Best of Sámara

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Sámara

For those looking for more of a local vibe, the small beach town of Sámara might be the place for you. Best known for being one of the safest beaches in the area, it's a favorite for families and travelers looking for an off the beaten path experience. While many people visiting Sámara spend most of their visit hanging out at the beach, there are plenty of other great options to discover!

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Best Things to Do on the Nicoya Peninsula

Known for world-class surfing, the Nicoya Peninsula is home to some of the best stretches of coastline for catching waves. But if you're not a surfer, you can still enjoy these idyllic beaches with horseback riding, relaxation, or stand-up paddleboarding. Then take your adventures inland to kayak through the mangroves, explore the jungles, and visit Costa Rica's famed Macaw Recovery Network, which is responsible for releasing over 200 of the colorful birds back into the wild.

Costa Rica Pacific Coast Road Trip - 7 Days

This seven-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive beach holiday. You'll arrive in Liberia, the hub of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. From the airport, head south to Playa Sámara, a coastal village on the Nicoya Peninsula. Then, make the drive back north to the popular surf town of Tamarindo, where you'll spend your days riding the waves and taking part in nature excursions—you might even get to see nesting sea turtles, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Monteverde & Samara - 5 Days

This fun, five-day Costa Rica itinerary takes in many of the country's natural highlights, from wildlife reserves to beautiful beaches. Enjoy a combination of outdoor activity and relaxation, structured and free time, to ensure your quick trip to Monteverde and Samara is just what you want it to be. As this is a self-driving tour you can go at your own pace.

Arenal Volcano, an active stratovolcano in northwestern Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano & Playa Sámara Excursion - 5 Days

Embark on this five-day adventure that introduces you to the natural beauty of northwestern Costa Rica. You'll get to witness native animals during rainforest and sea tours, hike through Arenal Volcano National Park and stand on the active side of the volcano, and take up various activities at Sámara Beach, from snorkeling to horseback riding and laying on the golden sand.

Start your trip hiking in the rainforests of Rincón de la Vieja

Honeymoon Adventure in Northwest Costa Rica - 5 Days

This five-day romantic escape in northwest Costa Rica is ideal for newlyweds who want that perfect balance between active adventures and beach time. This itinerary takes you to some major highlights, including towering volcanoes, secluded waterfalls, and white-sand beaches. Along the way, you'll enjoy horseback riding, rainforest hikes, a private catamaran cruise, snorkeling in the Pacific, and more.

End the trip with a drive to the Pacific coast for some beach time

Highlights of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde, & Playa Sámara - 10 Days

Costa Rica offers an array of adventures, from city to cloud forest to sea. This ten-day itinerary includes hiking near an active volcano, some of the world’s best bird-watching, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Travelers will get to know the culture of local villages as well as that of San José, Costa Rica’s dynamic capital.

Kids love snorkeling around Costa Rica's friendly (and stunning) beaches

Family Adventure in Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula - 10 Days

From zip-lining through the jungle canopy to snorkeling with tropical fish, outdoor adventures await you and your family on this thrilling 10-day trip around Costa Rica. You'll start with a few days in the Arenal region, hiking around volcanoes and waterfalls, before heading to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for zip-lining and wildlife spotting. Then finish the adventure with several days on the Nicoya Peninsula, where you'll snorkel, visit a scarlet macaw refuge, and enjoy a family-oriented boat safari.

Active Family Adventure in Costa Rica - 9 Days

Look for snakes in the jungle during a nighttime tour, whale-watch on a boat excursion, and spot slow-moving sloths in the trees on this kid-friendly 9-day adventure! The itinerary leads you through several of Costa Rica's most beautiful natural areas, including Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall, the surf hub of Tamarindo, and the gorgeous beaches of Sámara. With swimming, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating all on the agenda, this active tour has something for all ages.

