Archive for July 2009
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Guidebook Reviews for Hostel Bekuo
Lonely Planet
Bekuo (an indigenous Bribri word, meaning constellation) is certainly Costa Ricas’s prettiest hostel, so it’s no surprise that one of the original owners studied interior design. Under the new management of Storm, who had the hostel passed down to him from his aunty Michelle*, the place is not only beautiful but has a fantastic buzz.
This is a hostel with an air of distinction. Peace reigns throughout as guests spend the day flicking through the pages of Allende and Marquez novels while idly rocking away in the garden hammocks. Stone ornaments set amongst pristine greenery and floral arrangements complete the tasteful look outside – be sure to check out the boulder-like Bribri stone sphere that was a gift from ex-Costa Rican President Figueres. Inside, there’s a homey sitting room and kitchen, plus a pool table – around which there’s the regular banter amongst the meeting travelers. Sundays are always fun when young owner Storm puts on a hearty barbecue or gets in a belly of tuna for everyone to make their own sashimi.
- Guyan Mitra Lonely Planet author
Moon Guide, Costa Rica
A spectacular addition to the backpacking scene,Hostel Bekuo is a conversion of a beautiful 1950′s home with shiny hardwood floors, clean modern bathrooms, a breeze-swept lounge with pool table, and an Internet and tv lounge. Walls of glass open to a garden.
- Christopher P. Baker
Stilvoll, Gunstig
Von auben unaffallig, von innen eines der geschamckvollsten hostels in san jose. schlichte zimmer asiatischem Touch. Betten mit gutten Matratzen
- Stefan Loose, Renate Loose
One that isn’t necessarily a guide book (but he should have written one) is from one of our guests travels around the world on a Watson Fellowship. Marc visited 15 countries over a year, and in the end, he made a list of what he loved the most and loved the least. this is what he said about Hostel Bekuo:
Best Hostel Staff: Hostel Bekuo, San Jose, Costa Rica
You can read all about Marc’s trip here.
* The story that Lonely Planet has is completely wrong, but what they wrote about our facilities is spot on.
Olio - Deliciousness a few blocks from Hostel Bekuo
Set in a century old red brick house on the corner of a small street and Costa Rica’s recently revived rail system, Olio has been pleasing loyal patrons for years. Olio draws a diverse crowd in part because of its location; not too far from the University, not too far from downtown, not too far from the host of businesses located in and around San Pedro.
Inside you’ll find a restaurant divided into several small but comfortable and well decorated rooms. There is a small bar area in the back where you’ll find patrons bellied up to the bar enjoying tapas, and a small adjacent alcove for bar overflow. There are two good sized front rooms and a slightly smaller space for dining, as well as occasionally some tables set up outside on the railroad track side of the building (although not during rush hour, as the train is running during that time) for people that don’t want to deal with any smoke. One side of the restaurant is non-smoking already, and the government is even moving forward with legislation to ban smoking inside of public places, joining their North American brethren in legislating second hand smoke.
On the menu you’ll find an amazing selection of dishes; amazing tapas like bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms, followed by a lengthy and mouthwatering list of pasta’s, local meats, and fresh fish. The extensive wine list features wines for every budget from Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Chile, Greece, South Africa and Australia. You will find the staff to be attentive and well trained. A small perk for foreigners is that their credit card machine charges in dollars, which won’t leave you pondering the exchange rate or seeing extra charges for currency conversions on your bank statement. As far as prices go, Olio is one of the best bang for your buck restaurants in the entire city. Considering the atmosphere, quality of food and service, and portion size it’s one of the best deals around.
Olio is located in Barrio Escalante 200 meters north of Bagelmans. Open Monday through Friday 11:30 A.M. to 1 A.M., and Saturday 4 P.M. to midnight.
Costa Rican Airline Nature Air is role model for responsible tourism
By Shefali Lall
21 July 2009 [MEDIAGLOBAL]: Since 2004, the Costa Rican airline Nature Air has stood as the world’s first certified carbon-neutral airline. The airline has committed itself to limiting the negative effects of air travel on the environment through a variety of programs and initiatives that promote responsible tourism.
