Cahuita National Park Costa Rica

by

Location: South Caribbean coast, district: Cahuita, canton: Talamanca, province: Limon, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 70403.
GPS Coordinates: 9.736603,-82.839292 (9°44’11.77″N, 82°50’21.45″W)
Size: 1067 ha (2636 acres)
Altitude: above sea level
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cahuita National Park Telephone: +506 2755 0302
Caribbean La Amistad Conservation Area (ACLA-C) Telephone: +506 2795-1446
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

WAZE location Cahuita National Park Costa Rica, Talamanca, Limon  Google Maps location Cahuita National Park Costa Rica, Talamanca, Limon

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Cahuita National Park in Limon, Costa Rica.

Cahuita National Park Costa Rica: the small village of Cahuita is located on the Caribbean coast some 42km (26 miles) south of Puerto Limón. The Park, established in 1970, is one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica consisting of a platform of coral reef and a beach surrounded by rainforests and mangroves. Its attractiveness is due to its white sandy beaches with lush coral reefs and palm trees surrounded by a magnificent forest vegetation and extensive mangrove swamps. Cahuita National Park was established to protect not only the terrestrial flora and fauna, but also coral reefs against sedimentation which deteriorates gradually and various marine ecosystems, which no doubt are true natural Costa Rican jewels.

Its sand and gravel streets hold up a population of mainly English-speaking, descendants of the Afro-Caribbean fishermen who settled here in the 50’s. Tourism has developed significantly with new hotels and restaurants located and gradually spreading along at Playa Negra, a black sand beach north of town, while the south is more of a white sand beach surrounded by the rainforest. This makes that the town become very popular with young backpackers. Between the two is a “peninsula”, with coral reef offshore, making up the Cahuita National Park, which covers a mere 1067 ha (2636 acres). However the park contains a wide variety of species, both on the land and in the sea. The coral reef is just offshore and it is possible to wade out to it, although local boatman can take you out. Snorkeling is excellent thanks to the extraordinary spectacle that offer a variety of multicolored fish and corals, especially during the drier parts of the year that are between February and April and between September and October, as in other times of the year heavy rains that fall in the Talamanca mountains rise sediments of the local rivers, causing the water visibility very poor.

Inside the coral reef are a variety of attractive corals, such as the massive brain corals, the sea fans, the blue staghorn, the elkhorn, the tubipora and frondlike gorgonias. Although, more than 500 species of fish have been identified around the reef, which also congregate around two old wrecks, which guns can be easily viewed, including the famous angel fish, the amazing rock beauty and the blue parrotfish. Equally Cahuita National Park has over 40 species of crustaceans, 120 species of algae and around 140 species of molluscs. Both swimmers and snorkelers should be aware of the local black sea urchins, which are characterized for having large and vicious black spines.

Although Cahuita is basically a marine park, just under half comprises beach and coastal strip of rainforest and mangroves. The park covers an area of approximately 1106ha of land, and the part of the reef consists of about 600ha, of which 240 acres belong to the only coral reef in Costa Rica well developed around Punta Cahuita. The beach is inhabited by red landcrabs and bright blue fiddler crabs with their huge claws. A trail runs in and out of the forest behind the beach, joining the two ranger stations. Animal life abounds, with the possibility of seeing Raccoons, Sloths, Coatis, Armadillos, Agoutis and both Howler and White-faced Monkeys. The bird-watching is excellent, with Rufous, Green Ibis, Kingfisher, parrots and spectacular toucans amongst many others. The small rivers running into the reserve are home to a variety of herons. The vegetation is also interesting and includes the Breadfruit tree or Artocarpus altilis, believed to have been introduced to the area in 1793 by Captain Bligh. It can reach 20m (60ft) in height and its glossy leaves are often over a meter in length. The tree gets its name from its fruit, which can be cooked to give a bread-like substance that is rich in carbohydrate. All parts of the tree yield latex, which is used for boat caulking. Another tree found in the area is the cawi or sangregao. The Miskito word gave its name to Cahuita, which translates as “the headland of cawi trees”.

A few kilometers north of Cahuita is the Estrella River estuary, where a small wildlife sanctuary named “Aviarios del Caribe” is based on an island in the estuary. There are   numerous birds and animals at the sanctuary and popular guided kayak tours of the estuary will turn up a wide range of wildlife, including caimans, river otters and many types of heron.

Just 13km (8 miles) south Cahuita is the laid-back town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which has become very popular in recent years with surfing and backpacking crowd. The main attraction without doubt is the surf, which is the best between December and March. A local organization called ATEC (Asociacion Talamanqueña de Ecoturismo y Conservación), which is devoted to ecologically sustainable development, runs tours including guided walks through the rainforest, snorkeling trips to the reef and fishing trips dugout canoes. The road from Puerto Viejo has recently been paved, making it easier to reach the villages of Punta Uva and Manzanillo, with superb beaches backed by coconut palms.

There is a scenic trail from the Kelly Creek Station along the coast to the beach camping area, then to the Puerto Vargas Station. Both ranger stations are open for visitor attention and have potable water and restrooms. Also, the beach camping area has restrooms, showers and picnic tables. Swimming is allowed only in this area, as other beaches of the park have strong currents or are protected turtle nesting areas. Other nearby parks include Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve, Aviarios del Caribe National Wildlife Refuge and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.

Getting to Cahuita National Park:

From the Juan Santamaria International Airport drive for about 8 km in direction to San Jose. On your right hand the Hospital Mexico will appear.After the Hospital Mexico, you must take the exit to La Uruca (on the rotonda, the third exit). Turn right at the traffic lights and follow to San José (keep the middle lane as much as possible) until you get to Shell gas station at a Y-junction, keep left. Take the exit Guapiles-Limon and follow the road (nr. 32) to Limón, passing through the Zurqui bridge and the Braulio Carrillo mountains. It is likely that you will encounter fog and rain. Please drive with your lights on. After the mountains the road to Limon is practically straight with no hills.

When you reach Puerto Limon, just before you enter to the city you will see a sign (at the Texaco Station) where you turn right and go to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo and just follow the coast all the way down. The Kelly Creek Station is found on the south side of town by walking across a foot bridge. To get to the Puerto Vargas Station, drive 4 miles past Cahuita and the station will be on your left. This route requires a total of five hours from San Jose.

Please note that if you have not left San Jose by 2 pm you will be driving part of the way at night. We do not recommend this for first time travelers driving in Costa Rica. Roads do not have lines, and rain can be bad and there are potholes and people walking/cycling that you can not see very well.

BY BUS

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Cahuita National Park – Puerto Viejo, which takes 4 hours (Autotransportes MEPE S.A., +506 2257-8129 / +506 2758-1572). We recommend buying the ticket a day earlier to be sure your seat is saved.

BY PLANE

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Limon, either with Sansa, TravelAir or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a car and drive or take taxi to Cahuita National Park, which is about 40 minutes.

Limoncito Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

by
Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Limoncito Costa Rica

Limoncito Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica was created on April 26th, 1994 to protect migratory bird species in the lowlands, flooded forests and palm forests of the central Caribbean coastal region. It is located at the mouth of the Limoncito River, just south of the Limon port in Costa Rica.

The Limoncito Wildlife Refuge has great recreational potential, covered mainly in holillo palm (Raphia taedigera). Also, the refuge has a very beautiful beach, although it has big waves, surrounded with coconut palms (Cocos nucifera). Best access to the Limoncito beach area is by walking south from Limon, a path along the beach from Limón.

There are no public facilities at Limoncito Wildlife Refuge. Other nearby parks include Tortuguero National Park, Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Getting to Limoncito Wildlife Refuge:

From the Juan Santamaria International Airport drive for about 8 km in direction to San Jose. On your right hand the Hospital Mexico will appear.After the Hospital Mexico, you must take the exit to La Uruca (on the rotonda, the third exit). Turn right at the traffic lights and follow to San José (keep the middle lane as much as possible) until you get to Shell gas station at a Y-junction, keep left. Take the exit Guapiles-Limon and follow the road (nr. 32) to Limón, passing through the Zurqui bridge and the Braulio Carrillo mountains. It is likely that you will encounter fog and rain. Please drive with your lights on. After the mountains the road to Limon is practically straight with no hills.

