Availability Here.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a laid-back beach escape, you’ll love Samara. Although this modest town doesn’t span more than a few blocks, it offers everything you need for a fun and exciting vacation.
Last Updated: April 8, 2022
Have a question about visiting Samara? Ask it below.
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Looking for more info to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
Llanos de Cortez Waterfall – Tips for visiting one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Guanacaste.
La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination – Samara is a great beach town, but for adventure activities like zip lining, hanging bridges, and whitewater rafting, you can’t beat La Fortuna. Read our guide for visiting here.
Manuel Antonio Trip Planning: Trying to decide if Samara is right for you? Manuel Antonio is another family-friendly destination with a ton of wildlife. Learn more about this popular central Pacific coast town with this post.
Great tips and great timing! We’re looking to volunteer for a few months in the Samara area. Do you happen to know much about the El Seuno Tropical? Would love to know a fellow traveller’s thoughts.
Hi Raina, We haven’t stayed at El Sueno Tropical ourselves, but from what we’ve heard, it’s a very comfortable budget option. It’s a little outside Samara (closer to Playa Carrillo) and the owners are locals who are supposed to be super friendly. Looks like a good option if you’re considering it longer-term because of the freestanding bungalows with kitchens, living space, etc. Let us know how it is if you decide to stay there.
Hi there- we are trying to decide between Samara and Playa Hermosa further north for a few days in mid-June. Do you think there is a significant difference in the weather, especially rainfall, between these 2 destinations? I heard that it gets drier the further north you go on the Pacific coast. Samara looks to be a more interesting community than PH with perhaps more affordable dining?
Great article – you give all the info someone visiting the area for the first time would need to know and it’s really helpful that you give ideas of cost and lots of options for accommodation. Loved the earlier article on Montezuma and that is definitely on my list to visit on my next visit to Costa Rica.
Thanks Karen! We try to remember the things we weren’t sure about when visiting a place for the first time whenever we do a destination post. Glad you found the articles helpful. Hope you make it to Samara or Montezuma soon!
Hello,
I am arriving at LIR on Aug. 16th but not until 3pm. I heard there was a shared shuttle to Samara but it leaves earlier. What is the best way to get from the airport to Samara?
Thank you,
Darcie P
Hi Darcie, If Tropical Tours, Grayline, and Interbus don’t have shared shuttle times that work for you, your options are either to rent a car one-way or take a private shuttle or cab. A private shuttle would probably be around $100-150 for the 2 hr drive from Liberia. You could also just stay overnight near the airport and then leave the next morning on a cheaper shared shuttle. The Hilton Garden Inn is right across the street from the airport and is pretty affordable.
Hi Jenn and Matt,
We are staying in Samara for three nights in mid February 2017. We will have a 4WD SUV. Yes, we rented it using your discount : ) We want to drive up the coast to Nosara on one of our days. Love to explore along our drive. Suggested stops welcome. We were also hoping to see turtles nesting. Two questions, I have read about Ostional Wildlife Preserve and the high number of turtles that nest there yearly, but what would our chances be of seeing anything in February? Second question is, would it be safe to drive back to Samara in the dark?
Thank you for all the valuable information you provide on this site!
Lori
Hi Lori, Thanks for renting a car through us! That will be a fun drive up to Nosara. There aren’t any big attractions between the two towns, but you’ll get to see the countryside and some small beaches on the way. Playa Barragona (info above) isn’t on the way per se but is in that direction too.
Prime nesting season at Playa Ostional is during the rainy season. I think that’s when they have the arribadas, the mass nesting events that can draw hundreds of turtles at once. It is still possible to see them at other times of year too, though. They did have a small arribada in early March so you never know. It isn’t something that can be really planned out so you’ll just have to play it by ear when you arrive. Usually the local guides see some activity in the ocean a day or so before and then you have to race up there to see them. Here’s a link to the association of guides’ Facebook page. You could also tell your hotel that you’re interested in seeing turtles and see if they know of any activity closer to Samara. The turtles nest at beaches around there too and at remote beaches south of Samara.
Driving at night in Costa Rica isn’t great in general because usually there aren’t street lights, the roads can be bad, rain/fog, etc. But that wouldn’t be a horrible drive in February as long as you stick to the inland side on the last stretch from Nosara to avoid the river crossing and mud.
Hola Jenn and Matt,
I am heading to Samara in a couple of days and was wondering if you saw any cheaper cabinas or hotels with private room and parking lot around Samara? Like max 20usd or so?
Thanks!
Cris
Hi Cristina, It’s hard to find a private room for that price in Costa Rica, but there are some deals right now because it’s the low season. Hostel Matilori is $30 and is a good option. The owners are really friendly and it’s close to the beach and town as well as the bus station. A couple of other places are El Cactus Hostel for $34 and Hostel Las Mariposas for $25.
Hi! Looking for long term rental for my family of four – toddler and baby – in February for one month. Samara seems like a great hub to explore some family friendly Costa Rican adventure. Love this article – very helpful. If you have any suggestions for a house rental in the area or any other tips I would love the insight. Cheers
Hi Rachel, We don’t know of any vacation rentals in Samara off-hand, but vrbo and Airbnb should have some good options. Samara is a good place for kids and will be a nice spot for your family. Traveling with young children in Costa Rica is fairly easy too. One thing to watch out for is railings at the place you rent. Safety is much less of a concern in construction here so be choosy or be ready to baby proof. Not sure if you have seen our posts on this, but we have one on traveling with a baby in Costa Rica and another on packing. Good luck with the house search!
You are absolutely right about the railings. Our daughter at the time, was in kindergarten and she fell back off the dining chair where we were staying and fell 15-20 feet down a hill. It was a terrible moment of fear, scream and panic. She thankfully & somehow miraculously only ended up with scrapes and lots of crying from being so scared. We learned the hard way & wish if lodging advertises for allowing children, they would mention these potential dangers…but we still love Costa Rica!
Hi Amy, Yikes, that is scary! Glad everything was okay. We are always worrying about our son whenever we stay somewhere new. Safety standards in general here are a lot looser and most houses that locals live in are just one story so maybe that has something to do with it.
Hi Rachel,
My husband and I are now looking for the exact same thing (3-4 bedroom house for our toddler and baby). Did you find something you loved and if so, can you send me the link?
Thank you!
Hi Jenn and Matt,
We are coming to Costa Rica this January for 3 weeks. We land in San Jose around 1 and will be picking up a rental car. (Haven’t booked yet but will be doing it through you.) We’re beginning our trip in Samara. How far is it from the airport to Samara? Should we take the ferry to get there? We are thinking about driving to Puntarenas and spending the night because weren’t sure we could make the 5:00 ferry. I’m a little leery about driving at night, especially our 1st night. I read on your site that the ferry was 70 minutes, how long do you think it would take to drive to Samara once you get off the ferry? Sorry for all the questions. I just wasn’t sure if there were things we should take the time to see along the way.
Thanks,
Beth
Hi Beth, Samara is about 3.5 hrs from the airport, sometimes a little more depending on traffic near San Jose. That’s if you drive straight on Route 27 to 1 to 18 to 150. Driving without taking the ferry is the fastest option as those roads are all in good condition. It would still be tough getting to Samara before dark though so if you’re more comfortable, an overnight somewhere like Puntarenas is a good idea. You could also take the ferry for a more scenic trip (You would want the Naranjo one farther to the north). The ferries are used more to access the Southern Nicoya Peninsula because the roads there are rough but there’s no reason not to take it if you’re not in a rush. It will probably add an hour and a half or so on to your trip. Hope that helps to answer your questions!
Hello Matt and Jenn,
your website is very informative and helpful. My husband and I bought a house on the north side of Samara. We are coming there 12/31-1/17. it is a 3 bedroom house with a soon to be finished pool. it is about a half a mile from the Samara beach. we are getting to know some local people, who are very friendly. i look forward to going to some of the locations you have listed. we will be renting our house as we get to know the market. where do you live? look forward to more posts, since they are very helpful in getting to know the area better.
Hi Wendy, Sounds like a great house in a great location! We live in the Southern Zone near Dominical but do a lot of traveling around the country. We were in Samara last April; you picked a great town. If we ever move to Guanacaste, Samara would be high on our list. Good luck with renting it out! If you think of it when you’re ready, shoot us an email with the details and we can keep it in mind for clients. Pura vida!
Hello Wendy,
If you happen to see this comment I would like to know more about your home in Samara. We lived there for a year and half in 2013-2014 and plan to go back for about a month this summer. We are a bit particular regarding location of where we want to be but maybe your place would be a match!
