2 Week Panic - Can't Find a Transfer!
 

We are down to 2 weeks until we leave, and this board has probably been THE most helpful resource in all our planning. I think we have finally hit our 1st official snag - I can't find a way to get from Montezuma to Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste.
We are spending our last night in CR at Villa del Sueno in Hermosa before flying out of Liberia the next day. We decided not to rent a car this trip for lots of reasons, and I have been pleased with the prices and availability of shuttles, tranfers, etc. for the other legs of our trip. I seem to have hit a wall with this one though. I don't want to do the public bus because this is an all day drive (uncomfortable) and would require several bus changes, and I worry about the luggage, etc. Interbus does not make the run and said as much when I emailed them. We could catch their shuttle from Puntarenas if we could be there by 9 AM - I think that is impossible? I got one quote for a private transfer @ $230, but I really don't want to spend that. I have emailed a few other transfer services, but none have replied. I had read somewhere on this board that there might be a car rental place in Cobano ( I'm OK with renting for one day, I think), but I think that may be incorrect? I don't supose there is some secret flight from Tambor to Liberia?

Does anyone know of any shuttle, transfer, etc. services that I can contact? I don't need anything private or snazzy, just a safe, fairly direct way to get from point A to point B. I really DO NOT want to pay the $230.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

I should say that the quote for $230 came from Costa Rica Transfers, which is a company that Neta has recommended on this board. That certainly makes me feel better about the level of service, if not the price!

Mat629,
You could be in Puntarenas by 9:00 if you are willing to be at the ferry for a 7:30 a.m. departure. It would be tight, however, since the ferry is about 1.5 hour in length. This would involve your leaving Montezuma by 6:00 a.m. Oops, forgot, no car, and a taxi would be expensive.

Okay, let's see. As you mentioned, there is supposed to be a car rental agency in Cobano. Surely you could rent there and drop off in Liberia. If that is possible, it would be your best best. Cost extra to drop off at a different location, but certainly would be less than $230!

In trying to be helpful, I guess I've just reiterated what you have already stated. I would check on the rental, however. Perhaps someone else will have a great idea. Actually, there should be a direct bus from Puntarenas to Liberia. A taxi to Paquera from Montezuma, perhaps? Then the ferry. . .then the bus, then another taxi from Liberia to Hermosa (short ride)? The taxi, bus combination has worked for us, but we weren't toting luggage except for that which we carried on and held onto for dear life. Your luggage should be safe if you are willing get off at the stops and keep an eye on it. Good luck!!!

We just did the trip using the public buses. Left Montezuma at 8 and was in Hermosa around 4. Cheap and a pretty fun trip(but we like that kind of stuff). Taxi to bus station from puntarenas 500 colones. Bus departs for Liberia right accross the street from the station. Just ask a bus depot guy. I believe it leaves every hour. In any case we made it just in time to the Liberia station to catch the bus to Hermosa. Good Luck!

Good advice shilmac as well. I only have one comment. If you got off the bus at each stop you would be getting up about 500 times! Most of the folks getting on and off though didn't have any luggage so they didn't open the storage. A taxi from Liberia to Hermosa cost us $25 bucks( that was from hermosa to liberia on morning), but should cost the same either direction. If you want look at my trip report the 2nd to last day if you want more details on the ride.

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LOL! Talk about a workout! I meant only during the times when they opened the underneath compartment to remove luggage. But I guess you wouldn't have any way of knowing when that would be happening and when it wouldn't. Ah, the bus experience! Everyone should do it at least once. Reminds me of the one out of Puerto Jimenez--3 hrs. to Palmar Norte. Not only did he stop 500 times, but he honked at every bus or truck he met as well as all the people by the road in houses, sodas, etc. And they all honked or waved back. This guy was either very popular or just very friendly, but it drove us NUTS!

Montezuma to Hermosa in 8 hours isn't all that bad. It would take 6 to do it by car. Getting in at 4:00 leaves a little time in the day. . .