When you reach Puerto Limon, just before you enter to the city you will see a sign (at the Texaco Station) where you turn right and go to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo and just follow the coast until you get to Limoncito Wildlife Refuge. This route requires a total of five hours from San Jose.

Please note that if you have not left San Jose by 2 pm you will be driving part of the way at night. We do not recommend this for first time travelers driving in Costa Rica. Roads do not have lines, and rain can be bad and there are potholes and people walking/cycling that you can not see very well.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Cahuita National Park – Puerto Viejo, which takes 3.5 hours (Transportes Caribeños, 2257-8129). We recommend buying the ticket a day earlier to be sure your seat is saved.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Limon, either with Sansa, TravelAir or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. From here you can rent a car and drive or take taxi to Limoncito Wildlife Refuge, which is about 15 minutes.

Location: south of Limón city, Costa Rica.
Limon GPS Coordinates: 9.989639,-83.03325 (9°59’22.70″N, 83°01’59.70″W)
Size: 1,056 ha (2,790 acres)
Caribbean La Amistad Conservation Area (ACLA-C) Telephone: +(506) 2795-1446
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Downtown Limon, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve Costa Rica

by

Location: between Tortuguero canals and the Caribbean Sea, about 25 km north of the Atlantic port city of Limon, Costa Rica.
Matina GPS Coordinates: 10.071414,-83.288406 (10°04’17.09″N, 83°17’18.26″W)
Size: 476 ha (1176 acres)
Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve Telephone: +506 2234-5890
Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTO) Telephone: +506 2710-2929
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Website: www.turtleprotection.org

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Matina, Limon, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve Costa Rica was created on March 23rd, 1973 to protect the lowland primary forests of the central Caribbean coastal region, where sea turtles come to nest on the beach. The reserve is located between the mouths of the rivers Pacuare and Matina, including the Madre de Dios Estuary and which is also crossed by the Tortuguero canals.

Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve is an important sea turtle nesting site of the leatherback turtle as well as green and hawksbill turtles. As well, the reserve also has many river turtles. The leatherbacks come ashore here from March through June, and the green turtles from June through September. Both of these turtles are endangered due to poaching for meat and eggs, as also because of the destruction of their natural habitat due to land development along the coast line.

The reserve has hundreds of acres of pristine lowland rainforest and six kilometers of deserted beaches, so it is rich in wildlife, with a wide variety of monkeys, more than 250 species of birds, and an exotic flora; but its special mission has been to protect the critically endangered Leatherback Turtles.

In 1994 a volunteer turtle protection program was established at the Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve and is made up of volunteers and students. Visitors are welcome and upon arrival are given an orientation and invited to participate in the night patrol of walking the beaches to make sure poachers are not taking the turtles or the eggs. Visitors can stay at the very rustic lodge located on the property.

There are no public facilities at the Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve. Other nearby Costa Rica parks includes Tortuguero National Park, Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge, Limoncito Wildlife Refuge, Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park.

Getting to Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve:

From San José, take the Guapiles highway toward the city of Limon. Turn off near a village named Matina and go about 30 minutes through very scenic route of banana plantations to La Trocha, located along the Tortuguero canals. Boat from the lodge picks you up and then it is a 20 min ride to the reserve.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Matina – Batan, which takes 2 hours (Grupo Caribeños, +506 2222-0610).

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Tortuguero airport, either with Sansa, TravelAir or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights.

Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge

by
Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio de Vida Silvestre Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua

Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge was created on February 15th, 1194 to give protection to the forest, as well as to recuperate it from past degeneration, since in this area logging the forest reduced it to critical levels.

It crosses the entire range of life zones, from Pacific Coastal, rainforest and mountains, to the Caribbean coastal zone, which extends as a biological corridor of 2,000m wide along the border with Nicaragua, from Punta Castilla, in the Caribbean, to Salinas Bay on the Pacific. It is an important biological corridor that connects the Tortuguero Conservation Area with the Maquenque and Tamborcito wetlands, the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, El Jardin and Cureña Forest Reserves and the Guanacaste Conservation Area. This refuge, partially disturbed, includes beaches, dry forests, wetlands, rain forests and coastal lagoons, so the refuge has a big number of research programs of different disciplines.

Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge has a large variety of ecosystems such as tropical broadleaf forests, tropical moist broadleaf forests, Central American Atlantic moist forests and tropical dry broadleaf of the Central America Pacific region. Similarly, this area has the highest biodiversity indices for trees and shrubs, with endemic species such as Capparis pittieri, Dussia macrophyllata, Costa Rican Sclerolobium and Vochysia allenii.

With its variety of ecosystems, Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge has a great variety of wildlife with large populations of jaguars, deers, coyotes and peccaries, as well as wading and waders birds. On the other hand, in the San Juan River the Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) and two species of sawfish (Pristis pectinata and Pristis perotteti) are easily observed, while in the Remolinos and Caño Tambor sector, in the same river, are the most important populations of manatees (Trichechus manatus) and garfish (Belone belone).

This zone hosts many research projects of the varying disciplines, as well as university monitoring programs. For more information on research projects in the area, contact MINAE.

There are no public facilities in Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua Wildlife Refuge. Other Costa Rica Parks near the northern borderlands include Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, Guanacaste National Park, Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park.

Location: extends along the border with Nicaragua, from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast in Costa Rica
Size: 59,276 ha (146,000 acres)
Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTO) Telephone: +506 2710-2929
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Los Chiles, Alajuela, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

by
Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Barra del Colorado Costa Rica

Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica is situated between Tortuguero National Park and Nicaraguan border. Ecologically it is very similar to Tortuguero because of the canals, rivers, swamps, gaps, river islands and hills. Barra del Colorado is in a very rainy area and the failure to have not a marked dry season makes it dominating the humid and very hot climate. The refuge is no longer used for farming as earned its status as a protected area later. Definitely, a boat trip along the San Juan River, which forms the border to Nicaragua, shows the contrast between the two countries, with thick forest to the Nicaraguan side and much farmland on the Costa Rican side. However, there is plenty of rainforest species similar in range to those at Tortuguero. The reserve is mostly comprised of the San Juan River delta which drains in Nicaragua Lake. The Colorado River is the main distributary on the Costa Rican side and it is at the mouth of this river that people finds the village of Barra del Colorado, divided into Barra Norte on the river’s north side and Barra Sur to the south. The airstrip is at Barra Sur.

The 2000 or so inhabitants of the river delta are a mixture of Afro-Caribbean, Costa Rican Indians, Costa Ricans and some Nicaraguans who fled across the border during that country’s civil war. Barra’s closeness to the instability in Nicaragua has held up tourist development, but this is likely to change in the not too distance future.

With an average temperature of 26C (79F) and an annual rainfall of 4000mm (160in), the refuge has a similar climate and natural vegetation to Tortuguero. The wildlife is equally good, particularly as there are fewer disturbances, but the reserve is less accessible and there are few trails, so that most viewing is by boat. People are certain to see mammals such as Three-toed Sloths and both Spider and Howler Monkeys, while reptiles include caymans, crocodiles and the omnipresent iguana. There is a wide range of forest and water birds, such as the famous toucans, Green Macaws, parrots, trogons and jacanas, as a whole selection of the heron family. This is also the best location in Costa Rica to see the endangered Manatee pasting under the water.

Most of the people, however, come to Barra del Colorado for the sport fishing, as it is in fact one of the most important areas in Costa Rica dedicated to this activity. The best season for tarpon fishing is from February to late May, while snook are trapped in droves from September to October, through there is good fishing to be had at any time of the year. Other fishes available in that zone include the spectacular rainbow bass, barracudas and the amazing Gaspar fish, the one that is known as a living fossil thanks to its large mouth with sharp teeth which makes it look like a crocodile. Although, there is deep-sea fishing offshore for both marlin and sailfish. Most lodges operate a ‘catch and release’ policy.

The refuge has a ranger station with general information, drinking water, restrooms, a research center and higher education on the Humid Tropics, showroom, public telephone, a river port, airport and bus terminal. Furthermore, in the village you can find food and lodging services. Other nearby parks include Tortuguero National Park, Dr. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and the Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge.

Getting to Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge:

From San José, take the Guapiles highway toward the city of Limon. Near Limon, at the Bay of Moin, is the beginning of a navigable canal which leads northward through the Cariari National Wetlands.

