sonnenspitze tour

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Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze (2417 m)

Talstation Ehrwalder Almbahn (1108 m) - Seebensee (1657 m) - Coburger Hütte (1917 m) - Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze (2417 m)

Geo-koordinaten des ausgangspunkts:.

47.388539, 10.936568 ( in Google Maps öffnen )

Passende Artikel bei Amazon.de:

• Kompasskarte 25 - Zugspitze, Mieminger Kette

Touren in der Umgebung:

Folge hoehenrausch.de:

Unsere partner:.

Navigation:

über uns:.

Von der Coburger Hütte über den Normalweg auf die Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze

Sehr schwere bergtour.

• Tourendaten
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Auf der Straße von Garmisch-Partenkirchen nach Ehrwald sticht dem Reisenden am Horizont eine steil aufragende Felspyramide sofort ins Auge: die Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze . Dieser Felsdolch bohrt sich mit einer solch eleganten Form in den Himmel, das sogar die benachbarte, 500 m höhere Zugspitze im Wettkampf um die auffälligste Berggestalt das Nachsehen hat. Während man im Tal ehrfurchtgebietend innehält, diese mustergültige Pyramide mit heruntergeklapptem Kiefer bewundert, ist es schwer zu glauben , dass es von Süden einen Normalweg zum Gipfel gibt, der nicht über den II. Klettergrad hinausgeht.

Die Anforderungen an diese Bergtour sind dennoch sehr hoch. Nur geübte, klettererfahrene Alpinisten sollten diesen Berg auf ihre Zielliste nehmen. Der verhaltene Beginn über den Hohen Gang und den Seebensee zur Coburger Hütte kann man mit gutem Willen noch als Berg-Wanderung bezeichnen. Ab der Coburger Hütte wird es aber sehr schnell, sehr ernst: Die letzten 300 Höhenmeter zum Gipfel erweisen sich als eine äußerst luftige Angelegenheit. Anhaltende Kletterei ( I, Stellen II , gute Felsqualität) im Absturzgelände erfordern ein ausgesprochen belastbares Nervenkostüm . Mit ausschweifenden Tiefblicken unter den Füßen sollte man keine Probleme haben. Nur eine kurze Querung ist mit einem Drahtseil entschärft. Der große Rest muss in freier Felsakrobatik erarbeitet werden. Mit Abstieg über die Nord-Flanke lässt sich die Bergtour zu einer alpinen Überschreitung ausbauen. Noch kurz angemerkt: Der Aufstieg zur Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze ist kein Klettersteig!

Der Normalweg zur und die Überschreitung der Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze entspricht der Tourenkategorie Leichte Klettertouren .

Anforderungen/Schwierigkeiten

Von Ehrwald zum Hohen Gang im Rahmen einer einfachen Berg-Wanderung. Im Hohen Gang steiler Schrofensteig mit einigen Sicherungen (A/B). Die Fortsetzung über den Seebensee bis zur Coburger Hütte wandern wir ohne Schwierigkeiten in einfachem Gehgelände. Aufstieg über den Normalweg durch die Süd-Flanke Kletterei im Absturzgelände (anhaltend I; Stellen II). Nur an einer kurzen Passage durch ein Drahtseil gesichert. Abstieg über den Nord-Hang unterhalb des Gipfel nicht leichter - gefolgt von extremen Gehgelände in splittüberzogenen Steilschrofen. Solider Fels - dort aber nur spärlich markiert. Nebst elementarem Kletterkönnen, sowie einer stabile Psyche, braucht es für diese Bergtour sehr gute Kondition und etwas Gespür für die leichteste Linie durch den Fels.

Ausgangspunkt

AT-6632 Ehrwald Talstation der Ehrwalder Almbahn GPS-Koordinaten: Breitengrad: 47.387938 Längengrad: 10.936899

Hütten/Einkehr

Coburger Hütte

Orientierung

Bis zur Coburger Hütte gut markiert. Im Gipfelaufbau sporadisch rote Punkte (die nicht immer leicht zu erkennen sind) und einige Steinmänner.

Bergausrüstung

Wanderung von Ehrwald über den Hohen Gang zur Coburger Hütte

Unsere Bergtour startet an der Talstation der Ehrwalderalmbahn (1.090 m). Vom Ausgangspunkt abwärts zum Geißbach wandern. Zweimal überqueren wir den Wasserlauf, fädeln im Anschluss rechter Hand bergwärts ein. Nach einer Schleife auf Höhe einer Scheune rechts haltend abbiegen. Hinweg über eine große Grünfläche, hinein in den Forst - bis zu einem Wegknoten. Hier mündet von rechts der Weg 812 von Ehrwald ein. Wir schließen links an, folgen dem markierten Pfad durch den Wald.

In zunehmender Neigung empor zum Beginn einer Schuttreise wandern. Am linken Rand der Geröllhalde leitet uns die Markierung aufwärts - zum Einstieg in den Hohen Gang (1.220 m). Der steile Steig durch den Fels ist gut mit Drahtseilen gesichert (A/B). Dabei gilt es einige kurze, luftige Passagen zu überwinden. Dazwischen bietet der Hohe Gang immer wieder tolle Ausblicke auf die Zugspitze , den Ehrwalder Talkessel und die flankierenden Berge. Im Zick Zack gewinnen wir schnell an Höhe - steigen nach einer Querung aus dem Schrofenpfad aus (1.670 m).

Durch lichten Wald abwärts zum idyllisch gelegenen Seebensee (1.657 m) wandern. An dessen linken Ufer weiter in Richtung Süden zur Materialseilbahn der Coburger Hütte . In zahlreichen Serpentinen durch einen Latschenhang - mit Ausstieg an der stark frequentierten Coburger Hütte (1.920 m).

Unsere Bergtour zieht von der Hütte auf gutem Bergsteig (Weg 814) in Richtung Biberwierer Scharte. Einen Pfad der nach links abzweigt unbeachtet lassen (Aufstieg zum Vorderen Drachenkopf ). In Fortsetzung teilt sich der Weg. Den Steigspuren nach rechts folgen (bei meiner Begehung keine Beschilderung). Bald trifft man auf einen Fels, der mit Sonnenspitze in schwarzer Farbe markiert ist. Ein Hinweis das wir auf der richtigen Linie unterwegs sind.

Einem grasigen Buckel folgt ein großes Geröllfeld. Die Trittspuren über den Schutt bringen uns bis zum Gipfelaufbau der Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze . Ein schrofiger Aufschwung endet am Einstieg in den Normalweg - markiert von einem großen roten Pfeil (ca. 2.100 m). Ab hier werden wir bis zum Gipfel fast durchgehend die Hände benötigen - auf mehr als 300 Höhenmeter! Die Orientierung in der Südflanke ist nicht immer ganz einfach. Verblasste rote Farbkleckse, sowie einige Steinmänner zeigen mehr schlecht als recht die einfachste Linie an.

Wir klettern eine erste Rinne nach oben (I, teilweise schuttbedeckt), queren oberhalb auf einem Band nach rechts. Eine zweite steile Rinne weiter bergwärts (II, Schlüsselstelle, am Ausstieg einige Krampen), gefolgt von einer luftigen Querung nach links (mit einem Drahtseil entschärften). Wieder gerade empor (I). Ein weiteres Band leitet uns nach rechts - zum finalen Aufschwung. Der Ausstieg erfolgt am steinmannmarkierten Südgipfel. Mit etwas Höhenverlust über einen Grat (eine sehr ausgesetzt Stelle) und mit kurzem Händeeinsatz hoch zum kreuzgeschmücktem Nordgipfel (2.417 m).

Umsichtig, sowie mit voller Konzentration klettern wir die Süd-Flanke wieder abwärts, wandern zurück zur Coburger Hütte . Nach getaner Arbeit haben wir uns hier eine Brotzeit redlich verdient. Bei einer Überschreitung können wir die Jausenstation nur mit einem nochmaligen Aufstieg ab dem Seebensee erreichen (ca. 250 Höhenmeter).

Vom Stützpunkt hinab zum Seebensee , folglich auf bekannter Wanderung über den Hohen Gang zurück zur Talstation der Ehrwalderalmbahn - wo unsere erlebnisreiche Bergtour zu Ende geht.

Überschreitung der Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze (Abstieg über Nord-Hang)

Die Überschreitung der Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze folgt vom Kreuzgipfel den Markierungen hinein in die Nord-Flanke. Steil und schuttbedeckt wird der Fels abgeklettert (I, Stellen II). Bald nivelliert der Abstieg in östliche Richtung. Die Kletterei hat ein rasches Ende - der anschließende, ausgesetzte Steig über abschüssige Bänder sollte auf Grund des vielen Splitt jedoch mit Vorsicht begangen werden. Mit abnehmender Höhe entspannt sich das Gelände. Folglich erreicht unser Rückweg den Seebensee . Von hier auf bekannter Route über den Hohen Gang zurück zum Ausgangspunkt.

Autor (Bilder und Texte): Andreas

Reviewer: Andreas

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Bergtour - ehrwalder sonnenspitze.

Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze (2417 m)

Bergtour | mieminger berge | ehrwald 1400 hm | insg. 07:00 std. | schwierigkeit (5 von 6).

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Tourensteckbrief Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze

Bilder zur Tour

Leichte Kletterei im I. bis II. Grad führt zum Gipfel

Über Schrofen und Blöcke klettert man zum Gipfel

Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze (2417m)

Schon kurz vor Ehrwald hat man einen super Blick auf diesen schönen und exponierten Berg.

Karten und Routenskizze

Auf dem Kartenausschnitt können Sie die Lage der Tour und die Anfahrt nachvollziehen. Soweit ein GPS-Track hinterlegt ist, dient die Karte auch als Routenskizze.

Wettervorhersage

Top - Bergtouren aus der Region Mieminger Berge

Hier finden Sie die schönsten Touren aus dieser Gegend. Die Region Mieminger Berge ist bekannt für ihre Vielfalt, für ihren landschaftlichen Reiz und hohen Erholungswert. In unserem Tourenarchiv finden Sie dazu Gebietsinformationen und weitere lohende Routenvorschläge mit Bildern und GPS-Daten.

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Tour Overview

Schöner Aufstieg zum Sonnenspitz bei Kochel am See

Hiking Highlight ( Segment )

Sonnenspitz mit Blick auf Kochelsee

Hiking Highlight

Schmied von Kochel-Denkmal

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April 12, 2019

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Nördliche und Südliche Sonnenspitze

2651 / 2665 Meter

16. Juli 2017

Autor: Jürgen

Beschreibung:

Von Scharnitz (964m) mit dem Bike durch das Hinterautal zum Kasten (1.220m) und noch ein Stück weiter in das Rossloch zum Moserkarbach (1.270m), Raddepot. Über das Bachbett zum ausgeschnittenen Steig entlang des Moserkarbachs und rechtshaltend in das Große Kühkar. Entlang der Westwände der Sonnenspitzen hinauf zur breiten Scharte zwischen Kühkarl- und Nördlicher Sonnenspitze (2.410m). Rechts Einstieg in die Westwand und über mehrere Schultern, steile Rinnen und Bänder auf den Gipfel (2.651m). Über den Grat, einige wenige Zacken ostwärts umgehend, auf die Südliche Sonnenspitze (2.665m). Abstieg südwärts über den Grat und vor dem markanten, latschenbewachsenem Kopf hinunter in die Rinne (Einstieg auf ca. 2.100m). Über diese abwärts zum Moserkarbach und hinaus zum Raddepot, von dort wiederum zurück nach Scharnitz . 

