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Por: María Fernanda Gálvez

If art is a topic you are passionate about and would like to take with you an original piece as a reminder of your passing through this beautiful town, you are in the right place. Sámara boasts a wide range of local and foreign artists, who have allowed themselves to be consumed with inspiration in order to create, define, nourish and thus produce an amalgam of art pieces to suit varied tastes. Thanks to this multicolored rainbow of talent today, art lovers can enjoy a circuit of artists in Sámara who should not be miss and which offer various art forms impregnated by the nature of the tropics, their personal journeys and the Samarenian culture. We begin this journey.

Koss Art Gallery

Jaime Koss is originally from Costa Rica who after living many years in California and working as a chemist, graphic designer and educator, decided to heed the call of nature and return to his homeland to settle in Sámara and give an opportunity to his artistic talent. In his gallery you will find Jaime’s oil canvases that reflect the power of color and the dance of cosmic lines of the environment. To reach the gallery walk on the beach .5 kilometers to the east where you will spot a sign advertising the gallery on your left. Office hours are Monday through Sunday from 8:00 to 6:00 pm.

Glassy Conditions

Monserrat and Manu Dibango and are a Samarenian couple who decided to undertake the adventure of being entrepreneurs and start their own business. They have always lived in Sámara and each developed an artistic skills such as working with wire, in the case of Monserrat while her husband worked in Lampwork and blown glass. This experimentation for almost 15 years working with different techniques made them think that besides having joined their lives in matromony, they might also try to merge their artistic talents and thus was born Glassy Conditions. They create original pieces of jewelry from original designs using gold wires and silver, combined with glass bead pieces from lampwork , semiprecious stones, shells polished and cut among others. If you would like to see their work, you simply need to get yourself to Bar/Restaurant Tabanuco which sits on the beach near the main road.

Gallery Origin

I am Maria, the owner of this dream which was born almost without thinking. I am a Colombian who by a great stroke of luck ended up in this wonderful place that has given me everything, as well as the value of developing the talent of putting the energy of nature and people of the tropics on canvas through colors and forms. I elaborate masks with surrounding materials such as gourds, wood, and canvas painted in acrylic. At 200 meters Northwest of Banco Nacional, after Villas Pepitas turn right on a small road, and there on the hill is Origin Art Gallery. The hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:30 to 5:30.

Gecko Glass

Lavae Aldrich is an artist who chose VITROFUSION as a form of expression. After a career as an architect in the United States, Lavae decided to settle with her husband in Sámara and start a new life and new projects. Her profession is reflected in her art form working with glass which is graphic and structural. She creates dishes, jewelry (earrings, necklaces and bracelets) and other pieces of art that you can find on sale at Sámara Organics and Dragonfly, two stores that are in the center of Sámara. In addition, Lavae offers 2 hour classes where her students make their own accessories at a cost of
10,000 colones.

Coconut groves (Cocotales)

Carlos is a globetrotter Colombian who after a long journey in different countries decided to settle on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste to rediscover his Colombian roots. Feeling inspired, he originally recalled his love of coconut and decided to mix it with other traditional techniques learned during his travels to create authentic pieces made out of anything and everything that Mother Earth gives us. He recycles natural materials like stones, shells, coconut and converts them into organic high quality jewelry. He creates client driven custom-made jewelry whereby the customer can observe the process. His shop is located in the heart of Sámara on the main street next to the hotel Sámara Beach, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to
7:30 p.m.

Art Without Borders

Omar and Martin Perdomo, father and son using recovered materials as leather, silver, stones, shells, mirrors or any noble raw material that reaches their hands to devise, design and transform into pieces of goldsmith art (jewelry, sculptures, accessories or decorative objects, among others.) Their work aims to keep alive the legacy of ancient indigenous cultures through their products. Art without Borders is located at the Nature Center near the public school in Playa Sámara. Open Monday to Sunday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Si el arte es un tema que les apasiona  y les gustaría  llevarse consigo una pieza  original que les recuerde su pasó por este bello pueblo, están en el lugar indicado; Sámara tiene para ustedes un espectro amplio de artistas locales y  extranjeros,   que decidieron dejarse inspirar, crear, definirse, nutrirse y así producir una amalgama de  piezas de arte para complacer gustos variados.