Air travel produces carbon dioxide emissions that intensify the greenhouse effect and consequently aggravate climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Aviation and the Global Atmosphere, “Although it is less than 100 years since the first powered flight, the aviation industry has undergone rapid growth and has become an integral and vital part of modern society. In the absence of policy intervention, the growth is likely to continue. It is therefore highly relevant to consider the current and possible future effects of aircraft engine emissions on the atmosphere.”
Nature Air has done just that. The airline seeks to counteract 100 percent of all its flight emissions through projects to improve fuel efficiency, protect and conserve tropical forests, safeguard biological corridors, and advocate environmental funding for local communities. “We are always thinking, ‘what more can we do?’” Nature Air representative Ronald Jimenez told MediaGlobal.
Nature Air, which currently operates flights throughout Central America, minimizes its carbon footprint through the use of fuel-efficient twin-engine fleets, controlled aircraft weight, and careful route planning.
Through the use of precise calculations on carbon emissions over a 12-month period from all flights, regardless of the number of passengers per flight, Nature Air determines the carbon dioxide emissions from one galloon of fuel. The calculation methods followed are processed through the Forestry Financing Department of the Costa Rican Government and consistent with guidelines established by the IPCC.
Once Nature Air has computed its fuel consumption and carbon emissions, it implements and invests in environmental projects required for sufficient carbon offsetting. The airline’s not-for-profit Carbon Offset Program directs its funds to reforestation projects throughout Costa Rica. Nature Air has also signed agreements with Fondo Nacional de Financiamiento Forestal, the Costa Rican Forestry Financing Department of the Ministerio de Ambiente, Energía y Telecomunicaciones, and the Ministry in charge of Environment and Energy.
Currently, Nature Air works with projects that are supported by the government of Costa Rica, which guarantees that the projects have acquired proper certification.
Nature Air also supports several initiatives in Costa Rica geared toward social responsibility and sustainable tourism, including the employment of local people for both administrative and operational positions, as well as the recycling of paper, plastics, and oils in office locations.
The airline has also founded Aerotica, Costa Rica’s first alternative fuel station that utilizes bio-fuel, and the NatureKids Foundation, an organization that teaches English language skills and self-empowerment techniques to the local communities. “When our company was started, our CEO believed that we should return something to our country, Costa Rica,” Jimenez told MediaGlobal. “We’re also teaching the people how to recycle and how to save energy,” Jimenez added.
Mexico beats Costa Rica on penalties
CHICAGO (AP) — Mexico squeezed past Costa Rica on penalties on Thursday to set up a CONCACAF Gold Cup final against its archrival, the United States.
The game finished 1-1 after extra time after two goals in the closing minutes of regulation time, before Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa pulled off a vital save in the shootout and Carlos Vela converted the winning penalty.
It will be Mexico’s sixth trip to the Gold Cup final, with its only loss coming two years ago at the hands of the Americans. The final is Sunday at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
“We’re very happy as a team. This was a struggle against a very good team, but now we are through to the final,” Ochoa said.
Mexico blew several chances to put the game away in the second half and in the first period of extra time. But El Tri were faultless in the shootout, converting all their spotkicks while Ochoa pulled off his key block.
The decisive penalty came on Costa Rica’s third shot. Froylan Ledezma, whose goal in the 93rd minute sent the game into extra time, put his shot on target but Ochoa dived to his left and knocked the ball away with his hands.
Sunday’s final is sure to be highly charged, as all games between the United States and Mexico are. That the two have a World Cup qualifier Aug. 12 at Azteca — where the Americans have never won — only adds to the drama.
“We’re not focusing on that right now, we’re focusing on our next match,” Ochoa said. “What’s important is the match coming now, and we need to play well against them before we can start looking forward to (Aug. 12).”
At least Mexico will have its coach back. Javier Aguirre’s three-game suspension for his altercation with Panama’s Ricardo Phillips during group play ended with Thursday night’s game.
Though Mexico had few of its regular starters — like the United States in the first semifinal — any victory these days is big. El Tri has had a succession of coaches, bad losses and a surprisingly slow start to World Cup qualifying. Mexico is fourth in the CONCACAF region right now, with only the top three teams getting automatic spots in South Africa next year.
“This win tonight in this tournament is going to energize us,” Aguirre said through a translator.
