Traveling
Costa Rica Hostel Directory
Here is a link to a good directory of Hostels in Costa Rica: http://costaricahostellinks.webs.com/
Addresses in Costa Rica
Many people visiting Costa Rica find themselves a little confused about the addresses or lack of them in Costa Rica. It takes a while to get used to, but they have a system that works for them.
Costa Rica is a country comprised of seven provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas and San Jose. Just like in the United States, one may find cities named the same in different provinces. However, since Costa Rica is a small country, approximately the size of West Virginia, one doesn’t expect cities in different provinces with the same name.
One of the cities that causes the most confusion is Playa Hermosa. It isn’t surprising that there is more than one beach named this. The name translates to beautiful beach and almost all of the beaches in Costa Rica are beautiful. One is located in the Guanacaste province, in the northwest portion of the country. It is a lovely, protected beach that is ideal for families. The water is calm with little current. Another Playa Hermosa is located south of Jaco on the central Pacific coast, in the province of Puntarenas. This is where the 2009 Billabong ISA World Surf Games were held. This is another beautiful beach, but one with 4 – 8 foot waves. So it is always important to get the full information on where you are going.
While most individuals and businesses have a post office address, the physical address can be rather confusing. In San Jose proper, avenidas (avenues) run east and west and calles (streets) run north and south. Even here, exact addresses are a problem.
Many streets, particularly out of the center of San Jose, do not even have names. So the address is given by the distance to the nearest well known location. You will often see addresses given as 100 meters north of a hospital, 100 meters west of a bank or even 100 meters south of McDonalds. These distances are not exact, but more of an estimate. Normally 100 meters is the equivalent of a block. Occasionally, the address will reference something that no longer exists, but everyone in the country remembers. A good example of this is the Coca-Cola bottling plant. This is now the main bus station in San Jose and is a common landmark that is used. This confuses many tourists and newcomers.
United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express deliver packages and letters according to these addresses, although it is sometimes challenging to get the address to fit in the space allotted. Additionally, it can be a daunting task to convince a company to ship to this type of unconventional address.
GPS’s are available and do work especially in the main cities and tourist locations. Here again you search for a specific location, such as a hotel, as opposed to an address.
Trusted Hostel Partners
Below you’ll find a list of hostels that we know will take the best possible care of you and your travel needs in Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico and Nicaragua.
Not a hostel, and located in Sayulita, Mexico, La Casona is another creation from Storm, Courtney Bialy and Hana Waxman. La Casona is more of an up scale hotel, but we wanted to share this with everyone in case they ever make it up to beautiful Sayulita, Mexico.
From the twisted minds that brought you Mondo Taitu and Hostel Heike in Bocas del Toro, Luna’s Castle is, bar-none, the best backpacker spot in Panama City. Housed in a creaky, colonial mansion near the water’s edge, Luna’s Castle blends historic Spanish architecture with funky, laid-back backpacker vibes. Although it’s the newest accommodation in the capital, the owner’s winning formula of professional service, international atmosphere and shoestring prices are sure to make this a legendary stop on the Gringo Trail.
Long rated one of the best hostels in Panama, Hostel Mamallena should be your choice for a hostel in Panama City. One of the only hostels in Panama City in a large colonial style house, this is where you will get to experience the real Panama. Perejil(Close to La Exposicion in the Lonely Planet) was once one of the most upmarket areas of Panama City, now it’s a middle class area with tree lined streets and a peaceful atmosphere.
Bambu Hostel is located in David, Panama. David is a frequent stopping point for travelers heading to Boquete, Bocas del Toro, Panama City if your heading south, or a stopover point if you’re heading north to Costa Rica.