Schwierigkeitsgrad: sehr schwierig (T6/II+)

Anfahrt mit Bike auf flachem Forstweg und zuletzt etwas grobschottriger zum Eingang des Rosslochs. Auf einfachem Steig, ab dem Kühkar weglos zur Scharte (T2). Aufstieg in der Westwand sehr steil und über brüchige, ausgesetzte Bänder zum Gipfel (T6, II+) . Am sehr brüchigen, oft ausgesetzten Grat zur Südlichen Sonnenspitze ( II). Abstieg über Südgrat wiederum sehr brüchig (Stellen II), nach unten verflachend. Schöner Abstieg in der Rinne (I), im unteren Teil etwas schwierige Wegfindung und Überwinden des Steilabbruchs (II), bis man wieder den Steig beim Moserkarbach erreicht .

Dauer: 9,5 Stunden

Höhenmeter: 1.800 Meter

Kostenfreier Parkplatz an der B2 auf der deutschen Seite. 

Einkehrmöglichkeiten:

Landschaft:  ********* (9/10)

Kondition :       *** ***** (8/10)

Anspruch :       **** ***** (9/10)

Der Südgrat der Südlichen Sonnenspitze, hier gesehen von der Hinteren Bachofenspitze, hat mich schon immer fasziniert. Die Sonnenspitzen sind eine harte Nuss und im Gegensatz zu den anderen Karwendelgrößen nicht auf vergleichsweise einfachen Wegen zu erreichen. Es wartet ein langer Zustieg, Kletterei bis II+, ausgesetzte Grate und brüchiges Gestein - kurzum: ein Genuß für jeden Karwendelfreund! Mit auf Tour: Holger von Gipfelträume.at .

Anfahrt mit dem Bike auf flachem Forstweg zur Kastenalm. Zeitig in der Früh ist man noch alleine. Nach gut 1,5h erreichen wir das Raddepot beim Moserkarbach, wenige Minuten hinter der Kastenalm.

Nach Übersetzen auf die andere Bachseite und einer kleinen Steilstufe gehen wir auf breit ausgeschnittenem Steig den Bach entlang in Richtung Kühkar. Rechts im Vordergrund der latschenbewachsene Kopf und die Steilstufe, die wir später beim Abstieg überwinden müssen.

Auf ca. 1.550m nehmen wir den schmalen Jagdsteig nach rechts und visieren das Große Kühkar an, in dem wir direkt entlang der Westwand der Sonnenspitzen hochsteigen.

Das Kühkar zieht sich. Von Südwesten zog langsam besseres Wetter heran.

Der Hochnebel war aber zäh und an der Kaltwasserkarspitze lag - für Mitte Juli überraschend - etwas Neuschnee von der letzten Schlechtwetterfront.

Im oberen Kühkar, unterhalb der Kühkarlspitze.

Die Überreste des 1972 abgestürzten Learjets. Unerklärlich, warum diese hier einfach so herumliegen und nicht entfernt werden.

Nach ca. 3,5h ab Scharnitz in flottem Tempo an der breiten Scharte zwischen Kühkarl- und Nördlicher Sonnenspitze angekommen (ca. 2.410m). Blick zurück in das Hinterautal und auf die Nordwände der Gleiersch-Halltal-Kette.

Im Norden Johannestal und die Falkengruppe.

Die abweisenden Laliderer Wände, lt. AVF die "geschlossenste Wandflucht der Ostalpen".

Die Westwand der Nördlichen Sonnenspitze weiß durchaus zu beeindrucken - hier geht's nun hinauf. Zuerst über 2 Schultern nach rechts hinaus, durch eine Steilrinne (nicht sichtbar) gerade empor, oben über mehrere Bänder auf den Grat und zum Gipfel.

Holger packts an.

Zuerst durch die "seichte, plattige Steilrinne" (AVF).

Relativ einfach gelangen wir über mehrere Schuttschultern zur "schräg nach unten eingeschnittenen Scharte".

Rückblick aus der Westwand hinüber zur Kühkarlspitze.

Nach der Scharte erblicken wir die steile, etwa 100m hohe "mehrfach abgesetzte, breite Rinne".

In der Rinne. Wir klettern in festem Fels hinauf.

Hier die Stelle II+ an einem kleinen Überhang. Alle Griffe und Tritte mehrmals prüfen!

Nach der II+ Stelle. Sehr steiles Gelände, 110% Schwindelfreiheit erforderlich. Wir sind uns einig, dass die Westwand im Abstieg keine kleine Herausforderung wäre. Rechts unten die schräg eingeschnittene Scharte.

Etwas überraschend, da im AVF nicht beschrieben, steigt man bereits ca. 50m unter dem Grat nach links aus der Rinne aus. Die Schneeauflage erschwerte den Gang auf den Bändern kaum, wir mussten aber das Tempo drosseln.

Nach dem Band nochmals rechts hoch (II).

Wieder nach links und auf ausgesetzten Bändern weiter. Hinten ist schon der Gipfelbereich sichtbar.

Das begangene Band im Rückblick. Im Hintergrund taucht die Südliche Sonnenspitze auf.

Wir queren bis unterhalb des Gipfelaufbaus und nehmen den direkten, jedoch sehr brüchigen Aufschwung.

Geschafft! Am Gipfel der Nördlichen Sonnenspitze, 2.651m. Die Westwand haben wir in knapp 50 Minuten durchstiegen. Wir sind die erste Partie 2017.

Nach Norden zur Falkenhütte und Ladizalm. Im Norden weiterhin Wolkenstau, bei uns klarte es zunehmend auf.

Die interessante Bockkarspitze.

Vor uns baut sich der Grat hinüber zur Südlichen Sonnenspitze auf.

Es geht zuerst wenige Meter hinunter in eine Scharte - nicht schwierig, aber höllisch brüchig. Der nachfolgende Zacken wird links umgangen. Bruch überall, allerhöchste Vorsicht ist auf den schmalen Bändern angesagt.

Der manchmal einige Meter breite Grat verengt sich mehrmals zu einer sehr ausgesetzten, brüchigen Schneide. Holger in beeindruckender Position.

Ich folge nach.

Rückblick auf die Nördliche Sonnenspitze nach etwa einem Drittel der Gratstrecke.

Im Mittelteil streckenweise Gehgelände.

Schauderlicher Tiefblick in das Kühkar, durch das wir angestiegen sind.

Recht rasch erreichen wir den tiefsten Punkt. Nun folgt der sehr schöne Anstieg zur Südlichen Sonnenspitze.

Immer am brüchigen Grat bleiben. Die Bewertung III lt. AVF ist übertrieben.

Die Schwierigkeiten sind maximal II.

Letzter Aufschwung und Rückblick auf den geschafften Grat. Kaum zu glauben, dann man links in der fast senkrechten Westwand hochsteigen kann.

Am Gipfel der Südlichen Sonnenspitze, 2.665m. Ca. 1h haben wir für den Gratübergang benötigt.

Nun beginnt der lange, mühsame Abstieg über den Südgrat. Unten im Tal die Kastenalm.

Einige Zacken umgehen wir, über einige balancieren wir drüber. Einige Male ist abzuklettern. Es wird noch brüchiger als zuvor. Kein Genußgelände.

Wir halten die Konzentration unverändert hoch. Rechts spitzt schon das grüne Köpfl hervor, der für den Abstieg wichtige Orientierungspunkt.

Tiefblick in das Rossloch. Das Gelände würde keinen Ausrutscher verzeihen.

Das Tempo bleibt gezwungenermaßen langsam. Gesamt werden wir für den Abstieg für die 1200hm bis zum Moserkarbach satte 3h benötigen.

An der Farbe erkennt man die schlechte Felsqualität am Südgrat. Der Grat wäre im Aufstieg sicher angenehmer.

Nach unten hin flacht es ab und wir können uns wieder in aufrechtem Gang fortbewegen. Wo es flach wird, steigen wir nach rechts den Schrofenhang hinunter.

Rechts der latschenbewachsene Kopf. Mittig hinunter.

Die Rinne prägt sich aus. Entweder neben oder in ihr hinab.

Die Rinne verjüngt sich. Es folgt nette Kraxelei auf ausgewaschenem Fels (I).

Nun der Steilabbruch. Wir verlassen die Rinne und steigen orographisch rechts im steilen, latschendurchsetzten Gelände ab (Stellen II). Nach dem steilen Teil hält man sich am besten wieder in der Rinne. Wir sind links davon auf extrem rutschigen Gras hinuntergepoltert.

Rückblick auf den würdigen Abschluß der Überschreitung. Nach beinahe 6h schließt sich die Runde und wir fädeln im unteren Moserkar wieder auf den Steig.

Die Kare bei nun tollem Wetter. Herrliches Karwendel!

Wir gehen die letzten 300hm zurück zum Raddepot.

Einkehr bei der idyllischen Kastenalm mit Blick auf die eindrucksvolle Südliche Sonnenspitze.

Zu guter Letzt mit Schwung hinaus nach Scharnitz. Eine tolle, fordernde Tour! Danke Holger für deine Begleitung!

Kommentar schreiben

weichselbaum wilma ( Dienstag, 25 Juli 2017 19:10 )

Gratulation und respekt .tolle leistung .mama

Florian ( Sonntag, 06 September 2020 23:34 )

Danke für das reinstellen, für mich eine große Unterstützung diese Bergtour zu machen!

Jürgen ( Dienstag, 08 September 2020 12:05 )

Das freut uns, diese schönen Berge sind ja für alle da. Es braucht ja trotzdem noch eine Menge Vorbereitung und Moral, diese Art von Touren dann tatsächlich durchzuziehen. Gruß

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Hike High on Seebensee Mountain Lake With Beautiful Zugspitze View

Panoramic hike to Seebensee with Zugspitz: A panoramic trip with all information you need and the best tips for great photographs. In this Seben Lake-oriented hiking trip you will be surrounded, but not trapped. Vorderer Tajakopf, Vorderer Drachenkopf, and Ehrwalder Sonnenspitze mountains “guard” the Mieming mountain range in the Eastern Alps from different sides, and this where your next hiking adventure awaits you. How to join and how your trip looks like on a map, find out below.

As it is well known, in order to enjoy the panorama of a famous mountain, you have to be in the surrounding mountains. This is also the case with this hike with Zugspitze panorama. The tour to Seebensee (Lake Seeben) is also one of the most beautiful in the Zugspitze region. 