The only access to Barra del Colorado is by boat or by plane. The ships can be boarded at Hamburg Port, just north Moín, schedule early morning departures only, or, alternatively, visitors can enter by the Sarapiquí River in Puerto Viejo.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Cariari – Tortuguero, which takes 2 hours (Empresarios Guapileños, 2710-7780 / Rubén Bananeros, 2709-8005 / Copetrac, 2767-6139). To Tortuguero must get off at the last stop in Cariari, take the bus going to La Guees and then take a boat. We recommend buying the ticket a day earlier to be sure your seat is saved and if driving to Tortuguero, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.

You can also take a bus from San Jose – Cariari (Copetrac, 2767-6139) from the Gran Terminal Caribe to connect with buses to Puerto Lindo or to La Pavona. Then take either public water taxi or arrange to have your lodge collect you. There is also bus service between Cariari and Guapiles. Morpho Travel (2711-0674) offers boat service between Tortuguero and Pavones.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Barra del Colorado airport, either with Sansa, TravelAir or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights.

Location: between Tortuguero National Park and Nicaraguan border on the Caribbean coast.
GPS Coordenates: 10.751839,-83.589853 (10°45’06.62″N, 83°35’23.47″W)
Size: 92,000ha (227,000 acres)
Altitude: above sea level
Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge Telephone: +(506) 2711-1201
Fax: +(506) 2710-7673
Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTO) Telephone: +(506) 2710-2929
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Barra del Colorado Airport in Limon, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

by
Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Dr. Archie Carr Costa Rica

Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica was created on May 19th, 1994 to operate the John H. Phipps Biological Station and Casa Verde Visitor’s Center, which executes a sea turtle-tagging program among other research activities on its beaches. It is located within the Tortuguero Conservation Area, in Limón Province, Costa Rica. The refuge was named after Dr. Archie Carr (born on June 16th, 1909 in Mobile Alabama), who set up the Caribbean Conservation Corporation in the same area in 1955.

Due to its proximity to Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado National Parks, its wildlife its almost the same. At Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge are around 400 species of birds, about 57 kinds of amphibians, 111 reptiles and 60 mammals, including many of the endangered animals in the country, such as jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, mountain lions. Similarly, the refuge has a large population of monkeys, anteaters, sloths, bats, river otters, alligators, crocodiles, birds, among which are toucans, parrots and kingfisher, as well as seven types of freshwater turtles. Manatees can occasionally be seen under water. Similarly, thanks to the large number of exotic shrubs on the ground is easy to observe swarms of butterflies.

Undoubtedly, the history of the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) is forever intertwined with the life and accomplishments of Dr. Archie Carr, who was truly a remarkable man. Through his research, teaching and writing, Dr. Carr is responsible for accumulating and distributing much of what is known about the biology and life cycle of sea turtles, who also is credited by many for bringing the first international attention to the plight of marine turtles.

For 20 years Archie Carr was chairman of the Marine Turtle Specialist Group of IUCN’s Survival Service Commission, forging and directing the international movement for the conservation of sea turtles. During his tenure as chairman he was not afraid to take controversial stands. He consistently fought against the commercial “ranching” of sea turtles and sale of their products, a position that was supported by U.S. regulations and by CITES convention. He also opposed the removal of sea turtle species from the IUCN endangered or threatened lists merely because particular populations appeared to be doing well.

Besides his conservation work on behalf of sea turtles, Archie Carr also supported his wife’s effective campaigns for conservation in Florida, and in the past few years devoted increasing time to the problem of marine pollution by plastics and petroleum. He won numerous awards and honors for his conservation work. These include the World Wildlife Fund’s Gold Medal, the Smithsonian Institution’s Edward W. Browning Award, the New York Zoological Society’s Gold Medal, and the Hal Borland Award of the National Audubon Society. He was also appointed, by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, an officer of the Order of the Golden Ark.

Getting to Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge:

From San José, take the Guapiles highway toward the city of Limon. Near Limon, at the Bay of Moin, is the beginning of a navigable canal which leads northward through the Cariari National Wetlands and into the wilderness area of Tortuguero National Park.

The only access to Tortuguero and Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge is by boat or by plane. The ships can be boarded at Hamburg Port, just north Moín, schedule early morning departures only, or, alternatively, visitors can enter by the Sarapiquí River in Puerto Viejo.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Cariari – Tortuguero, which takes 2 hours (Empresarios Guapileños, 2710-7780 / Rubén Bananeros, 2709-8005). To Tortuguero must get off at the last stop in Cariari, take the bus going to La Guees and then take a boat. We recommend buying the ticket a day earlier to be sure your seat is saved and if driving to Tortuguero, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Tortuguero airport, either with Sansa, TravelAir or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. For further information about this park contact the Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTO).

Location: 1 km north of Tortuguero town, between Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park in Limon, Costa Rica
Tortuguero GPS Coordinates: 10.396217,-83.485778 (10°23’46.38″N, 83°29’08.80″W)
Size: 54 ha (109 acres)
Tortuguero National Park Telephone: +(506) 2709-8086
Fax: +(506) 2710-7673
Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTO) Telephone: +(506) 2710-2929
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192
Web site: www.conserveturtles.org

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Parismina, Limon, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Tortuguero National Park Costa Rica

by
Haga click en el siguiente enlace para leer está página en Español: Parque Nacional Tortuguero en Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park Costa Rica is the largest in the Caribbean area in the development of the marine green turtle, the leatherback and hawksbill turtles, as they all come to nest along the immense beach. The park is located in one of the wetter areas of Costa Rica, in the tropical rainforest in the northern Caribbean coast, where the average temperature is 26C. The vegetation is typical of humid tropical forest with herbaceous communities, swamps and abundant rivers, lakes and canals.

The park is set up to investigate and protect the flora and fauna of the area, as well as to achieve more and better environmental education through the American biologist Dr. Archie Carr, who worried about the future of the turtles, created in 1959, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation to study and protect sea turtles in the region. Carr worked with the government of Costa Rica to establish and create a sanctuary in 1963 in Tortuguero where endangered turtles could nest quietly, turning the area seven years later, in 1970, in the current Tortuguero National Park, one of the most biologically diverse carriers which have identified more than 10 different habitats.

The park has a desolate beach for around 22 miles (35 kilometers), in which nesting about four species of sea turtles. The beach is not suitable for swimming due to the tides, sharks and barracuda abound in the area. Among the birds there are a variety, such as the Royal Terns, Brown Pelicans and Frigatebirds, while waders such as plovers and sandpipers can be seen along the coast. In this beach, about 200-300m (650-985ft) wide, is located the small village of Tortuguero, a settlement of around 600 people, with their wooden houses and tin roofs, a small church and traditional shop and bar. At the heart of the village is a small information kiosk showing a brief video about the conservation of turtles.

Behind is the main waterway of the National Park, which runs parallel to the coast. West of the main road there is a maze of channels that penetrate the forest, wildlife filled, because here are around 400 species of birds, about 57 kinds of amphibians, 111 reptiles and 60 mammals, including many of the endangered animals in the country, such as jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, mountain lions and river otters. The wider channels make it easy to observe alligators, crocodiles, river otters and seven types of freshwater turtles, also birds, among which are toucans, parrots and kingfisher. Manatees can occasionally be seen under water. Similarly, thanks to the large number of exotic shrubs on the ground is easy to observe swarms of butterflies, while the trees provide a home for mammals, including three types of monkeys, anteaters, sloths, bats and many species of ants, including the bullet ants, whose bites can cause an unbearable pain for 24 hours, army ants are swarming with more than one million ants to attack their prey, and the most remarkable, cutting leaves ants, often long lines seen across the forest carrying bits of leaves to their colony for the fungus which they feed. Similarly, the humid atmosphere, it attracts insects that are not welcome, so the visitor must be well protected with some kind of insect repellent. Similarly, it is recommended fresh clothing, capes and umbrellas.

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is the main nesting site for Marine Green Turtles of the Atlantic, as some 30,000 come here to lay their eggs from July through October, with the largest number of arrivals in September. Green Turtle can weigh up to 200 kg (440 lb), and on the other hand the shell or carapace of the giant leatherback turtle, can measure up to 5 meters (16 feet), making it the world’s largest reptile. The leatherback turtle nests are found south of the town of Tortuguero, and having the largest number of arrivals in February to April. The Hawksbill Turtle and Boba also lay their eggs here. The egg-laying is at night and where the mass arrivals of turtles are known as above.