Bambu is a Backpackers resort with a deluxe in-ground pool and Mayan-Style rancho bar and landscaped garden. Located in a safe middle class neighborhood in the San Mateo District of David-City, Panama. We welcome Backpackers and International Travelers from all corners of the world. Gregg Lapkin, seasoned traveler and hostel owner will personally greet you and make you feel at home. Don’t believe everything you read in the guidebooks. David is fun! It has everything that a weary traveler could need to recharge the batteries, fine dining, casinos, movie theatres, inexpensive shopping, world class nightclubs and discos, festivals, and, within 45 minutes, awesome mountains, oceans and Costa Rica. Come stay with us at Bambu, relax in the garden, swing on a hammock with a cold beer in the rancho bar, dip in the pool and watch the tropical birds flying in the backyard. We have very few rules here, just come with a good attitude and have fun.
Mondo Taitu is a landmark in Bocas del Toro. A long time destination on the Central American backpacker circuit, “The Mondo” is legendary for it’s atmosphere and being the social center for travelers visiting Bocas del Toro on Panama’s Caribbean Coast.
I added some pics from their “super heroes” party, and the “foil” party. The girl with the mask, actually got arrested that night for wearing the Panamanian flag as part of her costume.
Solo Bueno is a surf hostel nestled within the jungle at Playa Guiones, near Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. The hostel attracts an international crowd of travelers interested in surfing, music, art, yoga, and the pura vida vibe of Costa Rica.
I’m proud to say I designed their new logo.
Etiquette tips for Costa Rica
Costa Ricans are warm, friendly and are quick to smile. It is not uncommon for them to start a conversation even with foreigners. Ticos as they are fondly called would approach foreigners and ask the latter what he thinks about Costa Rica, where he comes from and how his family is doing. In the same way, Costa Ricans appreciate being asked about their families particularly their children, the local culture and history. It gives them great pride to discuss the beauty of Costa Rica.
On the other hand, Costa Ricans have a deep sense of honor, thus, care should be taken not to say anything that would in the least be interpreted as disrespectful. Politics and family are good conversation topics while Costa Ricans shy away from discussions about religion and personal criticisms.
Costa Ricans, regardless of social standing, conduct themselves with utmost humility. They frown upon boasting of any kind. Public displays of anger and impatience are also seen as bad manners. Because of their desire to leave good impressions, Costa Ricans are wary of embarrassing themselves or appearing rude or unhelpful. As such, they are exceedingly courteous.
With Costa Ricans, a handshake is the most common form of greeting. A firm handshake is preferred between men. Women often greet each other by patting or touching the left forearm lightly instead of shaking hands. Women friends may exchange a light kiss on the cheek. Abrazo or embrace is not typically done in Costa Rica as compared to other Latin countries.
In Costa Rica, everybody receives equal treatment and respect regardless of social standing. However, titles are important and should be used if aware of them. They are usually included in business cards. A person should be addressed directly by using his/her title only. Professionals are addressed according to their university degree. A physician is called a Doctor, teachers prefer Profesor, lawyers are Abogado and engineers go by the title Ingeniero. Persons who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Senor (Mr), Senora (Mrs), Senorita (Miss) plus their appropriate surname. Most Costa Ricans have two surnames, one from their father which is written first followed by their mothers’ surnames. Only the father’s surname is used when addressing someone.
Latin countries are more flexible when it comes to punctuality. Being late for an appointment for thirty minutes is acceptable. Costa Ricans may not be punctual when it comes to social activities but they are on time for their business appointments. Since they only have a short time for midday break, everyone is expected to be on time for business lunches. Business projects may progress slowly since Costa Ricans are conservative individuals and are averse to taking risks. They do not usually welcome new ideas. They tend to lack initiative and are passive.
People in downtown San Jose dress more formally than those in the countryside. Costa Ricans do not usually wear shorts outside beach areas. Leather dress shoes are the norm. Tennis shoes are only for sports. For business meetings, formal business attire is expected. Men should wear a conservative, dark and lightweight business suit with a tie. For women, dress, skirt and blouse or light business suit is recommended. Nowadays, it is common for women to wear pants to work. Jackets or coats should be worn all through the meeting.