Gracias a este arcoíris multicolor de talento se puede ofrecer hoy a los amantes del arte un circuito de artistas que no pueden dejar de visitar y de los cuales podrá conocer diversas manifestaciones artísticas impregnadas de la naturaleza del trópico, historias personales y cultura samareña. Iniciemos este recorrido.

La Galería de Jaime Koss

Jaime es un costarricense que después de vivir muchos años en California y trabajar como químico, diseñador gráfico y educador, decidió escuchar el llamado de la naturaleza y regresar a su tierra natal para instalarse en Sámara y darle una oportunidad a su talento artístico. En la galería de Jaime Koss encontrará lienzos en oleo que reflejan  el poder del color y la danza de las líneas cósmicas del entorno.  Para llegar a su Galería  puede caminar en la playa hacia el este y a medio kilometro divisará un aviso de la galería a su izquierda. Los horarios de atención son de lunes a domingo de 8:00 a 6:00  de la tarde.

Glassy Conditions

Monserrat  Dibango y Manu Dibango, son una pareja samareña que decidió emprender la aventura de ser emprendedores y crear su propio negocio. Ellos siempre han vivido en Sámara y cada uno por su lado había desarrollado habilidades artísticas como el trabajo con alambre, en el caso de Monserrat y su esposo ha trabajado en Lampwork y vidrio soplado. Esta experimentación por casi  15 años con las diferentes técnicas los hizo pensar que además de haber unido sus vidas también podían intentar fusionar sus talentos y así nació Glassy Conditions. Ellos crean piezas de joyería con diseños originales utilizando: alambres de oro y plata combinados con piezas de vidrio hechos en lampwork, perlas, piedras semipreciosas, conchas pulidas y recortadas entre otros. Si quiere encontrarlos solo tiene que llegar a Tabanuco un bar que està en la playa muy cerca de la calle principal.

Galería Origen

Yo soy Marìa, la propietaria de este sueño que nació casi sin pensarlo. Soy una colombiana que por un gran golpe de suerte terminó en este lugar maravilloso que me lo ha dado todo; incluso el valor de desarrollar el talento de poner sobre el lienzo  la energía de la naturaleza y la gente del trópico a través de los colores y las formas. Elaboro máscaras con materiales del entorno como jícara, madera, y lienzos  pintados en acrílico. A 200metros noroeste del Banco Nacional, después de Villas Pepitas dobla a la derecha en un pequeño camino, allí en la colina se encuentra Origen.  El horario de atención es lunes, miércoles y viernes de 2:30 a 5:30.

Gecko Glass

Lavae Aldrich es  una artista que eligió  la vitrofusiòn como forma de expresión.  Después de desarrollar una carrera como arquitecta en los Estados Unidos, Lavae decidió establecerse con su esposo en Sámara e iniciar una nueva vida y nuevos proyectos. Su profesión se refleja en su trabajo con el vidrio que es gráfico y estructural. Crea platos, joyería (aretes, collares y brazaletes) y otras piezas de arte que usted puede encontrar en Sámara Organics y Dragonfly, dos tiendas que se encuentran en el centro de Sámara.  Además Lavae ofrece clases de 2 horas  para que usted haga sus propios accesorios
por 10.000.

Cocotales

Carlos es un colombiano  trotamundos que después de un largo viaje en diferentes países decidió  establecerse en el  pacífico guanacasteco para redescubrir sus raíces colombianas. Inspirado en sus orígenes  recordó su amor al coco  y decidió mezclarlo con otras técnicas artesanales aprendidas en sus viajes para crear piezas autenticas salidas de todo lo que nos da la madre tierra. Él recicla materiales  naturales como piedras, conchas, coco y los convierte en joyas orgánicas de alta calidad. El hace joyas por encargo y el cliente puede observar el proceso de elaboración. Su tienda se encuentra en pleno corazón de Sámara en la calle principal al lado del hotel Sámara Beach; abre de lunes a viernes  de 8:00 a.m. a 7:30 p.m.