More than once it impresses with picturesque views of Germany’s highest and most famous mountain. 

The 1657m high, crystal clear mountain lake is nestled in pristine nature. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded by the magnificent view of the lake. However, those who are sporty will probably only want to make a brief photo stop here and then continue the hike to the no less picturesquely situated Dragon lake (Drachensee).  

Directions – find out where Seebensee and Dragon lakes are located

From the parking lot make stop at Ehrwalder Alm bahn (1102m) on the road towards Ganghofer Hut/Immensteig. After about 250m turn right onto the Immensteig and follow it. After many serpentines you reach the road, follow it via Seebenalm (1575m) to Seebensee (1657m) (various hiking trails directly near the road). 

Go around the lake on the right and continue steeply uphill to the Coburger Hut (1917m). From here walk once around the  Dragon lake (Drachensee) and back to the Seebensee. At the far end of Seebensee turn left towards Hoher Gang and after a few meters turn left and follow the hiking trail (812) downhill. 

At the first crossroads keep right and finally left, back to the starting point Ehrwalder Alm bahn. More comfortable alternative from the top station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn via the road to the Seebensee (also suitable as MTB tour).

Photo tips for visiting Seebensee and Dragon lake that will make your Instagram pop

Probably the most famous view in the direction of the Zugspitze starts from the back of the Seebensee. But also the view in the direction of the Mieminger mountains with the prominent Tajaköpfen, Drachenkopf, and Griesspitzen mountains does not disappoint us. 

Somewhat more alpine and closer to nature is the circumnavigation of the Dragon lake. The climb is worth it at least for the photo, but even more for the peace and high alpine location . 

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private photo workshops and group classes .

Information for you next hiking adventure

How to get there by public transport: From the north: By bus or train to Garmisch. From here, change to Ehrwald and take a bus to the Ehrwalder Alm bahn.  From the west/south: Take regional bus 4250 from Reutte or Nassereith to Ehrwald to the Kirchplatz stop. Change and take the regional bus 1 to the stop Ehrwalder Almbahn, www.vvt.at.

How to get there by car: Take the B179 to Ehrwald, follow the signs to the Ehrwalder Almbahn. Parking spaces at the valley station of the Ehrwalder Almbahn.

Start/finish: Ehrwalder Almbahn (1102m), 47.387981,10.937963

Distance: 13km

Duration: 5h

Ascent/descent: 880m/880m

Highest point/lowest point: 1940m/1102m

Hike difficulty level : medium/difficult

Special features: Overnight stay at Coburger Hütte, shorter tour possible from the Ehrwalder Alm bahn mountain station.

Catering : Ehrwalder Almbahn valley station, Seeben Alm, Coburger Hütte.

Further tips: Alternative ascent via Seebenklettersteig for experienced mountaineers, also interesting as MTB Bike+Hike round.

Contact: www.almbahn.at

The most beautiful photo spots and hikes in the Alps – experience this hiking tour and 29 other exceptional regions now.

Hi, i am Marius, i love exploring the mountains and nature. Friends say, i know the mountains better than most locals, but actually i get lost all the time while photographing ;). Read more about the Mountain Moments Team .

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Buchtipps für die region, kartentipps für die region, ähnliche touren in der umgebung.

• Sonnenspitz • 1271 m - Sonnenweg für angehende Bergsteiger
• Jochberg (1.565m) über Sonnenspitz (1.269m) vom Kochelsee. Lange, schöne, halbwegs einsame Runde
• Wanderung am 23. April 2021
• Lainbachfälle und Pessenbacher Höhenweg

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• Outdoor Activities
• Walking & Hiking
• Inn Valley High Trail

Long-Distance Hike Inn Valley High Trail

Self-catering traveller? Always a good thing in high alpine terrain, but not absolutely necessary along this impressive high trail between Innsbruck/Igls and Schwaz. Because the “Inntaler”, which leads high above the Inn Valley through the Tux Alps at around 2,000 metres above sea level, is quite rightly described as one of the region's top adventures for foodies. All huts en-route offer excellent regional cuisine, which provides strength and sustenance for the six moderately difficult day stages between Patscherkofel and Kellerjoch, during which hikers must overcome around 4,000 vertical metres uphill and around 5,400 vertical metres downhill. The primary motivation for undertaking this hike, however, is the unique alpine landscape. The trail passes by blue lakes and through the Patscherkofel – Zirmberg – Viggartal – Glungezer conservation areas and touches on many romantic valleys: Voldertal, Navistal, Wattental, Nafingtal, Nurpenstal, Sidantal and Finsinggrund. The only section on this stage that is categorised as “difficult” is on day 2 and can be bypassed. There is the option to head down into the valley from each of the huts along the Inn Valley High Trail.

"The Zirbenweg Trail takes walkers through Europe's largest pinewood forest. The views of the Inn Valley far below are just as impressive as the trees themselves."

Ambros Gasser, Geschäftsführer der Alpinschule Innsbruck

Starting point  

Innsbruck/Igls

Finishing point

Mountain chain

• Wheelchair-accessible Hiking Route
• Circular hike

Difficulty rating

difficult (black trails)

Elevation uphill 3,930m Vertical metres downhill 5,376m

Fitness level

Best time of year

* These are approximate values and recommendations. Please take your personal fitness level, technical ability and the current weather conditions into account. Tirol Werbung cannot guarantee that the information provided is correct and accepts no liability.

Public transport

• Accessible using public transport

Parking at the bottom of the Patscherkofelbahn cable car

Places serving food and drink

• Day 1: Schutzhütte Patscherkofel, Restaurant Kofel (top of Patscherkofelbahn cable car), Boscheben, Glungezerhütte
• Day 2: Lizumer Hütte
• Day 3: Weidener Hütte
• Day 4: Rastkogelhütte
• Day 5: Kellerjochhütte   

Trail description

Day 1: Innsbruck/Igls – Glungezer Hütte 683 vertical metres from the top of the cable car, walking time: 3 hours 15 minutes, distance: 7.1 kilometres

Make your ascent with the Patscherkofelbahn cable car from Innsbruck/Igls or walk up via Heiligwasser. From Patscherkofelhaus (1,970 metres), take the Zirbenweg Trail to Boscheben, then head up via the Glungezersteig to the Glungezer Hütte (2,610 metres). From here the short climb to Sonnenspitze Peak (2,639 metres) is recommended, then on to the Glungezer (2,677 metres) offering fabulous panoramic views of around 500 peaks and ridges.

Day 2: Glungezer Hütte – Lizumer Hütte Uphill/downhill: 705/1,295 vertical metres, walking time: 7 hours 30 minutes, distance: 14.5 kilometres

Glungezer – Gamslahner – Kreuzjöchl – Kreuzspitze – Rosenjoch – Grünbergspitze – Grafmartspitze – Naviser Jöchl – Mölsjoch – Klammjoch – Lizumer Hut.

From the Glungezer Hütte the route is marked along the ridge and passes in part over rock slabs in a southerly direction over the panoramic  Seven Tuxer Summits . The highest point of the route is the Rosenjoch mountain at 2,796 metres. Continue over the mountain ridge to Wattener Lizum and the Lizumer Hütte (2,019 metres). The Lizumer Hütte is located in the Lizum Walchen Federal Army training area; information on shooting times and general rules of conduct can be obtained by phone by calling +43.50201.6442010 or online at  www.wattenberg.tirol.gv.at .

Day 3: Lizumer Hütte – Weidener Hütte Uphill/downhill: 672/891 vertical metres, walking time: 5.5 hours, distance: 11.7 kilometres

From the Lizumer Hütte take the Zentralalpenweg 02A (Central Alpine Trail) past the Soldatenkirche church, through ancient pine forests beneath the Torspitze peak, the Eiskarspitze mountain and the Hippold mountain the trail leads up to Grafensjoch (in old maps "Krovenzjoch"), 2,450 metres. Climb down from here to the valley, walk alongside the Weerbach river to Grafennsalm and on to the Weidener Hütte (1,799 metres). If you fancy scaling a summit, the Geier (2,858 metres) is recommended here, the Lizumer Hütte’s local mountain. The ascent takes around 3 hours from the Lizumer Hütte.

Tip! from Grafensjoch you can additionally climb the Hippoldspitze (approx. 1 h extra).  

Day 4: Weidener Hütte – Rastkogel Hütte Uphill/downhill: 1,049/733 vertical metres, walking time: 6.5 hours, distance: 12.4 kilometres

From the Weidener Hütte on the Zentralalpenweg 02A (Central Alpine Trail), walk alongside the Nafingbach river into the valley, past the Nafingalm at the foot of Halslspitze mountain and on to Nurpensjoch. Continue along trail 318 to Rastkogel (2,762 metres). Descend along the ridge, past two small mountain lakes and on to Sidanjoch (2,762 metres) and the Rastkogel Hütte (2,124 metres).

Day 5: Rastkogel Hütte – Hochfügen - Kellerjoch Hütte Uphill/downhill: 878/759 vertical metres, walking time: 6 hours, distance: 14 kilometres

From the Rastkogel Hütte, walk back to Sidanjoch (2,127 metres) and down the easy descent via trail 316 to Pfundsalm-Mittelleger (1,832 metres), alongside the Finsingbach river to Hochfügen (1,470 metres), where you will find overnight accommodation. Alternatively, continue along trail 316 up to Maschentalalm (1,717 Meter) and on to Loassattel (1,675 metres). Now take either Hochebenweg trail 311 via Naunzalm to the Kellerjoch Hütte or continue along trail 316 up to Kuhmesser with fabulous views of Innsbruck and the Zillertal Valley. The trail leads below the summit from here to Kellerjoch Hütte .

Day 6: Kellerjoch Hütte – Schwaz Downhill: 900 vertical metres to Grafenast, 1,730 vertical metres to Schwaz, walking time: 2 hours to Grafenast, 5 hours to Schwaz, distance: 6 kilometres to Grafenast, 11.6 kilometres to Schwaz

It is well worth making a detour to the summit chapel at Kellerjoch (2,344 metres) to check out the stunning views of the Karwendel Mountains before heading back down into the valley. Take the same trail back down to the hut and continue along the Jägersteig (Hunter’s Trail) to the Naunzalm hut. Continue along the Jägersteig before taking the "Alter Kellerjochweg" trail 312 to Hochpillberg and the top of the Grafenast chairlift (1,347 metres) and on to Schwaz .

Places along the route

Perched on a plateau above Hall in Tirol in the Inntal Valley, the farming village of Tulfes enjoys a sunny location at the foot of the 2,677m Glungezer mountain, one of the most popular hiking and…

Narrow medieval alleys, centuries-old townhouses and an imposing 700-year-old fortress – the historic centre of Hall in Tirol is an architectural highlight.

The town of Schwaz in the Lower Inntal Valley is the cultural hub of the Karwendel Silver Region and is still known today as the "silver town" thanks to its long history of copper and silver mining.

