gretchlk

We are staying in Arenal and want take the scenic drive around Lake Arenal to the Puntarenas Ferry. We would also like to make a stop at the Las Pumas Shelter in Las Canas for an hour or so before we continue on to catch the Ferry in Puntarenas and make it to our hotel in Montezuma before dark.

Does anyone know about how many hours this would take? Since the Ferry departure times seem to be undeterminable, (and I know we have to show up at least an hour before the Ferry leaves.) There seems to be a big gap in Ferry departure times between 11:00AM then maybe 2:00 or 3:00PM.

Even if we leave very early (like 5:30AM, Las Pumas opens @ 8:00AM), I am worried we might not make it to Montezuma before dark.

Any ideas please? Thanks ahead of time for all help.

Does anyone know the cost of entrance fee to Las Pumas?

Jim_Boo

You will make it in one day when you don't leave too late, the earlier the better. The road from Paquera to Montezuma is partially unpaved, you should do the drive during the day. You can get driving times from www.yourtravelmap.com/costarica/travelmap/ From Nuevo Arenal to Puntarenas it takes 3 hours. You should add 1 or 2 hours that you might be waiting for the ferry, the actual ferry ride lasts 1 hour 20 minutes. From Paquera to Montezuma it's another hour, depending a bit on the road conditions.

shillmac

I would agree, but would pad the times a bit allowing 4.5 hour to Puntarenas (6 hours with Las Pumas thrown in). Another 1.5 hour to Montezuma rather than 1 hour.

I haven't looked at the schedule lately. Assume you have
www.nicoyapeninsula.com.

Be at Las Pumas when it opens or by 9:00. You should have no trouble making the 2:00 ferry--or even the 3:00 would get you to Montezuma almost before dark, which isn't usually FINAL until about 6:15. The road is rough, but it isn't hard to find. You aren't going to go off any cliffs or anything like that!

Enjoy!

shillmac

BTW, my 4.5 hour estimate from Arenal (not Nueva Arenal) to Puntarenas would allow you to stop at Toad Hall or anywhere else you see along the way that appeals to you for a cup of coffee or a snack. For us, those little things along the way always stretch the time out longer than we thought it would.

gretchlk

Thanks so much for the advice and assurance guys. Shillmac, we will stop at Toad Hall too. Might as well make a fun day out of our long drive!