Samara Trails
Samara Trails
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About
Samara Trails is a trail system within the private 346 acre Werner Sauter Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is in Dry Tropical forest and contains various species of plants and animals including monkeys, birds, mammals, and amphibians. The hike takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete - private hikes are completed at 7am or 3:00 pm and are led by experienced and bilingual guides.
Playa Samara, Costa Rica
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
276 reviews
Excellent
255
Very good
18
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Kate R
12 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
A very nice hike through the forest, with a great view of Playa Samara and a beautiful stream on the way down. Our guide was very nice, able to point out some things, and it was fun to see the mango, teak, pineapple and other fruit bearing plants on the way in. You’ll likely see bats and howler monkeys, and make sure to wear sneakers! If you’ve already been on nature tours elsewhere, you may not get anything new from this one. Still, a pretty hike and lovely view.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Stanley
4 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Beautiful morning hike. Our guide, Luis, was extremely knowledgeable and very nice . I highly recommend this tour I if you’re visiting Samara Beach. You learn so much about the habit and creatures living in the dry forest from the professionals.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John T
Denver, CO3 contributions
May 2015 • Family
If you are in the area, put this on your list. Alvaro was a fantastic guide though the hills of samara. We hiked for about 2.5 hours with our boys 8 &.11. We saw tons of monkeys, birds, frogs, iguanas, owls and even a coral snake and nearly stepped on a boa constrictor. We learned so much about the land and Alvaro was great with the kids. Don't forget to try the termites, very tasty!! Alvaro does this to teach others about his family's land, great guy and guide.
Written May 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie
Regina, Canada29 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
Thank you to the lovely and knowledgeable Bernie for introducing our group to the dry try tropical forest! Bernie is delightful as he takes you through the trail, and points out flora from vines and plants to huge trees and fauna from termites to howler monkeys! His knowledge and love for the region is infections. He has a dry sense of humour that will keep you on your toes. His innate ability to spot a bird in a tree at 100 yards is rather remarkable. The view from the top of the cliff is worth all the sweat that it takes to get there (its hot this time of year, folks!) Bring your water, and wear proper footwear.
Written April 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hattie D
Oakland, CA5 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
We went on the 3 pm guided tour, and it was amazing! We met the guide at the info center in Samara, but they also pick up at any area hotel. Our guide Hanzel was smart and funny. He was super well-informed about the reserve, the ecology of the area, and the history of his nation. He started pointing out unnoticed wild-life from the very beginning of the tour. He spotted many birds, identified and explained the roles and history of trees, and pointed us towards a passing coati.
The hike winds up to the top a big hill where we looked over the reserve, the surrounding plantations, and eventually Playa Samara, timed for sunset. It was a fairly steep hike, and you should be in pretty good shape to make it comfortably.
We were thrilled with how informative this tour was. I was interested in learning about the Dry Forest ecology, since it's so unique, and this trip did the trick.
Thanks Hanzel! This was highlight of Costa Rica travels.
The hike winds up to the top a big hill where we looked over the reserve, the surrounding plantations, and eventually Playa Samara, timed for sunset. It was a fairly steep hike, and you should be in pretty good shape to make it comfortably.
We were thrilled with how informative this tour was. I was interested in learning about the Dry Forest ecology, since it's so unique, and this trip did the trick.
Thanks Hanzel! This was highlight of Costa Rica travels.
Written April 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Todd M
Playa Samara, Costa Rica5 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
Costa Rica is a special place because of it's natural beauty and ecosystems. Sadly, many of it's coastal (tropical) forests are being cut down by tree farmers and cattle ranchers. This 2-3 hour hike, guided by Alvaro is not only educational but inspiring. Alvaro carefully presents the history of the land and shows the impact that unsustainable practices have on it. Then, he shows how the forest can be brought back to it's natural state and how, left to it's own, is bountiful with wonderful animals and plants that are all very important components of our world. Great natural beauty on display here and very educational for people of all ages. The hike is moderate, so be ready to do some walking and sweat and be sure to arrive with an open and calm mind. Definitely wear long pants (bugs), bring water and plan on the whole tour taking about 3 hours. It will be a walk through a tropical forest with hills, valleys and a whole lot of interesting critters and plants, that you'll likely never forget!
Written May 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carodesign
5 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Alvaro was so passionate and knowledgeable, made the whole hike even better. Awesome seeing the monkeys, tasting leaves, learning about nature. Easy enough hike. Whole trail last about 3.5 hours with breaks.
Written March 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FamilyVacation6-14
Palo Alto, CA5 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
I was a little concerned that we were only staying in Samara and would not be traveling to different parts of Costa Rica. But we had an "awesome" experience with Alvero and Samara Trails. He is very knowledgeable. We learned so much about the wild life and flora and fauna of the area. We even got a little bit of history.
The kids got tired and hot (8 and 13), but they were able to keep up. Alvaro had breaks planned and even fed us a snack.
Read all the other reviews. I will not repeat everything. But it was fantastic! I was afraid that were were not going to see a lot of wild life staying in Samara. The highlight for the kids were the Howler Monkeys, even a baby.
We would definitely do this again.
The kids got tired and hot (8 and 13), but they were able to keep up. Alvaro had breaks planned and even fed us a snack.
Read all the other reviews. I will not repeat everything. But it was fantastic! I was afraid that were were not going to see a lot of wild life staying in Samara. The highlight for the kids were the Howler Monkeys, even a baby.
We would definitely do this again.