Arte sin Fronteras

Omar y Martín Perdomo, padre e hijo usan materiales de recuperación como cuero, plata, piedras, conchas, espejos o cualquier materia prima noble que llegue a sus manos para idear, diseñar y transformar en piezas de arte orfebre ( joyería, esculturas,  accesorios u objetos de decoración, entre otros. Su quehacer pretende mantener vigente el legado de las antiguas culturas indígenas  a través de sus productos.  Arte sin Fronteras se encuentra en el Natural Center muy cerca de la escuela pública. Abren de lunes a domingo de 8:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m.

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In Sámara and Carrillo you can enjoy the lush natural beauty that our beaches provide, along with the scenic beauty that our landscape gives us. Our surroundings are full of natural attractions which you have at your disposal.

Carrillo Adventures and Travel is a local  trusted and renown company, with over 14 years experience in the operation of local tours and tourist transportation (Tel: 26560606). Carrillo Adventures & Travel invites you to get to know and fully enjoy our area; here we give you a sample of what you should not miss during your stay in Sámara and/or Carrillo.

Located beachfront, Isla Chora Sámara, is one of the top must-see natural attractions in Sámara. It is about 5 hectares, surrounded by a beautiful landscape, and boasts  a white sandy beach and crystal clear water which you’ll find  suitable for snorkeling. While snorkeling you can enjoy the lush marine life including species such as starfish, octopus, angel fish, puffer fish, giant conches, lobsters and others. The island is accessible via kayaks, boats, and for some athletic people, via swimming.

Oak Beach in Puerto Carrillo is our second must see. During the rainy season Oak Beach will provide you with a beautiful waterfall and superb scenic landscape which combines the sand, surf, waterfall, and stunning reefs . Only 200 meters from Oak Beach lies a natural pool where you can cool down for free in a magical and natural private setting free of all contamination (this place is recommended to visit only during low tide).

If your main desire is to get to know dolphins, whales or to go fishing, we remind you that you came to the right place. Sámara and Carrillo, by its nature is a perfect habitat for dolphin watching. Over the past three years the area has become a passage for humpback whales, which migrate from north to south looking for places with special features for reproduction. Besides having adequate water temperatures and a rich food source for these mammals, Sámara and Carrillo are both beaches of little boat traffic. A tour of about 4 hours with  fishing gear and snorkeling equipment may be the perfect way to spend a part of your day.

If you want to relax and enjoy wildlife viewing, we recommend visiting Rio Ora. In a 2 hour kayak tour (or 20 minute drive from Sámara) in calm waters, you will have the opportunity to observe a landscape full of magic in the cool waters of the river, where you can see different species of waterfowl such as Pink spatula, cormorants, herons, ibis white, tiger egret, Cattle egret, heron, kingfisher etc.as well as mammals like howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, and reptiles such as green iguanas and black iguanas.

En Sámara y carrillo puedes disfrutar de la exuberante belleza natural que nos ofrecen nuestras playas, además de la belleza escénica que nos brinda un paisaje lleno de atractivos naturales los cuales pueden tener a su disposición.

Carrillo Adventures and Travel es una compañía local de confianza de mucho renombre, con más de 14 años de experiencia en la operación de tours locales y transporte turístico (Tel:26560606). Carrillo Adventures & Travel le invita a conocer y a disfrutar al máximo nuestra zona; a continuación le  damos un extracto  de lo que usted no se debe perder durante su  estadía en Sámara y Carrillo.

