Samara
Samara is situated on the northern Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste. The trip from Liberia International Airport takes about two hours (LIR). It is a simple location to get to as the drive from the airport is on entirely paved roads. The city of Samara's downtown is one of its main attractions. The beachfront downtown is crowded with eateries, hip boutique stores, travel agencies, and a few small hotels.
Its surrounding forest and wildlife are also attractions. Samara is surrounded by a dense tropical dry forest, unlike areas to the north. Monkeys, iguanas, and various birds are common sights even on hotel grounds. 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.
What to Know About Visiting Samara
- Don’t necessarily need a car. You can walk around town easily and there are two other beaches you can get to without a car
- Beach is great for swimming and surfing
- Lots of ocean adventures such as kayaking, surfing, swimming. Also has good fishing
- Town has everything like pharmacies, grocery stores, etc.
- For long term rentals, check the Beach House Apartments.
- Many restaurants may be cash only so bring plenty of cash with you (USD or CRC)
By bus
- There is a bus from San Jose to Samara everyday at 12 PM and 5 PM (high season). From Nicoya, there is a bus Monday – Saturday at 5, 545, 8, 10, 11, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 430 PM, 630 PM, 8 PM and 945 PM.
For shuttles
- It is about $130 USD from Liberia for a private.
Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: State of Nicoya, in the province of Guanacaste of Costa Rica