When accepting a dinner or lunch invitation, it is customary to bring flowers such as roses but not calla lilies which are associated with funerals. Suggested gifts are fine wine, chocolates and other delicacies. Costa Rican women are partial to perfume or silk scarves. As a guest, expect to be seated at the head of the table. If you are a first time guest, linger only for an hour or less after the meal is finished. Good friends can stay longer. If there are no servants, offering help will be greatly appreciated. Women should also refrain from drinking liquor. This is seen as being impolite.
There are other unacceptable behaviors in Costa Rica. Putting ones feet on any furniture is a no-no except on items specifically designed for that purpose. Fidgeting with ones hands and feet is impolite. Making a fist with the thumb sticking out in the middle is offensive. Offering bribes to police officers or any bureau personnel is prohibited. Bargaining is not allowed in store and local markets.
Tipping:
At Restaurants: Tip is included in the bill; anything additional is a pleasant surprise.
At Hotels: Twenty-five to 50 cents per bag to the porter, $1 per bag at a fine hotel; leave $1 a day for the housekeeper.
Guides and Drivers: Tip cabbies a small amount if you have luggage; drivers get $2–$4 for a long drive, $1–$2 for a trip from the airport; tour guides should get $5–$10 per person per day.
Who Else?: On an organized tour involving several guides, there’s usually a jar for tips to be divvied up among staff—leave $2–$3 for each person who’s helped. On a boat, $5–$10 for the captain will be distributed among the crew.
P.S. Costa Ricans generally get paid better than other Central American guides. “Rarely do you find them standing around with their hand out for a tip,” says Leigh Ann Cloutier of Rico Tours.
Top Diving Destinations in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a mecca for both wildlife and marine life and boasts over 5% of the world’s biodiversity. On a recent trip to the Osa Peninsula in the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, a diver referred to Costa
Rica’s diving as offering the best variety in the world.
One of the biggest misconceptions about diving in Costa Rica is that typically you will find the diving to be big fish diving rather than
small coral dwelling fish. However if you want to see rays, whales, many species of sharks, octupus, schools of barracuda, etc. There are several protected coral diving areas that offer great opportunities to see nursing sharks, bright tropical fish species and sea turtles as well.
The Top Diving Destinations in Costa Rica are:
- Caño Island
Caño Island is a National Marine Park and is protected by the Government and the National Park Service and therefore there is no fishing allowed in the area. Due to its remote location it is considered slightly off the beaten path meaning not many divers actually dive here and the marine life is abundant. The average dive depth is 30ft/10m with a mild current and great visibility. You can expect to see eels, nursing sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, parrot fish, rays, octubus, sea turtles and many species of micro marine life. Divers just might find themselves at the foot of a giant school of jacks swimming in a tornado fashion to gather food, a truly unforgettable experience.
In order to get to Caño Island you will need to fly into San Jose and then take a domestic flight to Drake Bay, or take the long drive to beaches like Dominical or Uvita where you can depart by boat to reach the island. One of the best properties to stay at for diving is the Aguila de Osa Inn on Drake Bay as it has its own dive shop and several hotel packages include a dive trip in the total price.
- Manuel Antonio
The diving in Manuel Antonio is satisfactory however not the best diving in Costa Rica. The main reason people go here is to enjoy the luxury hotels, restaurants, white sand beaches in the national park and also to dive for a couple of days. Normal dive depths are 20-40 ft with a mild current and the dive site is around a submerged rock. You will see species such as jacks, grunts, angels, nudie branch and trumpets.
While the area has a wealth of great hotels, some top recommendations are Si Como No, Buena Vista Villas and Arenas del Mar.
- Catalina Islands/Tamarindo/Ocotal
All of the diving in Northern Costa Rica will be around the Catalina Islands which are located just off the Guanacase Coast. The diving is around 30-40 ft and the current is mild. Expect to see large bull sharks, giant manta rays, eagle rays, schools of cow nose rays, devil rays and a large variety of schools of fish.
The best hotels to stay at to reach the best diving spots in Guanacaste are Ocotal Beach Resort in Ocotal, Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo and Reserva Conchal in Playa Conchal.
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.
