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PLD · small airport

Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport

Carrillo, Costa Rica

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PLDsmall airport

Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport

Carrillo, Costa Rica
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50 ft
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TravelerPulse profile

Small airstrip serving Costa Rica's popular Nicoya Peninsula beaches.

Location
Carrillo, Costa Rica
Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport (IATA: PLD, ICAO: MRCR) is a small domestic airport located near the beach towns of Sámara and Carrillo on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. It serves as an important air access point for tourists visiting the surrounding beaches and eco-tourism destinations in the region. The airport operates primarily short domestic flights connecting the area to San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport and other regional destinations. Its small scale reflects the boutique tourism nature of the surrounding coastal communities. Due to its location on the Nicoya Peninsula, which is only accessible by road via a lengthy route or by ferry, air travel provides a significant time savings for visitors and is a key enabler of tourism in the area.
Terminals
The airport has a single small terminal building with basic passenger facilities befitting a regional domestic aerodrome.
Getting to & from
Ground transport from the airport to nearby Sámara and Carrillo beaches is typically provided by taxis, rental cars, and hotel shuttle services.
Airlines here
Sansa Airlines is the primary carrier operating scheduled domestic flights to and from Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport.
Notable facts
  • ›The airport serves the popular beach destinations of Playa Sámara and Playa Carrillo on the Nicoya Peninsula.
  • ›It is a small general aviation and charter-friendly airstrip in addition to scheduled domestic service.
  • ›The Nicoya Peninsula's limited road access makes the airport particularly valuable for reducing travel time from San José.
  • ›Sansa Airlines connects the airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José.
  • ›The surrounding area is known for surfing, wildlife, and eco-tourism activities.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
A sun-drenched gateway to Costa Rica's unspoiled Pacific coastline

Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport is a small regional airstrip serving the laid-back beach communities of Sámara and Carrillo on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. It functions primarily as a destination for light charter and domestic flights, connecting coastal travelers to San José and other regional hubs. The airport reflects the tranquil, nature-focused character of the surrounding area, offering a simple but functional entry point to one of Costa Rica's most beloved beach regions.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A single compact terminal building handling arrivals and departures for domestic and charter flights with basic passenger amenities.
Ground Transport
  • Taxi services available at the airport for transfers to Sámara and Carrillo beaches
  • Pre-arranged shuttle services offered by local hotels and tour operators
  • Car rental available through local agencies in Sámara town
  • Private transfer arrangements bookable in advance through accommodation providers
Nearby Hotels
  • Hotel Fenix Samara
  • Samara Tree House Inn
  • Villas Playa Samara
  • The Hideaway Hotel Samara
  • Gusto Beach Hotel
Dining

The airport itself has minimal food and beverage facilities, so travelers are advised to eat before arriving or plan for a short drive into Sámara town. The Sámara beach strip offers a variety of open-air restaurants and sodas serving fresh seafood, rice dishes, and tropical fruits. Carrillo village nearby also has small local eateries offering authentic Costa Rican cuisine at reasonable prices.

Traveller Tips
  • Book domestic flights well in advance as capacity on small aircraft is very limited, especially during dry season (December–April).
  • Arrive early as check-in procedures can vary and road conditions on the Nicoya Peninsula may cause travel delays.
  • Carry local colones cash as ATM availability in the immediate airport area is limited.
  • Confirm your hotel pickup or taxi arrangement before landing, as ground transport options are sparse at this small airstrip.

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

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