Family Trip to Costa Rica's Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 11 Days

Featuring outdoor adventures and abundant opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, and toucans in the wild, this family-friendly 11-day trip around Costa Rica is fun for all ages. Start by hiking to waterfalls and soaking in hot springs in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, then continue to the Gulf of Papagayo to snorkel around a coral reef and tour a coffee farm. Visit a scarlet macaw refuge before wrapping up the trip with a day of hiking and wildlife viewing in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve.

Take the kids to splash around the Catalina Islands of Costa Rica

Active Family Adventure in Costa Rica - 10 Days

Offering an exciting mix of rainforest expeditions, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures, this active 10-day trip around Costa Rica is popular with families. Explore the volcanoes and waterfalls of Arenal before heading off to the surf town of Tamarindo for a boat trip around an estuary and snorkeling with tropical fish offshore. After spotting sloths, monkeys, and exotic frogs in the wild, you'll learn about wildlife conservation at a scarlet macaw rehabilitation center in Sámara.

Boys trekking in the jungle to waterfalls

Family Trip to Costa Rica's Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 10 Days

From crocodile spotting to frolicking in volcanic mud, this family-oriented 10-day trip features thrilling adventures for kids and adults alike. Start by hiking to waterfalls and spotting wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Then move on to the Gulf of Papagayo, where you and the kids will witness sea turtles nesting, snorkel around a coral reef, and visit a working coffee farm. Get up close with vibrantly colored birds at a scarlet macaw refuge, then finish the trip with a day of hiking in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve.

A boy swinging from a palm tree on one of Costa Rica's beaches

Family Exploration of Costa Rica: Wildlife & Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & Sámara - 14 Days

Embark on a captivating family adventure to Costa Rica with this 14-day itinerary that blends outdoor thrills and wildlife encounters with a relaxed, kid-friendly pace. Trek volcanoes, relax in hot springs, and master local cooking in Arenal. Zoom through Monteverde's rainforest treetops, meet nocturnal jungle inhabitants, and finish in style with four days of sun, surf, and snorkeling in Sámara's idyllic coastal haven.

Costa Rica Natural Adventure: Arenal, Monteverde & Sámara - 8 Days

As one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world, Costa Rica makes an effort to protect its natural resources and biodiversity. Travelers on this trip will be able to enjoy the many facets of this beautiful country. You will hike up the Arenal volcano, relax in natural hot springs, zip-line through the forest, and snorkel the pacific. You will also do a behind-the-scenes tasting tour of a coffee and chocolate farm, which will stimulate all your senses.

Family Journey to the Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs of Costa Rica - 8 Days

Explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica on this exciting 8-day journey around the country's volcanoes, waterfall pools, and top snorkeling spots. Spend the first part of the week hiking through the rainforest and soaking in hot springs in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Then you'll spend a few days wildlife viewing and boating through mangroves around the Gulf of Papagayo. Finish this family-friendly adventure with a couple of days in coastal Sámara, where a kayak and snorkel tour introduces you to the pristine Isla Chora and the underwater world that surrounds the island.

Looking down at Carrillo Beach near Sámara, Costa Rica

Explore Costa Rica's Volcanoes & Pacific Coast - 12 Days

This 12-day adventure around Costa Rica's spectacular natural landscapes leads you to volcanoes, national parks, and Pacific beaches. You'll start the trip in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you'll soak in hot springs and ride horses, then you'll continue to Arenal for wildlife spotting and volcano hikes. Swing through the trees on a zip-line in Monteverde, watch sea turtles nesting on the beach in Tamarindo, and kayak or snorkel through clear turquoise waters off the coast of Sámara.

Pacific coastline on the Nicoya Peninsula

Costa Rica Self-Drive Vacation - 13 Days

This self-guided road trip is ideal for those who love nature. You'll visit the country's highlights, from the infamous Arenal volcano to the misty cloud forest to the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way, you'll sail through trees on ziplines, swim in waterfalls, and also have a chance to spot wildlife (from monkeys to the resplendent quetzel) on naturalist lead walks.