Ubicado frente a playa Sámara encontrara Isla Chora una de los máximos atractivos naturales que usted tiene que conocer en su visita a Sámara. De aproximadamente 5 hectáreas de extensión, rodeado de un hermoso paisaje, con una playa de arena blanca y aguas cristalinas encontrara un lugar idóneo para bucear (snorkling) en el cual podrá disfrutar de la exuberante vida marina en la que sobresalen las especies como: estrellas marinas, pulpos, pez ángel, pez globo, cambutes, langostas entre otros. Este lugar es accesible con kayaks, botes y algunas personas que lo hacen nadando, depende de su condición atlética.

Playa el Roble, Puerto Carrillo. Durante la temporada de lluvia en playa el Roble podrá encontrar una bella catarata y un paisaje escénico extraordinario en el cual combina la caída de agua hasta  la arena  y el paisaje del imponente oleaje bañando los arrecifes, luego de visitar este lugar encontrara a solo 200 metros una piscina totalmente natural donde podrá refrescarse de forma  gratuita en un escenario mágico y natural con mucha privacidad y libre de toda contaminación(este lugar se recomienda visitar solo durante marea baja).

Si su principal anhelo es conocer delfines, ballenas o hacer pesca, le recordamos que llegaron al lugar perfecto. Sámara y Carrillo, por su naturaleza es un habitad perfecta para el avistamiento de delfines, además durante los últimos 3 años se ha convertido en una zona de paso de las ballenas jorobadas, las cuales emigran de Norte a Sur buscando lugares con características especiales para su reproducción y el crecimiento de sus crías.  Sámara y Carrillo por ser un lugar de poco tránsito de embarcaciones, además de contar con aguas de temperaturas adecuadas y una rica fuente alimenticia para estos mamíferos;  lo han convertido en un lugar idóneo para el avistamiento de estas especies asombrosas y espectaculares que todas las personas desean poder observar. Está en el lugar correcto, en un tour de 4 horas acondicionado con equipo de pesca y equipo de snorkeling, podrán tener la combinación perfecta.

Si quiere relajarse y disfrutar de la observación de vida silvestre, le recomendamos visitar Rio Ora, en un tour de 2 horas en kayak en aguas calmas,  usted tendrá la oportunidad  de observar un paisaje lleno de magia en la frescura de las aguas del rio, donde  podrán observar  diferentes especies de aves acuáticas tales como espátula Rosada, cormoranes, martinetes, ibis Blanco, garza tigre, garza bueyera, garza real, Martin pescador etc  además de mamíferos como monos congos, mono cara blanca, reptiles como iguana verde, iguana negra (garrobo) entre otros. A solo 20 minutos conduciendo desde Sámara encontraran este fascinante y esplendoroso lugar.

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BY DANNIELLE MARES

In 2002, a couple of friends of mine traveled to Costa Rica and upon their return posted pictures of their vacation on their blog. Looking at their pictures of waterfalls, the lush greenery of the jungle along with the wildlife, I decided to place Costa Rica on my list of places to go. Later, in 2009, I would joke with a friend about moving to Costa Rica, and he would ask what we would do to make money. I came up with gluing seashells to ashtrays or making smoothies on the beach to sell to the tourists, which was fun joking around and a silly pipe dream until I decided to go back to school to become a massage therapist. After the first month of school I thought to myself, “Wow, I really could move there (C.R.) someday,” and 4 months after graduating, I found myself in CR traveling and searching for a location to start my own business. Luckily, I decided to call Samara home for 2 months before heading home to sell my belongings. While there, I decided to also become a yoga instructor, so I first traveled to India for 8 weeks to do my yoga teacher training previous to my big move to Samara in December of 2012.

I was very fortunate to have met so many wonderful and helpful people during my initial visit to Costa Rica so my move seemed pretty straight forward to me. Once in Samara I walked through town seeing a yoga sign here and a yoga sign there before approaching the Natural Center to ask their price for a yoga class. Ironically and fortunately for me, they were looking for a new instructor.