Mexico had a chance to go ahead in the 56th minute when a penalty was awarded for handball against Costa Rica captain Freddy Fernandez. But Miguel Sabah’s shot was low and easily stopped by Ticos goalkeeper Keilor Navas.
Mexico finally broke through in the 88th minute when Guillermo Franco scored from the edge of the 6-yard box. Navas swatted at the ball, but it bounced backward and over the goal line.
Mexico’s celebrations were short-lived. Three minutes into stoppage time and seconds from the final whistle, Alvaro Saborio headed the ball forward and Ledezma beat Juan Carlos Valenzuela for it. Ochoa had no chance to stop the fierce shot from 10 yards, and the game went to extra time.
Bill would tax gambling and sports betting in Costa Rica
Within the next two weeks, the Costa Rica Finance Ministry will send a bill to the Legislative Assembly proposing a 2 percent tax on income earned by the gambling, gaming and betting industry. The ministry estimates that the tax would generate up to $85 million for the government coffers if passed.
Total income in the gaming industry is calculated by money earned by casinos, as well as by the online betting industry, which includes gambling games like poker as well as betting on sports. There are 46 operating casinos in Costa Rica as well as 300 gambling-related businesses, including call centers that receive calls for gambling and betting purposes.
If the bill is passed, a regulatory body would ensure that gambling locations and affiliates are licensed and honor the new tax. The regulatory body would be comprised of Finance Ministry and other financial, security and tourism officials.
Though the anticipated financial gains of the tax would pump a large sum of money into the Costa Rican state, companies and employees within the gaming industry are concerned about potential ramifications. Gambling has seen significant drops in revenue in 2009 and the tax would further reduce overall earnings.
Jorge Hidalgo, vice president of the Costa Rican Association of Casinos, said the industry is among the hardest hit by the recession. “Activity has fallen about 35 percent, and in addition to that we have fewer work hours and have had to let go about 500 employees,” he said.
The bill is anticipated to reach the Legislative Assembly on Aug. 3.
Honduras talks postponed, Arias has new proposal
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) – Honduras’ de facto government said on Wednesday a new round of talks aimed at defusing the country’s political crisis had been delayed and that it was waiting for a new proposal from mediator Costa Rica.
“I am waiting for a new proposal” from mediator Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, Carlos Lopez, Honduras’ interim foreign minister and negotiator, told local television. “We are waiting for a call.”
(Reporting by Simon Gardner, Esteban Israel and Gustavo Palencia; editing by Mohammad Zargham)
Costa Rica government says Honduras talks to resume on Wed
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) – Talks to resolve the political crisis in Honduras will resume on Wednesday, a source from the Costa Rican government serving as a mediator between ousted President Manuel Zelaya and the interim government told Reuters on Sunday.
The source, requesting anonymity, said the interim government of Roberto Micheletti requested 72 hours to study a proposal put forward by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.
(Reporting by Ana Isabel Martinez; Writing by Mica Rosenberg)
Costa Rica Bus Schedule
This schedule is meant as a general guide only. Call to verify times.
200(A,B) ALAJUELA / AIRPORT from San José – DEP. ev. day ev. 5 mins. A.2, C.10/14 from 4:00 to 22:00; RET. from 4:30 to 22:00hrs; 17 km; 30 minutes. Tuasa company, Tel. 2222-5325
433 BARVA VOLCANO from Heredia – DEP. Mon.-Fri. from Central Market at 6:30, 11:00, 16:00; RET. 7:30, 13:00, 17:00. Sat. 6:30, 11:00, 16:00. Sun. 11:00, 16:00; RET. 1 hour later. Walk 6km to the park entrance, then 4km to the lagoon.
725 BRIBRI from Limón – DEP. Ev.day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00, RET. 6:15, 9:00, 11:15,12:30, 14:15, 16:15; 2hrs $1.35 **. Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 2758-1572
725 BRIBRI from San José – DEP. Ev.day from Terminal Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30 RET. 6:00, 8:30, 10:30, 15:30 Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 2257-8129
223 BUTTERFLY FARM from Guacima Abajo in Alajuela – DEP. ev. day 1 block South, 1 block West from Tikal Supermarket at 6:20, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00; RET. 9:45, 11:45, 13:45, 15:45, 17:45; 22 km; 0:40 hrs.
