rogerlewis

Landing in San Jose and picking up a 4wd heading for the Hilton in Papagayos.
Would driving this hiway be ok or is there a better safer route to take. I expect to be starting the drive around mid morning.
Thanks,
Rohger

qwovadis

www.mapcr.com

Straight up the PanAmericana to Liberia

best way to go...

hsmithcr

Well.... you can take the new highway that goes from San Jose to Puntarenas -- if it is open -- and it is easier. From Puntarenas, you will be back on the PanAmerican (InterAmerican) Highway north to Liberia and then west to Papagayo. When you rent your car, you can rent a GPS that will give you instructions. You can get to the new Caldera highway from the airport but it is not straightforward. Ask at the rental car company if the GPS is programmed with information to get you to the new highway or could they give you directions.

The new highway has had its share of problems, mostly landslides and big rocks falling on the road and has been closed, open, closed, open -- repeat. If you would like to travel this road, you can check here for any closure: www.transito.go.cr

rogerlewis

Thanks so much for the replies

rogerlewis

Can you give me a time approximate for this drive?
Thanks

hsmithcr

It takes about 4.5 to 5 hours from the airport SJO to the Hilton Papagayo. Don't speed and don't pass on the solid yellow line, no matter what anyone else is doing. There are strict new traffic laws that carry hefty fines - think $400.

There are several good places to stop along the way but be careful to hide your stuff in your car. Some places that are safer than others include the three restaurants at the turnoff to go to Nicoya via the Friendship Bridge. This little community is known as Limonal and one of the best restaurants in CR is Tres Hermanas at this intersection. This will be about 3 hours from the airport.

Across the road from Tres Hermanas are two smaller places - one a snack/sandwich type place and the other a sit down restaurant that has good food. In back of these two places is a house that has some Scarlet Macaws that live there. They are not caged but just hang around. Great chance to see them close up and take some photos. Your stuff in your car will be safe at both these places.

hsmithcr

I should add -- if you want to take the "scenic route" you can turn and go over the bridge to the town of Nicoya and from there, make your way north to the Hilton Papagayo. These roads are not as good as the InterAmerican Highway but are really not bad - all paved, etc.

rogerlewis

Thanks so much...should I expect tons of rain?

Allylam

You can certtainly expect some rain, hard to predict how much. This green season has been very, very rainy. Personaly, I love it. I wish it rained everyday of the year, but unfortunately, Dec. will be here before I know it and then I won't see a drop for 5-6 months. I'm not looking forward to the dry season!

I love Tres Hermanas! Great Ribs! I also love the place across the street, it's a little cheaper. If you want something about 2 hours from the airport, try Monteverde. Not the town, the restaurant you will pass on the main Hwy. on the left hand side of the street. Great milkshakes there, in many flavors.

hsmithcr

Oh, yes, Allylam - the Monteverde place has great ice cream and milkshakes!

rogerlewis: as Allylam said, you can expect rain but how much is anyone's guess. If the rain gets too heavy, just put on your flashers and find a place to pull off the road for a few minutes. It will not rain hard for very long. And don't try to just pull off onto the shoulder - find a rock driveway or parking lot.

Usually, you can just drive through the rain, no problem, and leave it behind.