There are strict rules for visitors. They are not allowed to stay on the beach at night unless accompanied by a guide, cameras and flashlights are not allowed, and only 200 people can see. The fact of seeing these huge sea creatures that come ashore to lay their eggs is a unique experience in wildlife, compared only by the spectacular scene that develops after a few weeks where offspring emerge and begin their journey towards the sea , running from predators. Despite legislation and government protection, even poachers steal eggs from the beaches due to its alleged aphrodisiac qualities and the capture of sea turtles for their meat and for the famous turtle soup.

There are three park stations within Tortuguero National Park, open for visitor attention. The Cuatro Esquinas Headquarters has camping available. It is at the north end of the park, in the town of Tortuguero. You must pass through here to get access to the beach area. Three trails are in this area: The El Gavilan Trail leads southward through the forest about a mile and ends on the beach. La Ceiba and La Bomba trails takes you up Tortuguero hill, to a tower which provides a scenic view of the region.

The Sector Jalova Station is on the south end of the park, near Jalova Lagoon, north of the town of Parismina. The El Tucan Nature Trail begins at the station and parallels the Cano Negro waterway. Two other trails, Tragon and La Ranita Roja, provides short nature hikes.

The Aguas Frias Station is on the western border of the park. You can reach it by turning north off the highway at Guapiles, and driving through the town of Cariari, Pococi. The Los Raudales Nature Trail leads to the scenic lookout point (1,000′) at Lomas del Sierpe. Other nearby national parks include the Dr. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and the Corredor Fronterizo Costa Rica – Nicaragua National Wildlife Refuge

Getting to Tortuguero National Park:

From San José, take the Guapiles highway toward the city of Limon. Near Limon, at the Bay of Moin, is the beginning of a navigable canal which leads northward through the Cariari National Wetlands and into the wilderness area of Tortuguero National Park.

The only access to Tortuguero is by boat or by plane. The ships can be boarded at Hamburg Port, just north Moín, schedule early morning departures only, or, alternatively, visitors can enter by the Sarapiquí River in Puerto Viejo.

By bus

Take a bus from the route San Jose – Cariari – Tortuguero, which takes 2 hours (Empresarios Guapileños, 2710-7780 / Rubén Bananeros, 2709-8005). To Tortuguero must get off at the last stop in Cariari, take the bus going to La Guees and then take a boat. We recommend buying the ticket a day earlier to be sure your seat is saved and if driving to Tortuguero, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.

By plane:

You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Tortuguero airport, either with Sansa, TravelAir or Aerobell Airlines, both with daily flights. For further information about this park contact the Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTO).

Location: North of the Caribbean coast
GPS coordinates: 10.396217,-83.485778 (10°23’46.38″N, 83°29’08.80″W)
Size: 19,000 hectares (36,000 acres)
Elevation: Just above sea level
Schedule: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at night only in groups led by permission.
Tortuguero National Park Telephone: +(506) 2709-8086
Fax: +(506) 2710-7673
Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTO) Telephone: +(506) 2710-2929
INFOTUR Tourist Information: 1192

Address map: Click here to view directions from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), Alajuela, Costa Rica TO Tortuguero National Park in Limon, Costa Rica at Google Maps

Recycling in Costa Rica

by
Click aquí para ver esta página en Español

Recycling has become one of the activities that are helping to solve, in part, the problems caused by the millions of tons of solid waste produced daily by human beings worldwide. In Costa Rica, for example, produce about 11,000 tons of garbage daily, of which approximately, 9,000 tons can be recycled.

Thanks to recycling helps to reduce the impacts to the environment, less waste is thrown in public places or areas and produce less polluting gases, which allowed to improve the quality of these places and air. All this while using fewer non-renewable natural resources like water and trees and also save large amounts of nonrenewable natural resources such as oil, coal and metals.

Every project begins with something small, so that the culture of recycling as part of our homes is no exception. If you want to start a project to recycle waste and garbage generated at home, begin to qualify, that’s the key.

We can start with something as simple as:

1. Choosing a single type of waste material for recycling, either newsprint, plastic bottles or aluminum cans.
2. Once chosen the material, you need a place to deposit it. To this can be used from a trash bag to a cardboard box. No need to waste money on expensive containers to begin, with something comfortable, practical and economic will be more than enough to start.
3. Do not throw the material collected. Contact the company or community center of your choice.

The Government is responsible for collecting the garbage, but if it can barely pick up ALL together, it could never work with a recycling plan, at least not for now. That is why, as Costa Rican citizens, is our duty and obligation to help each other in order to make Costa Rica a better and greener place.

Here’s a short list to contact and meet your local community center or gathering nearest collection. Similarly, it is important to note that generally all schools and municipality of each region has a recycling collection center.

San Jose:

Alajuelita. Collection center, east side of the church. Tel: 2252-4016. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Curridabat. Is collected on Wednesdays. Place materials in plastic bags. Tel: 2272-0126. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum.
Desamparados. Collection center 200 meters before the cemetery. Tel: 2227-2942. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum, cardboard, metal and batteries.
Escazú. Fixed routes is collected every two weeks and there are six barrels of collection in the city. Tel: 2228-5757. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum, cardboard and batteries.
San Isidro de El General. Collection center in Barrio La Ceniza. Tel: 2772-3472. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum, metal and cardboard.
Santa Ana. Collection center 200 m N, 100 m O of the main entrance to the city. Tel: 2203-3344. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum.
Tibás. Collection center near the Caribbean bus stop. Tel: 2240-7155. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.

Alajuela:

Grecia. Collection center near the former factory Warner. Tel: 2444-2885. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum, cardboard and batteries.
Naranjo. Collection center at City Hall. Tel: 2451-5858. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
San Ramon. Collection center 700 m N, 300 m E of the hospital. Tel: 2447-2181. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Sarchi. Collection center near City Hall. Tel: 2454-4001. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum.
Zarcero. Collection center 200 m S of the park. Tel: 2463-3160. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.

Heredia:

San Isidro. Alvernia Center collection, 200 m N, 300 m E of the church. Call for pick up at the Central Valley. Tel: 2268-8591. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
San Rafael. Collection center next to the Nursing Home. Fixed routes for collection. Tel: 2237-0789. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Santa Barbara. Collection center in the former Rural Guard. Tel: 2269-6621. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum.

Cartago:

Juan Viñas. Collection center near the church. Tel: 2532-1045. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Orosi / Paraiso. Collection centers: Purisil 5 km south of Orosi, Palomo 2 km east of Orosi. Tel: 2574-8371. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
San Marcos de Tarrazú. collection center 25 m O of school. Tel: 2546-6879. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.

Guanacaste:

Abangares. Collection center 100 m E of the Red Cross. Tel: 2662-0510. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Liberia: Collection center in Barrio Guadalupe in front of El Sabanero rice, next to the sports square. Tel: 8916-0003 / 8815-1169. Fax: 2665-1656 / 2665-1998. Paper, aluminum, cardboard, plastic, batteries, iron, copper, brass and electronics.
Playa Hermosa. Collection barrels in the second entrance to the beach. Tel: 2672-0108. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum.
Tilarán. Fixed routes for collection. Tel: 2695-5432. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.

Limon:

Cahuita. ReciCaribe collection barrels in the city. Tel: 2750-0347. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Guácimo. Collection center in the former train station. Tel: 2716-6073. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Puerto Viejo. ReciCaribe collection barrels in the city. Tel: 2750-0347. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Siquirres. Reciplas collection center, Freeholt Siquirres. Tel: 2765-8301. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum.
Tortuguero. Collection barrels around the city. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum.

Puntarenas:

Esparza. Collection center at City Hall. Tel: 2636-7878. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard.
Quepos / Manuel Antonio. Collection center diagonal of landfills in Anita, 5 km from Quepos. It collects Thursday mornings for business. Tel: 2777-2020. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, cardboard and aluminum.
Puerto Jimenez. Collection center near the Technical College. Glass, plastic, paper, newspaper, aluminum, cardboard and batteries.

Links to learn more about Recycling in Costa Rica:

Costa Rica Reciclaje
Fundación CEPRONA
Redcicla, Red de Reciclaje de Costa Rica

Bus Services in Costa Rica

by
Click aquí para ver esta página en Español

Costa Rica is well known as the “Central America Switzerland”, so it is no wonder that is one of the most beautiful and interesting destinations that exist today. But to get the most out of your experience in Costa Rica, you will have to travel through its highways, roads and rocky, mountainous trails over the country. This is why the easiest way to transported in Costa Rica is by making use of bus services that travel across the country.