Hi Matt and Jenn,
We are 3 couples looking for a less touristy, fun, beach town in Costa Rica for extended stays. We would like a few good bars and restaurants; not big partiers but very social! We love the beach, stay active and love to explore. We do not want to worry about crime but realize petty theft is everywhere. We would love a more authentic feel to the town, not all American expats. Samara seems to fit the bill. Would you agree or can you make other suggestions?
Thanks so much for your help!
Pam
Hi Pam, Yes, Samara sounds like what you’re looking for. Montezuma and Santa Teresa on the S. Nicoya Peninsula might work too. It’s tough finding authentic towns that still have some restaurants and nightlife but those are good options.
Hi,
I am wondering if Samara would get old after 2 weeks. My friend and I are looking for a place to chill out and just beach it for 3 weeks, without a car. Our goal is to chill in a hammock under palm trees and jungle atmosphere with a beautiful swimming beach.
I loved Tamarindo, but it didn’t feel enough of a jungle for me. I also hated the hundred surfboarders taking lessons you had to avoid getting hit by when in the water every day.
I am so torn between somewhere like Samara, vs Manuel Antonio area, Uvita area, or even Puerto Viejo area. We are middle aged, and really aren’t looking for party atmosphere. Toucans and Parrots would be awesome, but I know I won’t see those in Samara really.
At first I was torn between Samara and Punta Uva areas, but am now really afraid of going near Punta Uva after hearing there have been people attacked and robbed on the beach and in the National Park nearby. Some were robbed by a man with a machete and one lady was clubbed on the head on the beach. That now scares me of going to a beach too isolated with jungle nearby, as beautiful as it may be.
If we can afford it, we might try two different areas, which it wouldn’t be too costly to take a shuttle to. I am hoping you might have recommendations.
Hi Debbie, Samara might get old after two weeks, it is a fairly small town, but it is a good spot if you won’t have a car. Have you looked at Montezuma? That’s a cute beach town that is safe and a good place to just relax on the beach. A lot of backpackers go there but the crowd is also mixed. The shuttle wouldn’t be too expensive between those destinations either.
Otherwise, I think you would really like Uvita because it has jungle, wildlife, etc. but it is harder to stay in this area without a car. We’d recommend Playa Hermosa de Uvita for you but it’s a steep walk to the beach. Thinking about it more, Playa Brasilito in Guanacaste might work. Good swimming beaches nearby and affordable, but then again, it doesn’t have the jungle feel. Look at Cahuita on the Caribbean side too. It’s a good alternative to Puerto Viejo if you’re concerned about safety and also has really nice beaches and the jungle feel. Hope that helps! It’s tough finding all those things without a car.
Where would you go for groceries in or around Samara? Not expensive, but we don’t eat junky foods. I cook a lot. Love that there are farmers markets twice a week! We are hoping to do a couple house-sittings in various places and Samara looks like a fun town. We were looking at Nosara, but heard it can get to be quite a dust-bomb and everything is covered in dust because of the dryness and heat. Is this the same case for Samara? I would like to be in a friendly and pretty walkable town since we won’t have a car.
Hi Lori, There is a Pali in Samara that is priced well (Walmart owned). The quality isn’t great but it’s a good place for dry goods and the basics and then you can supplement with good produce from the farmers market. There are also some smaller supermarkets that you can explore when you get there. Nicoya is the nearest city and has some larger stores with more selection.
Samara gets hot in the dry season but not dusty like Nosara because the roads are paved. It’s a great little beach town if you won’t have a car. Enjoy!
if you are looking for good food while you are there check out Luv Burger, incredible healthy food at the portions are incredibly generous. We just got back from a week in Samara, it is such an amazing place!
Pura Vida!
Wow! What an awesome website!
My sister and I are planning a 10 day trip to Costa Rica and we are trying to fit everything in. The best flights we are finding so far land us in San Jose. We would like to do the volcano/hot springs/waterfall thing so we would probably go to Fortuna/Arenal. We are also looking for a beach town to stay at that has access to some gorgeous swimming beaches. This post on Samara is very intriguing. Would it be difficult to get to from Fortuna/Arenal? Samara sounds like a great town with some nightlife to offer. Tamarindo is also an option, how would you compare the two?
Looking forward to your response!
Hi Rana, Samara has a better swimming beach than Tamarindo, which is known for surfing. Samara is great because it has some nightlife, chill beach bars, live music, etc., but still feels small and somewhat off the beaten path. Tamarindo is bigger and has more restaurants and bars, and more of a party scene. (Here’s a link to our Tamarindo article.) So I guess it depend on the type of experience you’re looking for, but we prefer Samara. Both are relatively easy to access from La Fortuna. Shared shuttles would work or you could drive in a half day.
Thank you so much! After further research we decided to go with Samara… it’s sounds like it is exactly what we need.
I am currently in San Jose headed to SamarA. I have rental SUV
IS the fastest way 27-1-18-150???
Thank you so much! After further research we decided to go with Samara… it’s sounds like it is exactly what we need!!
I will be traveling with my 11 yr old son & really want to hike small in a rainforest. Does samara have nearby access to rainforest/wildlife trails?
Hi Jen, The only place close to Samara that we know of with public hiking trails is Samara Trails, which we talk about in this post. That is a longer, somewhat challenging hike so not sure it is what you are looking for with your son. Other areas of Costa Rica do have easier hikes that are good for kids. One example that comes to mind is Hacienda Baru near Dominical, but there are many others.
We will be traveling to Samara the end of April. We have 2 full days there. We plan on doing the Kayak/Snorkeling tour to Isla Chora. What would be your top suggestion for activity for the second day? We like to have something planned for each day and then be able to ‘wing it’ for the other part of the day. I have seen tours for Camaronal Turtle nesting, but am not sure that there would be any turtle activity while we are there. I appreciate everything that you have offered in your website and it has been extremely helpful.
Hi Jill, Hiking at the Werner Sauter Reserve (Samara Trails) would be our top pick for your second day. The forest will be very dry that time of year, but we visited at a similar time and loved it. The guides are great and will teach you a lot, and you will probably see a decent amount of wildlife and there’s a nice scenic viewpoint.
Turtle nesting is more common during the rainy season so not sure there will be any when you visit. It’s one of those things you have to wait and check about when you get here too since it’s hard to predict when the turtles will come.
If you want to book the other two tours in advance and need help choosing companies, let us know. We would be happy to help with the bookings.
Hi! My husband and I are travelling to Costa Rica in November with our 2 small children (4 and 1). We are flying into San Jose, will spend the night there as the flight arrives later. Then we are heading to La Fortuna for 4 nights. We would like to follow up with 2 weeks in a beach town. We are considering Tamarindo and Samara. Would you recommend one over the other for a young family? We would like a town you can walk around to shop/eat as we will have our stroller. Not sure if we will rent a car yet but likely will.
Hi Evelyn, Either would work as both are walkable and have a lot of restaurants/amenities in the main area of town. In general, we prefer Samara because it isn’t as built up as Tamarindo (but Tamarindo shouldn’t be too busy in November if you really want to go there). The beach in Samara is much calmer and better for swimming with young children, so personally, I would lean towards that. Two weeks is a lot of time to spend there, though, since it’s a small town. You could always break it up with one week in Samara and one week in Nosara, which is just a short drive away. Also, be sure to check out our Traveling with a Baby post since you have a little one.
Hey there! I am planning a trip to Costa Rica at the end of July and am debating between spending 5 days in either Samara, Nosara, or Montezuma during the trip. Any suggestions? We have never been to Costa Rica before. Just my boyfriend and I are going, and are interested in snorkeling/SUP/scuba diving/seeing wildlife.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Lindsey, Those places will be similar weather-wise in July. Montezuma and Samara both have snorkeling opportunities and you can do SUP in Nosara and Samara. All have wildlife to see, but Montezuma and Samara has the best hiking. Each has a distinct feel so maybe read our summary of each place in our Destinations Summary Guide to see which sounds the most appealing.
Loved your article! We are renting an Air bnb next month in Samara, and I am wondering about the safety of Samara. I just read an above post about attacks with machetes, and it scares me a little! My husband has nice camera equipment and I’m wondering if it’s even safe to bring it. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Misty, Try not to be scared of what you read on the internet (FYI- the commenter above was talking about Punta Uva near Puerto Viejo not Samara). Of course Costa Rica and Samara have crime just like anywhere else in the world, but it’s not a scary place. There are some things to watch out for (read our Safety tips here), including keeping a close eye on your valuables. We wouldn’t recommend flashing the camera around after dark, but you will see tourists with cameras around their necks in all the tourist destinations. Talk to your Airbnb host about security at the house to make sure your belongings will be safe when you’re not there, and if you will have a rental car, don’t leave anything valuable unattended inside. Those are the big things, but again, read our Safety post for more details.
