Which route is the most scenic drive from San Jose to Arenal? We are staying at the Lost Iguana and their directions don't give names of towns. Has anyone followed those directions from there website and is that way the most scenic route?

I followed the LI directions recently. I thought that this was very scenic, but of course have not gone the other ways. This is supposed to be the fastest way to get there. We were not interested in stopping along the way given all of the warnings about leaving things in your vehicle. Although, I was told that stopping at La Paz waterfalls and Poas (another longer route) would be safe.

Do you know what towns you passed thru? Their directions does not give name of towns. How long did it take?

We followed the LI directions and they worked very well. I think the trip was about three hours - we stopped for groceries in La Fortuna.

As a first time visitor to CR, I found the route to be very scenic and interesting. It is the "fastest" rather than the "most scenic" route, but there were plenty of mountains, wild flowers, etc. along the way.

I've take 2 routes to Arenal/La Fortuna and consider the San Ramon, La Tigra, La Fortuna route to be the most scenic. www.arenal.net has a decent map for driving to Arenal.

Have a great trip!

Do you have a map? It is easy to see the roads that go this route - there aren't many choices, really.

The Lost Iguana directions mention 5 or 6 towns, so I'm not sure what your question is there. It is the most direct route.

We went the route past La Paz Waterfalls, which were beautiful and well worth the trip. Driving time was about 3 or 3 1/2 hours. Didn't really keep track because we stopped at the falls on the way. Poas is a nice stop, slightly out of the way (we couldn't stop because it had erupted recently when we went in March).

I didn't do the LI route, but the Waterfalls way is very scenic.

Either way, it'll be a nice drive.

Karen

We are staying at Lost Iguana next month and having the same discussion. The only other way that I know of (Pat Hewitt told us this way) is to go thru Grecia, Sarchi, Naranjo, Zarcero and San Carlos which would be longer but brings you thru some towns and stops at some beautiful churches (Grecia and Zarcero), and over the Tarcoles River which gives you a view of some huge crocodiles. We haven't heard any other feedback regarding this way...so not sure how much longer it is from the Lost Iguana directions.

the easiest way to get around Costa Rica after 4 trips and many times being lost although that is part of the adventure is to have a list of the names of the towns you are going to pass through then you at least know you are headed in the correct direction!

Look at the link earthtraveler posted. I wish I had that before, it perfectly describes 3 different routes from San Jose to Arenal, the 'fastest' way (which is the way L.I. website shows, the 'cultural' way (which is the way I described), and then the 'waterfall' way (someone else described). The fast way around 3 hours, the cultural way around 3 1/2 hours, the waterfall way around 4 to 4 1/2 hours. I would say don't go the waterfall way unless your flight gets in early enough in the morning. I believe it gets dark around 5:30??? Don't want to get caught on the road after dark.

Thanks for everyones help. So The LI route is the same as the fastest route which is the San Ramon, La Tigra and La Fortuna route?

yep

I'm pretty sure the hands down winner for most scenic hasn't been mentioned which is over the top from Sarchi through Bajo del Toro http://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/i...amp;Itemid=434

You'll want 4WD

we got lost both times we drove from SJ to Arenal... just take a compass, a 4-wd, a Spanish/English dictionary and an open (adventurous) mind! Leave early and have fun getting "lost"!

Just remember, the word "roads" is used loosely in CR. With the exception of the main hwy, or roads in big towns, the rest are rock or dirt with huge potholes!

Be careful driving, but anyway you get to Arenal will be full of scenery, the country is gorgeous with the warmest people I've met travelling.