In the west of Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula is fringed by a series of beaches, more or less developed, where visitors come to live the pura vida promised by a well organised advertising. The beaches overlook the Pacific Ocean, where every evening the sun repeats its blazing show.

A few thousand inhabitants are scattered in a handful of villages barely changed by the development of international tourism. Even before that time, Sámara attracted surfers from the capital San José, 150 miles, 240 kilometres, away.

The roads

Getting to Sámara is not always easy, as if it had to be a deserved treat. Most of the roads are still dirt roads, continually traveled by all kinds of vehicles, rutted after rain, and it often rains.

The houses are scattered along the roads, separating the less and less exploited fields, which have been advantageously occupied by new constructions for tourists. Good intentions often replace professionalism.

The main beach

Following the curves of the shoreline, there are several beaches in the area of Sámara. The main beach is not always prepared for tourists, as the tides are known to wash the driftwood off the sand, so it may well stay there for a while.

The locals seem to leave their boats carelessly on the beach, ready to set sail again. The children are entrusted to the family dog to go swimming, they have done this at all ages.

Pelicans

It’s hard not to notice and enjoy the pelicans. After spotting a school of fish carelessly close to the shore, the pelicans take up a hunting position. Then breaking their flight suddenly, they drop down, entering the water in a gush of foam, their beaks pointed to strike the intended prey.

Without reaching the proximity between humans and animals that can be observed in the Galapagos Islands, the presence of humans does not seem to keep the pelicans away.

Playa Carillo

Immediately to the south is the Carillo beach. Between the sand and the road, several rows of coconut trees have been planted. This setting creates a Caribbean atmosphere, ideal for long naps in hammocks suspended between two coconut trees, as the heat is often crushing.

But don’t be wrong, in Costa Rica, there are many activities everywhere. The calm waters of Sámara are particularly attractive to beginner surfers. There are also boat trips for fishing or snorkeling, horseback riding or guided hikes through the rainforest.

San José: Top 10

Costa Rica is best known for its natural parks and beaches, but just as a capital does not reflect a country, to know a country, it is necessary to know its capital. San José replaced Cartago as the country’s capital in 1823.

Road trip in the Highlands

The Central American isthmus is built around a series of cordilleras to which the coastal plains cling. In the tropics, the humid heat of the plains is often difficult to bear away from the coastline, which benefits from the sea breeze. The hills in the centre of the country were therefore the first region to be colonised by the Spaniards due to their more suitable climate.

Manuel Antonio National Park

The beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park are often classified as the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, which has no shortage of charming beaches on both its oceanic facades. Their ribbon of fine sand, set against a backdrop of lush greenery, rightly constitutes an image worth keeping to illustrate a successful stay in Costa Rica.

Jacó and its surf beaches

On the Pacific coast, Jacó is the closest seaside resort to San José, the capital of Costa Rica, less than two hours away by car. Jacó is enjoying the development without it being too much of a burden, there is a little modern air to it, but still with many imperfections that are part of Costa Rica’s charm.

Tamarindo or Tamagringo

Tamarindo beach on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is probably the most frequented beach in the country by foreign tourists, especially beginner surfers attracted by the easier waves. To the point of earning the unappealing nickname of Tamagringo. So don’t expect to discover the lifestyle of the Ticos, the nickname of the Costa Ricans, and it’s difficult to see the pura vida here.

Sámara, the sleepy beach

Getting to Sámara is not always easy, as if it had to be a deserved treat. Most of the roads are still dirt roads, continually traveled by all kinds of vehicles, rutted after rain, and it often rains.