Innsbruck has everything a lively, vibrant city needs, and yet it is just a ten-minute journey into the high mountains which dominate the skyline.

Even as early as the 19th century residents of Innsbruck would travel up to the village of Igls to the south of the regional capital to escape the heat of the city and enjoy the stunning views. Many…

Arrival date

How to get here by plane, train, bus or car.

Ihr Ziel: Inn Valley High Trail (47.22977,11.41383)

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Region Hall-Wattens Unterer Stadtplatz 19 6060 Hall in Tirol t     +43.5223.45544-0 e     [email protected] w     www.hallwattens.at

Hiking trails in this region

Hall in Tirol

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Hotel Sonnenspitze

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 59
• Very Good 40
• All languages ( 108 )
• English ( 47 )
• Dutch ( 33 )
• German ( 21 )

" Most of the clients when we were there were German or Austrian, we took our cues from them and couldn't go wrong. "

" Only down side, no laundrette in the village-closest is campsite in Lermoos with one machine and a drier that doesnt work. It would be great if there was a laundry servic "

" Remember your swimming costume. Extra parking behind the hotel and rear door. "

" Best rooms are on 1st & 2nd floors. 3rd floors room are noisy if it rains "

" Do have a room on 3rd floor if its raining "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

HOTEL SONNENSPITZE

We treat all your senses with culinary delights. But the pleasure does not end there, as even more amenities are included in your holidays.

A long time ago we have decided to use no products, that have been shipped around half the world, before making their way to our kitchen. Instead, we have thought about the roots of authentic Tyrolean flavours. The current events in the world have further encouraged us in our mission. Therefore, you only enjoy fresh, regional and seasonal products at our house. The intense aromas and colourful diversity make our cuisine a feast for the palate and the eyes.

Only the best ingredients for our excellent dishes.

Our rooms have individual character. They vary in size – to suit the needs of our guests. Small ones for cosy days, large ones for the whole family. But one thing, they all have in common: they are comfortable and adorned with small cosy details to make your holiday dreams come true.

In our 4-star Hotel Sonnenspitze on the foot of the Zugspitze

you can start your personal journey to adventures on the sunny side of life. Surrounded by unspoilt nature, you enjoy impeccable service.

Lean back, breathe deep and feel the happiness. Be intoxicated by the fantastic view, by the warmth, the wonderful fragrances and the inspiring sense of tranquillity.

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Hotel Sonnenspitze

Kirchplatz 14, 6632 Ehrwald, Austria – Excellent location – show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

This is a carousel with rotating slides. It displays featured reviews of the property. Use the Next and Previous buttons to navigate.

Very luxurious top shelf place. The restaurant and spa areas, plus the pool, relaxation, and lobby areas were as nice as it gets. Right downtown Ehrwald, everything within walking distance. Loved every bit of it.

Friendly staff, delicious food, amazing welness and pool area, confortable bed, stunning views from the balcony to surrounding mountains.

Amazing food, different dinner menu every night and always a vegetarian option. Everything was very clean and the staff was amazing.

Great location, large modern room. Great wellness facilities including outdoor (heated) pool. Great catering (breakfast and dinner)

Price/ quality rate, good service (friendly), good food and swimming pool with view

A lovely hotel in the heart of Ehrwald. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the food was amazing and the location was great for getting around.

Spa facilities are great. Very modern and clean. The half board package was great value for money and the food was excellent each night. Staff are very friendly and able to help with any needs.

Cozy and clean hotel, with exceptional location, nice restaurant and lovely spa area. Pool outside with great view. Superfriendly staff and good service.

Breakfast was great could cook your own boiled eggs with a proper timer. Afternoon snack meal was equally good and welcome when you returned fro. Skiing. Evening meals always 3 choices and we're very good.

the Wellness is fabulous, good food, nice rooms & super friendly crew

Hotel Sonnenspitze Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Hotel Sonnenspitze – rated 9.1 by recent guests!

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The traditional Hotel Sonnenspitze is located in the center of Ehrwald, surrounded by the mountains of the Zugspitz Arena. Free WiFi is available in all areas. The hotel also offers free parking. The Sonnenhang Ski Area is a 5-minute walk away. All rooms feature wooden furnishings, cable TV, and a bathroom with bright tiles and a hairdryer. Some rooms have a seating area. The spa area features a sauna, a steam bath, an infrared cabin, and a fitness room. Other facilities at the hotel include a heated outdoor pool and a relaxation area with waterbeds, a fireplace lounge, a children’s playroom, and baby equipment. The restaurant serves international and Austrian cuisine, as well as fine wines. There is also a bar. Guests of Hotel Sonnenspitze enjoy free admission with their guest card to Ehrwald’s public indoor pool, a 5-minute walk away. The free ski bus stops a 1-minute walk away and takes guests to the Zugspitze Ski Area in 15 minutes. In summer, many hiking and cycling trails are nearby, and the Zugspitz Golf Course is a 5-minute drive away.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Free parking
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Fitness center
• Exceptional Breakfast

Property highlights

Located in the best-rated area in Ehrwald, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.6

Breakfast Info

Continental, Vegetarian, Buffet

Free private parking available at the hotel

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Availability

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Property practices

Categories:, see what guests loved the most:.

Hotel area info

Amenities of hotel sonnenspitze great facilities review score, 9.1.

• Toilet paper
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Mountain view
• Outdoor furniture
• Socket near the bed
• Clothes rack
• Ski pass vendor
• Ski rental on site
• Ski school Additional charge
• Ski storage
• Bicycle rental
• Archery Off-site
• Walking tours
• Mini golf Additional charge
• Pool table Additional charge
• Golf course (within 2 miles) Additional charge
• Flat-screen TV
• Cable channels
• Coffee house on site
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kids' meals
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Valet parking
• Accessible parking
• Public transit tickets
• Invoice provided
• ATM on site
• Baggage storage
• Express check-in/out
• Indoor play area
• Board games/Puzzles
• Daily housekeeping
• Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
• Meeting/Banquet facilities
• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke alarms
• Shuttle service Additional charge
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Smoke-free property
• Hypoallergenic room available
• Wake-up service
• Packed lunches
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Airport shuttle Additional charge
• Wheelchair accessible
• Upper floors accessible by elevator
• Opening times
• Open all year
• All ages welcome
• Pool with view
• Heated pool
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Beach umbrellas
• Locker rooms
• Full-body massage
• Head massage
• Foot massage
• Neck massage
• Back massage
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Spa facilities
• Body treatments
• Facial treatments
• Beauty services
• Turkish/Steam Bath
• Massage Additional charge

See availability House rules

From 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM

From 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets are not allowed.

Accepted payment methods

Cash Hotel Sonnenspitze accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note that the infrared cabin is available at an additional cost. In summer, the sauna and the steam bath have to be reserved in advance.

FAQs about Hotel Sonnenspitze

What kind of breakfast is served at hotel sonnenspitze.

Guests staying at Hotel Sonnenspitze can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 9.6).

• Continental

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Sonnenspitze?

The prices at Hotel Sonnenspitze may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

How far is Hotel Sonnenspitze from the center of Ehrwald?

Hotel Sonnenspitze is 500 feet from the center of Ehrwald. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Sonnenspitze?

Check-in at Hotel Sonnenspitze is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:30 AM.

What type of room can I book at Hotel Sonnenspitze?

Does hotel sonnenspitze have a pool.

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

What is there to do at Hotel Sonnenspitze?

• Golf course (within 2 miles)
• Swimming pool

The Best of Ehrwald

Attractions, golf courses.

• Golfpark Mieminger Plateau
• Tiroler Zugspitz Golf
• Golfclub Seefeld-Wildmoos
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen City Hall
• Historical Ludwigstrasse
• Alpentherme Ehrenberg
• Zugspitze railway
• Highline179
• Burgruine Werdenfels
• King's House on Schachen
• Museum Aschenbrenner
• Richard Strauss Institute
• Werdenfels Museum
• Knappenwelt Gurgltal
• Burgenwelt Ehrenberg

Popular Areas

• Bayerische Spielbank

Stadiums or Arenas

• Olympia-Sportstatten
• Olympic Ski Jump
• Brunnentalschanze
• Innsbruck Airport (INN) 22.4 miles
• Memmingen Airport (FMM) 51.7 miles
• Hohenems Airport (HOH) 57 miles

Train Stations

• Zugspitzbahn - TalStation
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen Station
• Train Station Lermoos
• Train Station Reutte in Tyrol

Most Popular Cities

• Seefeld in Tirol

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Sámara: A Travel Guide to Costa Rica’s Coolest Beach Town

• February 26, 2021

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Are you considering visiting the surf town of Sámara in Costa Rica? Need some persuasion? Well you’ve come to the right place! This Sámara travel guide is designed to tell you everything you need to know to plan your escape to this stunning area of Costa Rica.

I spent a few days in Sámara at the end of my G Adventures Costa Rica tour, and I fell for it fast!

Unlike many other places in Costa Rica, this small town on the pacific coast is surprisingly authentic, and you’ll never have to deal with crowds of other tourists. Most tourists skip over Samara entirely, which in my opinion is almost criminal!

Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s a whole load of reasons you’ll love Sámara. First of all, obviously, the lack of crowds is a big selling point. There’s also the laid-back, anything goes vibe that makes you want to quit your life and become a full-time beach bum. But Samara is also a fabulous base for a tonne of awesome activities that’ll keep you entertained for days! 

Heading to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast instead? Check out my travel guide here.

How Much Time Do You Need in Sámara?

In Sámara, it’s easy to do whatever it is you want. Feel like reading a book on the beach for a couple of days? No problem. Feel like packing a bunch of activities into your stay and keeping busy? That’s also cool!

Aside from surfing and being a beach bum, there isn’t much to do in Sámara itself so it’s a good idea to get a balance of beach time and adventure activities. I think 3 days in Sámara is ideal for most visitors, but if you like surfing you’ll want to stay there longer.

I personally could have stayed there for over a week without getting bored! Sprawled out on the beach, drinking out of a coconut, I almost cancelled my flights home to extend my trip!

Alas… Real life responsibilities won in the end, and I caught the bus back to San Jose promising to return one day…

How to Get to Sámara

There are a few options for getting to Sámara depending on how adventurous you are.

Obviously, if you’ve hired a car, you should drive to Sámara. It takes around 4 hours from the capital city of San Jose, or 2 hours from Tamarindo. I’m a big scaredy-cat when it comes to driving, though, so it was never something I considered!

The option I went for, and the easiest option by far, is by joining a Costa Rica guided tour that goes to Sámara. There are a few different tour providers in Costa Rica, but I opted for G Adventures and I highly recommend their tours.

I went on this one , which hits up all the highlights of Costa Rica (including Sámara) over 14-days, and I had the time of my life! Taking a tour was ideal for me, as it meant I didn’t have to think at all about logistics and how to get from A to B. Y ou can read my full review of the tour I went on here.

