We are landing at the airport in Liberia and driving to Tabacon Spa resort in Arenal. Google maps sends us on a very round about route avoiding route 142. Is this a dangerous route to take? We will have GPS with us.
Driving in Costa Rica
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Funny. I have been driving in Costa Rica for twenty years, and I don't know any highway numbers. So I had to Google a map to check on this.
This is the road from Canas through Tilaran, and around the lake. I think this is probably the only route from Liberia. All good road, no problems. Just be aware that driving around Costa Rica is much slower than driving in the States. So you should allow three to three and a half hours for this drive.
One caveat, is to not get in too much of a hurry between Nuevo Arenal and Tabacon Lodge. There are several rivers that feed into the lake along this road. The road sharply turns inland at each one and there is a bridge in the hairpin turn, before turning sharply back out towards the lake. These are not as well marked as they could be. They can sneak up on you, and are dangerous if you are not paying attention. I have sadly personally seen two fatalities on these bridges.
The roads are otherwise pretty good, so the tendency is to cruise right along. But take your time, and you won't be surprised.
A more fun tip is to stop at the German Bakery in Nuevo Arenal. Great German food, though it can be a little pricey for Costa Rica. But it is still pretty good.
We always stop by for some real apple strudel, which is different from what we get here. More dense, closer to our apple pie. Get it warm, with ice cream. A favorite stop of ours! The owner's name is Tom, a bit of a character and very friendly. Say hi.
Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional
Pat brings up a good point: As you're making this drive, don't stop and ask for "directions to Route 142." Nobody uses or even knows such highway numbers, although you will see them on a few signs.
Another piece of advice: Obey traffic laws meticulously, even if Costa Ricans appear not to. The country now has some of the highest fines in the world. (Speeding tickets run upwards of $600.) Some transit police are all too happy to target foreigners in hopes of getting a bribe.
The road is paved but very curvey, in spots it is in bad condition. It may have missing or damaged sections that come up on you quickly. Just drive slowly and not after dark.
If you are not used to mountain driving I would get a driver.