Samara-Carrillo Info Center
Samara-Carrillo Info Center
Samara-Carrillo Info Center
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
We are a free information center for residents and tourists of Samara & Carrillo and the surrounding area. We offer FREE booking service for accommodations, tours, and transportation. Please feel free to contact us. Thank you, Brenda Be Happy, Have Fun!
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
84 within 3 miles
Attractions
10 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Tanja I1 contributionTurtle TourBrenda is amazing!!! I contacted her via whatsapp and she responded immediately. She helped me book a turle tour and it was one of the best tours I've booked in Costa Rica. Thank you so much!Tanja, that is amazing! I am glad that we were able to help book what turned out to be such a cool tour for you YEY! It was a pleasure to help you. Let's do it again next year!Written September 25, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 20, 2023
- Yellowknife2 contributionsLike having a private travel agent all completely free of charge. They are the best in Costa Rica!FREE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE! It doesn't get any better that this! The team at Info Center has been handling all of our Costa Rica adventures for 3 years and counting! We have spent a total of 13 weeks in Costa Rica over 3 different visits. The Info Center handles all of our bookings with a lot of coaching and conversation so that we get the types of tours, transportation and even hotels that we want. Costa Rica was brand new to us and we are still exploring it. Having the Info Center's expertise has been essential for us to smoothly navigate the country. We've been to Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Monteverde and Samara with more to come! Our trips have been incredible and we owe it to these folks for helping us navigate the local language and culture and showing us the options that fit us best. We spend loads of time planning with their help and they're always available quickly in the event that we need to make a change to our plans. There is no up-charge for their services - you pay them what you would pay the businesses they deal with, and they handle it all for you. It truly is a one stop shop. Do not hesitate to reach out to them for advice and to plan your vacation!A and B, you guys rock our world! thanks for this glowing review! It has always been a pleasure to help you and to know that every time you come, you explore different areas of the country. So much more to explore so we will be seeing you for years to come YEY!!!Written January 29, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 20, 2024
- HappywintertravellerSaint Marys, Pennsylvania124 contributionsSaved us a lot of mistakes and moneyWhen we tried to get a taxi or shuttle to the Liberia Airport on our own, we were quoted $200. Brenda was able to book us one at $130, which is a significant savings. She also booked a cute little basic hotel in Liberia for the night before our flight to US for $60. We have used Brenda for some tours and a lot of transportation starting with our first trip to CR in 2014.Thank you so very much for taking the time to write this review. It really is a pleasure to help you for the past 10 years! Let's do another 10!!! See you next year!Written March 4, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 29, 2024
- 536derrickb34 contributionsAmazing GuidanceWe have heard of these people before we left Canada! I thought we didn't need need them until our experience and pricing at our hotel...(Villas Playa Samara). Through a couple of emails to the info center we were well looked after. They were prompt, on time and reliable...I put all my trust through an e mail and they delivered. Thanks...DerrickD, you rock! Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review. It helps us and it is much appreciated. Lovey to have been able to help you. We hope you come back soon!Written March 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Written March 19, 2024
- kdf120241 contributionVery positive and efficientWe are grateful for all the help from the Samara Info Centre. They provided excellent information on tours and hotels. Details, bookings and links were professionally managed and this made our trip to Costa Rica extra special and memorable. Many thanks from D and K!!!D & K, you guys rock! Thanks for taking the time to write this review! It was great to help you and then meet you in person. I hope you return soon...maybe for your son's destination wedding... :) Warm hugs from Samara where it FINALLY rained last week!Written April 29, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Written April 22, 2024
- BillBowen Island, Canada1 contributionThe best for travel help in Samara.We have been going to Samara for three month vacations for years now and always contact Brenda or Bee if we need anything. We have never been disappointed. This year they went above and beyond when we tried to rent a golf cart from home. Don’t go to anyone else they are the best. Bill and RuthB & R, you guys are the best! Thank you for taking the time to write this review. It is always a pleasure for us to help you guys! Looking forward to doing it again next year!Written May 6, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 29, 2024
- Jeff BLouisville, Kentucky2 contributionsGreat experience!Brenda was wonderful to work with. She was very responsive to all our questions. I was going to book directly with the individual companies, but felt more confident booking through the Info Center. Prices were the same, it is a free service! We booked several excursions with her (Zip-Lining, Horseback riding, & Dolphin/Snorkel trip).J, you rock! Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review for us. It was a pleasure to work with you and be able to help you and your family. Come back soon!Written July 15, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 11, 2024
- scotty12741 contributionSamara-Carrillo makes planning easyUtilized Samara-Carrillo to facilitate all our transfers between the airport and properties we stayed at in Costa Rica. They were fantastic and super easy to work with. The drivers were professional and engaging, they made the trip fun. The rates were very competitive. Would highly recommend.Scotty, thanks for this review! We really appreciate it! Glad we were able to help and look forward to doing it again when you return!Written September 2, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Written August 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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
1,012 reviews
Excellent
957
Very good
39
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
4
lvsantia
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Couples
Brenda at the Samara Info Center was very responsive and provided guidance on transportation and activities in the weeks leading up to our trip. Upon arrival, she reached out again and was able to help with more bussing information, as well as yoga and restaurant advice. We were only in Samara for a few days and preferred to stay on the beach, but she was more than willing to help us with guided tours.
