Casa
Tres Luces
Your Casa Tres Luces stay

Your Sámara Starts Here.

Welcome to Casa Tres Luces. This guide brings together the essentials for your stay—from arrival planning and local help to our favorite meals, beaches, and Sámara adventures.

Explore Sámara
Welcome to Sámara

Start with what you need now.

We're so glad you're coming to Sámara. Here you'll find our favorite places, ideas for adventures, and trusted people to help with transportation and arrival. We hope it feels a little like sharing our family's favorite corners of town with you.

Arrival Eat & Drink Beaches Things to Do Plan Today Our Sámara
Getting to Sámara

Getting here, made simple.

Most guests arrive through Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR), while San José (SJO) can work well for some itineraries. Whether you rent a car with Vamos or arrange a private transfer with Legend, here are a few helpful details for planning your arrival.

VAMOS RENT-A-CAR
Explore on your own schedule

Rental car

We keep coming back to Vamos for a reason. On an early family trip, another rental company left us stranded at the airport without a car. A Vamos driver noticed and went out of his way to help. That kindness made a lasting impression, and we've rented with Vamos ever since. Having your own car is also wonderful for exploring the beaches and little places around Sámara.

Review pickup details, insurance, and the full price directly with Vamos before reserving.

Explore Vamos car rentals
LEGEND COSTA RICA
Leave the driving to someone else

Private transportation

If you'd rather relax after your flight, we recommend Legend Costa Rica for a private airport transfer. Their team can take you directly to Casa Tres Luces, so you can settle in and enjoy the journey instead of navigating unfamiliar roads.

Reserve in advance and share your airport, airline, flight number, arrival time, passenger count, luggage needs, and any child-seat requirements.

Explore Legend private transfers
Which airport?

Most Casa guests fly into Liberia. San José can be a good alternative when flights work better.

Guanacaste (LIR)About 2–2.5 hours to Sámara; usually the easiest option.
San José (SJO)About 4.5–6 hours; consider a transfer or overnight stop if arriving late.
Driving in Costa Rica: Travel times are estimates, not guarantees. Traffic, rain, construction, and road conditions can change the trip. Download an offline map before leaving the airport, keep your phone charged, and plan your first drive during daylight whenever possible.
Before you arrive

A little preparation goes a long way.

Everything you need for a smooth arrival at Casa Tres Luces, from coordinating check-in with our local team to a few helpful reminders before your trip.

Arriving at Casa Tres Luces

As your trip gets closer, we'd love for you to connect directly with our friends at Samara Rentals. They're the local team caring for Casa and will help you arrange your arrival, directions, and check-in—whether you prefer to meet in person or arrange self check-in. Send them a WhatsApp message with your expected arrival time, especially if you'll be arriving later in the day.

Open office map WhatsApp Samara Rentals

Before you leave home

  • Review the arrival details sent in your booking conversation.
  • Message Samara Rentals on WhatsApp with your expected arrival time and any check-in questions.
  • Save this guest guide to your phone.
  • Make sure WhatsApp works on the phone you will carry.
  • Download an offline Google Map of Sámara and the surrounding area before your trip so you can navigate even without cell service.
    How to download

    Open Google Maps → Search for Sámara, Costa Rica → Tap your profile picture and select Offline maps → Choose Select your own map → Adjust the area to include your route to Casa Tres Luces → Tap Download.

    If driving from Liberia or San José, make sure your downloaded area covers the full route.

A few things to know

  • Casa Tres Luces is a smoke-free and pet-free home.
  • Beach towels and complimentary beach equipment are provided.
  • The decorative beach hats and market bags belong to Casa and are not for guest use.
  • Please report damage or missing items promptly so we can help.

Your arrival details, all in one place.

Samara Rentals will help coordinate your arrival and share the access details appropriate for your stay. Keep their WhatsApp conversation handy for the trip, and reach out directly if your plans change.

Our family favorites · Things to do

Our favorite ways to explore Sámara.

We’ve surfed, ziplined, kayaked, explored the coast, and headed into the hills with our girls. These are the experiences we’ve genuinely enjoyed and the local people we’re happy to recommend.