Your final option is to catch a bus to get to Sámara. From San Jose, the bus takes around 4 hours and costs around $8 one-way. There are also local buses from Sámara to popular nearby destinations such as Tamarindo.

Things to Do in Sámara, Costa Rica

Going surfing.

Sámara is all about surf, and whether you’ve never set foot on a surfboard in your life or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll have the time of your life surfing here.

The guys over at C&C Surf School have unbeatable enthusiasm for teaching you how to surf and are full of helpful advice. A few people in my tour group took lessons here and had nothing but good things to say about them. Everybody managed to stand up on their first lesson, which is a huge achievement!

If you already know what you’re doing they have a wide range of surfboards to hire, although they don’t have too many more “advanced” boards. They also hire out rash vests. Be sure to hire a long sleeve one if you can to protect yourself from the sun!

Surfing here was unbelievable. I just couldn’t get enough. The waves were so clean and easy to ride along (especially compared to the windswept slop I surf back at home)! Sámara is the perfect place to learn how to surf.

That said, though, the surf is only pumping at certain times of the day. When I was there, it was first thing in the morning and around sunset. During the middle of the day, it was almost flat! That means you’ll have time to either lounge on the beach in between surf sessions, or fit in an activity.

Snorkelling

How better to explore Sámara’s surrounding area than by boat, stopping off to snorkel at all the best spots? 

I love snorkelling and always try to do it at least once per trip. There are quite a few snorkelling tours available in Sámara, so I recommend using Viator to check out your options.

This tour gets rave reviews! Taking in the gorgeous scenery at Barco Quebrado, Sámara and Carrillo, you’ll be able to snorkel to your heart’s content and get to know the area by its best and most beautiful asset – the ocean!

Stand up Paddleboarding

Even if you haven’t tried stand up paddleboarding before, taking a paddleboarding tour is one of the best things to do in Samara. Sámara beach itself can sometime be too ferocious for stand up paddleboarding, but joining a tour will enable you to visit the tranquil nearby waters of Carillo, which is much better suited to paddleboarding.

During a paddleboarding class, your guide will give you a quick introduction to paddleboarding and teach you how to balance on the board before you set off along the coast.

Horseback Riding

Fun fact: the first time I ever went horseback riding was in Costa Rica.

Ever since, I’ve made it my life mission to convince everybody else to go horseback riding in Costa Rica too. Well, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but the experience was just magic!

Luckily, you can go horseback riding in Sámara – and you can actually ride on the beach (goals)!

This tour takes you riding up a mountain through the jungle to reach amazing viewpoints, and allows you to see a part of Sámara not many others visit which isn’t accessible by vehicle. The final leg of the tour includes galloping along the beach.

I’m always super cautious before recommending animal activities as animal welfare is something I am passionate about. Fortunately, this tour company is consistently praised for the condition of their horses, and they pride themselves on never taking the horses on more than one tour per day. 

Meeting Turtles

Ever wanted to see turtles nesting and hatching on the beach?

Well, from Sámara, you can take a tour to see the baby turtles . From Sámara beach, a guided turtle tour will take you to either Corozalito, Camaronal or Ostional beach where you commence your turtle hunt.

The tour guides have a huge emphasis on the wellbeing of the turtles and give you a full safety briefing before you spot the turtles and, after that, you’ll be able to watch the turtles making their way into the ocean.

The peak turtle hatching time in the area is September and October, so, although you can still spot turtles outside of these months, there’s always a risk that you could miss them.

Mangrove Kayaking 

Sámara isn’t far away from the Ora River, a popular kayaking spot in Costa Rica. Paddling the quiet waters of the river on a guided kayak tour is the best way to explore the mangroves. As you paddle you’ll be able to spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds, as well as an easy way to explore the tropical rainforest. 

Sunset Booze Cruise

I skipped this tour in favour of extra time spent surfing, but judging by the state of the girls on my tour group who went on it when they returned to the hostel, I definitely missed out!

With alcohol, soft drinks and snacks all included in the price of the cruise, this is without doubt the most epic way to catch the sunset in Sámara. There’s an opportunity to snorkel and dolphin-spot on the journey before you settle in to witness the sunset over drinks. The cruise lasts around 3 hours.

The girls on my tour who went on this came back so drunk (in the best way possible). They all said they’d had an amazing time – and it sure looked like they did! Check out prices here .

Quad Biking

This was another tour that I skipped in order to go surfing in Sámara (I’m sensing a theme here…) but the people in my tour group who went quad biking couldn’t sing its praises loud enough!

The quad biking tour includes a safety briefing followed by pure adventure! You’ll get to take in the hills and jungle as you zoom through the rainforest. The tour finishes off at the beach, where you’ll get the opportunity to snorkel and wash away all the dirt from the journey.

Be sure to bring a bandana if you’re going quad biking! The wheels kick up dust and dirt like there’s no tomorrow, and breathing in a bunch of dust is something nobody wants.

Is Sámara Costa Rica Safe?

Yes, Sámara is safe, and I didn’t feel concerned for my safety at all whilst I was here – unlike in a few towns on the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica where harassment was a problem.

I would have felt fine walking alone in the town centre at night by myself, but fortunately I didn’t have to, and I’d always prefer to go out with others after dark.

Obviously, like everywhere else in Costa Rica, stay sensible, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t go wandering around dark alleyways by yourself at night, and you’ll find that Sámara is a perfectly safe place to visit in Costa Rica.

Where to Stay in Sámara

There are great accommodation options in Sámara for all budgets, but especially if you’re travelling on a low to mid-range budget. Here are my picks for the best places to stay in Sámara.

Hostels in Sámara

Sámara has quite a few hostels, but there are only a couple that have good ratings:

Matilori hostel – Surrounded by Mango trees and just 50 metres away from the beach, you can’t beat the location of this hugely popular hostel. It’s fairly small so it’s easy to get to know other people in the hostel, which is ideal if you’re a solo traveller looking to socialise. It also has all the facilities you’d need, including a kitchen to prepare your own food (and keep costs down) and reliable wifi if you need to get some work done or call home. 

One night in a 6-bed dorm costs around $15 , with a private double room costing $40 . Check out availability and reviews here .

Las Mariposas – Just like Matilori hostel, Las Mariposas is just 50 metres away from the beach (Sámara really is all about beachside living!). This hostel is well known amongst travellers to Sámara for its social atmosphere, and it has a hammock area outdoors where you can chill in the evening and chat with other guests. It also offers free coffee in the morning.

One night in an 8-bed dorm costs around $14 , with a private double room costing $40 . Check out availability and reviews here .

Hotels in Sámara

If you’re travelling as a couple (or just prefer your own space and a few extra luxuries) staying at a hotel or guesthouse in Sámara is the ideal option for you. 

The Good Life Lodge – This is the perfect compromise between a hostel and a hotel – it has a communal kitchen, so you can cook your own food to save costs, but it has the little luxuries you wouldn’t find at a hostel. We’re talking about a hot tub, flat-screen TVs, welcome beers and the all-important AIR CONDITIONING! This place gets rave reviews, which you can check out here . 

Double rooms cost around $79 per night . Check availability for your dates here . 

Hotel Peace & Lodge – For one of the best places to stay in Sámara, check out Hotel Peace & Lodge. This place is one of Booking.com’s most popular stays in Sámara, and looking over the property’s pictures, I’m not surprised. With a restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden and a bar, it isn’t short of facilities, and all the rooms are spacious. The price also includes breakfast!

Double rooms cost around $102 per night . Check availability for your dates here .

Best Restaurants in Sámara

Sámara is a small town, so you’re not going to be overwhelmed by choice of places to eat here. That said, there are enough great restaurants in town serving up both local and international cuisine, so you won’t be disappointed. Here are my top picks:

• Samara Sushi – this sushi place is wildly popular and gets rave reviews. In fact, my Costa Rican tour guide said it was his favourite sushi ever! The decor is unique and makes the restaurant feel super laid back, and their 2 for 1 sushi special (which runs after 5pm) is always a hit. Unfortunately, though, it’s quite pricey.
• Restaurante Sheriff Rustic – for an authentic Costa Rican soda (a local restaurant) you don’t need to look any further than Restaurante Sheriff Rustic. I ate here twice, and it was perfect! The prices were reasonable, the staff offer killer recommendations from the menu, and their ceviche cannot be beaten.
• El Lagarto – Is this the best restaurant in Samara? I think so! And so do all the online reviewers! The specialty at El Lagarto is anything grilled, and boy, I didn’t think grilling could make anything taste this good! The restaurant is down a back street and a bit hard to find, but that only makes it more of a hidden gem.

Don’t forget to check out my post on traditional food and drinks to try in Costa Rica!

Things You Need to Bring to Sámara, Costa Rica

For Sámara, you’ll definitely need some mosquito repellent spray and bands , and a quick-dry travel towel for all those beach days you’ll have. Other than that, you won’t need anything special beyond what I covered in my Costa Rica packing list .

I do want to emphasise how important it is that you purchase travel insurance before you visit Sámara, though. 

A lot of people don’t think it’s necessary to get travel insurance before travelling to Costa Rica – and it makes me wince whenever I hear about it! Costa Rica is fairly safe, but being careful and visiting safe destinations doesn’t prevent plain old bad luck from happening!

Not only is travel insurance very affordable, but it can save you from all manner of nightmarish situations – whether that’s having your flights cancelled, accidentally damaging your laptop, or even getting injured on an activity! I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance and would NEVER travel uninsured . 

Travel insurance is the kind of thing you often don’t think about until you need it. Don’t get caught short!

I hope this post has helped you to plan your visit to Sámara – you’re going to love it! With so many fun activities right on its doorstep, and that incredible beach, I can’t understand why Sámara isn’t swamped with visitors. I’m definitely happy it isn’t, though!

Don’t forget to head over to my other Costa Rica posts for more trip planning tips!

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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I’m so glad I came across your post. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit I’d never even heard of Samara. Now I can’t wait to go there.

Thanks Jenn! Samara is so lovely!

Thanks for this. How did you feel about the Hotel Villas Playa Samara. We are an active couple in our late 60’s and early 70’s who want to stay in an all inclusive but still take surfing lessons and do some excursions. Did you see this hotel and what did you think of it.

Hi Steve, I’m glad you found the post helpful! I unfortunately didn’t see Hotel Villas Playa Samara during my time in town, but given your interests I think you’ll have a fabulous time in Samara no matter where you stay! I hope you have a great trip 🙂

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Home » Destinations » Nicoya Peninsula » Samara » 8 BEST Tours in Samara, Costa Rica

8 BEST Tours in Samara, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Samara is the perfect destination to experience the  pura vida  in Costa Rica. This laid-back beach town is ideal for a relaxed getaway with friends or family, and it feels like a super safe place to visit in Costa Rica . 

We’ve found this small town is definitely less touristy than other parts of the Guanacaste province . Luckily, there’s still tons to do here, thanks to all of the amazing nature and wildlife around. You can swim with dolphins, go kayaking through mangroves, or ride horses along the beautiful beach – the choice is yours! 