Hi There,
we are planning a trip to CR in July. We are planning to stay in San Jose (2 nights) then La Fortuna (2 nights) then Samara (7 nights) Montezuma (4 nights) Jaco (1night) Manuel Antonio (2 nights)
We are travelling with a 4 year old, easy going, but don’t want to spend our days on the roads. Being based in Samara, could you easily hire a car to explore some smaller towns?
Samara looks like the ultimate base to travel to and from other smaller parts, however my question is really around Montezuma, is 4 nights too many? I have read a few blogs, and most suggests that Montezuma is very quiet and on the “hippy” side of town. Would there be enough to do for 4 days with a 4 year old for instance considering we would have already been “beach side” for 7 nights in Samara?
Also, the ferry that leaves from Montezuma to Jaco, do you have any information on departure times please?
Lastly, form experience, do you think two nights in La Fortuna is enough to explore? Volcano, hot springs etc.?
Any other suggestions for San Jose to do with a toddler?
Thank you for this valuable information, your blog is by far the most helpful I have come across on the webs 🙂
Hi Hilda, There is at least one rental car company in Samara, so yes, that is an option there.
I don’t think four nights is necessarily too long to spend in Montezuma. It has quite a bit to do, including a snorkel tour to Tortuga Island, zip lining, the Montezuma Waterfalls, hiking, etc. (Check out our Montezuma post if you haven’t already.) While there is enough to do, you may want to cut a night so that you have more time for Jaco or Manuel Antonio. One night in Jaco and two nights in MA will probably feel a little rushed.
The ferry that goes from Montezuma to Jaco is actually a speedboat. It runs once a day in the morning. The company that runs it is called Zuma Tours. For a ferry boat (more like a barge), you have to go farther north to catch to Paquera-Puntarenas ferry.
La Fortuna has a ton to do so I would try to spend one more night there. It’s a great spot for kids too.
As for things to do a four year old in San José, there’s a great Children’s Museum just outside the downtown. A little farther but still close is Zoo Ave, which is really popular. Hope that helps and you have a great trip!
I’ll be in Samara for a week starting July 29th. I’ll be with my 10 year old daughter and didn’t want to rent a car. Are cab rides pretty affordable to get around for the week?
Hi Layla, Cabs are fairly inexpensive and there is a lot to do right around town so if you’re staying near town, restaurants, shops, the beach, etc. will be within walking distance. If you do any tours, a lot of times they include transportation too. Hope you and your daughter have a great trip!
Good morning,
My family and I would like to plan to stay a month in Samara in the spring. We have been trying out different areas of Costa Rica with the idea of relocating there within the next few years.
We ususally don’t rent a car when we are in Costa Rica but walk or use local drivers. Would it be possible in Samara to be without a car for a month? Is it possible to rent a car for a day trip or are there enough local drivers that we could just arrange the trips with them?
Is there a store in the town that we could buy basic groceries? WIth enough selection to do daily cooking?
It seems as though bikes could be used to get around town and to the other beaches. Is there a rental place for bikes?
Thanks for the information.
JoAnn
Hi JoAnn, If you stay near the downtown, you can definitely get away with not having a car. The downtown has many restaurants and shops. For food shopping, there is a fairly large grocery store (Pali), some smaller stores, and a great weekly farmers market. There are also rental car companies in town when you want to take a day trip. You could always take a taxi too. I am fairly sure that we saw bicycles for rent last time we were in Samara, but if you are coming for a month, it may be more economical to buy an inexpensive bike at the Maxi Pali in Nicoya and then resell it when you leave.
Hi! We are 2 friends who plan a 2 weeks trip to CR. We have no car and will start with Tortuguero, then Puerto Viejo and finally Samara. We want to chill at sun beds, read books, sit at beach bars, get some massage and yoga and eat good food. Since we like to have the transport prebooked we are uising a travel agency. They have the Montelaguna hotel which is quite far from town. I read you stayed there recently. Is it really doable to walk Into town by the beach.? Are there any places to eat or sun beds on the beach close to the hotel? We like it comfortable but low key. Samara sounds like a perfect town but worry about the distance.
Hi Marie, Montelaguna is a nice spot but it’s best to have a car. There isn’t much in the immediate area except Playa Carrillo, which doesn’t have any restaurants or anything. Downtown Samara isn’t far but it’s too far to walk. If you want things within walking distance, you would be better off somewhere like Villas Kalimba, Casa Del Mar, or Hotel Belvedere.
Thanks for your reply.
How is the situation now in Samara after Nate? I read about the flooding and wonder if there are problems with the roads from San José? Or if everything is back to normal already?
BR Marie
As far as we know, the roads from San Jose to Samara are all fine now. You check for the latest road closures on Costa Rica’s government website (Click “Listado” for list of roads).
Hi
We are flyers no into SAN
Jose the end of Feb for 9 days. We have a house rented in Samara for 7 of those days, which we’ve been to once before. I’m trying to plan a few other destinations. Thinking of two nights elsewhere before we go to Samara. Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and Arenal all appeal to us. We are also thinking of taking a day to go to Tamarindo for a catamaran adventure. Any thoughts on that? Finally we are coming back to SAN Jose the day before we fly out. Suggestions on something to do that day near or on the way to San Jose? Thanks!!
Hi Sheryl, Coming from SJO, Monteverde is the least out of the way and a cool place to see because the cloud forest is so unique. Arenal is great too and has lots of things to do. Manuel Antonio is out of the way in the wrong direction plus you will get beach time in Samara. You could head up to Tamarindo for a catamaran cruise. It’s a decent drive (around 2 hrs each way) so you would want to do a morning option to avoid driving back after dark. You’ll miss sunset, which is a bummer, but it’s better than driving in the dark that far.
For something to do on your last day, read our post about things to do in San Jose. You could also stop to eat on the way in Atenas, which had a restaurant with a gorgeous view of the valley and ocean in the distance (see our Atenas post for more info).
hey! Very informative,
I am looking into going an taking a program to teach English in Costa Rica. the program is in Samara and I was just wondering how safe you think it would be for a young 20-something to go alone.
Hi Elizabeth, Samara is a pretty safe place and it’s very popular among younger women so we think you would feel comfortable there. Of course you have to use good judgment and be cautious just like anywhere else in the world, but it’s a great spot. Here’s a link to our post with Safety Tips for Traveling in CR.
Hello,
We are flying in mid February to Liberia but are staying in Samara. We want to rent a car but heard it can be quite problematic. Any advice you can give regarding this matter?
Also, would scuba diving be better in Samara or San Juanillo beach in Nosara?
Hi Amanda, Renting a car is fine in Costa Rica as long as you use a reputable company. We recommend Adobe. Our Rental Car Discount Page has a lot of information about renting a car. If you are worried about driving, read our post about that topic here. The drive between LIR Airport and Samara isn’t bad. The roads are all smooth and paved.
We don’t know much about scuba diving in San Juanillo but it is good out of Samara, especially during the rainy season.
I’m flying into Liberia airport and staying at the Flying Crocodile in Samra with 4 people. What would be the least expensive way to travel to our hotel? Would a shared shuttle bus be the best option? Are they all the same price? Do they run at certain times? Do we need to book this ahead of time?
Thanks!
Hi Susan, Shared shuttles are often cheaper, but with 4 people, it actually ends up being less expensive to go with a private shuttle for this trip (a shared shuttle would be $50 per person). A private shuttle is around $175 total for the 4 of you with the company that we use. Private shuttles are nice because they have a custom departure time so they can pick you up right from the airport immediately after you arrive. They use modern, air conditioned vans and it would be for only your group. We do recommend booking in advance, otherwise, you will have to take a taxi from the airport, which would be more expensive. Let us know if you would like us to help you make the arrangements for this. We don’t charge anything extra and bill securely through PayPal.
Hi Guys,
Thanks so much for your informative blogs. We are thinking of 3/4 nights in Samara after Monteverde and then on to Drake. Can you just confirm that our best travel plan (don’t want to hire a car) is going from Samara to Sierpe via shuttle and boat taxi at around $65 each? Can we afford to wait to book this when we arrive at Samara? Many thanks.
Hi Sue, Yes you would drive from Samara to Sierpe (via Nicoya, Caldera, Jaco, Quepos, Uvita, etc.) then take the boat taxi in Sierpe to Drake. See our Drake Bay post for info on the boat taxi. Sierpe is quite far from Samara so if you have found someone to take you there for $65 a person, that is a very cheap option. It’s about a 6 hour trip. If you’re coming during high season, we would book this in advance. It’s not a common route so could sell out.