Planning an outing? We’re happy to share what we’ve learned. Book and pay each operator directly.Ask Nick before arrival →
A FAMILY FAVORITE

Surfing

Our girls have taken lessons with Pato’s several times, and we keep recommending them. Sámara is a great place to learn, and Pato’s is where we send friends and family who want to give surfing a try.

Pato’s Surfing SámaraVisit website →
A FAMILY FAVORITE

Ziplining

We’ve ziplined with WingNuts several times and love it. Flying through the treetops is always a highlight, and it’s one of the experiences we’re happiest to recommend.

WingNuts CanopyVisit website →
A FAMILY FAVORITE

Kayaking & wildlife

We’ve enjoyed several outings with Sámara Adventures, including kayaking to Isla Chora, the turtle nesting tour, and the dolphin tour. Each offers a different way to experience the wildlife and coast—and we recommend all three.

Sámara AdventuresVisit website →
A FAMILY FAVORITE

ATV adventures

We’ve been out on ATVs several times and especially loved the guided beach-and-BBQ tour. It’s a fun way to explore beyond town, and one we’d gladly do again.

Legend ATVVisit website →
A FAMILY FAVORITE

Tours & excursions

We’ve visited nearly all the destinations featured in Legends Costa Rica’s tours, exploring many of them on our own. They’re wonderful places worth seeing. Legends is an option for guests who would rather visit with a guide.

Legends Costa RicaVisit website →
Eat & drink

Our Sámara favorites.

Sámara has everything from toes-in-the-sand dinners to bakeries, smoothie bowls, and traditional Costa Rican sodas. Hours and event schedules change seasonally, so check directly before heading out.

Beach bar

Las Olas

A relaxed beach bar and restaurant with Costa Rican favorites, pasta, barbecue, sushi, and poke bowls. We especially love the shrimp quesadillas, tuna poke bowl, and margaritas.

Instagram →
Bakery

Roots Bakery

A favorite for breakfast and lunch, with pastries, sandwiches, and empanadas. Pick up empanadas for an easy dinner at Casa or a beach picnic.

Instagram →
Coffee

Malehu Coffee Shop

A welcoming stop for breakfast or an iced latte on the way to the beach. Malehu has two nearby locations in town.

Instagram →
Beachfront Italian

Gusto Beach

For a leisurely meal right on the sand, Gusto is a lovely choice. Come for wood-fired pizza, fresh fish, and Italian favorites, and linger over the ocean view. It's also a nice spot for a relaxed afternoon by the beach.

Instagram →
Fresh seafood

Mr. Pelicano

In the Natural Center, this relaxed seafood spot is known for tuna tacos, ceviche, fresh fish and creative plates. A great choice when you're craving seafood and a cocktail.

Instagram →
Surf & coffee

Marea Surf Shop & Café

A laid-back morning stop on Sámara's main street for coffee, smoothie bowls and breakfast, with surf gear and beachwear to browse while you're there.

Instagram →
Bar & grill

Limey's Bar & Restaurant

A lively local gathering spot for casual food, cold drinks and sports on TV. Look for happy hour specials and occasional live music.

Instagram →
Costa Rican seafood

Malibú Restaurante

For a taste of local Costa Rican cooking, head near the Saturday Feria for seafood dishes, generous plates and a relaxed atmosphere.

Instagram →
Sushi & poke

Sushi Samarai

Fresh sushi rolls, colorful poke bowls and seafood-forward options make this a good pick when you're in the mood for something light and flavorful.

Instagram →
Food & cocktail market

Mercadito Sámara

A sociable open-air food market with several places to eat and drink, so everyone can choose something different. Check their page for music and community events.

Instagram →
Wood-fired pizza & seafood

Mar y Fuego

A welcoming spot for wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, pasta, and cocktails. A great choice when you want a relaxed dinner in Sámara, with occasional live music.

Instagram →
Roman-style pizza

Cos-Ita

A pizza stop specializing in Roman-style artisan dough, with slow fermentation and a focus on a crisp, flavorful crust. Check their Instagram for seasonal opening updates.