Bus services as well as being cheap, are quite good. Costa Rica has a direct bus service that rarely stops until reaching their destinations, which cost a bit more. In the other hand, there are regular buses which stop at various points along the route. Similarly, there are private buses and minibuses, in which all passengers must be seated, which make the journey more pleasant and enjoyable and is why they coasts a little more.

The fares of the buses are usually displayed in the bus windshield or window or in the interior over the head of the driver. This is because bus fares in Costa Rica are subject to frequent changes, as these are updated with recent increases approved by the ARESEP, which are published in “La Gaceta”. To learn about the current buses fares visit www.aresep.go.cr and click on Current Rates, Transport and Buses and find the route number you need. As the rates of the buses in Costa Rica are changing frequently, it is best to ask someone in the line or call ahead to find out the price with precision. In fact it is best to reserve tickets in advance, because if you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before, it is very unlikely to find space and you must have to wait for the next bus, or staying in a hotel until the next exit in the morning, especially when buses are traveling long distances outside the Central Valley or on weekends and holidays. For example, in the Holy Week dates such as Thursday and Friday (March-April) can be reduced the bus services on certain routes. The same happens during the week of Christmas and New Year, and also for this dates some bus companies provide no service at all.

Most buses depart from “La Coca Cola” (former bottling plant) between 1st and 3rd Avenue, 16th St., in San José center, but many others have their “stops” or terminals scattered throughout the city. Similarly, most buses operate until 10 pm, after that, you have the option of a taxi. The taxi fares are through the “María” or the taximeter, which starts at around 450 colones ($0.86) for the first mile and then 380 colones ($0.77) per kilometer within the additional Metropolitan Area.

Few drivers and ticket sellers speak another language than Spanish, so it’s important to get information in advance about where to find your bus departure and arrival times. When you’re ready to get off the bus, you must click one of the red buttons that are on the sides, pull the string or just yell “Parada, por favor!” (Stop, please!) and walk out at least a 100 meters (300 feet) before dropping.

The following directory is a complete, detailed and updated list of the bus services, with their respective timetables and routes, where the symbol in the middle of BT means “Back Trip”.

Buses in the Central Valley:

La Ruta Periferica (Peripheral Route, website: www.lapericr.com)
L1 Hatillos – Barrio Cuba
50 m southwest of the Hatillo 1 Plaza. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and then every 20 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Saturdays every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. and then every 20 minutes from 6:40 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Sundays every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. BT: the same.
L2 Hatillos – Circunvalacion Sur
Hatillo center, 50m north of the Texaco gas station. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and then every 20 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Saturdays every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Sundays every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. BT: the same.
L3 Hatillos – UCR (Only during school hours of the UCR)
Polideportivo of Hatillo 2 eastern side. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5:45 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. and then every hour from 8:25 a.m. to 8:25 p.m. Saturdays every hour from 6:10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. BT: From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5:45 am to 9:30 a.m. and then every hour from 10:00 a.m. to 9:05 p.m. Saturdays every hour from 6:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
L4 Hatillos – Guadalupe (Only during school hours of the UCR)
50m southwest of the Hatillo 1 Plaza. From Monday to Friday at 6:25 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. and then every 30 minutes from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. BT: at 6:50 a.m., 7:20 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and then every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

San José – Heredia
Rapiditos Heredianos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 1st St., San José. Phone: +506 2233-8392. Stops in Tibás and also stops in Santo Domingo de Heredia. Every 5 minutes from 5:15 a.m. until midnight. BT: every 5 minutes from 4:30 a.m. 11:30 p.m. From Friday to Sunday every 30 minutes from midnight to 3 a.m. BT: the same.
Busetas Heredianas, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2261-7171. Every 5 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Transportes Unidos La 400, 5th and 7th Avenue, 4th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-8986. By La Uruca every 5 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: from 4:20 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Heredia – Sacramento – Barva Volcano (1:45 hours)
8 km before the volcano on the west side of the Old Market last stop in Paso Llano. From Monday to Friday every hour from 5:20 a.m. to 6:20 a.m., then at 12 p.m. and at 4 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays at 6 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays at 6:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 7:50 a.m. 1 p.m. and 5:20 p.m.

San José – Alajuela, Juan Santamaría International Airport (35 minutes to 1 hour)
TUASA, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2442-6900. Every 5 minutes, from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: the same, also for Heredia (Heredia-Alajuela-San José)
Station Wagon, 2nd Avenue, 2nd and 4th St., in San José. Phone: +506 8388-9263. Every 3 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. Direct every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. After midnight every 30 minutes. BT: every 3 minutes from 4:20 a.m. to 11 p.m. Direct every 5 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Alajuela – Poás Volcano (90 minutes)
COOPETRANSASI R.L, 100 m South from TUASA terminal in Alajuela. Phone: +506 2449-5141 / +506 2449-6040 / +506 2449-5378. At 9 a.m. BT: at 2:30 p.m.

San José – Grecia  (70 minutes)
TUAN, west side of Abonos Agro in Barrio Mexico, San José. Phone: +506 2258-2004. Every 25 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. BT: every 25 minutes from 4:30 a.m.to 8:30 p.m. Sundays every 40 minutes from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

San José – Sarchí  (90 minutes)
TUAN, East side Abonos Agro in Barrio México, San José. Phone: +506 2258-2004. From Monday to Saturday at 12:15 p.m. BT: at 1:45 p.m. Sundays no bus.

San José – San Ramón (75 minutes)
Empresarios Unidos, 10th and 12th Avenue, 16th in San José. Phone: +506 2222-0064. Every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., every 45 minutes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., every 30 minutes to 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 5 am to 8 p.m.

San José – Palmares (75 minutes)
Transportes Palmareños, 3rd and 5th Avenue,  16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2453-3808. Every hour from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 5:20 a.m., 5:35 a.m. and 6:15 a.m., then every hour until 8:10 p.m.
Auto Transportes Palmares, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2452-0518. Every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. BT: every hour from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

San José – Atenas
Coopetransatenas, 50 meters west of the Municipal Market. Phone: +506 2446-5767. From Monday to Friday every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. every hour from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., every 30 minutes from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., every hour from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., every 15 minutes from 2:30 to 10 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 7 am, every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 am, every hour from 10 am to 1 p.m., every 30 minutes from  2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., every hour from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and holidays every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 7:30 a.m., every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., every hour from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., then at 7p.m., at 8:30 p.m. and at 10 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 5:50 a.m. to 7 am, every hour from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays every 40 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., every hour  from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., every hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. BT: every hour from 6 a.m.to 10 a.m. and after 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Alajuela – Naranjo (90 minutes)
TUAN, behind TUASA stop in Alajuela. Phone: +506 2441-3781. Every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: the same

Alajuela – Fraijanes Lagoon (50 minutes)
Coopetransasi, South side of the TUASA stop in Alajuela. Phone: +506 2449-5141. Every hour from 6 am to 10:10 p.m. BT: same but until 9 p.m.

San José – Cartago
Lumaca S.A., 2nd Avenue, 3rd St., in San José. Phone: +506 2537-0347. Direct every 7 minutes from 4:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays every 30 minutes from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. BT: the same thing every 45 minutes.

San José – Turrialba (Direct 1:40 hours, Regular 2 hours)
Transtusa, 6th and 8th Avenue, 13th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2556-4233. Every hour from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Direct every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. BT: every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Direct every hour from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays every hour from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Direct every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San José – Irazú Volcano (90 minutes)
Buses Metrópoli, across from Gran Hotel Costa Rica on 2nd Avenue, 1st and 3rd St., in San José. Phone: +506 2530-1064. Daily at 8 a.m. BT: at 12:30 p.m.

Cartago – Orosi Valley (45 minutes)
Auto Transportes Mata, 200 meters east and 125 meters south of the Municipality. Phone: +506 2533-1916. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every 15 minutes from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7:30 p.m. to 10:25 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every 15 minutes to 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 am, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10 am, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cartago – Lankester  Gardens (25 minutes)
Coopepar. Phone: +506 2574-6127. Every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: every 25 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Ask the driver where to stop and walk 800 m)

San José – San Ignacio de Acosta (90 minutes)
Transportes San Gabriel S.A., 10th and 12th Avenue, 8th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2410-0330. By Aserrí, Tarbaca every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. BT: every hour from 4:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on weekends.