750 CAHUITA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Caribe at 10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET. 7:30, 9:30, 11:00, 16:00; 195 km; 4:00 hrs. You can buy tickets in advance. $6.00 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 2257-8129
725 CAHUITA from Limón – DEP. ev. day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00; 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00, 18:00; RET. Ev. day 6:30, 7:30, 9:15, 11:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00, 18:15, 19:00; 1hr. $0.75 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel 2758-1572
501 CAÑAS (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from just outside Terminal Coca Cola at 8:30, 10:20, 12:20, 13:20, 14:30, 16:45; Fri & Sun also at 18:15; RET. 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 9:15, 12:15, 13:50 (Sun also 15:00 and 17:15); 188 km; 3:30 hrs.
300 CARTAGO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:10 from Terminal Cartago from 5:00 to 24:00; RET. from 4:45 to 23:00; 22 km; 0:45 hrs. On Fri/Sat buses also from 24:00 to 5:00 ev. hr. After 20:30 the bus leaves in front of Grand Hotel Costa Rica (Ave 2, Calle 3/5). SACSA company. Tel. 2233-5350
205 CIUDAD QUESADA (SAN CARLOS) (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal Atlántico Norte from 5:00 to 19:30; RET. from 5:00 to 18:15; 110 km; 2:15 hrs. Atuo-Transportes San José-San Carlos company. 2255-4318
500 COCO BEACH (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from A.1/3,C.14 at 8:00, 14:00; RET. same; 251 km; 5:00 hrs. You can also take the bus from Liberia to Coco Beach ev. day: DEP. 5:30, 12:30 (14:00) 16:30; RET. 7:00 (9:15) 14:00. $4.50 ** Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 2222-1650
610 DOMINICAL from San Isidro – DEP. ev. day at 7:00, 9:00, 13:30, 16:00; RET. 7:00, 7:15, 14:45, 15:30 Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 2222-1650
610 DOMINICAL – SAN ISIDRO from Quepos – DEP. ev. day from Mercado Municipal at 5:00, 13:30; RET. 7:00, 13:30; 80 km; 3:30 hrs. Transportes Morales company. Tel. 2223-5567
599 FLAMINGO, BRASILITO AND POTRERO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from ½ block west of Terminal Coca Cola at 8:00, 10:00; RET. 9:00, 14:00; 320 km; 6:00 hrs. $8.39 ** TRALAPA company. Tel. 2223-5859
516 FLAMINGO, BRASILITO AND POTRERO from Santa Cruz – DEP. ev. day at 6:30, 15:00; RET. 9:00, 17:00; Potrero 64 km TRALAPA company. Tel. 2223-5859
211 FORTUNA (Arenal Volcano) from San José – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:15, 8:40, 11:30; RET. 12:45; 14:45, 130 km; 4:30 hrs. $3.76 ** Auto-Transportes San José-San Carlos company. Tel. 2255-4318
286 FORTUNA from Ciudad Quesada – DEP. ev. day from Parada Municipal at 6:00, 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, 17:15, 18:00; RET 5:00, 8:00, 12:15, 15:30. There are 4 different routes and we recommend Chachagua at DEP. 6:00 and 10:30 and RET 8:00, 12:15. Ask for details at the station. 40 kms, 1hr. $0.95 ** Auto-Transportes San José-San Carlos company. Tel. 2255-4318
1202 FORTUNA from Tilarán – DEP. ev. day at 7:00, 12:30; RET. 8:30, 17:30; 101 km; 4:00 hrs. $2 ** Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 2222-3854
612 GOLFITO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro / TRACOPA at 7:00, 15:00; RET. 5:00, 13:00; 339 km; 8 hrs. $5.70 ** TRACOPA company. Tel 2222-2666
GUAPILES AND BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK from San José – DEP. Mon. to Fri. from Terminal Atlántico Norte from 5:30 to 21:45 (ev. 0:30 hr.) Sat./Sun. from 6:00 to 21:00; RET. 5:30 to 19:00; 75km; 1:20 hrs. For Braulio Carillo, get off at the Zurquí or Quebrada González Station. Wait on highway for bus to come back. $1.36 ** Atlántico Norte company. 2256-8963
400B HEREDIA from San José – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:10 from Terminal Heredia from 5:00 to 24:15 and at night from 24:15 to 4:00 a.m. ev. 0:30; RET. from 5:00 to 23:00; 11 km; 30 minutes. You can also take a minibus (400A) on A.2,C.10/12 ev. 0:15 from 6:00 to 20:00.
