Kristi_W_Mitchell

We are going to Costa Rica for the first time in two weeks (November 18-29) We (husband and 2 boys 8 & 11) will stay the first night at the San Jose Marriott near the airport and leave the next morning in our rental car for Punta Islita, after 4 days in Punta Islita will head up the coast for a 5 night stay at the JW Marriott Guanacaste near Tamarindo. I am wondering about real travel times (from San Jose marriott to Punta Islita and from Gunacaste Marriott back to San Jose airport? Hotel Punta Islita claims travel time of less than 4 hours from San Jose airport - other forums say 5+ hours. Also how bad are the roads? Will be be able to get where we are going with a 4 wheel drive? Any thing that we must know, see or do?

1bhcrashman

Guanacaste is the driest area in CR right now but you need to get there 1st. Roads are in terrible condition in all directions from SJO due to the rains. Allow a full day to travel each way and a day to travel up to the Marriott from Punta Islita. (I don't think the costal road is open all the way North. You'd probably need to go through Nosara & Nicoya. You don't want to be driving at night. You might want to check the Trip Advisor forum and probably someone local can advise you. For the cost of a week's car rental, I'd fly. Nature Air flys in to PI.
Pura Vida

Kristi_W_Mitchell

thanks for your help. I have contacted Hotel Punta Islita and asked about their roads. Am waiting to hear about the condition. We have allowed a full day to drive from San Jose to Punta Islita. Thanks

hsmithcr

The roads all over Costa Rica are getting back into shape rather quickly. However, you might consider flying to Punta Islita, as suggested. You could fly to Punta Islita and then hire a private driver to take you to JW Marriott and rent a car in Tamarindo for your stay there.

If you get positive information back from Punta Islita (be patient - they have a lot going on and you might have to telephone them) - then just figure on taking it easy driving there - sounds like you have already figured this. Just think of it as an adventure! There may be some repairs going on that would delay traffic, if the roads are down to one lane, for instance.

Here is a website with good information on distances and travel times: www.yourtravelmap.com

patrigringo

The roads are OK depending on where you're from and how much adventure you can handle. If you're only used to only city driving and everyone following the rules (red light, green light, etc, then it may be an issue.

Last time I was there, I saw this: A six foot deep by 4 feet wide sinkhole in the ground in the middle of an intersection. Sure, that kind of things happens in the US also, but the difference is what they did to notify or warn drivers.... They stuck a big branch (about 4 feet of the branch was sticking out) in the hole. That's the safety precaution that they took. Same kind of mentality applies to bridges that are washed out, roads that are closed, etc. So just be cautious and you'll be fine.

You will definitely need a four wheel drive, SUV type of vehicle. Don't count on getting there in four hours. Expect 5 or 6. Expect getting lost at least a little, and expect that you will be asking for directions every half hour. The roads are not marked well. The culture there is such that in order to get somewhere, you have to ask directions. If you're not willing to ask strangers for directions, don't even bother trying to travel anywhere. Also, don't put 100% faith in maps. If you look on google maps ( e.g. http://www.costaricabeauty.com/ViewM...609619&BID=150 )

You can see a road connecting Manzanillo (follow it north) to Punta Islita. That road does not exist as a passable road. It is basically a bicycle trail. Last time I went to Manzanillo I thought I could drive up to Punta Islita, but there was no way. Trust directions of the locals in combination with any maps.

Kristi_W_Mitchell

Thanks for all of the advice. I did get a message back from Punta Islita and they said that all of the roads from the San Jose Airport to San Jose are open. I think we'll just get in our 4 wheel drive (with GPS)after a good night sleep and take it easy.

hsmithcr

You should definitely talk to them about driving from San Jose to Punta Islita. I was there earlier this year and had to cross two shallow rivers. I don't know if bridges have been built or if there was any damage from all the water. Just a heads-up.

mlgb

transito.go.cr

It is taking twice as long to get anywhere even if the roads are open since they are doing repairs everywhere.

And definitely rent the 4wd.