bommer22

Hi,

I am leaving for Panama City in 2 weeks. The plan is to stay in the city for a day or two, then head to Bocas del Toro for a few days.

I'm hoping that there's a bus from Bocas to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. I would love to stay there for a few days before heading toward the pacific coast of CR.

I would like to see the Arenal Volcano, Tamarindo, Malpais, Manuel Antonio and finally end up in San Jose for the flight home. Does anyone have a recommendation on the best route to take from Puerto Viejo to visit these towns and end up in San Jose?

Any help would be appreciated as well as anyone who happens to be taking a similar route in May.

Thanks!

shillmac

We flew from San Jose to Bocas del Toro a few years ago. On the return (to PV), we took a water taxi to Changinola. There we had a taxi take us to the border and the driver assisted us in crossing. He helped us carry our bags across the bridge over the Sixaola River as well as helped us with imigration. He also spoke with a taxi driver (by phone) on the other side and arranged transportation for us. That driver met us and drove us to Puerto Viejo. We paid around $60-$80, I think.

Be sure that, when you come back into Costa Rica, you have proof that you will be LEAVING Costa rica also. I had my roundtrip e-ticket from the U.S. to Costa Rica with me. My husband didn't. We had to buy a round trip bus fare to Costa Rica and back just to have something to show that we were not staying in Costa Rica indefinitely.

We really enjoyed BdT and love PV as well. Hope you have a great trip! Sounds like a fun itinerary.

shillmac

You can hire private transfer from PV to the SJO area, take a public bus (we have done that a lot) or use a small turismo bus company such as Interbus. Once in San Jose, if I were you, I probably rent a car for touring the Pacific Coast.

lyniebish

There is a little known border crossing at Rio Sireno which is in the coffee growing region of Costa Rica and the bread basket of Panama. Beautiful mountain views from Volcan Panama to the Border. It's an option people don't often consider.

Boquete: eternal spring, charming town.
San Vito: founded by italians, good pizza

glover

Though Shillmac's route seems like it might be easier/faster? would agree with lyniebush that the drive crossing from Panama to Costa Rica (at least on the Panama side I've seen) is GORGEOUS!

bommer22

Awesome, I really appreciate the comments. I think I may rent a car in Tamarindo and return it in Malpais if that is an option. I just don't want the hassle of having to keep an eye on a car while stopping place to place. Any ideas on the best place to white water raft in Costa Rica?