We are visiting Samara next month. We would like to visit a volcano and hot springs. Information I have says it’s a 2.5 hour drive from Samara. Is there a closer option?
Hi Elaine, Unfortunately, the volcanoes are about 2.5 hours away. Those are Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles. If you’re flying out of Liberia, maybe you could add a night or two in either of those areas?
Hello Jenn and Matt,
First, thank you for blogging. In my opinion your blog is the best one out there about Costa Rica and it has been very helpful. I wanted to ask your honest opinion about something. We have always gone to Ecuador on family vacations as a couple and now with your little girl who will be nearly four when we travel. We wanted to do something different and now we are really excited to see parts of Costa Rica.
I have always traveled Latin America in bus and for the most part I see no problem to doing the same in CR, but I am considering renting a vehicle for parts of our time in CR. Anyways, would you consider Samara a good idea for August. It seems a little cheaper and little bit less busy than the Quepos/MA area and still not particularly far from San José and we really want to see turtles with our little one. We think Playa Hermosa would be the most practical place to go, but that getting to Ostional beach would be pretty incredible too. I think we are going either do one or the other Quepos/MA. So would you recommend Samara w/o a vehicle. Would it be doable to get around and get the most out of it or would we want to rent a vehicle? Is August an alright time for the Salama area?
Thank you.
Hi Mark, Thanks for the kind words about our blog. Costa Rica is a great destination for families so we think you will enjoy it with your four year old. And from what you have said, it seems Samara is a good fit for you. It is one of the drier destinations for August. And August is the perfect time to visit to see sea turtles since they nest during rainy season, though timing your visit does involve a bit of luck. Some people tie it to the New Moon. It is cheaper than Manuel Antonio and isn’t too much farther from San José Airport. If you can get flights into Liberia, you will be very close. You don’t need a car to get around if you stay near the center of town where the beach, restaurants, and amenities are. If you did have a car, though, you would be able to explore to the north and south (Nosara, Punta Isidra, etc). But you can easily fill a week in Samara without a car by staying locally and arranging a tour when you want to explore, visit Ostional, etc. Hope that helps!
Hi!
I am planning on Samara for a vacation coming up March 2019. Do you have any thoughts on the condos available on VRBO vs what you have recommended on this site?
Your site has been wonderful for planning.
I am just trying to get the right fit for my BF and I.
Thank you in advance for any advice.
-Annie
Hi Annie, VRBOs and Airbnbs can be a good option in Samara and elsewhere in Costa Rica. We don’t specifically include them because it can be hard to know if a listing is accurate and reliable enough for us to recommend them to our readers and clients. Location in particular can be hard to figure out. But if you spend some time reading reviews and find a property that is well established, that could work. Through the travel agency side of our business, we work with hotels regularly so know those properties well. Vacation rentals can be fine though too. Hope you and your boyfriend have a great visit!
We found an amazing rental house near Samara and are looking at the end of Sept, early October 2019.. What can we expect weather wise during this time?
Hi Jennifer, That is peak rainy season. So you will have some sun but may see a lot of rain on some days. You can read our Weather post for more details.
What a misleading article. We are here in Samara because of your recommendation. This town is far from authentic extremely expensive overpriced and very touristy. All the biggest attractions or 2 3 or more hours away. We can’t wait to leave and We are booking a hotel in the city with a more authentic feel.
Hi Lili, Sorry to hear that. Samara is a lot more authentic than most beach towns in Guanacaste and that was the point of the article. What is considered “authentic” varies a lot from person to person. We have found from working with clients and hearing from our readers over the years that most people want a destination with at least some tourist amenities. There are, of course, plenty of very authentic towns in Costa Rica where you will have a truly authentic experience with the locals, but often, there aren’t hotels for visitors in these places and all the restaurants serve Costa Rican food. Again, most people want a local experience but they also want to be able to eat different types of food and have some tourist amenities. Hope that you found a better place to visit.
Dear Jenn and Matt,
Thanks for this great article. My boyfriend and I find it hard to decide on whether to go visit Samara or Montezuma after Manuel Antonio. We will go there in three weeks. We love the bohemian feel and live music bars of Montezuma. However, we are also a bit afraid that Montezuma might be too quiet during rain season.
On the other hand, it seems like the trip from MA to Montezuma is a lot quicker than to Samara. What would you guys recommend for 3 nights after Manual Antonio, when looking for a fun town where we can walk everywhere (we do not take a car) and visit some good restaurants and music bars.
Hi Esther, Montezuma is likely to be very quiet in early September so we’d go with Samara even though it’ll take a little longer to get to. That’s probably your best option, unless you’d consider Jaco, which is a lot more built up but will have things going on and has good restaurants and live music.
Great article. Have been to Samara and loved it . We really liked Casa Valeria for accomodation. Reasonable priced bungalows right on the beach
Hi David, Thanks for sharing your experience. Casa Valeria looks like a great option – location doesn’t get much better than that!
HI – just read your article and thought it had great tips. We are heading to the area in early December – rented a place in the Playa Camaronal area just south of Samara. I noticed on one of the earlier postings someone mentioned car rental discount..? We will be renting a car and are unsure of a company to use. Last year we rented a place in Dominical and loved that area. We enjoyed the laid back vibe in the south and are hoping the Samara area will offer a similar experience
Hi Dawn, Yes, we get a 10% discount throughout Adobe Rent a Car. Here’s the link to the page on our site where you can see the cars available for your dates. They don’t have an office in Samara but you could pick it up at SJO or LIR Airport. You will probably want a car the whole time anyway since the Playa Camaronal area is more remote. Also, here’s a detailed article about Renting a Car in Costa Rica that talks about insurance, etc.
If you liked Dominical, you should like the Samara area. It’s also laid back but has a bit more to do in town and the ocean is better for swimming. Have a great trip!
Hi! Loving your website, great resource for Costa Rica travel. I’m planning a trip with friends and will be in Samara for 2-3 days. I’ve been in contact with Samara Pacific Lodge and they said they are a 10 minute walk to the beach… from this post you’re saying you need a car to get to downtown Samara from there? We won’t have a car but are planning to stay at the lodge and walk most places from there, is it too far to downtown? From google maps it seems like a 20 min walk to say, Lo Que Hay which seems reasonable. What do you think?
Hi Erika, Samara Pacific Lodge is about 1.5 km from the center of town. Although that’s a walkable distance, it’s more off on its own and the last stretch is more isolated so that’s why we say it’s better with a car, especially at night. If you don’t want to rent a car, we’d recommend staying closer to the main area of town. Of course, you could always take taxis too at night.
Jenn & Matt
good info. thanx. i’m planning to relocate to C.R. in the near future and i like what i’m reading about Samara. important to me is how reliable is the internet (streaming) & electrical power.
is the “rainy season” such of a big deal in comparison to southern Florida?
jos
Hi Joe, We think, but can’t confirm 100%, that Samara has Cable Tica internet, which is a landline, so not the slower 3G Wifi connection that you find in many beach towns in Costa Rica. It does rain a lot during rainy season in terms of the number of inches of precipitation that can fall in an hour. For most of the season, though, it isn’t too intense. Only September and October can be very rainy where you can have several hours of extremely heavy rain.
Hi Joe,
I don’t know if you are in Costa Rica yet, but FYI a coworking space opened in Samara in February. There are high-speed wifi, power supply in case of power outtage, AC and free coffee 🙂 .
We are returning to Samara in the New Year after enjoying it so much last February. We loved Los Ranos and rebooked that accommodation. What would you recommend as can’t misses for the 9 days we will be back. If we were booking for a month next year in high season, what should we expect to pay for a one bedroom apt/condo in Samara? Great job on the site.
Hi Doug, What we have in this post is basically what we would recommend as the highlights. Otherwise, there’s a great mangrove kayak tour to see wildlife. If you wanted to take a day trip, you could check out Nosara to the north or Punta Islita to the south, a tiny town that has the Ara Project (Macaw breeding center). Hope you have a wonderful return visit to Samara!
What is the best way to get from Samara to Monteverde?
Thanks,
Hi Riley, Here’s a Google Map with the best route with the construction on Route 606.
Hi there,
My husband and I (also former Bostonians!) are traveling to CR for a week at the end of March to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. For our last two nights we are debating between staying in Nosara or Sámara before flying back out of Liberia. I’ve read your posts on both towns but still can’t decide what might be a good fit. We like to hit up good restaurants and shops, spend time on the beach, snorkel, sail, have some good drinks, etc. Dont like anything super touristy and overcrowded but also don’t want to be super secluded. We are also staying in arenal and Playa Conchal and will have a rental car.
