Sámara

Getting Here and Around

The drive from Nicoya to Sámara is one of the most scenic in Costa Rica, passing through rolling hills and green vistas before descending to the wide, south-facing bay hemmed by palm-lined sand. The road is paved all the way and takes about an hour. Potholes are spreading, so drivers need to keep their eyes on the road instead of the beautiful views. A rough beach road from Nosara is passable in dry season (it's more direct, but takes just as long); do not attempt this road when it rains. To get from Nosara to Sámara via the paved road, drive south, 5 km (3 miles) past Garza. At the T in the road, ignore the road toward Sámara (the beach road) and take the road to the left, toward Nicoya. This will take you uphill to merge with the main Nicoya-Sámara highway. Sámara-bound buses leave Nicoya from a stop 300 meters (1,000 feet) east of the central park. They depart almost hourly from 5 am to 3 pm (there's no bus at 7 am) and then at 4:30, 6:30, 8, and 9:45 pm. Carrillo Tours (next door to Palí supermarket, 2656-0606) runs a daily shuttle van from the Liberia airport or Tamarindo to Sámara for $45 per person, two-person minimum.