Written July 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeterMinnelli
10 contributions
Dec 2013
Our tour of the dry tropical forest in Samara was the highlight of our stay in this area of Costa Rica. Alvaro. Our guide was informative and able to explain the myriad of interesting natural features in an interesting manner. His passion for the environment was refreshing. I recommend this tour highly!
Written December 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilaria M
Edmonton27 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
Let me start this review by saying that I generally avoid guided tours. We decided to take this one based on the reviews on Tripadvisor. It turned out to be a very wise decision and may actually change my mind about guided tours.
What makes this tour worthwhile and unique is the intimate knowledge and passion of the guide- Alvaro. Over three hours he lead us through the lands that his grandfather set aside as part of the natural heritage of Guanacaste. The trail starts in a mango plantation and winds through an old cattle ranch that is rapidly returning to it's former state as a dry tropical forest. On the trip Alvaro provided is with in depth knowledge about the flora and fauna. We had the opportunity to observe and learn about this threatened eco-system while getting up close to Howlers, Mot- Mots and Coatis. The trail is well constructed and not difficult for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The final view from the top of the hills and beaches of Samara and Carrillo are the icing on the cake.
This is the kind of grass roots "eco-tour" that we should all support. For anyone who wants to get beyond the (admittedly great) beaches and learn about the land this is well worth the time!
What makes this tour worthwhile and unique is the intimate knowledge and passion of the guide- Alvaro. Over three hours he lead us through the lands that his grandfather set aside as part of the natural heritage of Guanacaste. The trail starts in a mango plantation and winds through an old cattle ranch that is rapidly returning to it's former state as a dry tropical forest. On the trip Alvaro provided is with in depth knowledge about the flora and fauna. We had the opportunity to observe and learn about this threatened eco-system while getting up close to Howlers, Mot- Mots and Coatis. The trail is well constructed and not difficult for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The final view from the top of the hills and beaches of Samara and Carrillo are the icing on the cake.
This is the kind of grass roots "eco-tour" that we should all support. For anyone who wants to get beyond the (admittedly great) beaches and learn about the land this is well worth the time!
Written May 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! This is a big group? The treck is accessible to 5 years old child? We Aldo have a kid who have 3 years old, but him we have a backpack ti help him. Whats the price for kids??
Written April 7, 2018
It might be hard for a five-year-old since some of it is uphill and it is hot there. I don't know the cost for children. If you are the only people going on the hike that day they will adjust it for you, but if other people sign up they might not be able to do that.
Written April 8, 2018
Is there a 1-800 number to call and book a tour? Heading to Costa Rica in three weeks, staying in Playa Villas Samara.
Written February 11, 2016
Alvaro's email is on the website. I have contacted him through email to book. He is very responsive.
Written February 13, 2016
It's about 2 hours south down the coast by car (110km). Hope you go! Thanks for asking.
Written October 12, 2015
We are staying at the Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa the week between Christmas and New Years Day. Do you pick up at this hotel? I have no idea what the distance is. Thanks.
Written June 17, 2015
Hello,
We are very happy that you are interested in hiking the Reserve!
Playa Samara is about a 2 hour drive south from Flamingo. We currently do not offer transportation to the area you will be staying. If you rented a car and made the day trip, we will be more than happy to hike the Reserve with you.
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Buenas noches.
Alvaro
Written June 18, 2015
How do I contact this company to arrange a hike? How long was the hike and what was the cost?
Debra
Written March 29, 2015
Hello Debra,
We are very happy that you are interested in hiking the Reserve!
The tour consists of a 3.5 hour hike through the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve. The price per adult is $35, and $25 if the person is under 15 years of age. This includes transportation from Samara to the Reserve, entrance fee, the guide and a tropical snack.
Please write us an email and we would be very glad to schedule a hike.
Thanks and good day.
Alvaro
Written March 29, 2015
Hi. We are traveling to Guancaste in the next couple of weeks. What is your schedule/dates open during the Easter week?
Written March 22, 2015
Hello Neel,
I am very happy that you are interested in hiking the Reserve!
Yes, we do have availability for most morning (7:00am) and 3:00pm tours. Please contact us by email and we will be happy to make the reservation.
Please count on our help if you needed anything else.
Good night.
Alvaro
Written March 23, 2015
We are staying in Samara next week. Definitely interested. We are staying at Samara Tree House Inn. Would be interested in morning tour. What is best footwear/ Do you pick us up at no charge?
Written March 7, 2015
Hello Dan,
I hope you are doing great!
Yes, we do have availability for next week. And we would recommend closed shoes or closed sandals. The tour includes transportation from Samara to the Reserve.
Please write us an email for more information.
And count on our help if you needed anything else.
Good night.
Alvaro
Written March 7, 2015
Hola Alvaro,
Yes, you can pick us up at Villas Pepitas at 7 am Wednesday morning. It will be 2 adults and 2 children. Possibly a 3rd adult. Then on the way to Samara Trails we can pick up our friends at the Las Briasis bus stop.There will be 2 and possibly 3 adults. Please confirm if this will be OK..
Thank you,
Jan
Written February 10, 2015
Has anyone done the 3pm tour (vs. the 7am)? We are staying in Tamarindo, about 2 hours from here, but would like to come down and check this out. Our experience in Arenal was that all the animals disappear in the afternoons. Is it the same here or will the cool of the evening draw them out again?
Written February 6, 2015
Hello,
I hope you are doing great!
This is the Tropical Dry Forest, and things are a bit different than the Arenal area.
The summer afternoons definitely cool down around 3:30pm, and we have been having active animal spottings in the afternoon hikes (this past weeks).
I hope this information helps. And please count on our help if you needed anything else.
Pura Vida!
Alvaro
Written February 7, 2015
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