Playa Samara
Costa Rica · Price calendar
Dorm beds in Playa Samara, Costa Rica range from $14 to $20/night over the next 3 months. HostelHound tracks 7 properties. Cheapest upcoming dates: Nov 1, Nov 2, Nov 3.
Prices updated daily · last updated 21 hours ago
Tap another date to see hostels available that night.
Hostel prices in Playa Samara, Costa Rica
A typical dorm night in Playa Samara runs about $16.
At $14/night and up, Playa Samara is one of the pricier hostel destinations in Costa Rica.
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Hostels we track in Playa Samara
Local knowledge for Playa Samara
Where to stay
Budget beds cluster along the main road from the bus stop down to the beach entrance, where the walk to the sand is shortest and the cheap eats are densest. A few hostels sit further east toward the Malanoche Estuary, which is quieter and better for birding but means a longer walk back to the bars and shops after dark.
Getting around
- Buses run hourly between Nicoya and Samara, and Nicoya is the main transit hub for the peninsula. Arriving from San Jose or Liberia means a transfer in Nicoya, and the two Nicoya terminals are about ten minutes' walk apart, so allow time to cross between them.
- Horses roam the streets and beach unchecked. Wear shoes at all times, even for a quick walk to the corner store, and keep an eye on small children and pets near the road.
- The rockpools west of town near Cangrejal are worth a low-tide visit for moray eels, puffer fish, and crabs. The Malanoche Estuary to the east is a solid free option for bird watching without booking a guided tour.
When to go
Cheapest during the rainy season from May through November, when afternoon showers keep visitor numbers down and hostels have open beds. December through April is Guanacaste's dry season and the busiest stretch, with rates climbing around Christmas, New Year, and the February school break.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a hostel in Playa Samara cost per night?
Dorm beds in Playa Samara currently range from $14 to $20/night based on the next 3 months of availability.
When are the cheapest dates to book a hostel in Playa Samara?
Based on current data, the cheapest upcoming dates for hostels in Playa Samara are November 1, November 2, November 3.
How many hostels does HostelHound track in Playa Samara?
HostelHound currently tracks 7 hostels in Playa Samara, Costa Rica.
Is Playa Samara affordable compared to other hostel cities in Costa Rica?
Playa Samara is one of the pricier hostel destinations in Costa Rica, with dorm prices starting from $14/night.
Where do backpackers stay in Playa Samara?
Budget beds cluster along the main road from the bus stop down to the beach entrance, where the walk to the sand is shortest and the cheap eats are densest. A few hostels sit further east toward the Malanoche Estuary, which is quieter and better for birding but means a longer walk back to the bars and shops after dark.
What is the best time of year to visit Playa Samara?
Cheapest during the rainy season from May through November, when afternoon showers keep visitor numbers down and hostels have open beds. December through April is Guanacaste's dry season and the busiest stretch, with rates climbing around Christmas, New Year, and the February school break.