307 IRAZU VOLCANO (express bus from San José) – DEP. Sat. and Sun. from A.2,C.1/3 opposite Gran Hotel Costa Rica at 8:00; RET. 12:15; 54 km; 1:30 hrs. You can also take this bus at Cartago ruins at 8:30.
655 JACO BEACH and Carara Biological Station (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Coca Cola at 7:30, 10:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 11:00, 15:00; 102 km; 2:30 hrs. $2.11 ** Transportes Morales S.A. company. Tel. 2223-5567
232 LAGUNA DE FRAIJANES from Alajuela – DEP. Mon.-Fri. 3 blocks west of Central Market at 9:00, 13:00, 16:15, 18:15; RET. 6:00, 10:00, 14:00, 17:00; 15 km; 0:50 hrs. Sat. 6:30, 8:00, Sun. 7:00, 17:15. Fraijanes opens Tue.-Sun. 9:00-15:30.
336 LANKESTER GARDENS (bus to Paraíso, from Cartago) – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:30 from south side of Central Park Cartago from 5:00 to 22:30; RET. same; 8 km; 0:15 hrs. Get off at the entrance of the Gardens (in front of Campo Ayala) and walk ½ mile; open ev. day 8:00-15:00.
500 LIBERIA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from A.1/3,C.14 at 6:00, 7:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 20:00; RET. 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00; 217 km; 4:00 hrs. The 15:00 and 17:00 departing buses are direct; the 4:00 and 5:00 return buses are also direct. $3.76 ** Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 2222-1650
703 LIMON (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal Caribe from 5:00, 5:30, 6:45, from 7:30, to 18:30 ev. hr; RET. 5:00, 5:30, 6:45, from 7:30, to 19:00 ev. hr ; 162 km; 2:30 hrs. $2.86 ** Auto-Transportes Caribeños company. Tel. 2221-2596
1229 LOS CHILES Y CAÑO NEGRO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Atlántico Norte at 5:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 15:00; 217 km; 5:00 hrs. Call the park administration for reservation of lodging and food, tel. 4601301; boat to the park at 7:30 Tue. and Thu. Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 2256-8963
750 MANZANILLO (express bus from San José) – DEP ev. day from Terminal Caribe at 16:00; RET 6:30. You can buy tickets in advance. $5.37 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 2257-8129
725 MANZANILLO from Limón – DEP. Ev. day 6:00, 14:30; RET. 8:30, 17:00. 1:30 hrs. $1.56 **
675 MONTEVERDE (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 14:30; RET. 6:30, 14:30; 167 km; 4.5 hrs. $4.56 ** Transmonteverde. Tel. 222-3854, 2645-5644
625 MONTEVERDE (Santa Elena) from Puntarenas – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Empresarios Unidos at 14:15, leaves Monteverde for Puntarenas at 6:00 am. Transmonteverde. Tel. 222-3854, 2645-5644
~~MONTEZUMA AND MALPAIS BEACHES (CABO BLANCO NATL. PARK) from Puntarenas docks by boat -DEP. ev. day at 6:00, 11:00, 15:15; RET. 7:30, 12:00, 17:00; 1:30 hrs. Take the bus Paquera-Montezuma that is waiting for the boat; RET. 5:30, 10:00, 14:00. $1.79 **; to Malpaís from Cobano DEP. 10:30, 14:30; RET. 7:00, 12:00.
~~MONTEZUMA AND MALPAIS BEACHES (CABO BLANCO NATL. PARK) from Puntarenas docks by ferry -DEP.ev. day at 5:00, 8:45, 12:30, 14:00, 17:00, 20:15; RET 6:00, 8:30, 11:45, 14:30, 18:00, 20:30
~~NARANJO BEACH, Nicoya Península (ferry boat from Puntarenas) – DEP. ev. day from 1 block North Balneario/Ferry Salinero, at 3:15, 7:00, 10:50, 14:50, 19:00; RET. 5:10, 8:50, 12:50, 17:00, 21:00; 1:30 s.