Costa Rican Outdoor Adventure: Arenal, Monteverde & Playa Sámara - 9 Days

Enjoy a few of the best outdoor highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day adventure. Do some sightseeing in the capital city, then conquer the rapids on a rafting trip down the Río Pacuare before canyoning, heading out on a nature walk, and soaking in the hot springs around Arenal Volcano. Then, explore the cloud forest of Monteverde on horseback and zipline through the canopy. The trip concludes with surfing, snorkeling, and relaxation on Playa Sámara before returning to San José.

Siblings paint themselves in mud from a Costa Rican hot spring

Costa Rica Family Trip: Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs - 9 Days

From the heights of smoking volcanoes to the depths of a coral reef, this exciting 9-day tour leads the whole family around Costa Rica's most spectacular natural attractions. While exploring Rincón de la Vieja National Park, the Gulf of Papagayo, and the beautiful beaches of Sámara, you'll have plenty of opportunities to hike in the rainforest, splash in waterfalls, soak in hot springs, spot monkeys in the wild, and snorkel with tropical fish.

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Sámara: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 10 days is a great length for a Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Sámara. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as a week or eight days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio.

A mineral-rich river crossing near Tenorio National Park

Road Trip to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 14 Days

Hit the road for this 14-day self-drive adventure around Costa Rica's highlights! You'll pick up a rental car in Liberia and head to Rincón de la Vieja for hiking and hot springs, then drive to Arenal, where you'll visit a chocolate farm and spot sloths in the wild. The road trip takes you to Monteverde next for zip-lining in the cloud forest, then to Tamarindo and Sámara for snorkeling excursions and the chance to observe sea turtles nesting. The journey ends with a free evening in the capital city of San José.

Say hello to families of curious capuchins in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Mountains, Waterfalls, Wildlife & Beaches for Families - 14 Days

Perfect for families with school-aged kids, this adventurous two-wee Costa Rican tour starts in dynamic San José, where you'll tour the Jade Museum and other cultural landmarks. Then, it's off to the coast for nature walks and wildlife sightings in Manuel Antonio National Park. Take a night trek through cloud forests, tour a working coffee farm in Monteverde, play on the white-sand beaches of Sámara, and end with the aqua-blue waterfalls, volcanoes, and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

View of Rincón de La Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Active Adventure on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 11 Days

Enjoy waterfall hikes, horseback riding, a sunset sail, and snorkeling with tropical fish on this active 11-day trip around Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. You'll begin the journey in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you'll soak in natural hot springs and ride horses. Continue to Arenal for a few days of rainforest adventures, including a visit to a sloth habitat, then head to the Gulf of Papagayo for a jungle cruise. Finish the itinerary with snorkeling, swimming, and hiking around coastal Sámara.

Relax on the romantic white-sand beaches of Costa Rica's Pacific coast

Romantic Getaway on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 10 Days

For romance mixed with unspoiled tropical beauty, it doesn't get better than Costa Rica's Pacific coast. This relaxed 10-day adventure starts with kayaking and snorkeling around the golden beaches of Sámara, then continues south for waterfall hikes at Manuel Antonio National Park. Then, after thrilling zipline rides and hiking in the cloud forests of Montverde, you'll visit the far south and end the journey with snorkeling at Isla del Caño and hiking the wilds of Corcovado National Park.

Costa Rica Arenal, Monteverde & Pacific Coast Self-Drive Tour - 12 Days

Explore the highlights of Costa Rica, from volcanoes and jungles to beach and surfing in one self-drive vacation. Arrive in Liberia and head to Tenorio National Park, where you'll hike along the electric blue waters of the Río Celeste. Next up is Arenal Volcano National Park, a hotbed of adventure activities. After a waterfall trek and whitewater rafting excursion, drive to Monteverde for a zip-line tour of the cloud forest canopy and a guided wildlife night hike. Finally, it's off to the beaches of Sámara and Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula for surfing and relaxation.

