San José (SJO) to Sámara

Sámara is a calm, family-friendly bay with gentle waves — and unlike Nosara or Santa Teresa, you can get there on pavement the whole way. From San José it’s about 4 to 5 hours through the Tempisque bridge and the colonial town of Nicoya.

The final 35 km from Nicoya on Route 150 are paved and scenic, rolling over green hills before dropping down to the sea.

Step-by-step directions

1. 1

   Route 27 and Route 1 north

   Take Route 27 west, then north on Route 1.

2. 2

   Tempisque bridge to Nicoya

   Turn onto Route 18, cross the La Amistad bridge and continue to Nicoya.

3. 3

   Route 150 to Sámara

   In Nicoya follow signs for Sámara on Route 150. Paved and hilly, about 40 minutes.

Tolls, fuel & road facts

Hazards to know before you go

• Trucks and slow sections on Route 1.
• Cattle and horses on the road near Nicoya.
• Coastal roads north toward Nosara have river crossings — not for sedans in rainy season.

Stops worth making

• Nicoya church

  Colonial-era white church on the central plaza.

• Mirador on Route 150

  Pull-outs on the descent to Sámara with views of the bay.

Local tips

• Sámara to Nosara is only 30 km but part of the coastal road is rough with rivers; check before you go.
• Plan to arrive before dark (about 5:45–6:15 pm year-round). Rural roads have no lighting, few shoulders, and pedestrians, cyclists and animals on the road.