Which town would you recommend over the other? Or, is there another beach town within an under 2-ish hour drive to Liberia?
Thank you!
Hi Maggie, Sorry for the delay in responding to this. You would probably enjoy either town, as both have good restaurants and nice beaches. The waves are bigger in Nosara if that makes any difference to you and snorkeling is better in Samara for that reason. You can stay outside the main area of town in either place to get a more secluded feel. Hope that helps and you have a wonderful anniversary trip!
Thank you for a very useful website!
We went to Playa Barrigona yesterday, and had a great time. So did many others… 🙂 I think they recently constructed the road leading down to the beach, so nowadays it’s fairly accessible.
I still recommend a visit (or two), but if you are looking for a deserted beach (at least in high season) you might be disappointed).
Marie (from Sweden)
Hi Jenn and Matt,
After downloading your Kindle book and reading many articles on this site I think you’ve convinced me to take the family to Samara as part of our Costa Rica vacation. My only concern is that our adventure will take place during the middle of August this year. This is obviously the rainy season so if I wanted to maximize sunshine on the Guanacaste coast would there be a big difference in weather between Samara and something further north like Taramindo? I think I like the vibe of Samara better with 9 and 12 year-old kids though.
Hi Anthony, There won’t be much difference in rainfall in Samara vs. Tamarindo in August so if you prefer Samara, definitely go for that.
Hi, good info on here! We are planning to go from Samara to El Castillo (near Lake Arenal). Could you suggest a route? Not sure what the roads are like if we were to approach from Santa Elena, or Tilaran without going through Nuevo Arenal.
Hi Nancy, Here’s a map with the route we recommend. We’d avoid going via Santa Elena or the smaller roads east of Tilaran. The road around the lake that passes Nuevo Arenal is in much better condition.
Hello,
I’m looking to travel to Costa Rica in about three weeks to a month for about three weeks to a month.
I’m after a quieter, not crowded place where I can relax and do some reading and writing. I don’t intend to travel around too much out of that area and I think I’d probably like to rent an apartment or AirBnB for the time that I’m there to save a bit of money versus hotels.
A great cafe or two, as well as some reasonably to cheaply priced restaurants would be ideal.
If possible I’d like the option of spending a day or three while I’m there hiking in the forests or jungle and spend some time on the beach.
It’s a hefty wishlist, I know, but from what you’ve written Samara seems like it might fit the bill.
Do you think Samara would be a good option or is there another town you’d reccomend?
Thanks a ton!
Hi Alexander, Samara might work but it may be a little busy for you if you’re planning to come in mid March. You could also look at Montezuma, which is smaller and a little quieter but still has some cafes and restaurants.
My wife and I and another couple are looking at Nosara and may have found a place at Playa Pelata. Are there any rainforests and waterfalls nearby? We want to surf and chill and shop and eat at good local eateries. Any tips on this area? How is the vibe? I hear its all about yoga and surfing. We are going second week in april and are booking a place this week. We are flying into San Jose and renting a 4×4 b/c the prices to Liberia are high. Any tips on best scenic drive there as well would be cool. We would like to hit some waterfalls and maybe stay a night on the drive. Thanks
Hi Danny, Nosara is tropical dry forest, not rainforest, and will be dry in April unless they will have received their first rains of the season. The forest is still pretty, though, and there’s a decent amount of wildlife around town. Yes, the vibe is very chill, with a lot of surfing and yoga. Lots of good restaurants in Guiones. There aren’t too many options for places to stop on the way from San Jose Airport to Nosara but maybe you could visit somewhere in the Central Valley to do a coffee tour or something (Atenas, Grecia, etc.). You just have to be careful since you will have all your bags in the car. Many operators will hold your stuff for you while you’re doing a tour so be sure to ask. The Atenas area also has some waterfalls nearby. Hope that helps!
I am planning to visit Costa Rica for the 2nd time this Xmas week. Can you help me understand the difference between Santa Teresa beach and Samara? I am planning to visit both but trying to decide where to spend the extra money. Considering Otro Lado Lodge in ST and Fenix Hotel in Samara for New Year’s Eve. Last trip, we visited Playa Hermosa (northern one) and really liked La Gaviota Tropical hotel.
Hi Sue, Samara is more family-oriented and Santa Teresa is more of a party town with a younger crowd. Of course, you’ll find a mix in both places, but that’s the vibe in general.
Samara has banned live music at all their venues. The results are less people and the closure of many business establishments. Very sad. All because some money came in and wanted it quiet has destroyed a very unique community
Hi. End of February we’ll be in Samara for a week, coming from a week in Monteverde. For the drive back to the Liberia airport from Samara, is there anything to see or do along the way? Is it a good idea to take hwy 160 for a scenic drive part of the way or is it best to stick to hwy 21 all the way? We’ve rented a 4×4.
Hi Judy, It’s best to stick with Highway 21 but you could stop in the town of Guaitil to see a pottery demonstration. This is a tiny town where they still make pottery in the traditional Chorotega indigenous style. Here’s a link to the approximate location.
Hi Jenn and Matt, my boyfriend and I are planning 7 months through Central and South America next year including approx 8 – 9 days in Costa Rica. The plan is to hire and return a car from Liberia area (we’ll probably come into CR from Nicaragua) and do a loop (Liberia-Samara-Monteverde-La Fortuna-Liberia) including a couple of nights in Samara. I’ve trawled through all the comments on here but didn’t seem to find any info about driving the coastal route 160 from Liberia down to Samara? Would this road be safe to drive even if route 150 is faster? Would just be nice to take in the Pacific Coast along the way. Have found all your other driving posts pretty helpful so far so if you have any info about this road, please let me know! Cheers, Jasmine
Hi Jasmine, We have taken Route 160 before and it is a lot slower than 150 because much of it is dirt. There are some one-lane bridges too so you just have to use caution and yield to any traffic. But it’s a pretty drive along the coast through small towns if you have the time. There are some river crossings, so we only recommend it during the dry season (January to April) – the rivers are usually running dry that time of year. Hope you both enjoy Costa Rica!
We are contemplating visiting Samara around the holidays. Can you tell us how COVID has effected the area?
Hi Diane, Like much of Costa Rica, in Samara, not everything is open now, but more should be reopening soon for hotels, restaurants, etc. By the holidays, almost everything should be open again since that is typically the busiest time of year. Some businesses will have closed permanently but there should still be plenty to choose from. You can stay up to date on the situation with Covid in Costa Rica with this post: https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/costa-rica-coronavirus/
We are looking to spend a month in mid Jan -Feb 2021. We still have to check all the safety protocols around covid but we know Canadian airlines are flying there now. We spent 2 weeks in Santa Teresa last year and absolutely loved it. We would go back in a heatbeat but might want to be closer to airport or just try somewhere different. How does Samara compare? We need to have good wifi too for working and worried about that. Just want to see if we can make working remotely happen and take advantage of the very inexpensive flights right now – and no doubt some less expensive accommodations too
Hi Christine, Samara feels less remote than Santa Teresa, that is probably the biggest difference. But Samara is still small and somewhat lesser known, so it sounds like it would be a good spot for you. You should have no problem with good internet – cable should be available there.
If you haven’t seen it yet, we have a whole post about entering Costa Rica during Covid. It covers the required Covid test and insurance that you have to buy. We also talk about safety protols in place at hotels, etc. and what it’s like in Costa Rica right now in terms of restrictions and closures. Here is the link. We are updating it regularly.
Hope you have a great visit!
Hi Jenn and Matt, thanks for all the great info. Any guidance you can offer on fiber optic internet coverage and alternative internet backup options? Particularly for Playa Flamingo and Samara. We need to cover 4 people in the same residence, likely an Airbnb or VRBO. 4 people on zoom calls 11am-6.30pm Costa Rica. Work/school remotely. We are thinking of spending 1-6,months during Jan-June 2021. I am having a hard time finding fiber optic coverage zones with ICE and understanding of SIM/Kolbi could possibly be a backup option. I understand Costa Rica is not known for internet reliability (particularly in rainy season with power outages). But looks like it is improving. Further thoughts? I need to guarantee pretty good service before getting all 4 of us there. Another exploratory trip could be an option. (I was in Guanacaste in 2018, exploring only between Liberia and Tamarindo.)