Costa Rica Volcanoes & Pacific Coast Adventure - 12 Days

Combine a beach holiday and jungle adventure in one self-drive vacation. Arrive in Liberia and head to Tenorio National Park, where you'll hike along the electric blue waters of the Río Celeste. Next up is Arenal Volcano National Park, a hotbed of adventure activities. After a waterfall trek and whitewater rafting excursion, drive to Monteverde for a zip-line tour of the cloud forest canopy and a guided wildlife night hike. Finally, it's off to the beaches of Sámara and Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula for surfing and relaxation.

Overland Biking Adventure From the Coast to Arenal - 12 Days

On this unique 12-day Costa Rican adventure, you'll travel overland from one coast to the other by mountain bike, river raft, and kayak. It beings with cycling along the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, past the Tilarán Mountains, and traveling down the Río Pacuare to the Caribbean coast. You'll even have time for adventure sports in the Arenal region like waterfall hikes.

Costa Rica Mountain Biking & Adventure Sports - 13 Days

This Costa Rican escape packs a year's worth of adventure into a mere 13 days. It begins on the Pacific coast with mountain-biking around the beach followed by cycling to the interior highlands, waterfall hikes, visits to volcanoes, and whitewater rafting. The trip culminates on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, where you can relax in paradise before heading home.

Costa Rica Mountain Biking, Waterfall Hikes & River Rafting - 14 Days

Why pick only a couple Costa Rican adventures when you can enjoy many? On this two-week packed itinerary, you'll cycle around coastal mountains, hike to exotic waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs, brave the rapids of tropical rivers, and more. In the end, after all the activity and exertion, you'll spend the last days relaxing on Costa Rica's famous Caribbean coast.

Costa Rica Cycling Adventure - 15 Days

If you want to truly experience Costa Rica then you need to travel overland, on your own power. This 15-day adventure offers exactly that, as you'll experience the highlights of Costa Rica by mountain bike, river raft, and even kayak. You'll travel to the highlight locales, from the Pacific coast to towering Arenal Volcano before ending the journey on sun-kissed Caribbean beaches.

Costa Rica Cycling, Rafting, & Kayaking - 16 Days

Costa Rica is known for its tropical waterfalls and golden beaches, but equally impressive are its towering mountains and wild rivers. The best way to experience all of it is on two feet, two wheels, and a raft. This 16-day adventure takes you from the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to inland mountains and volcanoes for some of the most exciting cycling, rafting, and kayaking in the world.

Costa Rica Adventure at Arenal Volcano & the Pacuare River - 9 Days

Costa Rica offers a number of exotic adventure activities, be it cycling near tropical beaches, traveling around active volcanoes, or braving the whitewater on a rafting trip. On this nine-day active tour of Costa Rica, you'll do all of this plus hike through rainforests on suspension bridges and trek to exotic waterfalls. You can even soak your weary muscles in natural hot springs.

Costa Rica Cycling in Paradise - 11 Days

Costa Rica is a small nation yet it boasts an immense amount of natural wonders such as active volcanoes, rainforests, and raging rivers. Over 11-days you'll experience it all on a combined mountain-biking/rafting adventure. You'll cycle along the Pacific coast, soak in natural hot springs, and brave the rapids of the Pacuare River before capping the tour with some unforgettable sunsets on the Caribbean coast.

Other popular travel destinations in Costa Rica
Arenal/La Fortuna · San José · South Pacific Coast · Monteverde · Caribbean Coast · Manuel Antonio · Guanacaste Pacific Coast · Puerto Viejo de Talamanca · Nicoya Peninsula · Tamarindo · Tortuguero · Osa Peninsula · Gulf of Papagayo · Río Pacuare · Rincón de la Vieja · Drake Bay · Nosara · Corcovado National Park · Santa Teresa

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