Buses from the Central Pacific:

San José – Puntarenas (3 hours)
Empresarios Unidos, 10th and 12th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-0064. Every 2 hours from 4 am to 2 pm, then at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Direct every hour from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. BT: the same except at 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Direct every hour from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San José – Quepos / Manuel Antonio (3:30 hours)
Transportes Delio Morales, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2223-5567 / +506 2777-0318. At 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 10 a.m., then every hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Direct at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. It takes about 5 hours by Puriscal and leaves at 5:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. BT: 4:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

San José – Jacó (3 hours)
Transportes Jacó, 1st and 3rd Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2223-1109. At 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Buses from the Northern Zone:

San José – Monteverde (4.5 hours)
Transportes Monteverde, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-3854 / +506 2256-7710 / +506 2645-7447 / +506 2645-5159. At 6:30 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m. They make a stop at La Radial in Alajuela. BT: the same.

San José – Bagaces – La Fortuna – Guayabo – Aguas Claras (4:30 hours)
Transportes Upala, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-3318. At 5:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m.BT: at 4:30 a.m. and at 1:45 p.m.

San José – Río Frío of Sarapiquí (90 minutes)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St.,  San José. Phone: +506 2710-7780. At 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. BT: at 5:45 a.m., 8:25 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:16 p.m.

San José – La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Río Frío of Sarapiquí (3:30 minutes)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., San José. Phone: +506 2222-0610 / +506 2710-7780. At 6:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. B.T: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

San José – Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St.,  San José. Phone: +506 2222-0610. At 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. By Varablanca takes approximately about 3 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 6 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

San José – Guatuso (5 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2255-4318. At 5 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BT: at 8 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. and 3 a.m.

San José – Upala, Nicaragua Border (5 hours)
Transportes Upala, 3rd and 5thAvenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-3318. By Cañas at 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. BT: 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. By Santa Cruz takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 3:45 p.m. BT: at 9 a.m.

San José – Los Chiles, Nicaragua Border (5:30 hours)
Auto Transportes San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. At 5:30 a.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

San José – La Fortuna (4 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. At 6:15 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BT: at 12:45 p.m. and at 2:45 p.m.

San José – Pital (4 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. At 7:40 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: at 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

San José – Ciudad Quesada (3 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. By Zarcero every 45 minutes from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. BT: every 45 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Cuidad Quesada – Pital (75 minutes)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2256-8914 / +506 2255-0567 / +506 2255-4318 / +506 2255-4300. Every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., then at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. BT: In the Plaza of San Carlos every 30 minutes approximately from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., then at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Ciudad Quesada – La Tigra (1 hour)
Transpisa, at the Municipal Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2460-3480. At 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., then every hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6:60 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Ciudad Quesada – La Fortuna (90 minutes)
Transpisa, at the Municipal Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2460-3480. At 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., then every hour from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. then at 12:15 p.m., 1p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. BT: at 4:50 a.m., 5:10 a.m., 5:40 a.m., then every hour from 6:30 a.m. 10:30 am to 12:15 pm, then at 3:15 pm, 4:40 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Ciudad Quesada – Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí (2:30 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, Ciudad Quesada Terminal. Phone: +506 2766-6141. At 4:40 a.m., 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, then every hour from 4:30 pm to 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:30 pm and then every hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Buses from Guanacaste:

San José – Santa Cruz (4 to 5:30 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2666. At 6:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Tralapa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 20th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2223-5859. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 4 hours and leaves at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. By Liberia takes about 4 hours and leaves at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. By Flamingo at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and2 p.m. By Flamingo at 5 p.m.

San José – Tilarán (4 hours)
Auto Transportes Tilarán, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-3854. At 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

San José – Liberia (4:30 hours)
Pulmitan, 5th and 7th Avenue, 24th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-1650 / +506 2256-9552 / +506 2666-0458. Every hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays the same plus at 8 p.m. Direct at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. By Alajuela at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.mBT: every hour from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., then every 2 hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

San José – Brasilito / Conchal – Flamingo –Panamá Beach (5 hours)
Tralapa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 20th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-7202. To Brasilito, Flamingo and Conchal takes about 5 hours and leaves at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: 2:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To Panamá Beach takes about 5 hours and leaves at 3:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.

San José – Playas del Coco (5 hours)
Pulmitan, 5th and 7th Avenue, 24th St., in San Jose. Phone: +506 2222-1650 / +506 2256-9552 / +506 2666-0458. At 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m., 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

San José – Tamarindo (5 to 6:30 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2666. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 5 hours and leaves at 8:30 a.m. By Liberia takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: by Tempisque Bridge is at 3:30 a.m., 5:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.

San José – Coyote Beach , Caletas Beach and Bejuco Beach (6 hours)
ARSA, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2257-1835 / +506 2650-0179. At 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 2:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

San José – La Cruz – Peñas Blancas, Nicaragua Border (5 hours)
Transportes Deldú, 1st Avenue,20th St.,  in San José. Phone: +506 2256-9072. At 5 am, 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1:20 pm and 4:10 p.m. BT: at 5:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sundays start at 3:30 a.m.

San José – Cañas – Upala (6 hours)
Auto Transportes Tilarán, 1st and 3rdAvenue, 16th St., 150 meters north of San Juan de Dios Hospital in San José. Phone: +506 2258-5792. At 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 12:20 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m., 4:50 a.m., 5:40 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. To Upala leaves at 6 a.m. BT: at 2 p.m.

Buses from the Nicoya Peninsula:

San José – Nicoya (4 hours)
Empresa Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2685-5032. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 4 hours and leaves at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., then every 2 hours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. BT: at 3 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. To Liberia takes about 6 hours and leaves at 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. BT: 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Nicoya – Nosara – Garza – Guiones  (2:30 hours)
Empresa Rojas, at the Nicoya Main Station, 400 meters east of the southeast corner of the park. Phone: +506 2686-9089. At 5 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to Garza and to Guiones takes about 2 hours.

San José – Sámara (5:30 hours)
Empresa Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2685-5032. At 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

Sámara – Playa Carrillo (1 to 1:30 hours)
Empresa Rojas, Nicoya Main Station, 400 meters east of the southeast corner of the park. Phone: +506 2685-5352. To Sámara takes about an hour and leaves at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., then at 8 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. BT: is at 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., then every hour from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and then every hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.  To Carrillo takes about  1 hour and 30 minute and leaves at 5 a.m., then every 2 hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. then at 11 a.m. 12 p.m., then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. BT: at 4:20 a.m., 4:45 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 6:16, a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., then every hour from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and then every hour from 2:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m.

San José – Nosara (6 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2666. At 5:30 a.m. BT: at 12:30 p.m.

San José – Mal País – Montezuma (5 hours)
Transportes Rodriguez. Phone: +506 2642-0219. Direct bus to Puntarenas at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Take the Paquera Ferry and from there take Paquera-Cóbano bus which leaves at 4:30 a.m., 5:50 a.m., then every 2 hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. BT: 6:30 a.m., then every 2 hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Buses from the Caribbean:

San José – Guápiles (90 minutes)
Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2222-2727. Leaves when full from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. BT: from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. the same. Weekends and holidays from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San José – Siquirres (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2710-7780. Every hour from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. BT: the same but every 2 hours.

San José – Cariari – Tortuguero (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2710-7780. At 6:30 a.m., 10:30 am, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. BT: every hour at 5:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Rubén Bananeros. Phone: +506 2709-8005. To Tortuguero must get off at the last stop in Cariari, take the bus going to La Guees at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and then take a boat at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Boat at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

San José – Limón (3 hours)
Transportes Caribeños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2221-2596. Every hour from 5 a.m.to 7 p.m. BT: the same. There are direct and to stop by Guápiles or by Siquirres.