There are many fun activities in Samara , but we think that some are best done as part of a tour. Sometimes this is for safety and practical reasons, like if you’re heading out on a boat or ATV. Other times, it’s simply because your guide can take you to secret wildlife hotspots you would never find on your own. 

So if you want to see the top highlights along with some hidden gems, we’ve got you covered! During our time in Costa Rica, we’ve tried many tours here and found the 8 best tours in Samara. Read on so you can start planning all of the amazing activities you want to experience here! 

Our Top Picks for Tours in Samara

If you don’t have time to read through all the choices and just want to book now, these are our top choices for tours in Samara!

Best bucket list-worthy tour: When we arrived in Costa Rica, seeing turtles was something we really wanted to do. Luckily, Samara is a great place for this! On this 3.5-hour turtle watching tour , you’ll see turtles nesting or even baby turtles hatching on the beach! It’s an evening tour and the local guides choose which beach to go to depending on where the turtles are. It’s only $57 USD including transportation and can be booked online year-round , although September/October are prime months.

Best combo tour: Don’t just stay on land, get out on the water in Samara! This 3-hour tour takes you to the best places to see dolphins! You’ll watch them play in the waves and also have a chance to spot turtles, stingrays, and whales. Then, it’s off to a prime snorkeling spot at Isla Chora to get up close with some of the amazing marine life. It’s really a 2-in-1 experience and at $58 USD is really affordable to book online too.

Why book a tour in Samara?

One of the best reasons to book a tour in Costa Rica – and more specifically, Samara – is that you get to see so much more wildlife that way. Some creatures are difficult to spot, but guides are so helpful for this. Plus, you find out so much more about what you’re seeing. In a country as biodiverse as Costa Rica, you come away from pretty much every tour having learned something fascinating. 

Another reason to do a tour in Samara is that you can’t access all of the best activities here on foot, so having transportation taken care of is really nice. Some tourists rent scooters to get around, but understandably not everyone is comfortable with that.

We also found that the tours we did in Samara took us to places we wouldn’t have found on our own. For example, we discovered some amazing snorkel spots in Costa Rica that we wouldn’t have been able to get to otherwise.

Samara is pretty safe overall. But if it’s your first time in Costa Rica, you might feel more comfortable taking a tour. You’ll be with a local guide who ensures your safety throughout and makes sure you don’t venture off anywhere you shouldn’t. 

Last but not least, we also found tours in Samara to be really good value for money! Most of the tours on this list cost less than $60 USD, so you really can’t go wrong. 

What are the best tours in Samara, Costa Rica?

1. dolphin and snorkeling trip at isla chora national wildlife refuge.

One of the (many) amazing things about Costa Rica is that you can see dolphins all along its Pacific Coast. Samara is a fantastic place to go dolphin watching and it’s a really affordable activity here! 

To access the best places for dolphin watching, I recommend taking this 3-hour tour . They pick you up around 8 am and head directly on a dolphin cruise. It’s such a beautiful way to start your morning and it’s hard not to smile when you see these playful creatures!

When we went, we loved watching the dolphins play in the waves, and we also saw turtles and stingrays. If you book this cruise between August and October, or December and April, you might spot some whales , too! 

After the dolphin cruise, you’ll sail to Isla Chora , which is famed for its amazing snorkeling. We went snorkeling here and saw lots of marine life, including a turtle, pufferfish, and lots of pretty reef fish. 

At $58 USD, we think that this tour is amazing value. You essentially get two tours in one! It’s also a great tour to do if you don’t have a lot of time in Samara but still want to experience its fantastic marine life. Snacks, snorkel equipment, and all transport are all included. There’s a maximum of 20 travelers, so it’s not too crowded, either!

If dolphin watching is at the top of your agenda, you’ll want to take this tour! You can pick your date and book it right here .

Related Read: If you love surfing, read all about the nearby town of Santa Teresa ! It provides that laid-back surfer lifestyle with cheap rentals and good waves year-round.

2. Horseback Riding on the Beach

Horseback riding is a super popular thing to do in Samara. Riding along the beach is just the perfect setting whether you’re honeymooning in Costa Rica or just looking for a unique activity. 

We recommend  this 2.5-hour horseback tour as the guides are great at encouraging you and showing you what to do if you’re a beginner. Rest assured, you don’t need any horse riding experience to enjoy this tour!

You’ll ride through the jungle in a small group of no more than eight and your guide will point out lots of flora and fauna along the way. You’ll almost certainly see monkeys scampering around! Your trusty steed will take you up a mountain to an amazing viewpoint where you can soak in the beauty of Samara’s wild landscape.

Then, you ride to a gorgeous beach where you can gallop along the shore and end your tour on a high. Riding horses along a stunning, deserted beach is something you only see in movies, and this is a rare opportunity to actually experience it in real life.

This tour is offered Mondays through Saturdays at 8 am and 3 pm. If you do the tour later in the afternoon, you will ride along the beach at sunset, which is such an amazing experience – we recommend doing this if you can!

The experience costs $55 USD per person, and there’s a minimum of two people per booking. The price includes hotel pickup and dropoff, and some photos and videos of the experience. It’s a fantastic price, but we’ve actually seen this tour offered for even cheaper. So, don’t hesitate to check prices for your dates online here !

3. Turtle Nesting Tour

If you’re anything like us, seeing turtles in Costa Rica is high on your list of things to do in the country . But on this 3.5-hour tour , you not only see turtles, you get to watch them nesting and hatching on the beach! 

This really is the kind of experience that’s best done with a guide. They’ll know all of the hotspots for turtle activity and can teach you all about their life cycles. Plus, you may even see baby turtles crawling towards the sea like we did!

This tour will pick you up around 7 pm and take you to Corozalito or Camaronal Beach , depending on the conditions that day. However, if there’s an arribada happening in Ostional Beach (which is 1.5 hours from Samara), your tour will take you there for no extra cost. An arribada is a natural phenomenon when hundreds of turtles come ashore at once to lay their eggs. It’s an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime thing to see and a big pro of this tour as far as we’re concerned!

This turtle tour costs $57 USD per person, including your roundtrip transport and guide, as well as water, juice, and snacks along the way. The very best months to book are September and October, as this is prime turtle time in Samara. However, you can do it year-round, so don’t worry too much if you’re not here during these specific months. 

If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss this awesome opportunity! I recommend booking well in advance to secure your dates .

Related Read: Samara is just one of the many epic places in the area – so check out our complete guide on the Nicoya Peninsula (including the best things to do) .

4. Mangrove Kayaking Tour

Costa Rica isn’t all beaches and rainforests! Mangroves are a super interesting ecosystem, and they just so happen to be really fun to kayak through.

This guided tour  takes you down the Ora River, where you’ll kayak through the mangroves. To get an idea of what this looks like, just check out my photo above! Believe me, you’ll feel like an intrepid explorer as you spot monkeys, iguanas, and beautiful birds as you go. 

You’ll also learn a lot about mangroves from your guide. Did you know that they’re basically environmental heroes and absorb 5-6 times as much CO2 as rainforests? We definitely didn’t before taking this tour!

Plus, kayaking along the Ora River is easy, thanks to the calm water. You don’t need to be a paddling pro with super strength to enjoy this tour. As such, it makes for a great family-friendly activity as well.

The kayaking tour costs $66 USD per adult and $47 USD per child (ages 4-10). It lasts for around 3 hours, and there’s a refreshment and fruit break midway through at a beach (where you might even spot turtles nesting if you’re lucky!). The tour covers all your kayaking equipment, including lifevests and roundtrip transportation from your Samara accommodation .

This is such a relaxing, gorgeous day outdoors that you can book directly through Viator .

5. Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling to Chora Island

We absolutely loved  this kayaking tour to Chora Island ! We kayaked from Samara to Chora Island , which took about 30 minutes and was actually quite challenging. This was partly because the sea was choppy in sections but also because the sun was so hot. But honestly, it was all part of the adventure – and arriving at this stunning, secluded beach was a reward in itself!

Once we made it to Chora Island, we got to relax on the beach and cool off in the water. Chora Island is a pristine place, and you’ll probably have the whole beach to yourselves! Honestly, we were so happy to go ashore on this tour. 

The snorkeling was the best part for us, though. The water was super clear, and we got to see turtles, puffer fish, and lots of other tropical fish. Plus, our guide was really helpful and knew tons about the marine life around the island. 

This is a fantastic tour for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, and we highly recommend it. It costs $48 USD including all equipment, hotel pickup and drop off, as well as some snacks on the beach. It’s a great way to make the most of your time in Samara, and we would definitely do it again!

To experience this adventure for yourself, book this kayaking and snorkeling tour here !

Related Read: Do you enjoy seeing marine life up close? Then check out the best places to go scuba diving in Costa Rica .

6. Sunset and Wildlife ATV Tour

Samara has gorgeous coastal and mountain scenery, and you can explore it on this Sunset Quad Ride . Not only do you get to enjoy lots of natural beauty, but you also get a thrilling ATV experience! 

You start in the mid-afternoon, and you quite literally get off the beaten track by exploring backroads and dirt trails. When we went, we saw a wild side of Samara that most people don’t experience. As you drive through the trees, keep an eye out for wildlife before reaching a breathtaking mountaintop viewpoint.

You’ll also drive to Barrigona Beach , which is one of the best beaches in Samara. It’s about 10 kilometers (6 miles) out of town, and you need an ATV or a 4WD to get down there. For this reason, it’s always super quiet, and the chances are you’ll be the only people there! This is one of the many reasons we love this tour !

You’ll have time to swim here if you want to, although there is a large swell, so you might just prefer to chill on the white sand instead. The tour ends with a visit to a quiet sunset spot where you’ll have epic views of the vivid sunset over the ocean. Talk about ending on a high!

You’ll need to present your passport and a valid driver’s license to participate in this tour (since you actually drive on the roads). It runs year-round, including during the rainy season. However, we actually love ATV rides at this time of year because, believe it or not, the mud makes it even more fun. Regardless of when you visit Costa Rica , this tour delivers!

Kids as young as 5 can participate, and there are double and single ATVs available. A single ATV costs $124 USD per person, while a double costs $162 USD. Book this ATV adventure to experience it all … jungles, mountains, beaches, and an unforgettable sunset.

7. Safari and Buenavista Beach Horse Riding Tour

This horseback safari is an incredible way to explore the natural beauty of the Guanacaste province . You start with a boat ride, during which your captain will give you an introduction to the area’s unique flora and fauna. 

Once you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll meet your horse and guide and head off to explore the jungle. You’ll see monkeys, birds, reptiles, and maybe even some crocodiles – but don’t worry, it’s from a safe distance on horseback!

There are also several river crossings along the way, which are fun to navigate. Then, you end up on Buenavista Beach . You get to ride along the beach and paddle in the waves, which really is an amazing, bucket list-worthy experience (unless you’re allergic to horses like Bailey!).

