Samasati Nature Retreat is located 130 miles South of San José, the capital of Costa Rica, and 30 miles South of Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast.

Getting to Samasati is easy and the drive is beautiful. The road is safe, paved, and the sightseeing breathtaking. You will cross the Braulio Carrillo National Park which is the largest virgin protected area in Costa Rica, and the Santa Clara flatlands where most of the country crops are grown. Then the road unwinds along the beach in the middle of coconut groves and sweet water canals.

Right after Cahuita National Park, four miles before the village of Puerto Viejo, you will find a large sign "Samasati Nature Retreat" that will direct you to a side road.

Samasati's entrance gate and reception area is about 800 meters from the main road. From the reception, we will transport you with our 4x4 vehicles up the hill to Samasati's restaurant and accommodations.

 

Transportation from the airport or the city of San José to Samasati

Own Car
The drive to Samasati is easy and safe. It is recommended that you book a car with one of the major International rental car agencies before arrival: Budget, Hertz, Thrifty or Avis. You can request detailed driving directions by email at samasati@samasati.com. The drive is about 3 and half hours and is very scenic.

Private Minivan
From the airport or from a San José hotel direct to Samasati $180 total per minivan.
(Up to 7 people)

Morning Pickup
For those who spend the night in the city, we offer a minivan that will pick you up the next morning between 7 and 8 a.m. to take you to Samasati. The cost is $ 39.00 per person. This shuttle will pick up passengers at any San José Hotel, but not at the airport.

Public Transportation
This is a common, safe and inexpensive way to travel to Samasati. We schedule a private taxi to pick you up upon arrival at the airport of San José. The driver will have a sign with your name on it. He will take you to the Caribbean Bus Terminal in the city, where four times a day a direct bus runs to the village of Puerto Viejo, right next to Samasati. The taxi driver will help you buy the ticket and get the right bus. The ride is direct and it takes four hours (one stop in Limon for snacks). In Puerto Viejo you can take a taxi and ask them to take you to Samasati's entrance.

Taxi ride from the airport to Caribbean Bus Terminal: $ 35.00.
Bus ticket $ 9.00. All fees payable to the drivers in US cash, small bills.
Bus Schedule from San José to Puerto Viejo : 6am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm.

Read Carefully:
In order to be able to catch the last bus (3:30 PM) your arrival time should be no later than 2 PM. If your plane arrives later than 2 PM you can either reserve a Private Mini Van (see above), or spend the night in the city and travel to Samasati the next morning (see below).

Spending a night in the city of San José
We can help you to book a room in any San José hotel. This might be useful to you when your arrival time is late in the day or when your departure time is earlier than 1.00 in the afternoon. In that case, we suggest you spend your last night in the city.
We recommend:

1492 Hotel: Located in a safe and quiet residential area "Barrio Escalante", one of the first neighborhoods beginning 1940´s, it is close to San Jose' downtown. Opened January 1995, Hotel 1492 wanted to share its beauty and peace with the lovers of the good taste and history. you will feel as if you are in your own house, with wireless internet, a la carta breakfast and a glass of wine in the evening.
Rates: rooms from $ 60.00 to $ 90.00 including breakfast.

Don Carlos Hotel: Located in the oldest historical section of San José, it is a small, but significant part of Costa Rica's rich heritage. Once upon a time residence for two past Presidential families, the historical Hotel Don Carlos' warmth and charm, graciously awaits you. Enjoy Costa Rica's finest art works as you stroll through the gallery-like corridors and maze of quiet, garden & fountain settings, restaurant and mini pool. Wander into Annemarie's Boutique and get lost within this unique world of local artistic creations in Costa Rica's # 1 gift shop.
From $ 65.00 to $ 85.00 + taxes

We will be happy to book this hotel or any other hotel of your choice.

For any problems prior to or upon arrival such as a delayed flight, or other travel plan changes that may affect your reservation or transportation, please contact 800 563-9643.