503 NICOYA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 6:30, 8:00, 10:00, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00; RET. 5:00, 7:30, 9:00, 12:00, 14:30, 17:00; 296 km; 6:00 hrs. Buses from Liberia to Nicoya: ev. hr., from 5:00 to 19:00; RET. same. Buses from Santa Cruz to Nicoya DEP. ev. hr. from 6:30 to 21:30; RET. same. $5.20 ** Alfaro Bus company. 2222-2666
550 NICOYA from Liberia – DEP. ev. day at 6:00, 8:00, 11:00, 16:00; RET. 4:30, 5:30, 9:30, 14:30.
503 NOSARA from San José – DEP. ev. day Terminal Alfaro at 6:00; RET. 12:45; 361 km; 6:00 hrs. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 2222-2666
548 NOSARA, GARZA AND GUIONES from Nicoya – DEP. ev. day from Main Station at 13:00; RET. 6:00; Nosara 65 km.
339 OROSI VALLEY from Cartago – DEP. Mon. to Sat. ev. hour from South-west corner of the Church ruins at Cartago from 8:00 to 22:00; Microbus 13:30, 15:30; RET. same; 18 km; 0:40 hrs. Sun ev. 45 min. from 8:00 onwards. This bus will stop in front of the Orosi look-out point.
601 PALMAR NORTE (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 5:00, 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 18:00; RET. 5:25, 6:15, 8:15, 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:45; 258 km; 5:00 hrs. $4.42 ** TRACOPA company. Tel. 2222-2666
570 PANAMA AND HERMOSA BEACHES (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from 1 block south of Terminal Atlántico Norte at 15:20; RET. 5:00; 265 km; 5:00 hrs. Connections from Liberia to these beaches DEP. 11:30, 19:00; RET. 5:00, 16:00. TRALAPA company. Tel. 2223-5859
~~ PAQUERA from Puntarenas by boat DEP. ev. day 6:00, 11:00, 15:15; RET 7:30, 12:30, 17:00.
601 PASO CANOAS (South Border) from San José – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 5:00, 7:30, 11:00, 13:00, 16:30, 18:00; RET. 4:30, 7:30, 9:00, 15:00; 349 km; 8:00 hrs. $6.03 ** TRACOPA company. Tel. 2222-2666
527 PLAYA HERMOSA from Liberia – DEP. ev. day at 7:30, 11:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:00; RET. 5:00, 6:00, 10:00, 16:00, 17:00.
1241 POAS VOLCANO (express bus from San José) – DEP. Every day from A.2,C.12/14 (same as 200B) at 8:30; RET. 14:30; 55 km; 2:00 hrs
699 PUERTO JIMÈNEZ (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from just outside Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:00, 12:00; RET. 5:00, 11:00; 378 km; 10:00 hrs. $6.26 ** Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 2256-8963
PUERTO JIMÈNEZ from Golfito by boat – DEP. ev. day from Municipal Dock (Muelle) at 11:00; RET. 6:00; 1:30 hrs. Puerto Jiménez is the gateway to Corcovado National Park. First call park admin. office tel. 27355036.
406 PUERTO VIEJO SARAPIQUí (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 8:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 16:30, 18:00; RET. 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, 17:30; 97 km; 1:30 hrs; Buy tickets. This bus goes through Braulio Carillo Nat’l Park. Buses through Heredia (scenic route – duration 4:00
hrs): DEP. Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 12:00, 15:00; RET. 7:75, 11:30, 16:15. $2.22 **. Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 2256-8963
284 PUERTO VIEJO SARAPIQUí from Ciudad Quesada – DEP. ev. day from Parada Municipal at 5:00, 17:30; RET. 5:45, 8:45, 12:15, 14:00, 15:30; 69 km; 3:00 hrs.
