Free on the
peninsula

How to use this guide

This is for travelling the peninsula on a small budget, with days of beaches, pools and forest and no entry fees. The places fall into three areas, and the practical approach is one area a day. Around Sámara are Playa Carrillo, five minutes away on Route 160, and Playa Barrigona, to the west on a dirt road. In Nosara are Playa Pelada, Playa Nosara and the Nosara biological reserve trails, about 9 km of forest between Pelada and the river. In the south are the Mal País tide pools and El Chorro Waterfall, between Montezuma and Tambor.

In Sámara, if it is a Saturday, start at the Sámara farmers market, open from 7:00 to 14:00, and spend the afternoon at Carrillo, a cove with usually gentle waves. Barrigona takes more effort: in the rainy season a 4x4 is advisable, so skip it if you do not have one. In Nosara, walk the trails early, before the heat, to see monkeys and birds close to the beach, and save Playa Pelada for sunset.

The south depends on the tide. The Mal País pools are explored at low tide, and the beach route to El Chorro is also easier at low tide, so look at the tide table before choosing the day. If you are short of time, stay in the area where you sleep and leave the other two for another trip.

Tips

• At the Mal País tide pools, wear water shoes because of the sea urchins, park where you can see the car and leave no valuables.
• Barrigona and Carrillo have almost no services: bring water, food and everything you need. At Carrillo you park on the side of Route 160.
• Crocodiles have been seen near the mouth of the Nosara river after heavy rain: keep away from that area.
• Take insect repellent on the Nosara trails.
• At Playa Pelada, ask about the day's conditions before going into the water.