San José – Cahuita National Park – Puerto Viejo – Manzanillo – Sixaola Panamá Border (5 hours)
Transportes Mepe, 9th Avenue, 12th St., at the North Atlantic Bus Terminal. Phone: +506 2257-8129. At 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: To Sixaola takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes and leaves every 2 hoursfrom 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. To Puerto Viejo leaves at 7:30 am, 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. To Cahuita takes about 3hours aernd 30 minutes and leaves at 8 am, 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Buses from Southern Zone:

San José – Los Santos (2 hours)
Empresa Los Santos, 16th Avenue, 19th and 21st St., in Barrio Luján. Phone: +506 2546-7248. Via Santa María de Dota, San Marcos de Tarrazú and San Pablo de León Cortés, at 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: every 2 hours from 5:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. then at 12:40 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

San José – San Isidro de El General and Chirripó National Park (3:30 hours)
MUSOC, 22nd and 24th Avenue, Central St. Phone: +506 2222-2422. Every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. BT: the same from Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. New Direct Executive Service takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes and leaves at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m. BT: at 4:45 a.m. and 7 a.m. From San Isidro must catch the bus going to San Gerardo de Rivas, which is the National Park entrance. It leaves the Church at 5 a.m. and from the Municipal Market at 2 p.m.

San Isidro de El General – Coronado de Osa (3 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 4 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.

San Isidro de El General – Uvita (2 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

San Isidro de El General – Dominical (1:30 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 6:45 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

San Isidro de El General – Quepos (1:30 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

San José – Dominical – Uvita (6 hours)
Transportes Delio Morales, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-4214 / +506 2223-5567 / +506 2777-0318. At 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

San José – Ciudad Cortés – Palmar (7 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2666. At 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

San José – Palmar Norte (6 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2223-7685. At 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

San José – San Vito (7:30 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2222-2160. At 5:45 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

San José – Paso Canoas, Panamá Border (8 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2221-4214. To David, Panamá at 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. BT: 8:30 a.m. At 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. BT: 4 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

San José – Golfito  (8 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José . Phone: +506 2221-4214. At 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

San José – Puerto Jiménez (8 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: +506 2771-4744. At 12 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.

Other bus services:

To learn about the international bus service is in Costa Rica click here.
To learn about the services of buses and private bus (shuttle) is in Costa Rica click here.

 

Costa Rica is well known as the “Central America Switzerland”, so it is no wonder that is one of the most beautiful and interesting destinations that exist today. But to get the most out of your experience in Costa Rica, you will have to travel through its highways, roads and rocky, mountainous trails over the country. This is why the easiest way to transported in Costa Rica is by making use of bus services that travel across the country.

Bus services as well as being cheap, are quite good. Costa Rica has a direct bus service that rarely stops until reaching their destinations, which cost a bit more. In the other hand, there are regular buses which stop at various points along the route. Similarly, there are private buses and minibuses, in which all passengers must be seated, which make the journey more pleasant and enjoyable, and is why they coasts a little more.

The fares of the buses are usually displayed in the bus windshield or window or in the interior over the head of the driver. This is because bus fares in Costa Rica are subject to frequent changes, as these are updated with recent increases approved by the ARESEP, which are published in “La Gaceta”. To learn about the current buses fares visit www.aresep.go.cr and click on Current Rates, Transport and Buses and find the route number you need. As the rates of the buses in Costa Rica are changing frequently, it is best to ask someone in the line or call ahead to find out the price with precision. In fact it is best to reserve tickets in advance, because if you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before, it is very unlikely to find space and you must have to wait for the next bus, or staying in a hotel until the next exit in the morning, especially when buses are traveling long distances outside the Central Valley or on weekends and holidays. For example, in the Holy Week dates such as Thursday and Friday (March-April) can be reduced the bus services on certain routes. The same happens during the week of Christmas and New Year, and also for this dates some bus companies provide no service at all.

Most buses depart from “La Coca Cola” (former bottling plant) between 1st and 3rd Avenue, 16th St., in San José center, but many others have their “stops” or terminals scattered throughout the city. Similarly, most buses operate until 10 pm, after that, you have the option of a taxi. The taxi fares are through the “María” or the taximeter, which starts at around 450 colones ($0.86) for the first mile and then 380 colones ($0.77) per kilometer within the additional Metropolitan Area.

Few drivers and ticket sellers speak another language than Spanish, so it’s important to get information in advance about where to find your bus departure and arrival times. When you’re ready to get off the bus, you must click one of the red buttons that are on the sides, pull the string or just yell “Parada, por favor!” (Stop, please!) and walk out at least a 100 meters (300 feet) before dropping.

The following directory is a complete, detailed and updated list of the bus services, with their respective timetables, routes and fares, where the symbol in the middle of BT means “Back Trip”.
Buses in the Central Valley:

San – Heredia
Rapiditos Heredianos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 1st St., San . Phone: 2233-8392. Stops in Tibás and also stops in Santo Domingo de Heredia. Every 5 minutes from 5:15 a.m. until midnight. BT: every 5 minutes from 4:30 a.m. 11:30 p.m. From Friday to Sunday every 30 minutes from midnight to 3 a.m. BT: the same.
Busetas Heredianas, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2261-7171. Every 5 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Transportes Unidos La 400, 5th and 7th Avenue, 4th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-8986. By La Uruca every 5 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: from 4:20 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Heredia – Sacramento – Barva Volcano (1:45 pm)
8 km before the volcano on the west side of the Old Market last stop in Paso Llano. From Monday to Friday every hour from 5:20 a.m. to 6:20 a.m., then at 12 p.m. and at 4 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays at 6 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays at 6:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 7:50 a.m. 1 p.m. and 5:20 p.m.

San José – Alajuela, Juan Santamaria International Airport (35 minutes to 1 hour)
TUASA, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2442-6900. Every 5 minutes, from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: the same, also for Heredia (Heredia-Alajuela-San José)
Station Wagon, 2nd Avenue, 2nd and 4th St., in San José. Phone: 8388-9263. Every 3 minutes, from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. Direct every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. After midnight every 30 minutes. BT: every 3 minutes from 4:20 a.m. to 11 p.m., Direct every 5 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San Jose – Poás Volcano (90 minutes)
TUASA, 2nd Avenue, 12th and 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2442-6900. At 8 a.m. BT: at 2:30 p.m.

San José – Grecia (70 minutes)
TUAN, west side of Abonos Agro in Barrio Mexico, San José. Phone: 2258-2004. Every 25 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. BT: every 25 minutes from 4:30 a.m.to 8:30 p.m. Sundays every 40 minutes from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

San José – Sarchí (90 minutes)
TUAN, East side Abonos Agro in Barrio México, San José. Phone: 2258-2004. From Monday to Saturday at 12:15 p.m. BT: at 1:45 p.m. Sundays no bus.

San José – San Ramón (75 minutes)
Empresarios Unidos, 10th and 12th Avenue, 16th in San José. Phone: 2222-0064. Every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., every 45 minutes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., every 30 minutes to 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 5 am to 8 p.m.

San José – Palmares (75 minutes)
Transportes Palmareños, 3rd and 5th Avenue,16th St., in San José. Phone: 2453-3808. Every hour from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 5:20 a.m., 5:35 a.m. and 6:15 a.m., then every hour until 8:10 p.m.
Auto Transportes Palmares, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: 2452-0518. Every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. BT: every hour from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

San José – Atenas
Coopetransatenas, 50 meters west of the Municipal Market. Phone: 2446-5767. From Monday to Friday every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. every hour from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., every 30 minutes from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., every hour from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., every 15 minutes from 2:30 to 10 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 7 am, every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 am, every hour from 10 am to 1 p.m., every 30 minutes from2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., every hour from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and holidays every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 7:30 a.m., every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., every hour from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., then at 7p.m., at 8:30 p.m. and at 10 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 5:50 a.m. to 7 am, every hour from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays every 40 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., every hourfrom 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., every hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. BT: every hour from 6 a.m.to 10 a.m. and after 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Alajuela – Naranjo(90 minutes)
TUAN behind TUASA stop in Alajuela. Phone: 2441-3781. Every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. BT: the same

Alajuela – Fraijanes Lagoon (50 minutes)
Coopetransasi, South side of the TUASA stop in Alajuela. Phone: 2449-5141. Every hour from 6 am to 10:10 p.m. BT: same but until 9 p.m.

San José – Cartago
Lumaca S.A., 2nd Avenue, 3rd St., in San José. Phone: 2537-0347. Direct every 7 minutes from 4:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays every 30 minutes from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. BT: the same thing every 45 minutes.

