Monteverde & Samara - 5 Days
Highlights
- Tour the rainforest canopy on a guided Sky Walk
- Whizz through the forest on a thrilling zip line
- Relax on the beach and go swimming at Playa Samara
- Spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies at the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Liberia - Drive to Monteverde | Monteverde |
| Day 2 | Sky Walk, Sky Tram and Sky Trek Zipline | Monteverde |
| Day 3 | Monteverde to Sámara Beach | Sámara |
| Day 4 | Samara Beach - Free day | Sámara |
| Day 5 | Samara drive to Liberia |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Liberia - Drive to Monteverde
Welcome to Costa Rica! Liberia is the northern hub of Guanacaste Province, an area famous for both its Pacific beaches and mountainous regions inland.
After touching down at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, you'll pick up your rental car and drive about 2.5 hours east to Monteverde Cloud Forest National Park. After checking into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore on your own.
Day 2: Sky Walk, Sky Tram and Sky Trek Zipline
Sky Adventures Monteverde Park is an aerial amusement park that takes jungle excitement to the next level. Its network of gondolas transport visitors from one adrenaline-pumping activity to another. Start with a guided Sky Walk, which combines trails and suspension bridges that reach heights of up to 984 feet (300 m.) in the air. The flora and fauna of the forest will be on full display, and your guides will point out the most interesting specimens. Later, you'll ride in an open-air Sky Tram gondola, for sweeping views over the mountains.
Upon reaching the end of the line, the exhilarating adventure of whizzing down the mountain begins. You will connect to a zip-line cable that stretches over the treetops and across canyons, ultimately returning you to the starting point at Sky Adventures' main building. Sky Trek is often considered the most thrilling zip line in the country.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Monteverde to Sámara Beach
Today the Pacific Coast is in your sights. Depart Monteverde for the beautiful coastal hamlet of Playa Sámara (Sámara Beach), on the Nicoya Peninsula’s western shore. Famed for its golden sand and gentle waves, Sámara Beach is one of the safest in the country. The area teems with tropical life, has a thriving fishing and farming economy, and its laid-back feel makes it a favorite with travelers.
You have a lot of options at Playa Sámara: play and relax in the sand and sun, snorkel through the aquamarine waters, or sign up for a surfing lesson in mellow waves, ideal for novices. You can also explore experience the region’s rich sea life aboard a whale, dolphin, or turtle-watching tour.
There’s plenty to do beyond the beach, too. Take a guided hike through a mango plantation (where you’re welcome to eat all the mangoes you like), and into the Werner Sauter Biological Preserve to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies. You can also go on a horseback trek, starting along the water and heading into the hills to see iguanas, birds, and more.
Day 4: Samara Beach - Free day
Today you can take your time on a free day. Relax on the beach or try sea kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, zip lining, and more.
Day 5: Samara drive to Liberia
It's time to say goodbye to the beach, and beautiful Costa Rica. After breakfast, drive back to Liberia, drop off your car, and connect to your flight.
Map
