how bad is drive from Tamarindo to Mal Pais?
 

I'm trying to decide whether to rent a car or take a bus. I'm leaning toward the car so i can easily go on to Montezuma and Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, etc. without relying on buses or cabs.

Thoughts?

You can either drive the way it looks like you should go - or take the Tempisque bridge and travel down to Puntarenas on the highway to the ferry. The Nicoya roads are horrible. It will take you at least 6 hours either way.

Naplo999 is right on. 6 hours either way. The ferry route is by far your best option! The roads are undescribably better (!) and you can relax and let the ferry move you along for an hour and a half! Take the Paquera ferry, not the Naranjo! :) Double check the ferry schedules as they tend to change from time to time. www.nicoyapeninsula.com

This site should be current, but I'd still call the ferry the day before. Plan to be there about an hour ahead of time! Good luck!

Thanks to you both! Are you aware of any companies willing to take you from Tamarindo to Mal Pais by boat?

I am not. You can have a driver or bus take you to Puntarenas - then take the ferry over to Paquera. Have your hotel arrange a taxi for you when you arrive in Paquera to bring you to Mal Pais. There is a car rental there, albeit very small one - Budget I believe. I think there is another on the road near Cobano too.