The beach itself is a favorite vacation spot for Costa Ricans ("Ticos"), and enjoys a multicultural diversity provided by the visitors from other countries. Located on the northern Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, Sámara boasts 5 km of white sand lined with palm tress, in a protected coral reef bay. The tranquil ocean is ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling and surf/boogie boarding. For the adventurous, Isla Chora is a short kayak or boat trip away, and there you may snorkel or simply sunbathe on this uninhabited island's deserted beach.

Away from the sand, Sámara is ringed by primary and secondary forest that is home to a huge variety of wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, ocelots, iguanas, scarlet macaws, parrots, and more. A favorite for students is being surprised by a group of monkeys coming to their favorite almond tree by the beach for a noisy lunch, followed by a long afternoon siesta! The nearby Nicoya region provides a wonderful opportunity to see remnants of Costa Rica's indigenous Chorotega culture, as well as the colonial town and church. Other activities at Sámara include: horse-riding, bike rental, ultra light gliding, deep-sea fishing, dolphin tours, waterfall visits, canopy tours, visits to local 'fiestas' and much more.

The town itself is a small, local community offering a variety of activities, such as the sunset football games on the beach, eating "bocas" (local dishes serves in small portions with drinks), going to the disco, playing cards, or simply chatting with those who live there. It has a typical Tico character, with a local art gallery on the beach and several ocean-side seafood restaurants and bars. Services available include: internet café, farmacy, laundry, small supermarket, post office, medical clinic, car/bike rental, etc.

GETTING THERE:
You have several options for your transportation to Playa Sámara, which we can help you arrange. Note: For the taxi option, up to 4 students can share the taxi--you may contact us for students arriving at similar times if you prefer to ride-share.

1. Liberia International Airport arrivals:
a) Standard taxi option costs $80 one way, and will take you directly to your homestay in Sámara (1.5 hour drive). Additional passengers, $10 each.
b) Car rentals are available at the airport, and are available for $45-$70 for a one-day rental with drop off in Sámara.

2. Juan Santamaría International Airport arrivals (San José):
a) Standard taxi option costs $160 one way, and will take you directly to your homestay in Sámara (4 hour drive).
b) Car rentals are available at the airport, and are available for $45-$70 for a one day rental with drop off in Sámara.

3. Stopover in Heredia/ San José:
c) If you prefer to stay overnight in the Central Valley, one night of homestay with airport pick costs $30. The family will call you a taxi the next day to catch the local bus to Sámara from San José ($6 one way), or the private bus service Interbus ($30 one way), or if there is a shuttle leaving the school, you may catch that ($15 one way).
d) Alternately, we can provide a pre-arranged one night homestay including airport pickup, pre-paid public bus ticket, and taxi to the bus station the next day, for $65
e) You may stay overnight at a local hotel in Heredia or near the airport (prices range from $30-$80 per night) and catch a bus the next day (see above for bus options).
f) If you prefer not to take the bus, you may fly from San José to Sámara-Carrillo local airport, 7 kms from Sámara Centro, for $75 one way.