All things guides · Guanacaste

All Things Sámara

Sámara is the beach town I recommend when someone asks “where would you actually live for a couple of months?” — walkable, unpretentious, and local in a way the Gold Coast stopped being years ago. Add quiet Playa Carrillo and the La Leona waterfall day trip and you’ve got the whole playbook.

Good to know

  • Walkable is the point. Sámara’s town center runs on foot — this is the town group members keep picking for 2–3 month slow stays, renting monthly instead of tour-hopping. “Do I need a car?” is the wrong question; the answer is no, unless you’re day-tripping.
  • Playa Carrillo is the quiet beach. Palm-lined, calm, paved access — but no services, so pack food and drinks before you go.
  • La Leona waterfall earns every drop. River crossings and swim sections on the way in; a guide and advance reservation are mandatory. Not for bad knees, ankles, or pregnancy — wear closed-toe water shoes.
  • Manage the nightlife expectation. Sámara is not a party town. If late nights matter, split the trip and base elsewhere for that half.

Everything on the map

Tap a category above — the map and the list below filter together. Every pin is from The Costa Rica Map.

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