We will be driving from Arenal to the Nosara area. One of my maps shows a bridge over the Rio Tempisque on Rt. 18 near the mouth of the river and one shows a ferry. Is there a brige, and is this the best way to go? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

There is a bridge--a quite spectacular one, in fact. Used to be a ferry there, about 5 years ago. The bridge has been there probably 4 years. Very nice.

Yes, you can go that way, coming back down to San Ramon, then driving on the Panamerican west toward the coast and Puntarenas, then up toward Liberia, turning west on Highway 18.

We'd probably drive west out of Arenal, around the lake, down to Liberia, then take Highway 21 all the way down to Nicoya, turning west there toward the coast and Samara/Nosara area. I THINK it would be shorter that way. No need to take Highway 18 and the bridge.

On second thought, we've never gone to Nosara from Arenal. Always have driven to the Tamarindo/Flamingo area instead. I gave you bad advice--Liberia would be WAY out of your way. and you WOULDN'T drive back to San Ramon. Instead, you would drive around the lake down to Canas--then take the Interamerican (Panamerican) down to Highway 18--just like you said! SORRY!

shillmac, Thanks for the info. We will be in the area of Liberia later in the vacation, so I thought it would be good to see a different area. How does this sound - west from Arenal around the lake to Tilaran and then SW on 142 to the Panamerican and then east an the Panamerican to rt. 18 and to rt 21? We are fairly adventurous. But don't want to spend the whole day lost either.

You won't get lost. You're right on target. When you are driving down toward Highway 18 from Canas, there is a very nice little rest area right there at the Highway 18 junction. On the west (your right) is a huge gasolinera. On the east side is a very good little restaurant with a very good little sandwich shop/bakery next door. Used to be a little 3 legged dog here. In back there are some deer enclosed. And a scarlet macaw. . .we have watched howler monkeys in the trees overhead many times--very up close and personal, eating mangoes. It would be a nice stop for you. Enjoy!