Rmcgorry

Has anyone driven to the car ferries at either Puntarenas and Tempique going to Nicoya?. Do they run reasonably well?. Are the lines long. Haow are the roads on the Nicoya side?

Ally

I've driven to both. Yes, they run reasonably well, but lines can be very long. I've waited as long as 45 mnutes at Tempique and over an hour at Puntarenas. Then again, I've also been able to get right on and go. Depends on the day and time of travel. Sunday's are the worst, with everyone heading back to San Jose for work from a weekend at the beach.
Roads on Nicoya side are part pavement, part gravel, and then dirt down between the small towns.
Did you know they finally opened the new bridge across the penisula? You no longer have to take the ferrys if you don't want to.

Iza

We did both as well. The Puntarenas ferry is big and it takes over an hour to cross. There are actually two separate ferry companies and their combined schedule results in about 6 or so crossings during the day. The roads in the southern tip of the Peninsula are rather bad.
I am not sure if the Tempisque ferry is still operating given that the new bridge is now open. But that ferry was much smaller and operated in shuttle fashion going back and forth all day (not a set schedule). It took about 20 minutes to cross. The roads in that part of Nicoya Peninsula are much better if you are going to main tourist destinations like Samara, Tamarindo or Flamingo. Check out my trip report from August of this year. We spent 2 weeks driving through the Peninsula.

Rmcgorry

Thank you both for your help.

Ally, is the new bridge at a location near the Tempique Ferry? Is it obvious to get to?

Iza, you mentioned a travelog of your trip. Where is that posted?

Iza

Here is a link to my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443639

Ally

Yes, the bridge is near the Tempisque ferry, which is now closed. (Sorry, I should have said that in my previous email)
But to be specific about the bridge, the turnoff is 47 kilometers (29 miles) past the turnoff for Puntarenas. I've not seen it but I'm sure there would be signage.

JBX

Per info on
http://www.costaricabybus.com/beaches.html
... The new Tempisque River Bridge connecting Nicoya Peninsula with the southern Guanacaste beaches is now open. It replaced the Tempisque Ferry.

Suzie2

Don't know how current Jacques keeps the bus schedule but on monteverdeinfo.com they do have ferry schedules. There are several different ones.

dncee11

We too have done both ferries and I still recommend the Puntarenas - Playa Naranjo route (if this fits in your schedule) for a beautiful view of the bay and a most interesting trip in a comfortable atmosphere on the boat - snack bar, TV, etc. Ally's comments about the wait are right on - it varies with the time and date. I found the roads in Nicoya the same as the rest of the country - some good, some not-so-good! Just take it easy and give yourself plenty of time.