Liberia to Malpais: Best Route & Approx Time?
 

Can anyone help me with driving directions from Liberia to Malpais? Is it best to take Route 1 to Puntarenas and take the ferry across or would Route 21 through Nicoya be better? Any details would be appreciated. Estimated time would be great!

Thanks,

Johnny C.

We've done both, and I don't think you would notice an appreciable difference. The ferry experience is kind of fun, however; AND it is nice to take a 1.5 hour break from driving! There is a stretch of road (about 25km) on that other route, between Naranjo and Paquera, that is not paved. It would slow you down a bit. I'd advise the ferry.

The only downside to the ferry is that you have to plan your travel time around the ferry schedule, but it has always worked out for us. Be sure to double check it a day or two before--it is subject to change. You can find that schedule (hopefully it has been updated recently) at www.nicoyapeninsula.com

I forgot to mention--be sure to take the ferry that goes to Paquera, not Naranjo. Paquera is the southernmost landing and closer to MalPais. If you were to take the Naranjo ferry, you'd still have to navigate that unpaved road!!!

Shillmac - How many hours will it take?

Thanks,

JC

From Liberia, I'd say at least close to 6 hours. You can figure a couple of hours to Puntarenas, 30 minutes (or a little more to be on the safe side)in line for the ferry, 1.5 hour on the ferry, 1.5 hour drive to MalPais.

I think it would take you at least an extra 30 minutes to take the land route. Seems like it took us right at 5 hours to drive from Tambor to Tamarindo a few years back.