Welcome to Costa Rica! After landing at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, head to your hotel in Samara, a charming coastal town on the Nicoya Peninsula. Spend the rest of the day soaking up the sun on Samara Beach and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at Gusto Beach.
Start the day at Carrillo Beach, a beautiful family-friendly beach with calm waters where you can sunbathe, swim, and try fun water activities. In the afternoon, check out Playa Buena Vista, a secluded beach with stunning views that offer the perfect setting to relax and take a dip in its crystal-clear waters.
Enjoy a leisurely day at Samara Beach, which boasts gentle waves and a wide range of activities for all ages like snorkeling, horseback riding, and surfing lessons. Stroll along the pedestrian promenade to explore local shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Head to the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, known for its protected beach where thousands of sea turtles come every year to lay eggs. Take a guided tour of the refuge's visitor center and learn about the conservation efforts to save these amazing creatures.
Visit Nosara Beach, a popular spot for surfers and nature lovers, with a long stretch of sand, good waves, and nearby restaurants. Then, explore the Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can meet rescued animals like monkeys, sloths, and armadillos, and support their rehabilitation and release to the wild.
Say goodbye to Samara and make your way back to Liberia's airport to depart from Costa Rica. Before leaving, indulge in a final breakfast at The Lo Que Hay Cafe, specializing in organic and locally sourced ingredients.
During your stay in Samara, you can either rent a car or take a taxi for your daily activities. Public transportation is also available but not recommended for families with young children. Keep in mind that some beaches and wildlife reserves require off-road driving on bumpy and unpaved roads, so make sure to choose the right car for your needs. Allow extra travel time if you are driving at night, as some areas may not have streetlights or road signs.
Travel costs may vary depending on the season, the number of passengers, the length of your trips, and the type of transportation you choose. Expect to pay around $__ per day for car rentals and $__ per ride for taxis.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a world-renowned attraction that offers zip-lining, hanging bridges, and birdwatching activities, or Tamarindo Beach, a lively town with world-class surfing, shopping, and nightlife options. If you have less time, you can shorten the duration of your beach visits or combine multiple activities per day. Keep in mind that some places may require advance reservations, so plan accordingly.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is located in the city of Liberia, Guanacaste, and serves as the main gateway to the region. It's approximately 60 kilometers (or 37 miles) away from Samara and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by car. The airport is modern, clean, and offers a range of amenities such as currency exchange, car rentals, restaurants, and duty-free shops.