Driving TIMES? Costa Rica
 

Hi Folks, I could use help with trip planning. We are leaving in 2 weeks. (incredible air fare deal that could not pass up...still available on continental $400.00!)

OK my questions...
Drive time from airport to La Fortuna? how long to plan for driving the scenic route through Sarchi and Zarcero?
or
Via the route through Heredia and San Miguel past the Poas Volcano?

Then we need Drive time from Volcan Arenal (Tabacon) to Jaco.

All ideas and ideas for stops along the way are very much appreciated!!!

The most expedient route is through San Ramon--about 2.5 hours from the airport, straight driving.

Through Zarcero and San Carlos, it will take slightly longer, but you'll want to stop in Zarcero to view the topiary in front of the church. Plan 3.5 hours.

Through Sarchi and Zarcero, plan longer--I have no idea how long you might want to stay in Sarchi to look over the many souvenir stores. Highway leaves a bit to be desired.

I would recommend the San Carlos/Zarcero route. The highway is excellent and Zarcero makes for a great midway stop.

San Ramon route is scenic as well and that road is good also.

I wouldn't recommend the Poas Volcano route unless you can arrange to be at Poas at or before 9:00 a.m. After that, the crater tends to be lost in clouds.

La Fortuna to Jaco, about 3 hours.

Great airfare for sure--out of Newark or where? I have a $400 credit with Continental--needs to be used!

Thank you, airfare is out of Columbus Ohio.

By the way how long from Jaco the Manual Antonio?

Jaco to Manuel Antonio approx 20-30 minutes

Thank you!

I used a site on the web called mytravelmap.com. It details your driving times pretty accuratley. We are just back from a 2 weeks stay where I was the navigator, husband was the driver. We never got lost once. I also just used a road map. I would like to say that the drive from La Fortuna to Jaco was closer to 4 hours. Also I don't think there is any way to get from Jaco to Manuel Antonio in 30 minutes. Its over 70 kilometers. We didn't go because we knew it would take way longer. You might want to check into that. Take in to consideration road conditions. The roads are in much better shape than in the past, but there is sometimes slow traffic and a lot of road construction underway. This can lead to delays.

I guess you ment www.yourtravelmap.com

yes, I did mean yourtravelmap.com. Just a little mistake, thanks for clearing that up!

There's a great website for this... We found it to be reliable.

http://www.1-costaricalink.com/distances.htm

Have fun!

((C))