Nosara, Costa Rica

The pretty drive from Sámara 25km northwest to the village of NOSARA runs along shady, secluded dirt and gravel roads punctuated by a few creeks. It's passable with a regular car (low clearance) in the dry season (though you'll still have to ford two creeks except at the very driest times of year), but you'll need a 4WD or high clearance in the wet. The road follows a slightly inland route; you can't see the coast except where you meet the beach at Garza, about ten minutes before Nosara. This little hamlet is a good place to stop for a refresco at the pulpería, and perhaps take a dip in the sea. Though most people drive to Nosara, you can also come on the daily bus from Nicoya or San José; there are also two buses from Playa Sámara.