Hi Andrew, We’re not sure about internet speed specifically in Flamingo or Samara. But both areas have at least cable internet. In some places, like Jaco, you can get 1,000 Mbps through ICE’s fiber optic. But we have heard about problems with fiber optic too. ICE has it in Manuel Antonio as well and sometimes we hear complaints of it going out. Not sure how often. Where we live south of Jaco, we are supposed to get 100 Mbps but sometimes it’s only around 25. If we paid more, it would probably be more consistent. Yes, a hot spot through a 3G connection on your phone is a good backup (it’s what we use) but I don’t think it could handle 4 Zoom calls at once so you would want more than one service plan/phone. You’ll have to be really careful when narrowing rental options to make sure they have the internet you need. It is out there, but it may take some searching to find it. Another exploratory visit to nail down the accommodations would probably be a good idea. Hope that helps!
Hi Andrew, we are doing the same thing! Wondering if you ended up finding a good solution?
Same here! 🙂
Thank you for a great article! Our family from Toronto Canada (with our 2 yr old daughter) are looking to visit for 3 months + and are trying to find the place with the highest quality English preschool /school, highest speed internet (as we both work online). We are thinking Nosara or Samara but open to other suggestions and why.. Thank you for help!!
Hi Manu, I think internet is better overall in Samara compared to Nosara. For schools, we have only lived on the central and southern Pacific coast with kids so aren’t sure where the best options are in those other areas. They do both have private bilingual schools a preschools, though. We would recommend joining some of the local Facebook groups for expats who live in those towns and asking in there to get first-hand experience.
Hey guys- thanks for all the helpful info. My gf and I are going to Samara for a week in mid-April and are looking for a funky place to stay within walking/biking distance to town that’s kinda quiet, pref. jungly, (probably AC? Isn’t it hot there right now?), has a place to cook. Also- we won’t have a car so it’ll just be beach and town and places we can reach on foot. We would love to ride bikes as well. Thanks!
Hi Kevin, Right around the main area of Samara isn’t too jungly. But somewhere like Villas Kalimba (https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/villas-kalimba) could work. They have villas with kitchens on the beach. Otherwise, there are some nice vacation rentals just outside town. Hope you both have a great visit!
Hi Matt & Jenn
We live in the UK, and are thinking of a trip to Costa Rica in November 21. We originally wanted to visit Nicaragua as well, but I think a multi-country trip is more difficult now.
We particularly wanted to visit San Juan del Sur for the turtle arribada, Is it possible to see turtle nesting and hatching from sites near Samara?
Regards
Hi Nigel, Costa Rica just announced that the land borders will reopen starting on April 5th. But, yes, you would still need to deal with COVID testing to visit Nicaragua.
There is an amazing turtle nesting site a little north of Samara. Playa Ostional has arribadas – they are the largest during rainy season but you can usually see them in dry season too. Your timing has to be right, though. There are also some small beaches to the south of Samara were turtles nest. We’d ask around locally for the best options when you arrive.
Hi!
We are trying to plan a trip to Samara with our 4 year old son for this summer. We are interested in Mareas academy but we are hoping to stay hang out somewhere near the school and do some work (we need WiFi) until it’s time to pick him up and head back to the hotel. Does anyone know if there are Internet cafe near Mareas Academy? Any feedback on the program or other ideas for our son that will help build his Spanish? Thank you!
Hi Amy, There is actually a shared workspace option in Samara that looks really good. Here is the link: https://locoworkingcostarica.com/
We have heard good things about Mareas Academy from other parents who send their kids there. To help your son with Spanish, you could try some bilingual kids’ shows, or if you think he would do it, you could try an online class. If it was one on one, they could make it very kid friendly. Let us know if you’d like a recommendation. We know if an excellent Spanish school in San José that also offers online classes.
Hello, great article. We are looking to go to Guanacaste for a couple weeks with a toddler. We are looking for a beach town with amenities such as grocery stores and stores that sell baby necessities, preferably with everything within walking distance. Would you recommend Samara? Would another town be better? Also, how are the hospitals in Guanacaste, including Samara? Is there access to quality medical care? We are planning to fly into Liberia. Thanks a lot.
Hi Jacob, Samara has a Pali, which is a fairly large Walmart-owned grocery store. This would have baby essentials. There are some smaller stores too in and around town. For medical care, there is a private doctor in Samara, but for anything major, you would want to go to Liberia. Liberia has a couple of private hospitals; San José has most of them.
Another option for a walkable town is Tamarindo (https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/tamarindo-where-paradise-meets-convenience/), though it is much larger. It has an excellent 24/7 private medical clinic nearby (BeachSide) and Hospital Metropolitano has a small satellite office nearby as well. Tamarindo is more metropolitan so has nicer grocery stores with more selection. But if you’re ok with simple, Samara would fit the bill like we said before. Hope that helps!
Are there SUP boards to rent in Samara or should we bring our own?
Hi Katie, Yes, you can rent SUP boards from some of the surf companies right in town.
Hey Jenn and Matt, we are staying in Samara for a month June 25th to July 27th with our 4 kids (5 to 14). I’m wondering if you think it’s necessary to rent a car for the daily life in Samara or if we could get by renting a car only for weekend excursions (and then if we would have to get back to the airport to get the car or if there is anything local in Samara)?
Also would love suggestions on:
– any advice for surf camps for kids & adults (more than a single lesson)?
Hi Garret, If you’re not staying too far from the main area of town and can walk in, you should be fine without a rental car. With kids, it can be much more convenient to have a car, but if your family is used to walking, it would be okay. If you do decide to get a car, take a look at our monthly rental car discount from Adobe Rent a Car. Those rates are being discontinued soon (June 1), so if you’re interested, we’d get a quote soon.
Costa Rica Surf Trips is a great surf company in Samara.
Hope your family has a wonderful visit!
What is the monthly budget price for long term 2 bedroom apartments?
Thank you/
Hi Yevgeny, It really varies depending on what you’re looking for but we’d say around $800-1500 on average. Many houses are rented short term only. We’d recommend contacting a local real estate agent in Samara.
Hi. My family (me, my wife, 8 year old son and 11 year old daughter) are spending little over 3 weeks in CR this spring. Our plan is to 9 days in Guanacaste, 9 days in Puerto Viejo area and a few days in Monte Verde before flying out of Liberia. A couple questions:
– Which would be the best location, Samara or Nosara, for our first 9 days? We want to take surf lessons, do yoga and ideally see monkeys.
– Is 9 days too long to stay in just one place? We’ll have a car so are mobile.
Thanks!
Hi Charlie, We’re partial to Samara, especially with kids. You can do yoga, surf lessons, and there are monkeys in the área.
We think nine days per destination is fine. It will allow you to have chill beach days and explore neighboring towns on day trips. Hope your family has a great trip!
All this info is super helpful. I was wondering if you had any thoughts about renting an Air B&B for room in Samara. I know you mentioned hotels may have more safety measures in place. I just prefer a rental place that feels like I’m living more like a local than at a hotel. I’m curious about any suggestions. It will be my first time there and it may be helpful having hotel staff for suggestions etc? Thank you
Hi Kyra, Airbnbs can be fine, you just have to know what you’re getting when you book. We stayed at an Airbnb in Samara in January and the property was very secure, with a large gate and perimeter fence. The owners also lived on the property. Some hosts can be super helpful with local recommendations too. Just make sure the reviews mention something about that before booking.
Hello,
We are planning ahead to our 2nd Christmas trip in Costca Rica. We are planning to start our trip in Jaco (which we love), head down to UVita and then we are trying to decide between Nosara or Samara. We were in Tamarindo for all of 48 hours this past Christmas, very quickly decided it wasn’t for us and headed back to Jaco. Which location would you recommend between Nosara and Samara?
Hi Tracy, Definitely Samara. It’s one of our favorite beach towns. It’s small, but not too small, has a fun vibe, good restaurants, and great beaches. A lot of people like Nosara but it is developing very quickly now and losing its charm in our opinion. We were just there in January. Hope that helps!
I’m looking for a 3 months rental in town/walking distance in Samara. Would like pool, a/c and 2 bedroom if possible. Where can you look besides Air b and B and VBRO? They all seem quite expensive this year. Thanks
Hi Jenny, You should join some of the local Facebook groups for Samara. There are a few of them if you search. You can often find better prices for rentals on there, but all the beach towns are getting more expensive since a lot of people are moving to/spending extended time in Costa Roca right now.