Written January 19, 2020
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.
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We really appreciate it. Glad we were able to help you. We do home you come back!
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kodiak_kid_123
Kodiak88 contributions
Mar 2020
Wonderful people and wonderful service, even from 11,000 KM away! I used them to book a cooking class before traveling and was really happy with the overall experience. The class they booked for us was a 3 hour cooking class with Christine. The class exceeded our expectations and Christine was a gracious hostess. When we checked in at the office for driving directions we were loaded up with maps, coupons, and books for free. When we passed Brenda and Chris at a restaurant several days later, they remembered not only our faces but our names and took the time to see if we needed any other help. Highly reccomended.
Written March 27, 2020
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.
You rock! Thank you for taking the time to write this review. Much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed your time in Samara and do come back when the current situation passes. Stay safe!
Written April 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hidden_Harbor
Philadelphia19 contributions
Mar 2022
We were DESPERATE for a golf cart rental to make it easier for my 82 year old mom to get around Samara and Playa Carrillo. There was little availability for our travel dates. Brenda at Samara Info Center went out of her way to find us a 4x4 SUV that ended up costing about the same as the golf cart, but gave us so much more flexibility. By booking the car through her, I got a better price than directly from the car rental company, AND she was able to add my husband in as the second driver for no additional charge. Brenda knows the Samara area very well and is a wealth of information when it comes to which vendors provide reliable competent service. She is easy to talk to in English, a relief when trying to sort out stressful situations. Many thanks!!!!!
Written March 15, 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.
You are so very welcome! I am glad we were able to get you a car and that it worked out so well for you! YEY!
We hope you come back soon!
Written March 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chip Wicker
Florence, AL8 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
I contacted Brenda at the meeting not center for hep finding a Covid test, and ended up using her expertise for booking most of our trip. She can help you out with any excursion/ service/ assistance anywhere in the country. Everyone in our little family of three got sick during our trip and we basically had to ask Brenda to reschedule/ rebook every thing we did. She was so gracious and helpful with all of it. From two weeks before our trip until after we left she was responsive, kind, EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE and super helpful. We will use her for everything on our next trip to Costa Rica for sure! -Chip
Written April 18, 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.
Chip, you rock! Damn! That was an awesome review. Thank you so much. It was so nice to help you and your family. With everything that you did, it seemed like you had a good time! I have a feeling you will be back! Looking forward to helping you again! Let me know if you have not received the horse pictures that they were going to send to you.
Written April 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zitiminami
Milford, NH19 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Brenda helped us with our recent trip to Costa Rica and she was AMAZING!!! She was extremely responsive-always answering emails in a timely manner, sometimes within minutes. She organized a number of excursions for us and communicated with the various operators on our behalf whenever we had questions or concerns. It was convenient to have one point of contact to handle our activities throughout our stay in Samara. She also helps book travel to other parts of Costa Rica. I highly recommend working with Brenda! She rocks!! #puravida
Written July 18, 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.
#youareamazing! Thanks so much for this incredible review. I am glad we were able to help you during your Costa Rica vacation. YEY me! LOL. We do hope you come back soon!
Written July 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jennyh
Port Elgin, Canada90 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a booking service. We needed a private transport to Tamarindo, so she did the calling around and gave us several options. I booked my transport to and from Samara through Brenda at the info center- all by email, so no need to use minutes. Her replies were quick and efficient and we got our booking done with no hassle and received the services agreed upon. Prices are the same as on websites of the companies she books, so I didn't need to look around for best price. She speaks excellent English, so it helps avoid miscommunications. I would use her again right off the bat rather than spend hours looking at all the different prices. Great job, Brenda!
Written February 7, 2020
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.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate taking the time to write this and for it being such a nice review! Glad our services were efficient! YEY my A+++ personality LOL! Come back soon!
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SDudar2022
1 contribution
Jan 2022
These 2 have been in the travel industry for as long as I've been booking trips to Costa Rica and longer. We started travelling to CR in 2014 and have been many times since. THANK GOODNESS. I don't know what I would do without them. They are very knowledgeable with their country and I have much more confidence travelling knowing they are out there for me and my husband. They give advice and tips, book hotels, excursions, car rentals and taxis. It makes me feel so much more comfortable knowing we have trustworthy people to help guide us around!! Wouldn't use anyone else!!!
Written January 24, 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.
You are amazing! Thank you so much SH and G for writing this shining review! it has always been a p[leasure to help you and to actually be able to hang out with you a little while in Samara. Always lots of laughs and smiles! Looking forward to seeing you again next year....maybe even this year again!
Written February 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Getaway616732
12 contributions
Jan 2021
Brenda was a pleasure to work with! She was very patient with all of my thoughts and ideas, and used all of my feedback to put together a fantastic private sunset catamaran tour for my husband and I to celebrate our anniversary. Brenda also provided lots of great information for the Samara area, and even after our tour was over she continued to be very helpful and even passed along photos from the captain of the boat of our wonderful experience. If you are visiting the Samara area, I highly recommend reaching out to Brenda if you need help or have any questions at all! Her services are free, and she will go above and beyond to ensure you have a wonderful trip.