The yoga community in Samara has really gown and flourished over the past 2 years and now prides itself as a destination for traveling yogis comparable to Nosara with its Yoga Institute and many options for various yoga disciplines. The Samara Yoga Center offers an indoor air conditioned yoga experience, recently opened by Fabrizio and Sandra over at Patio Colonial, with many different teachers offering various yoga techniques from Vinyasa Flow, Hatha to meditation classes at all times of the day. Laura Waite, another instructor who has lived here on and off for many years has just decided to call Samara home, where she instructs an intense Ashtanga in the mornings at La Vela Latina Restaurant for those that are into a deep practice. Lindsay LaVelle, one of the first original yoga instructors in Playa Samara recently offered a wonderful yoga retreat here, and plans to continue opening more opportunities various times a year. As for me, I continue to conduct classes at the Natural Center and now also at the Spanish language school Intercultura Monday thru Friday from 8-9am situated right on the beach. So, whether you want to be outdoors or inside, have a basic class or a more intensive class, Samara now has it all for any yogi.
Danni Mares, Professional Massage Therapist & Certified Yoga Instructor, 8645-7694, dannimares@yahoo.com

En el 2002, unos amigos míos viajaron a Costa Rica, y al volver, decidieron postear fotos en su blog. Viendo sus fotos de cataratas, el verde de la jungla y la fauna, decidí que Costa Rica se ubicaría en mi lista de lugares para visitar. Después, en el 2009, vacilaba con un amigo sobre la idea de mudarme a vivir a Costa Rica, y me preguntó que cómo haría para ganarme la vida allí. Se me ocurrió hacer ceniceros con conchas, o hacer batidos en la playa para vender a turistas… todo era un sueño, hasta que decidí volver a la escuela y aprender a ser masajista. Después de un mes de estudio, pensé “Guao, yo podría realmente mudarme a Costa Rica algún día”, y 4 meses después de graduarme, me encontré en Costa Rica viajando y buscando un lugar para empezar un negocio propio. Por dicha, decidí que Sámara sería mi hogar por 2 meses antes de volver a casa a vender mis pertenencias. Mientras estaba allí, también decidí hacerme instructora de yoga, entonces viajé a India por 8 semanas para completar el entrenamiento antes de mudarme a Sámara en diciembre del 2012.

Tuve mucha suerte y conocí a mucha gente maravillosa que me ayudó mucho durante mi primera visita, entonces me pareció natural mudarme aquí. Una vez en Sámara, caminé por el pueblo viendo un par de anuncios de yoga aquí y allá, antes de acercarme al Natural Center para preguntarles sobre precios para una clase de yoga. Para mi suerte, estaban buscando nuevo instructor.

La comunidad de yoguistas en Sámara ha aumentado considerablemente en los últimos 2 años, y ahora compite como destino para yoguistas con lugares como Nosara y su instituto de yoga. El centro Samareño de yoga ofrece una experiencia de yoga con aire acondicionado, y se abrió hace poco en Patio Colonial por sus dueños Fabrizio y Sandra. Tienen muchos profesores ofreciendo clases de todo tipo, como Vinyasa, Hatha, meditación y más, a toda hora del día.  Laura Waite, otra instructora quien ha vivido por temporadas en Sámara por varios años, decidió también hacer de Sámara su hogar, y ofrece una clase intensa de Ashtanga en las mañanas en La Vela, para la gente que quiere una sesión intensa. Lindsay LaVelle, una de las primeras originales instructores de yoga en Sámara, ofreció una estadía de yoga maravillosa recientemente, y planea seguirlas ofreciendo a lo largo del año.  En cuanto a mi persona, sigo dando clases en el Natural Center y también en la escuela de español Intercultura, de lunes a viernes a las 8am, directamente frente a la playa. Entonces, si quieres estar adentro, al aire libre, tener una clase básica o una intensa, Sámara lo tiene todo, para cualquier yoguista.