750 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET.: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 16:00; 215 km; 4:30 hrs. You can buy tickets in advance. $4.42 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 2257-8129
725 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA from Limón – DEP. Ev.day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00. RET. 6:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 16:30, 1:30; 1.5 hrs. $1.07 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 2758-1572
600 PUNTARENAS (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:40 from Terminal Puntarenas from 6:00 to 19:00; RET. from 4:15 to 19:00; 110 km; 2:00 hrs. Empresarios Unidos company. Tel. 2222-0064
695 QUEPOS from Puntarenas – DEP. ev. day from Main Bus Station at 4:30, 10:30, 15:00; RET. 5:00, 11:00, 14:30; 231 km; 3:30 hrs.
613 QUEPOS AND MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Coca Cola at 6:00, 12:00, 18:00; RET. 6:00, 12:00, 17:00; 145 km; 3:30 hrs. Indirect bus to Quepos (5 hours): DEP. 7:00, 10:00, 14:00, 16:00; RET. 5:00, 8:00, 14:00 16:00. $4.72 ** Transportes Morales company. Tel. 2223-5567
QUEPOS from San Isidro El General – DEP. ev. day from Main Bus Station at 7:00, 13:30; RET. 5:00, 13:30; 231 km; 4 hrs.
REFUGIO NACIONAL DE VIDA SILVESTRE LA ENSENADA (Puntarenas) – take bus to Abangaritos DEP. ev. day from terminal Puntarenas at 10:45, 11:45, 16:45; RET. 5:45, 13:45; Hostel is available at $35.00 pp
548 SAMARA AND CARRILLO BEACHES from Nicoya – DEP. ev. day 3 blocks east of Nicoya Park at 8:00, 15:00, 16:00; RET. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 13:30, 16:30; Samara 45 km.
503 SAMARA BEACH (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 12:30; RET. Mon.-Sat. 3:45; Sun. 13:00; 331 km; 6:00 hrs. $5.95 ** Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 2222-2666
157 SAN IGNACIO DE ACOSTA from San José – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from A.12/14,C.8 in front of Baptist Church from 5:30 to 22:30; RET. from 4:30 to 21:00; 29 km; 1:00 hrs. This bus goes to Ram Luna restaurant in Tarbaca.
100 SAN ISIDRO (Chirripó National Park) (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from just outside Terminal Coca Cola from 5:30 to 17:00 (two different bus companies); RET. from 5:30 to 16:30; 136 km; 3:00 hrs. Buy ticket. To get to the entrance of Chirripo Natl. Park, take the bus to San Gerardo de Rivas from San Isidro at 5:00, 14:00; RET. 7:00, 16:00, costs $2.85.
204 SAN RAMÓN (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Puntarenas from 5:15 to 19:30; RET. from 6:00 to 19:00; 1:00 hr.
599 SANTA CRUZ (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from ½ block west of Terminal Coca Cola at 7:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00; RET. 3:00, 4:30, 5:00, 6:30, 8:30, 10:15, 11:30, 13:30, 17:00; 274 km; 5:00 hrs. Buses from Liberia to Santa Cruz: ev. hr. from 5:30 to 19:30; RET. same. $5.20 Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 2222-2666
154 SANTA MARIA DE DOTA, los Santos (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Los Santos at 7:15, 9:00, 11:30, 12:30, 15:00, 17:00, 19:30; RET. 4:30, 5:40,7:15, 9:15, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00; 65 km; 2:30 hrs. This bus goes through San Marcos de Tarazú (buy ticket).
505 SANTA ROSA AND PEÑAS BLANCAS (from San José) – DEP. ev. day from 100 mts north of Terminal Coca Cola at 4:30, 5:00, 7:00, 7:45, 13:20, 16:10; RET. 5:00, 7:15, 10:30, 10:40, 13:30, 14:45, 15:30. Only DEP. 4:30 , 7:00 and RET: 10:30, 13:30 are express buses. 293 km, 6:00 hrs.
608 SAN VITO from San José – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 5:45, 8:15, 11:30, 14:45; RET. 4:30, 7:30, 8:30, 10:00, 15:00. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 2222-2666
230 SARCHí from Alajuela – DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:30 from A.Ctl/1,C.8 from 5:00 to 22:00; RET. from 5:00 to 22:00; 52 km; 1:30 hrs. You can also take a direct bus from San José to Sarchí DEP. Mon.-Fri.12:15, 17:30, 17:55; Sat. only 12:00 (1:30 hrs, 70km).