Written February 3, 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.
B, you are amazing! Thanks so much for this awesome review! It was a pleasure to help you and super happy you guys had a nice time! The pictures were amazing.
We hope you come back soon and we can do this all again for the next anniversary :)
Written February 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cols2117
Philadelphia, PA13 contributions
Mar 2021
This review is way overdue! I just sent a friend Costa Rica recommendations and Brenda was the first person that popped in my mind. My family and I spent 3 months in Costa Rica (Dec 2020-March 2021) and she went above and beyond with answering all of my questions, making recommendations, helping us book excursions etc, and her responsiveness was TRULY unbelievable. I could not recommend Samara Info Center enough and I look forward to our next trip to Costa Rica and connecting with Brenda again!
Written February 6, 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.
Oh geez, that gave me good goose bumps!!!! Thank you for writing this excellent review. Must appreciate! I am glad we were able to help you in your past vacations and that you sent your friend our way. I look forward to helping you again!
Written February 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
emilyhm1028
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
Aug 2021
I had never been to Costa Rica, and my Spanish is limited, but I wanted to have some activities booked before I arrived and Brenda was very helpful. I booked everything with her through WhatsApp and she was super friendly and responsive. I was immediately sent confirmation emails and payment links so I felt very secure with the process. The excursions Brenda booked for me were super fun and exceeded expectations so I would be confident with any of the tourism partners the Info Center works with, and I know I’m getting the best price those partners offer. I can’t wait to go back again!
Written September 2, 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.
E, you rock! It really was a pleasure to help you. So glad you contacted us and that we made you feel comfortable with the process! YEY!
I am happy you enjoyed your time here and hope you come back soon!
Written September 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Buen día! Cuál es el estado de la carretera para llegar? Se puede ir en automóvil liviano? Cuál es la mejor ruta?
Written December 18, 2021
Hello, I'm looking for a trip for tomorrow. Maybe a boattrip. We are 2 adults, 2 kids, 1 baby. Do you have any offers for me?
Written April 16, 2021
Where in Samara are you located?
Written December 9, 2020
Hi! We are 100% online and can help you with anything you need via email, phone, or WhatsApp. If you want to meet in person, we can also do that.
Written December 12, 2020
Patricia P
Castle Rock, Colorado
Do you have a contact for a driver for 6 people for a week in October?
Written June 17, 2019
Hi Patsy,
Thank you for contacting the Info Center. It will be a pleasure to help you. We do have contact with operators that have vans and drivers. Where do you want to go?
Written June 17, 2019
Hi Brenda. Just wondering if you know how construction is going at the new Azura Beach Resort? Do you think it will open at the end of Oct?
Written September 25, 2018
Hi Jallen. We cannot say for certain what the progress is. We do have a scheduled inspection this weekend so I will have a better feel for how they are doing and get more detailed information as to the opening date.
Written September 25, 2018
What hours is the info center open?
Written February 14, 2018
We are open Monday thru Saturday 8am - 6pm and Sunday's am to 2pm.
Written February 18, 2018
Bonjour
est ce qu'il il y a un transport en autobus entre aéroport de Libéria et les hôtels près de la plage de Samara? Et également entre Samara et les activités touristiques? Merci
Written January 17, 2018
Yes, there is a public bus from the main highway at the airport to Nicoya, switch buses to Samara. Should take 3 hrs. Most operators in Samara will pick up from your hotel.
Written January 21, 2018
I’m interested in taking some cooking lessons while I’m in Sámara can anyone point me in th right direction?
Written January 17, 2018
Ditto on all of these :) Classes can be any day of the week from 3pm - 6pm. Excellent class!!!
Written January 21, 2018
Hello,
I need help to decide whats to do in Costa Rica, I'll arrive in Jan, 3rd and I will have until Jan, 7th, when I go Pachamama for a week. I am looking for nature and adventure tours.
Thanks,
Maíra
Written November 21, 2017
Hi Maira. For a 4 day length of time, I would recommend going to one place or 2 if you have a car. Since you will already be at the beach in Pachamama (assuming it is Nosara) why not explore the Arenal and MV area? Those are important destinations.
Written November 22, 2017
Looking to spend 8 days in Costa Rica, Will be hiring a driver. We'll Definitely be seeing a volcano, Just want to see and get the most out of our 8 days...any suggestions as to where else to go?
We like beauty, diversion and try to stay away from large cities.
Thanks, Nan
Written May 15, 2017
For an 8 day vacation, I would recommend visiting 2 places, 3 at the most. If you want to see a volcano, I would recommend going to the Arenal area. You can also then go to Rincon de la Vieja and then a beach. I recommend Samara and Carrillo Beach. Nice small towns with a nice local vibe.
Have Fun…Brenda Dragonne, Owner and Founder of the Info Center in Samara & Carrillo
Written May 16, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 18
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing