San Miguel to Los Chiles

Introducing San Miguel to Los Chiles

The papaya-plantation and jungle-trimmed route from San Miguel to Muelle winds through the mountains in a series of hair-pin turns. But just as the patchwork of fincas and wildflowers gives way entirely to sugar cane, the road opens to a long, straight and usually steaming-hot stretch across the lowlands to the border crossing at Los Chiles.

This is the agricultural heartland of Costa Rica, and the majority of the towns in this area revolve around the harvest. Although the younger generation is increasingly moving to the Central Valley in search of employment, most Ticos greatly respect and admire the campesino culture. Life here is peaceful and uncomplicated

This is the principal route if you’re heading to either Caño Negro or to the border crossing with Nicaragua, though there are a number of pleasant towns and minor sights along the way.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009