Hi there-
Trying to decide where to spend 3 nights at a beach in mid-June between visits to Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. Trying to balance weather (i.e. maximum sunshine) with travel time. Other factors are potential for yoga, surf lessons, snorkeling, and access to something of a community. Looking at La Hermosa, Samara, Esterillo Oeste. The latter would involve significantly less time on the road (in rental car) but would it be considerably rainier? La Hermosa sounds beautiful but perhaps too exclusive to have local flavor. I know you guys love Samara; is it worth the extra time in the car the weather and the vibe. Any tips appreciated. Your site is fanatstic. Cheers!
Hi Jennifer, We don’t think the weather in Samara will be that much different than the weather on the C Pacific in places like Playa Hermosa or Esterillos Oeste in June. So if you’d rather go there, we would do it. Esterillos Oeste is very small but has surfing and community. Playa Hermosa has advanced surfing and is close to Jaco, which has beginner surfing, yoga, etc. It’s small too and has a nice community of locals and expats. Hope that helps!
Hi there! We are in Samara for a week and we’re hoping to tour a wildlife refuge or a turtle nesting beach without breaking the bank. My husband and I have our 3 children with us (ages 6, 8, and 10) and many place charge $40-50 per person. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks!
Hi Bethany, Yes, the cost of living is quite high in Costa Rica so tours and activities can be pricey. You could visit the Macaw Recovery Network in Punta Islita. Their tours are $20 pp and $10 for kids. It’s a really nice tour. The info center in Samara may know someone who can do a turtle tour for you for a good price so you could check when you get here. Hope that helps!
Hi Jenn and Matt. I love the honestly and first hand knowledge in your posts. My husband and I would love your advice and possibly help. We are coming to CR next week. We will be with a large group from the 21st to the 28th and working with a friend who lives in the Cartago area. On our last day (28th) we will end our trip at Manuel Antonio National Park before going back to San Jose for the team to fly home. My husband and I are then going to stay an extra week to enjoy a beach. We originally booked Bahia Beachfront Hotel in Samara. We are 50 and only want to enjoy calm water and relaxation; not a party scene. We will also look into a Kayak adventure and snorkeling. Transportation is our issue though. So far, every time I try mibus.com, no bus tickets are available to get us from San Jose to Samara. As a back up plan, I also booked Verde Mar Waterfront Hotel and Hotel Manuel Antonio as options in case we can’t get to Samara. I feel like we could definitely find a cheap bus to San Jose on August 3, for our departure flight on the 4th. I have free cancellation at each hotel, so I have options for the moment.
We are so torn and would love advice. Samara looks perfect, and Manuel Antonio also looks beautiful. We love the idea of monkeys visiting and seeing the iguanas. The perfect plan would be if we could reasonably rent a car in Manuel Antonio so that we could stay 3 nights there and then drive to Samara to stay 3 nights, then drive to San Jose to return the car and fly home. Do you know if this is even a possibility? Do you know anything of these hotels and what is your opinion if you do? Is there a bus we could take from Manuel Antonio to Samara for a reasonable? In your opinion, if we needed to stay the week in Manuel Antonio and skip Samara because of logistics, would we really be missing out terribly?
I apologize for so many questions. I just don’t know what to do.
Thank you for your time,
Tracy
Hi Tracy, Samara sounds like it would be a good fit for you so we would try to make that happen if you can. Splitting your time is a good idea. You’ll get the calm beach in Samara and wildlife in Manuel Antonio.
We’ve never heard of mibus.com If you take the public bus, you can’t really get tickets in advance. Have you looked into shared shuttles? These are in comfortable vans with AC. Interbus is a reliable company that does these trips. They’re usually around $50 pp. We book private shuttles if you get in a pinch. These are $190-around $250 per trip for where you are going.
Renting a car is another option and yes, you could rent one in Manuel Antonio (rental car agencies are in Quepos next door) then return it to San Jose. The car company will just charge you a small fee of around $40 for picking up and dropping off in different locations. The company we recommend here is called Adobe. Theydo have an office in Quepos. Here’s the link to our rental car discount page where you can check pricing and availability. Hope that helps!
Hi Jenn and Matt,
We are a family of four (two boys ages 10 and 12) and plan to spend the month of July in Samara. We are debating renting a home about 10 minutes drive to town and the beach or renting a home right in town (walking distance to the beach). Do you think we should opt for a little more space outside of town or if we should go with the spot in town, walking distance to everything. If we go with the home in town, we only plan to rent a car on the weekends to venture out.
Thank you.
Hi Gina, It really depends on the experience you’re looking for. Personally, I would probably go for the place a little outside town with more space and deal with the short drive into town.
Hi! I’m thinking about bringing my two kids (age 4 and 5) to Costa Rica for about 6 weeks next June/July. We’re looking for a calm beach for swimming and a place to learn Spanish, especially for the kids. I am definitely intrigued by Samara but am wondering what does the rainy season look like that time of year? Is it mostly like a short downpour every afternoon kind of a thing, or is it just a lot of rain all day? Also, I have some concern about mosquitoes…my son is quite fearful of them and I didn’t know if that would be a deal breaker for us. Also, do you know if there is a playground at all in Samara? Any suggestions on other places to look into would be welcome as well. Thanks!
Hi Carrie, It sounds like Samara would be a good spot for your family. There is a Spanish school there and it’s a good destination to visit in rainy season. June/July is early on in rainy season when it usually isn’t too rainy. Typically that time of year, we have sunny mornings then an hour or two of rain in the afternoon or evening. Here’s a link to a post with more information: Rainy Season in Costa Rica – How Wet Is It?
There is a playground in Cangrejal at the beach. This is on the very northern end of Playa Samara. I think they have plans to build one right in Samara too.
Thanks for the reply! The rain situation sounds perfect. Do you have any idea about the mosquitoes that time of year? Wondering if it’s just like we’d need to be indoors at dawn and dusk vs are we getting swarmed all day? And then another random question–do you have any idea how I’d go about getting a nanny to hang out with us and speak Spanish to the kids? Thanks again for all the information. I truly appreciate it!
The mosquitoes will be a little worse but shouldn’t keep you indoors by any means. Definitely not all day, though you will want to bring repellent.
If you are staying in a vacation rental, the owner/property manager may have some contacts for nannies. Good luck!
I thank you for all the information you have shared and am finally getting close to booking a trip in February. Will it be warm enough in places like Playa Hermosa and Samara?
I’m also wondering if you know anything about the Bahia Beach Hotel in Samara? Apparently it’s been renovated this year. Villas Kalimba looked perfect, but they are totally booked already. We’d really like to be on the beach. Hotel Belvedere doesn’t have much available either. Do you have any other recommendations in Samara?
Hi Peggy, It is warm here year-round and February will be dry season when it is the hottest. In places like Playa Hermosa and Samara, temps will be in the high 80s or even low 90s.
We don’t know Bahia Beach Hotel but it looks like the reviews are very good lately. Maybe there has been a change in ownership. Location is great too. We’d go for it.
hi, I am thinking to book a place in Samara around new year (Dec 31 and Jan 1).
Question1: Do we have to be careful and plan for the holidays or are stores, restaurant , park and tours open on the 1st? Same question for Dec 25 (we will be near Monteverde).
Q2: for a big family group with teenagers and various adults, is Samara a great option to stay for a few days or should we look for another beach (some like surfing, some like more quiet walks, etc..) ?
Thank you for your help
Hi Karine, Just about everything will be open for Christmas. The banks and government offices will be closed but restaurants and tours will be open. Most shops too.
Samara is a great option for a mixed group. It’s safe but interesting for teenagers and good for adults too. It’s a nice small size but still has a lot going on.
Not a comment but a question.
How bad/prevalent are the sand fleas (no see ’ems) ?
Last trip to Costa Rica (East side) and Bahamas I suffered terribly.
Timing would be Jan/Feb 2023.
I must be allergic to their bites, awful reaction.
Hi Mike, It really depends on where you’re visiting. In general, they are not that bad, but we have been to places where there are a lot. Repellent helps or people here use coconut oil mixed with lemon eucalyptus oil or something similar. It seems they can’t bite through the oil. January/February is drier so it should be better than what you dealt with on the Caribbean coast, since it’s rainier there year-round.
I’m taking the family to Samara school vacation week (for NY and much of MA) Feb. 18 – 25. I think this will be a busy time in Costa Rica. I have a place to stay. but it is about 1.5 miles up the mountain from the beach. How difficult will it be to get taxis to pick us up? I plan on renting one car, but that’s not enough for all 11 of us.
Hi Donna, There are taxis available in Samara so it shouldn’t be too difficult. We would ask your vacation rental host if they have the number for a trusted taxi driver then you can just use them the whole time you’re there.