Instagram →

Groceries and the Saturday Feria

Super China is the closest grocery store, approximately half a mile from Casa. Pali and Rindemas are approximately 0.8 miles away. The fruit stand across from Rindemas often has especially good produce. On Saturday, don't miss the Sámara Feria—part farmers market, part neighborhood gathering. You'll find produce, fresh bread, seafood, jewelry, plants, local art, and sometimes live music. The market generally runs from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM; check their latest updates before going.

Feria Instagram →
Beaches

Beaches near Casa.

Playa Sámara is the easy everyday choice, but several beautiful beaches are close enough for a morning or afternoon adventure.

Playa Sámara

For the main beach access, leave Casa toward the beach. At the dead end by Sámara Pool Supply, turn left. Continue across the bridge and through town until the road ends. Turn right and follow the road to the beach and the Sámara sign. The walk is approximately 1.2 miles. For a closer access, take the second right after crossing the bridge; that walk is approximately 0.8 miles.

Cangrejal

Cangrejal is the northern section of Playa Sámara. Leave Casa toward the beach. At the dead end by Sámara Pool Supply, turn right. Follow the road until it ends, then turn left toward Cangrejal. The walk is approximately 0.8 miles.

Playa Carrillo

A beautiful, largely undeveloped beach just south of Sámara. Drive south on Route 160 for about ten minutes.

Playa Izquierda

A secluded beach north of Sámara reached on foot from Cangrejal only when tides and conditions allow. The route follows rocks around two coastal points. Do not attempt the walk without checking the tide, allowing plenty of return time, and confirming current conditions locally.

Ocean conditions can change quickly. Ask locally about currents, protect your belongings, and never leave children unattended near the water. Rising water can cut off the walking route to Playa Izquierda.
What should we do today?

Choose your rhythm.

You do not need to plan every minute. Start with the kind of day you want and let Sámara do the rest.

Easy

Beach, coffee, sunset

Walk to Playa Sámara, have breakfast or coffee in town, and stay near the beach through sunset.

Adventure

Go beyond town

Choose ziplining, an Isla Chora kayak tour, an ATV trip, or a guided horseback ride.

Local

Feria and favorites

Visit the Saturday Feria, explore the Natural Center, and finish with dinner near the beach.

Tonight

See what is happening

See what’s happening around town with the local events calendar from Search Sámara. Confirm event details with the host.

Explore Sámara events →
Remote work

Need to do a little work?

Sometimes a beach vacation comes with a few emails or a meeting. LocoWorking in Sámara offers coworking space and private offices when you need a dedicated place to focus.

Explore LocoWorking →
Our Sámara story

Casa is connected to this community.

Many pieces in Casa Tres Luces were created locally, and every stay helps us support educational opportunity in the community we love.

Pulposki

Many paintings in Casa Tres Luces are by the local artist Pulposki. You may find him at the Saturday Feria.

Instagram →

Guaitil

The masks in Casa come from Guaitil, an Indigenous artisan village less than an hour from Sámara. Generations of potters have preserved the region's Chorotega ceramic traditions.

Hohm

Many furnishings in Casa were custom made by Hohm, a design studio based in San José.

Instagram →

Supporting CREAR

CREAR provides educational, recreational, and career opportunities for young people in rural communities around Playa Sámara. A portion of Casa Tres Luces booking proceeds supports CREAR scholarships for local students continuing their education.

Learn more about CREAR →
Help is close

One question.
The right person.

Nick can help before arrival with reservations and recommendations. For arrival, check-in, and anything you need at the home, our local partners at Samara Rentals are here to help. They're the friendly team looking after Casa while you're here, and you can reach them directly on WhatsApp.

Booking or reservation question Message Nick WhatsApp opens with your message ready Samara Rentals · Arrival and in-stay support Message Samara Rentals WhatsApp +506 8387-9595 Immediate police, fire, or medical emergency Call 9-1-1 A local Costa Rican phone line is not required
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