You head back to the meeting point via an easy ride through some fields, which are home to wild horses and cows. The whole thing lasts about 2.5 hours which feels like the perfect amount to traverse this terrain on horseback.

Overall, this tour is a lot of fun, and the trails are nice and easy. It really doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden before! The guides are also really friendly and will even fetch you fresh coconuts from the trees if you get thirsty. 

The experience costs $59 USD, and kids as young as 5 can participate (as long as they’re accompanied by an adult). There’s a maximum of 5 travelers per group, so it’s a really nice, small group. Hotel pickup and drop off aren’t included for this tour, but the meeting point is easy to get to via a scooter or local taxi.

Those who love riding horses (or want an easy introduction!) won’t want to miss this tour. Check availability and reserve your dates online here !

8. Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Hike

The Werner Sauter Biological Reserve is one of the best places to see wildlife in Samara. It’s a private reserve with gorgeous mountain trails that give you epic views over the town’s beautiful beaches. 

This small group tour  will pick you up from town and take you to the park, where you’ll begin a 2.5-hour guided hike through the reserve. The hiking is fairly easy and as you go, your guide will teach you all about the tropical dry forest and why it’s such an important ecosystem for Costa Rica’s wildlife .

On our visit, we discovered why this type of forest is so threatened, and we gained an even deeper appreciation for its beauty. We also saw loads of incredible native animals, including parrots, monkeys, butterflies, deer, and iguanas. 

On this guided tour , you’ll also pass through an organic mango plantation. If you’re hungry, you can help yourself to the fresh mangoes. I mean, talk about a rewarding hike! 

There are two options for the hike – a morning tour at 6:30 am for $47 USD and an afternoon tour at 2:30 pm for $42 USD. For both options, there’s a maximum of 10 people per group. We love that it’s a nice, small tour because you get more personalized attention and can ask questions about what you’re seeing. To secure your preferred time and date, we recommend booking this tour in advance .

Related Read: Do you love to travel but want to limit your environmental impact? Read about the best ecolodges in Costa Rica (with options for all budgets!).

Where to Stay in Sámara, Costa Rica

Sámara is one of those towns with a huge variety of places to stay. From budget backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, there are great accommodations in Sámara for all budgets. To help you narrow it down, we’ve included our favorites below.

Leyenda Boutique Hotel & Spa – $$$

For luxury travelers or families, I love   Leyenda Boutique Hotel & Spa . This place is spectacular and offers a fitness center, swimming pool, spa, and restaurant. On top of that, it’s located right just over a mile from the beach. From standard double rooms, to family suites to suites with a whirlpool there is an option for couples and groups alike.

Guests seem to love the property’s landscapes and service the most! Prices start at $247 USD which is amazing for a high-end option – so check prices and reserve a luxury room or suite here !

Mid-range – $$

Hotel entre dos aguas – $$.

If you consider yourself a mid-range traveler, then I have a great choice for you that caters to couples.  Hotel Entre Dos Aguas  is a rustic hotel with simple amenities on a beautiful property. Perfect for those who want a true Costa Rican stay. 

All of the rooms have private showers, and some of the rooms have a terrace. You can check availability and book online  here on Booking.com .

Las Mariposas – $

If you’re on a budget, there are lots of options, but not many of them are good.  Las Mariposas  is my top choice, with its location close to the beach. The hostel has a great atmosphere for meeting other travelers and is suited to the social backpacker. They offer a shared kitchen and common spaces, hammocks to relax on the patio, billiards, and karaoke.

A bed in a shared dorm runs about $12 USD, while private rooms start at $30 USD. You can  book this place on Hostelworld  or  Booking.com . 

For more info, read our detailed guide about deciding  where to stay in Samara with the best hotels and areas !

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Samara is the perfect beach town to relax and bask in gorgeous natural scenery. This place is more off-the-beaten-path than other tourist destinations, which is why we recommend tours here! Whether you choose to ride horses, drive ATVs, or kayak through mangroves, you’ll have an incredible time.

If you found this article helpful, read our other blogs about Costa Rica . We’ve traveled all over this country, and we even lived here for a while. We love sharing what we’ve learned so you can have an amazing trip as well.

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Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town

• Jenn and Matt
• Destinations

171 Comments

Last Updated: April 8, 2022

Many of the beach towns in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province have become extremely popular over the years due to their gorgeous sands and turquoise waters. Development has hit the northern Pacific coast, and those interested in luxury condos and world-class cuisine don’t have to look far. But for others seeking a more authentic visit to Costa Rica, there is Samara. While Samara has its share of amenities, it still has a local vibe and small beach-town feel. In this post, we’ll give our tips for getting the most out of your visit to Samara, including recommendations for hotels, activities, and restaurants.

About Samara

Samara is located in Guanacaste Province on the northern Pacific coast. It is about two hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR). The drive from the airport is along all paved roads, making it is an easy destination to reach.

One of the main draws of Samara is its centrally located downtown. The downtown abuts the beach and is full of restaurants, trendy boutique shops, tour operators, and some small hotels.

Another draw is its surrounding forest and wildlife. Unlike areas to the north, thick tropical dry forest borders Samara. Even on hotel grounds, you can find animals like monkeys, iguanas, and many kinds of birds.

Samara’s biggest attraction is its beautiful beach. Playa Samara attracts all types of travelers with its rows of palm trees and light tan sand. You will find 20-somethings grabbing a beer at one of the beachside bars, couples strolling at sunset, and children at play in the calmer ocean waters.

Tip: If you’re looking for a more developed beach town in Guanacaste, consider Tamarindo , Playa Flamingo , Playas del Coco, or Playa Hermosa .

Activities in Samara

While many people visiting Samara do little more than hang out at the beach, there are plenty of things to do. Here are some activities that will show you hidden waterfalls, beaches, and nature-filled forest.    

The main beach, Playa Samara , is the area’s most popular and for good reason.

The wide cove has relatively calm water due to a coral reef just offshore. This makes it a decent place to swim and also enjoy water sports. It’s one of the better beaches in Costa Rica for families.

Playa Carrillo is more of a locals’ beach, just to the south. This beach is also very pretty, with light sand, rows of palms, and calm waves for swimming. It doesn’t have the amenities of Playa Samara like restaurants and tour operators so be sure to bring everything you need for the day.

To learn more about this beach, read our post, Playa Carrillo: A Favorite Locals’ Beach in Guanacaste .

Playa Barrigona is farther from town and accessible if you have a rental car. This beach is the site of Mel Gibson’s seaside estate and considered by many to be the most beautiful in the area.

Although it is a trek to get to along rough, dirt roads, we were impressed once we arrived. The sand is bright white, the water is intensely blue, and it feels far removed from civilization.

If you venture to Playa Barrigona, bring everything you need as there isn’t anything for miles. Don’t leave valuables in your car as there have been problems with theft. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially for the rainy season.

Directions to Playa Barrigona: Playa Barrigona is 1 km off the main road that goes to Nosara. The entrance was unmarked at the time of our visit. During the dry season, you can take the shortcut through the riverbed from Samara and get there in 15-20 minutes.

In the rainy season, it will take a bit longer via the inland route up Route 160 and over the Buena Vista River Bridge.

Hiking at Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve

This is the best option for hiking in the area. The Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve is a 140 hectare (346 acre) private reserve just outside Samara. Here, you can discover the tropical dry forest and learn from an expert guide why it is such an important, though often overlooked, ecosystem.

In between observing the Reserve’s abundant wildlife like monkeys, porcupines, and owls, you will climb to a lookout with an amazing view of the beach and forest.

We loved our trek through the Reserve. We couldn’t believe how much wildlife we saw and how much we learned, even after hiking throughout Costa Rica.

The hike through the Werner-Sauter Reserve is moderately difficult and you need a guide to visit.

For more information, read our post, Samara Trails: Exploring the Tropical Dry Forest .

Water Activities

The gentle waves at Playa Samara are perfect for beginner surfers, including kids.

There are several different surf companies along the main beach in Samara. Lessons are around $60-80 per person, depending on if you want a group or private lesson.

Diving and Snorkeling

If you’re interested in diving, the Samara area has some good spots to check out.

Neighboring beaches host shipwrecks where you can see creatures like white-tip reef sharks, snapper, and maybe even hammerhead sharks and bull sharks. Conditions are better during the rainy season (May to November) when the water is cooler. Two-tank dives (5 hrs.) are around $120.

While diving is typically better in Samara, you  also   can snorkel. Many people combine kayaking with snorkeling on a visit to the white-sand Isla Chora. Kayak-snorkel tours to Isla Chora are around $50. 

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

A fun way to explore the scenic coastline near Samara is on a boat tour. Not only do these tours get you out on the water, but dolphins can be seen in and around the bay year-round. When we did this tour, bottlenose dolphins were swimming right under the boat, catching the waves. You also can see whales seasonally.

Dolphin watching tours are around $60 per person. If you have a group, you can even rent the whole boat. Learn more with our post, Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Samara .

Belen Waterfall

Only 20 minutes from downtown Samara is the Belen Waterfall. This small cascade and series of swimming holes is a popular spot among locals, yet few tourists know about it. The entrance is located in the middle of the countryside and is unmarked. There are no facilities and you will find only a rustic trail that leads to the river.

Tours are available, but it is easy enough to go on your own if you have a rental car . Just be sure to have good directions as we drove right past it our first time.

Important : We recommend visiting this waterfall during the dry season only (approx. late December to early April) for safety reasons.

Read our post, Belen Waterfall: A Hidden Swimming Hole Near Samara , for more information.

Horseback Riding

Another fun way to experience Samara’s beautiful scenery is on a horseback tour. Most operators include a ride through the jungle, where you’re likely to see wildlife, as well as some time to trot on the palm-tree-lined beach. Prices for tours are around $50 per person. 

Visit a Macaw Center

About 50 minutes south of Samara is a macaw parrot breeding center that is doing some amazing work. Scarlet and Great Green Macaw Parrots have become endangered in Costa Rica, and this group is working to increase the population through their breeding program.

This is not a wildlife rehabilitation center. Instead, they breed the parrots and then let them fly free. At the center, you will get to see hundreds of these charismatic birds coming back to the center to feed.

If you have your own car, you can reserve a tour directly through the Macaw Recovery Network’s website ($20 per person). If you don’t have one, tours with transportation are possible.

Restaurants in Samara

Samara has an impressive selection of restaurants for such a small town. Here are some of the best places we’ve tried.

Cantina de Baco

Cantina de Baco is a newer spot with a really fun vibe. Their concept is flavors from around the world and connecting the community with local art.

A tapas menu offers many choices for dishes, organized by country. Some of our favorites were the local enyucados (yucca and cheese croquettes), Gallo Duo with homemade chorizo, and Mediterranean shrimp. Look for this restaurant near the soccer field in town. Their menu is on Facebook .

Another great addition to Samara’s restaurant scene i s Teca Beach . The French-inspired dinner spot offers upscale cuisine and unique ambiance. Costa Rican coffee bags adorn the ceiling, and soft lighting creates an intimate feel. Teca Beach has a tapas menu, fish and meat dishes, and delicious burgers.

