Custom home builder in Sámara
Sámara sits on a reef-protected bay, reached by Route 150, which has been fully paved since 2006.
Projects start at $350,000 USD
Building a custom home in Sámara today
Sámara is a crescent bay protected by an offshore reef, with a flat, walkable town behind the beach and green hills rising above it. Most custom homes go on hillside ocean-view lots above town and toward Playa Carrillo.
Water is tight right now: the Sámara ASADA was listed in 2024 among those without technical feasibility for new permits. That makes the water letter the first thing to confirm on any lot.
- Municipality
- Municipalidad de Nicoya, Sámara district
- Nearest airport
- Playa Carrillo airstrip, about 5 km; LIR about 2 to 2.5 hours
- Typical lots
- Hillside ocean-view lots and flat in-town lots outside the ZMT
- Water
- ASADA supply; no feasibility for new permits in 2024
- Road
- Route 150 from Nicoya, fully paved since 2006
Getting to Sámara
Route 150 from Nicoya to Sámara and on to Carrillo was fully paved in early 2006. The drive from LIR is about 2 to 2.5 hours; Nicoya is about 35 km away.
We build here from our showroom in Altos de Flamingo, with our crews on site for the length of your project. You can visit any time by appointment.
Land and lots in Sámara
The land
The town is flat behind the beach and rises into green hills, where hillside lots look out over the bay and Isla Chora. There are also flat in-town and near-beach lots outside the maritime zone.
The 200 m maritime zone (ZMT) applies to Sámara and Carrillo beaches, and Playa Carrillo has no development on the beach itself. We confirm a lot’s position relative to the ZMT before you make an offer.
The reef-calm bay means less direct wave exposure, but homes near the beach still get salt air. We choose materials and finishes with that in mind.
Water in Sámara
Homes are supplied by the local ASADA, which was among five southern ASADAs with no technical feasibility for new water permits in 2024. SENARA also regulates drilling in the Mala Noche aquifer because it lies in a reserve area.
Through our land and construction consulting, we confirm the water letter in writing before you buy. We design for on-site storage and rain capture to carry the home through the December to April dry season.
Permit checklist for Sámara
Not sure a lot will get a permit and a water letter? Our land consulting checks it before you buy, and the consulting fee (not surveys or soil studies) is credited to your build if you go ahead with us.
- Building permit from the Municipalidad de Nicoya
- Water letter from the ASADA before purchase
- SENARA drilling rules for the Mala Noche aquifer, if a well is proposed
- ZMT status for any lot near Sámara or Carrillo beach
- Current zoning for the lot, confirmed with the municipality before design
Why build in Sámara
A safe swimming bay
The reef-protected bay is one of Costa Rica’s safest swimming beaches, suited to families and beginner surfers.
A walkable town with services
Sámara has a walkable center with a clinic and banks, and a bilingual international school nearby.
Paved access
Route 150 has been fully paved since 2006, and there is a domestic airstrip at Playa Carrillo, about 5 km away.
We built Villa Pochote at Punta Islita, further south on the Nicoya Peninsula, and our architect has designed a residence for Nosara, just up the coast. Villa Pochote Architectural design
Sources: Wikipedia: Sámara; Krain Costa Rica: Sámara local guide; Semanario Universidad: El Niño y boom inmobiliario (Jun 2026); La Voz de Guanacaste: SENARA forbids drilling (May 2016).
“We have had a great experience with Decentra. Their follow up skills are impeccable and they are a one stop shop for all phases of your build.”
“I engaged with Sean and the owner Sergio to obtain building costs for a residential project in the mountains of the Central Valley. I found them to be very welcoming, informative and accommodating.”
Questions about building in Sámara
Is the road to Sámara paved?
Yes. Route 150 from Nicoya through Sámara to Playa Carrillo has been fully paved since 2006, and the drive from Liberia airport is roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.
Is water available for new homes in Sámara?
It is constrained. The Sámara ASADA was listed in 2024 among those without capacity for new permits, and drilling in the local Mala Noche aquifer is regulated. Confirm the water letter before buying.
Can I build on the beach in Sámara?
The 200 m maritime zone (ZMT) applies to Sámara and Carrillo beaches, so beachfront land follows different rules from titled land behind it. Most custom homes go on hillside ocean-view lots or flat lots outside the ZMT.
How long does it take to build in Sámara?
Our homes typically take 5 to 8 months on site. The water letter, design and permits come first, so we start that work early through our consulting.
Tell us about your project
The fastest way to reach us is WhatsApp. Or send the form and we reply within one business day.
Projects start at $350,000 USD
Message us on WhatsApp- +506 8733-2930
- Phone
- +1 503-994-8017
- Showroom
- Altos de Flamingo, Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, by appointment
- Licensing
- CFIA certified under SIM SRL