Alfredo’s guidebook

Samara is located in Guanacaste Province on the northern Pacific coast. It is about 2 hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR). The drive from the airport is along all paved roads, making it as easy destination to reach.

This is the best option for hiking in the area. The Werner Suter 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. The hike though the Werner Sauter Reserve is moderately difficult and you need a guide to visit. Recommended to couples or families with older ch

Surfing - The small 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 to $80 per person, depending on if you want a group or private lesson.

It's English translation means “pure life” or “simple life", however its more then just a phrase- it is a way of life. Pura Vida is so much more then just a phrase, it is their culture and way of life. Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this term to say hello, goodbye, or even to let people know everything's good!

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 can also 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.

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. Read our post Belen Waterfall: A Hidden Swimming Hole Near Samara for all the information you need.

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.

Abou 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).

For some reason wines are expensive in Costa Rica, they are usually running $20 per bottle. However, Chilean wines are cheaper than others. You can find a nice red Casillero del Diablo for less than $10. You never go wrong with Chilean wines.

Near Casa Luna and Casa Sol, there are 2 mid size supermarkets that sells you everything to cook meals. Both houses are fully equipped with pots and pans. We usually cooked breakfast and lunch and go out for dinner. Finish your evening at the cozy balcony area with a red Casillero del Diablo Chilean wine from one of the mid size supermarkets.

Never bring items of value with you to the beach and always keep an eye on your belongings. Remember to lock your rental car if you have one. Do not visit the beach before sunrise or after sunset. This does not mean that it is a dangerous place, just use common sense and you will be fine.

Hello friends! Costa Ricans are super friendly people, specially given that their main industry is tourism.

Tropical Tours, Grayline and Interbus have a shared shuttle that leaves from the airport to Samara in the mornings. But, if these services 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.