Samara Pacific Lodge

Another excellent choice for dinner is Samara Pacific Lodge . This French restaurant has a small menu, which rotates daily, but you can’t go wrong with the choices. Typical offerings are fresh fish, pork, beef, and shrimp. They also have an option for kids. Our tuna steak was cooked perfectly, and we also loved our pork with apple and pineapple sauce. Wine pairings are available for all entrees.

This restaurant has only six tables and a small bar so be sure to make reservations. 

Bouticafe Bohemia

For the freshest food around, there’s Bouticafe Bohemia . This chic, yet casual, breakfast and lunch spot offers healthy smoothies and lighter options for food.

Much of what goes into the toastinis, salads, crepes, and bagels is homemade, like the almond butter, jam, and pesto. Our brie and apple crepe and veggie sandwich were just what we needed after a lot of travel. Bouticafe Bohemia also doubles as a yoga and Pilates studio. 

Gusto Beach

While in Samara, you have to take advantage of the beachside dining. Gusto Beach is one of the best spots in town. They have tables set up right on the sand, good cocktails, and delicious food, with many Italian offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

During a road trip through Guanacaste, we had one of our favorite meals at El Lagarto . The concept at El Lagarto is simple. They cook everything—meat, fish, and veggies—on a one-of-a-kind wood-fired grill. Everything gets that smoky char flavor, and the grill masters really know how to cook meat to perfection. Prices are a little high, but they use naturally raised meats and organic produce. 

Boulangerie

For authentic French baguettes and decadent croissants, don’t miss the Boulangerie . This bakery is a little off the main drag but easily found by looking for the big “Boulangerie” sign on the front of the building. We wish we lived closer to Samara so that we could enjoy their breads and treats all the time. 

Samara Organics

Samara Organics is a small organic food market right in the center of town. In addition to produce, they also have coffee, fresh juices, breads, locally made snacks, and natural products like insect repellent and essential oils. 

If you’re interested in checking out the local farmers market , it’s now on Saturdays in the park on the side street near Samara Organics. Here’s a map with the location. Open 9 am – 1 pm.

Microbar is definitely the coolest place in town. The tiny, dimly lit space and eclectic décor will make you feel like you’ve stepped off the beach and into a trendy speakeasy in the city.

Microbar has the largest selection of local craft beers on tap that we’ve ever seen in Costa Rica. When we visited, there were 20 or so brews. We tried a bunch of different sample sizes. Aletails (cocktails made with beer) are also available.

Opens at 5 p.m. Cash only. 

Hotels in Samara

Samara has a range of hotels for all budgets. You won’t find large chain hotels here, but rather quaint villas, lodges, and hostels. Many are located right in town, which is great if you’re traveling without a rental car. If you prefer something more secluded and quiet, there are also places outside the downtown.

Here are our picks for lodging in Samara.

Montelaguna Boutique Hotel

We’ve stayed at Montelaguna Boutique Hotel and really enjoyed it. This hotel is outside town, just a few minutes’ walk to the beautiful Playa Carrillo. Rooms are modern and range from affordable double and triple rooms to spacious suites that are great for families and groups. The pool is also really nice. $90-200, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Villas Kalimba

Villas Kalimba is right in town, but feels very private. The six individual units are surrounded by lush flowering gardens and a tranquil pool. The property is also directly across from the beach. Each villa is equipped with a kitchen for when you want to eat in, and the owner/chef is sometimes available to cook meals as well. The staff at Villas Kalimba is very friendly and helpful. $115-250 double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere is a favorite among visitors. Although the property is located just a short walk to town, it is more secluded and quiet. The small hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the jungle. Wildlife like monkeys, birds, and iguanas are often seen around the grounds. The hotel is divided into two separate buildings, each with its own pool area. $60-75, double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Samara Pacific Lodge is a comfortable budget option in a secluded location surrounded by pasture and forest. The hotel has four types of rooms, including some larger family rooms able to accommodate six people. The large saltwater pool and comfy lounge chairs are very inviting, and of course, staying here means easy access to the lodge’s delicious French restaurant (mentioned above).

It is best to have a rental car as it a few miles from the downtown. $80-185. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Hostel Samara

This hostel is a great option for backpackers looking for an inexpensive place to stay close to town. Hostel Samara has three dorms and also five private rooms with A/C if you’re looking for more comfort. A spacious common area has TV, some space for lounging and checking email, and a well-equipped kitchen. Shared dorm, $16-20 per person; Private room, $45-$60 (double occupancy). Check Rates and Availability Here .

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach escape, you’ll love Samara. Although this modest town doesn’t span more than a few blocks, it offers everything you need for a fun and exciting vacation. 

Have a question about visiting Samara? Ask it below. 

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book a hotel using one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.

Looking for more info to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall – Tips for visiting one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Guanacaste.

La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination   – Samara is a great beach town, but for adventure activities like zip lining, hanging bridges, and whitewater rafting, you can’t beat La Fortuna. Read our guide for visiting here.

Manuel Antonio Trip Planning : Trying to decide if Samara is right for you? Manuel Antonio is another family-friendly destination with a ton of wildlife. Learn more about this popular central Pacific coast town with this post.

Winged Seed

One of the most complete Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the United States, Samara offers national and international visitors rare immersive insight into Wright’s Usonian design philosophy.

Years in the Making

The story of Samara is one of a young couple aspiring to a dream home designed by one of America’s most famous architects. Today, tucked into a quiet neighborhood in West Lafayette, that home is an exceptional example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian houses, which the architect defined as a sensible, modest, uniquely American dwellings.

In 1950, Dr. John and Catherine Christian reached out to Frank Lloyd Wright, who took their commission on the condition that the couple would fully implement his design, inside and out, even if it took years. During a visit to Taliesin, Catherine gave the famous architect a 28-page booklet, “What We Need for How We Live,” detailing the couple’s space needs and how they would use each room—from family gatherings to hosting faculty and students from nearby Purdue University, where Dr. Christian was a Bionucleonics professor.

The Christians worked with Wright over a period of five years (1951-1956) to develop detailed design and construction plans—from landscape and exterior details to specific interior furnishings including china, bed linens, and even the toilet paper holder.

Named for the winged seeds produced by the site’s evergreens, Samara features an abstract version of the winged seed design motif throughout the interior and exterior of the house. Today, Samara is notable as one of the most complete, fully implemented Wright-designed projects.

Indiana Landmarks led a years-long effort to get Samara designated a National Historic Landmark, a distinction it finally earned in 2015.

Today, Indiana Landmarks co-stewards Samara with the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust. In 2023, Indiana Landmarks completed a comprehensive restoration project to address structural issues and update aging environmental systems to protect the home’s extensive collection of Wright-designed furnishings. The $2 million project was funded by a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant from the National Park Service, the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust, Inc., and private donations.

Tours of Samara are offered on a regular basis, Wednesdays through Sundays, from spring until late autumn. Make your reservation below or by going to Eventbrite. For additional details, visit samara-house.org .

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting the site.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?  Yes. Unfortunately, we cannot welcome walk-in guests. You can make reservations at using the form above or at Eventbrite. Private groups may call 765-409-5522.

Do I need to print out my tickets? No. We will have a list of ticket purchases, so you do not need to print your tickets.

How many people can be on a tour? Each tour can accommodate up to 15 people. Private groups may call 765-409-5522 to accommodate larger group sizes.

Does Samara have a visitors’ center? No. We will meet outside the house. Feel free to enjoy the gardens before the tour.

When and where do I check-in? Check-in starts 20 min before your scheduled tour time. At the top of the brick driveway, look for a “Welcome” sign under the carport area. We will take your name through our check-in window.

Can I drive on the driveway? No. All vehicles are restricted. Please walk up the brick driveway to access the house. If you have mobility issues, please call our office to arrange driveway access.

Does Samara have a gift shop? No. If you would like to support Samara further, we appreciate donations to enhance our education and preservation programs.

What should I do if I’m late? Please call our office at 765-409-5522 before your scheduled tour time. Tours will start promptly at the time indicated (Eastern Daylight Time) on your ticket. Do not attempt to open any of our historic doors or windows!

Where is Samara? Look for a brick driveway at the dead-end of Woodland Avenue in West Lafayette, Indiana. Our teal-colored mailbox and gate are labeled 1301.

Can I see Samara from the road? No. The house is hidden from street view by lush greenery. (Our neighbor’s house is completely visible to the road and has architectural elements reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, but it is not Samara)

What time zone is Samara located within? Eastern Daylight Time

Tour Expectations

Are we allowed to use the furniture? Yes, but only in the living room. If you need accommodation for a seat in other rooms, please alert your guide prior to the tour.

Can we open the cabinets or handle artifacts? Yes, but ask first! Please ask your tour guide before handling the cabinets or artifacts. We will facilitate and/or advise based on the best manner to preserve the historic site.

Is photography allowed? Yes. Photography outside and inside the house is encouraged for personal, non-commercial use only. Tripods and drones are prohibited on regular tours. Photographers may schedule an appointment.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the house? No. Please leave food and drinks outside or in your vehicle. Only water bottles may be permitted inside.

Are backpacks, purses, or bags allowed inside the house? No. Please leave your personal belongings in your vehicle. The house has narrow hallways and small rooms that may be easily scratched by bags.

Is smoking or vaping allowed? No. Smoking or vaping on the property is strictly prohibited.

What if it is raining? When it’s raining, we adapt tours to cover indoor areas only. If you would like to tour the grounds on your own, please bring an umbrella.

Accommodations & Amenities

Are restrooms available in Samara? No. We ask that you use a restroom before your visit to the property.

Does Samara have on-site parking? No. However, public parking is available nearby along both sides of Woodland Avenue.

Are pets allowed on the tour? Certified service pets are always welcome. Please notify us ahead of your visit by calling 765-409-5522. Other pets are not permitted on tours. Also, please note that our property has limited shade, and pets should not be left in vehicles while guests are attending tours.

Is Samara wheelchair accessible? No. We are working to make the house accessible, but currently there are three steps required to enter the house. If you have questions about accommodation and access, contact us at [email protected] or 765-409-5522.

Are there many stairs during the tour? No. Three stairsteps are required to enter the house. Inside, there are two areas with three stairsteps. If you need accommodation for a more accessible route inside, please alert your guide prior to the tour.

Are tours available in different languages? No. Currently, tours are only offered in English. However, please refer to our blog for more information about the historic site.

Return & Transfer Policy

• Refund requests must be received at least 7 days before the tour date. Because tickets are purchased through Eventbrite, you will receive a partial refund as Eventbrite no longer refunds its fees.
• Transfer requests must be received at least 3 days before the tour date. Depending on availability, tickets may be transferred to a new date and time. There is no fee for ticket transfers.
• In the rare event that Samara must cancel a tour (e.g., natural disaster, medical emergency, or visitor safety is compromised), guests will be notified and offered a full refund.