Samara to Nosara, Costa Rica

• Samara Costa Rica
• Map of Samara with Hotels
• South of Samara: Carrillo
• North of Samara

Driving from Samara to Nosara:

Dry Season Route: In dry season you can drive the shorter coastal route from Samara via Cangrejal, crossing the Rio Buenavista. In Esterones, 5 km after the river crossing, a road to your left leads to the valley of Monterreyna and the beach of Playa Buenavista, while continuing straight you arrive after another 5 km at the intersection of Barco Quebrado.

Year-round Route to Nosara: In rainy season or with heavy rains there is no way to cross the Rio Buenavista. You must drive from Samara 6 km uphill on the road to Nicoya where you turn left on the dirt road to Nosara. After 12 kms you reach Barco Quebrado where the road forks: taking a left takes you to Playa Buenavista, turning right brings you to Nosara.
See also » Seasons and Weather on the Nicoya Peninsula

Playa Buenavista, north of Samara

Samara - Playa Buenavista:

North of Samara is the pristine and often deserted beach of Playa Buenavista with its river estuary. From Samara you get there quite easily by driving through the small hamlet of Cangrejal where you bear to your right. Continue for 2 km on the road through the forest and you arrive at the estuary of the Rio Buenavista. Around low tide you can cross the river to get to the other side of the beach.
To get to the northern part of Playa Buenavista, drive on the dry-season road via Cangrejal direction Nosara (see above: Driving from Samara to Nosara). In Esterones drive 2 km through the valley of Monterreyna until you get to the estuary of the Rio Ciego. Behind the beach there is a lagoon and extended wetlands with crocodiles and lots of birds.
Playa Buenavista is an important nesting site for 4 different species of sea turtles. The non-profit organization ASVO offers volunteer programs to protect sea turtles on Playa Buenavista.

Playa Garza, close to Nosara

Playa Garza:

6 kms before reaching the beaches of Nosara you pass through the small fishermen village of Playa Garza.
An offshore reef protects the crescent bay with its broad, white-sand beach. Here you can take a break under the palm trees or plunge into the calm, refreshing waters.
Playa Garza is Nosara's main location for sport fishing and boat trips. Fishing buffs can book a tour with one of the local operators in Playa Garza, or ask at your hotel in Nosara.

Nosara Travel Guide: » Nosara Costa Rica