701 SIQUíRRES from San José – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Caribe at 6:30 and from 8:30 to 18:00; RET. 6:30, and from 8:30 to 18:00; 100 km, $2.15. Linaco company. Tel. 2221-1334
750 SIXAOLA (express bus from San José – gateway to Bocas del Toro, Panamá) – DEP. ev. day from Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 7:30, 9:30, 14:30. 240 km; 5 hrs. You can buy tickets in advance, $6.00. Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 2257-8129
750 SIXAOLA from LIMÓN- DEP. ev. day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00; RET. 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00; 4 hrs, $1.90 Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 2758-1572
503 TAMARINDO BEACH (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 15:30; RET. 6:00, Sun. 6:00, 13:00; 285 km; 5:30 hrs; You can also make bus connections between Santa Cruz and Tamarindo. The bus leaves at 20:30 to Tamarindo; RET. 6:45 to Santa Cruz. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 2222-2666
(signo mar) TAMBOR BEACH (ferry from Puntarenas) – See Montezuma and Malpais beaches.
502 TILARÁN (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from ½ block north of Terminal Atlántico Norte at 7:30, 9:30, 12:45, 15:45, 18:30; RET. 4:45, 7:00, 7:45, 14:00, 17:00; DEP. 9:30 and RET. 4:45, don’t run on Sun; 191 km; 4:00 hrs. Buy ticket at terminal, $2.50 Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 2222-3854
.591 TILARÁN from Santa Elena – DEP. ev. day at 7:00; RET. 13:00; 40 km; 3:00 hrs. Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 2222-3854
302 TURRIALBA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal Turrialba from 5:00 to 22:00; RET. from 5:00 to 21:00; 65 km; 1:30 hrs. Turrialba is the gateway to Guayabo National Monument. Buses leave on Sun. 9:00; RET. 17:00. TRANSTUSA company. Tel. 2222-4464
639 UVITA (Marino Ballena Nat’l Park) from San José – DEP. from Terminal Coca Cola Mon-Fri 15:00, Sat/Sun 5:30, 15:00, RET Mon-Fri 5:00, Sat/Sun 5:00, 13:00; 7 hrs… Be at terminal 1 hr in advance (Durintg th summer the 5:30 bus runs ev day), $5.00. Transportes Morales company. Tel. 2223-5567
175 UVITA (Marino Ballena Nat’l Park) from San Isidro – DEP. ev. day at 9:00, 16:00; RET. 6:00, 14:00, 2 hours, $1.80.
214 ZARCERO (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal Atlántico Norte from 5:00 to 19:30; RET. from 5:00 to 19:30; 77 km; 1:30 hrs. This is the Ciudad Quesada bus that goes through Zarcero.
International Buses:
GUATEMALA CITY (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 12:00 (Guatemala); 60:00 hrs. Overnight stay in Managua and El Salvador. Tica Bus company. Tel. 2221-8954
TEGUCIGALPA HONDURAS (bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 7:30; 909 km; 48:00 hrs; Overnight stay in Managua. Tica Bus company. Tel. 2221-8954
MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José) – DEP. Mon., Wed., Fri., Sun. from terminal Sirca at 5:45; RET. 6:00; 450 km; 11:00 hrs.
MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 6:00, 7:00; 450 km; 11:00 hrs Tica Bus company. Tel. 2221-8954
MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José)- DEP. ev. day from terminal Transnica at 5:30, RET. 7:00; 450 kms, 10 hrs. Deluxe Service. Transnica company. Tel. 2256-9072
CHANGUINOLA PANAMA from San José – DEP. ev. day from opposite terminal Alfaro (same as route 505) at 10:00; RET. 10:00; 225 km; 8:00 hrs. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 2222-2666
601 DAVID PANAMA (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Alfaro at 7:30; RET. 7:30; this is an extra bus; 400 km; 9:00 hrs, $9.00. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 2222-2666
PANAMA CITY (express bus from San José) – DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at 22:00; RET. 12:00 (Panama time); 903 km; 20:00 hrs; Buy tickets in advance. Tica Bus company. Tel. 2221-8954
PANAMA CITY from San José- DEP. ev. day 275 at 14:00; RET. 12:30; 225 kms, 18 hrs (pay at the bus), $43.00 Round trip.
