I'm planning a July trip to Costa Rica. Has anyone driven from Manuel Antonio to Golfito? How were the roads? How long did it take? Which route would you recommend? Also, has anyone stayed at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge?

We were on the road between Palmar Sur and Dominical last July. The highway was absolutely wonderful--wide and smooth, it appeared new. We were coming from Puerto Jimenez so I can't tell you about the road conditions on down to Golfito, but am guessing that they are decent, if not a little better than decent. The entire route from Dominical to Golfito should take you about 3 hours (and I tend to err toward the long side).

Thanks Shillmac. Good info as usual. Did you continue from Dominical north on the costal highway to Manuel Antonio? When I last traveled that stretch (July 2000) it was very rough.

No, and I didn't give you the entire story! Our plan was to go to Domincal. We've wanted to do that for the past few visits, but never got it worked in. We were all set this time, but got into a blinding rainstorm when we arrived in Palmar Norte. It had been raining all morning and afternoon (we arrived by bus from PJ). Hired a taxi driver to take us to Dominical, where we were going to stay for 2 days then take a bus to San Isidro and back to SJO. As we approached Dominical on that wonderful highway (still in heavy rain) we got within about 5km of being there only to find a bridge washed out. A temp had been built out of rocks, but water from the river was starting to pour over the top of it. Our driver was clearly worried and stopped to watch and think about it. A couple of cars went around us and passed over on it. He said he felt it very unsafe and about that time, the rushing water overcame the bridge and the entire thing washed out in seconds before our eyes. I've never been so thankful in my life that he didn't try to force his way on across. So, we didn't actually make it to Dominical. We had to turn around, go back, and he dropped us at a lttle hotel at Punta Uvita where we stayed the night. Next morning, we took a taxi back to Palmar Norte where we took the bus on to San Isidro! It was quite an experience! So, although we do have some knowledge of the route, we never really made it to Dominical! It is my understanding that the road between MA and Dominical is still quite rough and slow going. But that highway south of Dominical was absolutely amazing!

Shillmac - That's an amazing story. Someone was watching over you that day. Thanks for the information.

Yep, Someone was. It was an amazing thing to see. The last car had barely cleared the rock bridge when it washed away. Our driver wanted so badly to get us to Dominical, but he was so obviously troubled. I was glad we hadn't urged him on and paid attention to his inner struggle!

Dang it, though, we still have to try to get to Dominical. I have mentioned it to various ones on all of our trips to CR and invariably some will say: Don't bother; there's nothing there. Others will say: Be sure and go--it's terrific there! Well, I'm determined to get there, by golly, sooner or later! Everyone who reports on Fodor's seems to like Dominical!

I would like to hear about Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. . . .is that where you plan to stay? I'll have to look it up online. . .

Shillmac - Yes that is one place I've been looking into. My problem is that I have 4 days available, 2 of which I want to spend in Quepos, and 2 left to see some of southern CR.

Hello- So it sounds like MA to Puerto Jimenez is approx. a 4 hour drive? Longer? If we went on to Bosque del Cabo/Cabo Matapalo area can we drive there from PJ? How much further? We would be there in early June. Thanks for your help.

another hour and a half on a dirt road with several stream crossings