In planning our trip to Costa Rica for 11 people ages 6 – 75, I would like a mini-bus and driver who could take us to a big day of exploring. Is it possible to hire a driver from about 6:30 am to 8:00 pm? The things I would like to do are: a river cruise to see alligators, a plantation (pineapple or cocoa preferred) and an outrigger canoe trip with snorkeling. I had a wonderful trip through Overseas Adventure Travel last year and we did all of the above, plus plenty of things I know my daughters would not want their children to do like white water rafting. The problem is that I don’t know which are realistic to do within a reasonable drive of Samara. Are there any agricultural tours near there? How about outrigger canoeing?
By reading your blogs, i’ve gotten interested in the kayaking and also the dolphin tour(We would rent the whole boat). I think the rest of hte family would like the dolphin tour more than me, since I’m not particularly fond of motor boats. For sure we are going to go on the Samara Trail. It sounds like a perfect half day nature adventure. In February I don’t expect it will be so hot, so I’m counting on the hike being bearable for all of us. (One member has MS and really can’t be in heat over 85 degrees)
What would your recommendation be for a day of exploring?
Thank you so much for your fabulous information. I’m feeling better already.
Hi Donna, We’ll send you an email with information on how we can help.
Is there another way to contact you directly? I wrote about a week ago regarding finding a minibus and driver for our family of 11 to take us on a one long day tour, but have not heard back.
Also, do you know how we could visit a cocoa plantation?
Hi Donna, We receive a lot of comments so sometimes it takes us a while to get back to everyone. We will go respond to your original questions now.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cocoa plantation near Samara. There is a coffee tour about 45 minutes away, though.
Hola
There are a few points to clarify concerning Samara… the first of which, though not necessarily the most important 😉 is the fact that World Class Cuisine is very present and available – I didn’t see your mentioning the restaurant at Villas Kalimba, but Matteo & Javier run a superb restaurant and I would also say that Javier is probably the best when it comes to cocktails in Samara ~ his is an art-form.
There are several world class restaurants chefs and personal chefs – my (Tica) wife & I included, who serve fresh, local & world/fusion menus…. sourcing much from the feria and local producers and fishermen.
Gigio @ Mama Gui (Italian/fusion) and Vanni @ Puesto del Sol (Peruvian/fusion) are two more fine eateries.
Second, and to many of us long-term Samarians, most important and concerning to us, is the rate of development that has accelerated over the past year…. it’s heading toward ‘Tamagringo’ overkill and it’s horrible to see… construction trucks, goods & supplies, yet another supermarket – totally uneccessary – and an invasion of ridiculously sized trucks with egos to match who charge down the road from main street to Cangrejal – like it’s a drag strip and they own it. Speeding motorbikes another issue… we used to be able to amble along the roads and streets… there young families and children out playing, older people and slow-moving beach-bums like ourselves having to watch out for our safety – this NEVER happened.
The rate of construction – you can’t really term it ‘development’ – and the torrent of people arriving is putting additional strain on water, power & internet availability. Let me give you this as an example: main street down to the beach has a foul-smelling drain/ditch of dirty water that amasses in a 4′ square hole just before the police station and opposite a public seating, play and free shower area, in front of which is a coloured glass and concrete sign… free showers/water…fine, all well and good, but from personal experience here these days not having water at home for 1-2 or 3 days, is pretty galling to say the least.
Several years ago, the municipality decided to construct two pontoon walkways – one at the police station, the other down the far end at Cangrejal. Why? For the elderly and wheel chairs – a simple concrete walkway on to the sand would have sufficed and I remember thinking at the time how well, if at all, they would be maintained. They haven’t, the Samara town pontoon construction sits about 5′ above the beach level and that dirty water eventually ends up there along with the detritus of plastics and rubbish that built up over time – it’s utterly sickening.
Of course, to the casual, short-term visitor, these may not register – they may not even see it so enamoured and caught up by an altogether different place they have come from; although it’s difficult to escape the whiff of that water that runs past/outside bars/restaurants where people are eating & drinking… god knows how.
As for the small, beach village vibe… well, that disappeared a long while ago – although it’s probably subjective depending on where you come from… but when I first arrived to live in Samara in 2011 the gentle, fishing community vibe was about as sweet as it gets… with laid-back unobtrusive bars and a smattering of ‘restaurants’… now Samara is a “drinking town with a fishing problem”.
It never ceases to amaze me, the blogs/comments & recommendations some make without actually having immersed themselves for a reasonable period of time to truly understand ‘the culture’. Social media has not, nor does it really serve our town (it’s no longer a village) well.
I first came to and lived in Samara between 2011-2014 and again – having visited between times, from January 2020 to the present day.
The price of development & progress…? Outrageous prices – rent, properties & food & drink… after the drought of income due to covid, the return of tourism… en masse… is destroying this town whilst many are cashing-in… greedy, short-term view and selfish behaviours that bear no resemblance to the sweet community & society we used to know.
Costa Rica – Guanacaste in particular – is under invasion… colonisation by means of real estate and tourism… the culture of Ticos… quietly getting by and living harmoniously has been irrevocably disrupted and ruined by credit culture, materialism and a must-have rabid consumerism which among some of the very reasons I left the UK in the first place in 2007.
16 years later, what I can see and bear witness to is the [so called] first world coming to stay and trashing the place.
There are still many wonderful, inspirational and natural-world adventures to experience… except for many that means a quad-bike tour of some 10-12 noisy vehicles tearing around and raising the dust levels in dry season without any due care or attention.
I’m sorry to burst your bubble… but the haven you have described has been taken from us.
Gentrification & obscene, selfish egos with money are driving people away.
Pura Vida… I know what it means… I’ve lived it… it no longer exists in many places…. and the Samara version…?… Nah!
Thanks so much for the great information you provide! I’m leading a biomimicry workshop in Uvita in April, then have three nights for some solo R&R on the beach before flying home from Liberia. I’ll be two months into recovery from knee surgery, so looking for a beach that is good for calm water swimming/snorkeling and moderately long walks. I’m considering Samara and Brasilito/Playa Conchal. I am a woman traveling solo. I do enjoy a few good restaurants and shops, and looking for a quiet but fun place that has some local charm. Which would you recommend? If Samara, what is the best transport to get there from San Jose and then to fly out of Liberia? I don’t mind taking a hopper plane for in-country travel — want to make the most of my short time there. Thanks in advance for your quality advice!
Hi Toby, We would recommend Samara for a solo female visit. It’s much more walkable than Brasilito/Conchal. You could try to find accommodations near town so you’d be close to things.
For transportation, you could either take a private or shared shuttle. Private shuttles are more expensive but leave whenever you want and it would be just you. Shared shuttles leave at a set time and take longer because they make stops. Here’s a link to our article on Taking Shuttles for more information. We don’t recommend small planes.
Are there any tennis courts close to Samara?
Hi Mary, I think there are some in Nosara, about 35 minutes away. 506 Tennis Center and Colibrí Tennis Club.
Hi Matt & Jenn,
Your website is a gem, thank you for all the valuable information and insights. I am contemplating travelling to Arenal, Monteverde, and a beach destination end of June/early July with my husband and 7yo son, likely for 10 days.
The beach destination is for my husband and he is letting me decide, but I am torn between Manuel Antonio and Samara. Will we get our fill of wildlife, jungle, and adventures with Arenal and Monteverde? The priority for the beach destination will be better chances of good weather, proximity to the beach, convenience, and family-friendly beach town (not a party town). I am curious for your recommendation for the third destination.
Also, my husband is concerned about the trip being a washout if it rains. Do you have recommendations of activities for those rainy afternoons in Samara and/or MA?
Many thanks for your advice!
Hi Mélanie, You will probably be all set for wildlife/jungle/adventure after La Fortuna and Monteverde. Manuel Antonio and Samara are both really good options for your beach time and the weather is usually good in late June/early July too. Samara is a little easier with kids because of how town is set up along the beach and it has calmer water too. So we would do that unless Manuel Antonio is calling you for some other reason.
Hi – thanks so much for your website – a goldmine of information for planning our upcoming trip. I was hoping for advice on which of Samara or Montezuma you would recommend for the final four nights of our trip before heading back to SJO? For context we are a couple and are visiting Uvita, Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio and Monteverde (from which we will travel to the Nicoya). We would like a relaxing time – ideally stunning beaches, with some surfing and other things / places to explore – and not too busy. Sure either would be fine – but don’t want to miss out something. We have a non-4×4 SUV rented.
Hi Mike, Montezuma is a little smaller and more chill than Samara so we would recommend that. It’s also better for surfing and there are lots of smaller (beautiful) beaches south of town that you can explore with your rental car. Glad our site has been helpful with your planning!