Getting Here and Around

From Paquera it's an hour's drive to Malpaís via Cóbano. After Cóbano, the road is partially paved. There are some bumpy dirt sections, which can become quite muddy in the rainy season, so a 4WD vehicle is your best bet. There is a direct bus from San José, leaving at 6 am and 2 pm to Santa Teresa, crossing with the ferry from Puntarenas (Transportes Hermanos Rodríguez 2642–0219). The trip takes about six hours and costs about $15, including ferry fare. Taxis waiting at Tambor's airstrip will take up to four people to Malpaís for $45–$50.

Shuttles

Tropical Tours Shuttles. Tropical Tours can set you up with a shuttle to San José ($50), about 5½ hours, using vans and the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry. It also has shuttles to the Liberia airport ($50) and to popular beach towns Tamarindo ($50) and Sámara ($50). 50 m north of El Cruce, Malpais, Puntarenas, 60111. 2640–1900; www.tropicaltourshuttles.com.

Taxi

Taxi. For a reliable, English-speaking taxi driver, ask for Richard. Malpais, Puntarenas. 8360–8166.