Liberia to Granada

I am not sure where and if the Tica Bus stops in Liberia, but I would forego that and get a bus to border.

From LIR, its about a 15 minute taxi ride into town, or, there are buses at the airport going to the bus terminal in Liberia. Buses in Liberia head to the border every 20-30 minutes in daylight for the border. Its a bout a 2 hour journey...

Border formalities will be under 1 hour usually.

Most people will taxi hire (cheap in Nicaragua) to SJDS a beach town, or to San Jorge for the ferry to Ometepe...to hire a taxi to Granada from border would probably be $45-50...

Don't forget it get dark at 6pm, if you get tied up at the border, you might want to have a plan B, and maybe head to SJDS 45 minutes away. Rivas is a hub that has basic hotels and its nothing worth a night, but will do.

Hope that helps...

Again, to echo the above you don't need to worry about Ticabus. As above, you can use ordinary buses, and the journeys are short, so you won't experience discomfort. It's only 2 hours from the Liberia bus station to the border. Once you cross the border, you get on a chicken bus for Rivas if you are adventurous. Or you can take a taxi to Rivas, which only takes 1/2 hour. from the Rivas bus station, there are buses leaving constantly for Granada, which only an hour away.

Even if you use the cheap chicken buses along the way, I can't see how it could take more than 6 hours total Liberia to Granada.

Thanks guys,

I guess I will try Tica and if that fails....go with plan B and just use the local busses. My first choice is still Tica, because with limited Spanish skills, I know they help make the border crossing quicker and less stressful. I'll most likely be tired and irritable after the flight, and I know bus stations and border crossings can be a nightmare when your not 100% sure what's going on. Again, though I've been to Latin America enough, my Spanish is NOT great. Six hours on a chicken bus might seem like forever. I want to get to Granada and have a good meal, a beer and relax. :)

The bus from Liberia to Nica border is not a chicken bus, its a modern bus, most likely a SAAB/Volvo/Mercedes or Hyundai.

The border formalities don't require any spanish pre se, its just CR Immigration, exit fee at ATM, walking 200 yards, and Nica Immirgation, and then your done. The Nica side bus is older but not that bad.

I would not even attempt to get Tica bus, you will have to pay the full fare too, from SJ to Managua...

If anything, land LIR, and head to Tamarindo to Coco for a night, then bus back to Liberia in morning and head to Nica...

Thanks mrmoto

I had planned on renting a vehicle and driving to Samara for a couple days of beach relaxation...I think I'll do that first then trek back up to Liberia/Nicaragua. Have you ever done that drive and know the road condition and what time it takes?

It sounds like you have done both countries often....any feedback on which you prefer or some must do's?

Thanks

The road from LIR to Samara is all surfaced and figure 2.5 hours, though its worth a stop in Santa Cruz for a stroll around main plaza and get some ice cream...then same for Nicoya...this is all ranch country around this area, so its mainly working class classic Tico towns...

But, why spend money to rent a car and go all the way to Samara, when Tamarindo is right there with a $12 shuttle or $2 bus to Tamarindo from LIR? The beach is much longer and prettier IMO in Tamarindo, and you can swim or surf all levels, and the nightlife/eating is much better too...save the money.

I have not been to Nica in 10 years, buts been to CR 30+ times over 15 years...surf the Pacific coast often. Know Liberia well...

Mrmoto,

From what I've read about Tamarindo it seems to be a little more over run by tourists and more of a party town than Samara. I am more into the calm, laid back vibe than the party scene. Don't get me wrong....I will have a good time if theres one to be had...but not looking for the party town anymore. That is why Nicaragua is in the plans. Would rather experience the culture and wander around the country a little (and probably skip SJDS) for the more laid back beaches. Plus a car gives me the freedom to wander a little.

Yes Tamarindo is more built up, but as fas as touristy, they are both tourist meccas, so not sure you would have anymore of a cultural experience in one over the other. Samara is smaller as a town, and a smaller beach, where as Tamarindo is longer and more spread out, a long beach/bay...

Overall the Pacific beaches that are popular for surfing and vacationers are all pretty much gringo/tourist areas, for the last 2 decades....

But yes, Samara is a much smaller version of Tamarindo, maybe 1/4 the size....

The cultural areas to take in would be Santa Cruz and Nicoya, few if any tourist there...unless getting gas...

Crossing the border can be an interesting experience by itself. The walk across the border on a tree-lining walk path is very delightful and peaceful, in sharp contrast to the busy scene at the "immigration office". As far as Granada is concerned, it's a very interesting town. Take a boat ride on the lake and visit some small communities on the Lake. I've found this blog about Granada to be (not mine) quite interesting: http://wp.me/p6YCMF-pB

Liberia is nice town too, with lots of new hotels and nice accommodation. While you're at it, don't forget to visit the Guanacaste national park and take a hike up the waterfalls.