Costa Rica

Costa Rica is fascinating and beautiful; there are tropical rain forests, active volcanoes, and white sand beaches that stretch as far as the imagination. The country is by far the most developed of all Central American countries. There are presently over hundreds of thousands North-Americans living in Costa Rica and the number is growing daily.

Both Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer beautiful beaches, national parks and festive environments. There have been recent increases in taxes and therefore it is more expensive to travel in Costa Rica than the other Central American countries. But compared to North American standards, food and accommodations are still a bargain.

Tourism is booming in Costa Rica, just walk into any bookstore and you will find an assortment of travel guides containing information on retiring, moving, investing, living, rafting, bungee jumping or whatever you want to do in the country. People are willing to pay to have fun and this has been well-displayed by the expanding list of activities that tourists may enjoy while visiting Costa Rica. Unfortunately, you won’t find the peace and solitude that was so attractive years ago when the spines of tourism had not yet scratched the skin of Costa Rica. Nevertheless, it’s still a wonderful country to visit and it is my favorite in all of Central America.

Surfing & Water Sports
Surfers, welcome to paradise! Costa Rica offers beach breaks, reef breaks and off shore islands with a plethora of waves. Eight hours from coast to coast—two separate oceans within one day’s drive—substantially increases your odds of locating surf.

Driving In Costa Rica
Watch your speed in Costa Rica, the police like to catch foreigners in radar traps. Also, there is a seat-belt law—so wear it! The roads are horrible but the signs are good. From the border you can make San Jose in 5 hours. From San Jose you can visit either coast in a couple of hours.

One Entry Point
Penas Blancas is the only entry point for Costa Rica. There are no vehicle entry points on the Caribbean side coming from Nicaragua. Therefore you must travel past Managua and south toward the Pacific coast into Costa Rica.

Fumigation
Your first stop is fumigation, a few $ US. Pay the fee and then drive your car through the fumigation station. If you are adamantly against having your car fumigated, you can offer the inspector some extra dinero and they will most likely give you passage without fumigation.

Migration & Aduana
The Costa Rican and Nicaraguan immigration offices are 4km apart. On the Costa Rican side the immigration office is next to the Restaurant La Frontera.

Your next stop is the Migration and Aduana, both in one building—what a concept! Park your vehicle and go to Migration for your entry stamp, a few more $ US. Next take your passport and title and give it to the official at the Aduana window.

You are required to purchase insurance for a minimum of one month, about $70 US. The official will give you four forms, computer generated: Certificado De Entrega De Vehiculos, No Comerciales Importacion Temporal, Instituto Nacional De Seguros, and Recibo De Dinero. After you receive the forms you are free to go. There is an inspection station at the exit about 1k down the road, but it is very informal.

Learned Lessons
You will encounter several checkpoints on the road leading away from the border. The guards will ask for your passport and destination and then send you on your way with a smile. These stations are more for illegal immigrants from Nicaragua than for gringos.

Special Directions
This is by far the most efficient and trustworthy crossing you will encounter. If you have made it this far, congratulations!

CR Border/Tamarindo
Driving Time: 4 hours
Kilometers: 162
Miles: 100
Hwy: CA 1—CA 151—CA 21—CA 152

As mentioned above, you will come across several checkpoints traveling away from the Nicaraguan border. Show the officials the necessary paperwork and you should have no problems.

From Penas Blancas follow the signs to Liberia. At Liberia you can fill your gas tank and stomach before continuing to Tamarindo. In the center of town turn right at the major intersection and follow the signs to Tamarindo. This same route will take you to Coco Beach, Playa Junquillal, Samara, Nicoya or any other location on the Nicoya Peninsula.

There are several exceptional National Parks in this region. If you see only one National Park while in Costa Rica, make it Santa Rosa National Park. The park is located between Penas Blancas and Liberia about 45 minutes from the border and 35k north of Liberia. The beach is unimaginably beautiful, there is an abundance of wildlife in the park and there are camping facilities and cabanas for rent. There is also a cooking facility that provides meals for a small fee.

There are three alternative routes leaving Tamarindo for locations further south. Depending on how far on to the Nicoya Peninsula you have traveled, you may either:

1. work your way back to Liberia and continue south from the city (the best roads and easiest)
2. take the short ferry at the northern Golfo de Nicoya
3. travel by ferry at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula to Puntarenas

Learned Lessons
If you’re well on to the Nicoya Peninsula you may want to take the ferry. This can sometimes take much longer than anticipated. The ferry operator will wait until the ferry is full before leaving the port and there is frequently a long line of cars waiting to cross—ordinarily more than can fit on the ferry, so get there early.

Special Directions
The ferry that sails from the Nicoya Peninsula to Puntarenus departs from Playa Naranjo. There are three to five daily departures and the travel takes between 1 to 2 hours. The cost is between $8 and $10 for you and your wheels. Check departure times by calling Conatramar at 661-1069

CR Border / San Jose
Driving Time: 5 hours
Kilometers: 289
Miles: 179
Hwy: CA 1

After finishing your entry requirements follow the signs on CA 1 to Liberia. From Liberia continue south 128k to Esparza. At Esparza head for San Mateo. San Mateo is the junction point for San Jose or the Pacific coast.

Follow the signs toward Alajuela and San Jose. This road leads you away from San Mateo and up into the highlands, the road is well-marked, but the ascent is steep. When you are close to San Jose you will pass the airport, about 15 minutes from town. Plan your drive into San Jose on a weekday and not during the rush hour, the traffic can be horrific. Like all Latin American capitals, driving in San Jose is not for the weak or impatient, but then if you are on this trip you are neither. The roads are congested and confusing, expect to pull over several times to ask for directions. Attendants at gas stations are always helpful, nonetheless, be prepared to take your time finding the way.

Hotel & Eats
If you have been driving for some time and want a great place to lay your tired bones, try Hotel Cacts. As you enter San Jose on Paseo Colon you will pass Pizza Hut. Turn right at the next corner and travel 4 blocks to Hotel Cacts. The cost is $25—$50 per night, it includes a hot shower and a light breakfast. They have 24 hour security for your car, a travel agency on-site and storage for your luggage. When you pass the Pizza Hut, turn left and drive 4 blocks.

Learned Lessons
Watch your personal items in the coastal towns and in San Jose. Never leave anything of value in your vehicle unattended. There are plenty of car parks in San Jose, but don’t trust them and never leave your keys with them. Read Helpful Hints & Other Topics for more information.

Special Directions
San Mateo is the junction point for San Jose or the Pacific coast.

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