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Trip Report
A trip to Guanacaste, in the middle of a blue-zone in Costa Rica
One month spent in Costa Rica. A country with many opportunities for all types of people.
+ 5
North AmericaCosta Rica29 days / February 2022
Highs & Lows
The spanish school "Intercultura" in Sámara located next to the beach are not to be missed!
Costa Rica is expensive and also hostels get fully booked fast. Book your accommodation before arriving!
Itinerary Overview
Me and my boyfriend were planning a long journey to central- and south América for a long time but we had no immediate plans until a week before departure. We red a lot about Costa Rica and we felt it was a good country to start our journey. We were exited to fell the heat, learn Spanish, surf and explore the incredible nature.
Sámara Relaxing, learn spanish, surf and play volleyball.
We arrived in Sámara in the beginning of february. This was our first stop on a 3,5 month long trip. We didn't know what to expect, but we got really surprised about the nice vibe of the place. The 4km long beach with small cute restaurants, surfers, people playing volleyball and beautiful sunsets where something extra. We rented bikes and found two amazing beaches nearby; Playa Barrigona and Playa Izquierda. The booth with good waves for more experiences surfers. For beginners playa Sámara offered private lessons and smaller waves.
Monteverde Hiking in the nature. Ziplining.
Beautiful place in the mountains of Costa Rica. The nature is incredible green and climate is a cooler, around 17-23 C. The place offers very nice places to hike and also fun activities like ziplining, bungyjump and horseback riding. If you are there for just doing activities, probably 2-3 nights is enough.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Stop before going to Bocas del toro in Panamá
Puerto Viejo is a cute little town on the Caribbean cost of Costa Rica. The vibe here is different from the pacific side. Really good carribean food and nice places nearby. We rented bikes and went to Punta Uva witch is a beautiful little beach with crystal clear water 30 minutes away. On Punta Uva it's possible to snorkel or just relax in the warm water. Puerto Viejo is also nice for people who like surfing, the waves are high and break quickly, therefore this is a place for people with surf experience.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
I would skip Puerto Viejo and stay longer in Guanacaste.Restaurant recommendations?
The Bakery in Puerto Viejo for awesome, big, breakfasts.Tips you would give a friend?
Take lessons at the spanish school in Sámara, and also stay in a host family.Packing tips?
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent. It´s also good to pack a rainjacket when its rainy season, even though the rain lasts just for a couple of minutes.Transportation Tips?
Local busses works well. The shuttles are often very pricy and not worth it.Any surprises?
Sámara was over expectations!
Lodging
"Homestay" in a Costa Rican family. We found the place trough our Spanish school. Simple private room with bathroom. Breakfast and dinner from the family-owned restaurant were included in the price.
Sloth backpackers hostel. Simple private room with warm-water shower. Great location. Very small breakfast included in the price.
El faro 13. Private room with bathroom. Very dirty... Would choose another place. Good location close to a nice bakery with awesome breakfast.