Hi guys, I'm going to Costa Rica in a few weeks. I'll be arriving in San Jose and planning to go down to Manuel Antonio/Querpos then up to Cahuita and Puerto Lopez. I'm going to get the bus down to Querpos from San Jose but I was wondering if there's a more direct route up to Puerto Lopez than going back through San Jose? The maps look like there is but I've done some hardcore googling and haven't found anything suggesting there is. Does anyone have experience of this journey please? thanks!
1
jose_m
The route throught San Jose is usually the quickest, and the road conditions are better. There is another route via San Isidro and Cartago, but that takes more time. And you would have to take the "Cierro de la Muerta", it's often foggy up there.
Have a look at this trip planner to get an idea of the route from Quepos to Puerto Limon: www.yourtravelmap.com/costarica/travelmap/
2
soniaberode
It is probably best to go to San Jose first. The last direct bus from San Jose to Cahuita (from terminal San Carlos, also called Atlantico Norte) leaves at 4 pm. From Cahuita it is only 30 minutes by bus to Puerto Viejo (I assume that is what you mean). Make sure you explore the beaches south of PV.
You could even consider skipping Manuel Antonio as the National Park in Cahuita has lots of wildlife too and is less crowded.
3
mrmoto
I have no idea what places you are referring to.
But why are you going to Quepos and Manual Antonio, its touristy, its a small park, its a small beach, and all the wildlife, nature, bio diversity and fun, is on the caribe side in opposite direction.
Head to Tortuguero Canals and Rainforest 2 nights, then to Cahuita...
MA and the west pacific beaches are jammed Xmas week forward.
4
NathalieMayer
blog
Oops! Just left Puerto Lopez in Ecuador and was really tired when I wrote this so must have got confused. Yep I mean Puerto Viejo! My initial plan was to head straight up to Tortuguero then Cahuita and then Puerto Viejo but I was told MA is really beautiful so thought I'd try and squeeze it in. You've got
Me rethinking things now!
5
hermosajoe
Avoid Manuel Antonio, incredibly overrated. It's small and very touristy, not to mention overpriced. Go to the Caribe side.
How much time do you have in Costa Rica and where do you travel after that?
Alajuela is a nice small town 10 minutes from the airport if you need a night to stay.
If you like rafting the Pacuare River is awesome.
http://www.tortuguerovillage.com/
6
NathalieMayer
blog
I have about 2 weeks and then after 10 months of being away i think I'm going to head home for a while so I want to fit in seeing loads of animals, beach, hopefully do some surfing but keep it pretty chill. I've had a rethink from what you guys have said and I'm going to head straight up to the Caribe side and move along there.
The rafting looks amazing!
8
hermosajoe
Check around Puerto Viejo and a few miles south. That will be your best bet at surfing.
If no surf go to a local bar, have a beer and watch the surfers at Salsa Brava, fun time.
9
Thorn Tree
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