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TravelerTips_travel-04

The Liberia airport now serves as a viable option for visitors coming directly to this region. At 217km northwest of San Jose, it lies just 1.5 hours from Sámara by car. It may not have the comforts of gift shops and cocktail lounges, but it certainly beats a five hour ride on a public bus from San Jose. It is reliable and offers Delta, United, and Continental ticket counters. Budget traveler’s beware – bus service is not direct and requires at least two changes. Those who opt to rent a car from the Liberia airport will find tons of options just outside the airport with shuttle services to most cities. Prepare yourself for the same chaos and badgering from local tourist and rental car companies as at the San Jose airport when you walk out of baggage claim.

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TravelerTips_general-05

Carry your photo identification and the name of a person to contact with you in the event of
serious illness or other emergency.

Keep photocopies of your airline or other tickets and your list of traveler’s checks with you in a separate location from the originals and leave copies with someone at home.

Leave things like unnecessary credit cards and expensive jewelry at home.

Use a money belt or concealed pouch for passport, cash and other valuables.

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TravelerTips_money-02

You should notice on your bill at all hotels a 13% sales tax by law. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge which they use as additional payment to their employees, but please check first. Even so, additional tipping is still recommended for staff, porters and waiters. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. However, for private transport services in tour situations where the driver doubles as a guide, tipping is normal.

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TravelerTips_general-05

Remember the cultural differences, respect them and pay attention. Be clear about your intentions to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. Pair up when you walk home at night and stay aware of your behavior while drinking. Keep an eye on your belongings, i.e. purse, glasses,
camera. Be safe and have fun.

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TravelerTips_money-02

We know not to leave anything visible when parking a car, right? It’s extremely important to take the time to hide everything (regardless of value) that you plan to keep in your car at your next stop – whether it’s the beach, a restaurant or a rest stop. In the beach areas, more often than not, there are ‘eyes’ watching people, particularly foreigners, coming in. Although most watchers are simply born of idle curiosity, it is best to leave the impression that nothing valuable is still in your vehicle. This discourages potential thiefs from breaking into your car. Organize your belongs in advance and always be aware of your surroundings.

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TravelerTips_money-02

As expected in many other parts of the world, Costa Rica is no exception regarding crime and petty theft. Visitors should take common sense precautions:

Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry behind. Dress conservatively; a flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. Use travelers’ checks, not cash. Leave photocopies of your passport personal information page and your airline tickets with someone at home and carry an extra set with you.

Use a money belt or a concealed money pouch for passports, cash and other valuables.

In a car, keep doors locked, windows rolled up and valuables out of sight. A common trick is for a thief to reach through a car window and grab a watch from a person’s wrist or a purse or package from the seat while you are driving slowly or stopped in traffic.

When you leave your car, try to find a guarded parking lot. Lock the car and keep valuables out of sight.

When walking, avoid marginal areas of cities, dark alleys and crowds. Do not stop if you are approached on the street by strangers, including street vendors and beggars. Be aware that women and small children, as well as men, can be pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, carry your purse tucked securely under your arm, and wear the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across your chest. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb, carrying your purse away from the street.

Use official taxi stands rather than cruising taxis. Illegal taxis can be decoys for robbers.

Whenever possible, do not travel alone. If you travel in isolated areas, go with a group or a reputable guide.

Avoid travel at night.

Do not take valuables to the beach.

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TravelerTips_travel-04

The $28 departure tax at both the San Jose and Liberia airports are per person, regardless of age.

Be sure to save enough money at the end of your trip to be able to pay the tax so you can get on the plane!

The departure tax can be paid in cash (US$ or local colones) or by international credit cards and debit/cash cards, in advance or at the airport.  Advice: if you plan to pay in advance at a BCR location (Sámara, Nosara), be careful not to lose the receipt. If paying at the airport, don’t get in line for check‑in until you pay the tax.  The filled out passenger departure form with the tax stamp (receipt) must  be presented at the check‑in desk to receive your boading pass.

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