San José – Turrialba (Direct 1:40 pm, Regular 2 hours)
Transtusa, 6th and 8th Avenue, 13th St., in San José. Phone: 2556-4233. Every hour from 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Direct every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. BT: every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday every hour from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Direct every hour from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays every hour from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Direct every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San José – Irazú Volcano (90 minutes)
Metropolitan buses, compared to Gran Hotel Costa Rica on 2nd Avenue, 1st and 3rd St., in San José. Phone: 2530-1064. Daily at 8 a.m. BT: 12:30 p.m.

Cartago – Orosi Valley (45 minutes)
Auto Transportes Mata, 200 meters east and 125 meters south of the Municipality. Phone: 2533-1916. From Monday to Friday every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every 15 minutes from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7:30 p.m. to 10:25 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., every 15 minutes to 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 am, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. BT: every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10 am, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. BT: every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cartago – Lankester Gardens (25 minutes)
Coopepar. Phone: 2574-6127. Every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. BT: every 25 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Ask the driver where to stop and walk 800 m)

San José – San Ignacio de Acosta (90 minutes)
Transportes San Gabriel SA, 10th and 12th Avenue, 8th St., in San José. Phone: 2410-0330. By Aserrí, Tarbaca every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. BT: every hour from 4:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on weekends.

Buses from the Central Pacific:

San José – Puntarenas (3 hours)
Empresarios Unidos, 10th and 12th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-0064. Every 2 hours from 4 am to 2 pm, then at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Direct every hour from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. BT: the same except at 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Direct every hour from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San José – Quepos / Manuel Antonio (3:30 pm)
Transportes Delio Morales, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: 2223-5567. At 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 10 a.m., then every hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Direct at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. It takes about 5 hours by Puriscal and leaves at 5:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. VT: 4:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

San José – Jacó (3 hours)
Transportes Jacó, 1st and 3rd Avenue, 16th St., in San José. Phone: 2223-1109. At 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Buses from the North Zone:

San José – Monteverde (2 hours)
Transportes Monteverde, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-3854. At 6:30 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m. BT: the same.

San José – Bagaces – La Fortuna – Guayabo – Aguas Claras (4:30 pm)
Transportes Upala, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2221-3318. At 5:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m.BT: at 4:30 a.m. and at 1:45 p.m.

San José – Río Frío of Sarapiquí (90 minutes)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., San José. Phone: 2710-7780. At 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. BT: at 5:45 a.m., 8:25 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:16 p.m.

San José – Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St.,San José. Phone: 2222-0610. At 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. By Varablanca takes approximately about 3 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 6 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

San José – Guatuso (5 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2255-4318. At 5 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BT: at 8 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. and 3 a.m.

San José – Upala, Nicaragua Border (5 hours)
Transportes Upala, 3rd and 5thAvenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2221-3318. By Cañas at 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. BT: 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. By Santa Cruz takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 3:45 p.m. BT: at 9 a.m.

San José – Los Chiles, Nicaragua Border (5:30 pm)
Auto Transportes San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2255-4318. At 5:30 a.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

San José – La Fortuna (4 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2256-8914. At 6:15 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BT: at 12:45 p.m. and at 2:45 p.m.

San José – Pital (4 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2256-8914. At 7:40 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: at 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

San José – Ciudad Quesada (3 hours)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2256-8914. By Zarcero every 45 minutes from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. BT: every 45 minutes from 5 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Cuidad Quesada – Pital (75 minutes)
Auto Transportes San José-San Carlos, , 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2256-8914. Every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., then at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. BT: In the Plaza of San Carlos every 30 minutes approximately from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., then at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Ciudad Quesada – La Tigra (1 hour)
Transpisa, at the Municipal Bus Terminal. Phone: -8379-3153. At 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., then every hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6:60 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Ciudad Quesada – La Fortuna (90 minutes)
Transpisa, at the Municipal Bus Terminal. Phone: -8379-3153. At 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., then every hour from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. then at 12:15 p.m., 1p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. BT: at 4:50 a.m., 5:10 a.m., 5:40 a.m., then every hour from 6:30 a.m. 10:30 am to 12:15 pm, then at 3:15 pm, 4:40 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Ciudad Quesada – Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí (2:30 pm)
Empresarios Guapileños, Ciudad Quesada Terminal. Phone: 2766-6141. At 4:40 a.m., 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, then every hour from 4:30 pm to 6:30 p.m. VV: at 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:30 pm and then every hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Buses in Guanacaste:

San José – Santa Cruz (4 to 5:30 pm)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2666. At 6:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Tralapa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 20th St., in San José. Phone: 2223-5859. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 4 hours and leaves at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. By Liberia takes about 4 hours and leaves at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. By Flamingo at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and2 p.m. By Flamingo at 5 p.m.

San José – Tilarán (4 hours)
Auto Transportes Tilarán, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-3854. At 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

San José – Liberia (4:30 pm)
Pulmitan, 5th and 7th Avenue, 24th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-1650. Every hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays only the same plus at 8 p.m. Direct at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: every hour from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., then every 2 hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

San José – Brasilito / Conchal – Flamingo –Panamá Beach (5 hours)
Tralapa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 20th St., in San José. Phone: 2221-7202. To Brasilito, Flamingo and Conchal takes about 5 hours and leaves at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: 2:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To Panamá Beach takes about 5 hours and leaves at 3:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.

San José – Playas del Coco (5 hours)
Pulmitan, 5th and 7th Avenue, 24th St., in San Jose. Phone: 2222-1650. At 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m., 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

San José – Tamarindo (5 to 6:30 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2666. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 5 hours and leaves at 8:30 a.m. By Liberia takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: by Tempisque Bridge is at 3:30 a.m., 5:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.

San José – Coyote Beach , Caletas Beach and Bejuco Beach (6 hours)
ARSA, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2258-3883. At 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 2:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

San José – La Cruz – Peñas Blancas, Nicaragua Border (5 hours)
Transport Deldú, 1st Avenue,20th St.,in San José. Phone: 2256-9072. At 5 am, 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1:20 pm and 4:10 p.m. BT: at 5:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sundays start at 3:30 a.m.

San José – Cañas – Upala (6 hours)
Auto Transportes Tilarán, 1st and 3rdAvenue, 16th St., 150 meters north of San Juan de Dios Hospital in San José. Phone: 2258-5792. At 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 12:20 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m., 4:50 a.m., 5:40 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. To Upala leaves at 6 a.m. BT: at 2 p.m.

Buses of the Nicoya Peninsula:

San José – Nicoya (4 hours)
Empresa Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2685-5032. By Tempisque Bridge takes about 4 hours and leaves at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., then every 2 hours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. BT: at 3 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. To Liberia takes about 6 hours and leaves at 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. BT: 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Nicoya – Nosara – Garza – Guiones (2:30 pm)
Empresa Rojas, at the Nicoya Main Station, 400 meters east of the southeast corner of the park. Phone: 2686-9089. At 5 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to Garza and to Guiones takes about 2 hours.

San José – Sámara (5:30 pm)
Empresa Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2685-5032. At 12 p.m. and 6:60 p.m. BT: at 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Sámara – Playa Carrillo (1 to 1:30 pm)
Empresa Rojas, Nicoya Main Station, 400 meters east of the southeast corner of the park. Phone: 2685-5352. To Sámara takes about an hour and leaves at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., then at 8 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. BT is at 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., then every hour from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and then every hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.To Carrillo takes about1 hour and 30 minute and leaves at 5 a.m., then every 2 hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. then at 11 a.m. 12 p.m., then every hour from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at 9:45 p.m. BT: at 4:20 a.m., 4:45 a.m., 5:15 a.m., 6:16, a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., then every hour from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and then every hour from 2:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m.

San José – Nosara (6 hours)
Alfaro-Tracopa, 3rd and 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2666. At 5:30 a.m. BT: at 12:30 p.m.

San José – Mal País – Montezuma (5 hours)
Transportes Rodriguez. Phone: 2642-0219. Direct bus to Puntarenas at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Take the Paquera Ferry and from there take Paquera-Cóbano bus which leaves at 4:30 a.m., 5:50 a.m., then every 2 hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. BT: 6:30 a.m., then every 2 hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Buses of the Caribbean:

San José – Guápiles (90 minutes)
Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2222-2727. Leaves when full from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. BT: from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. the same. Weekends and holidays from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San José – Siquirres (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2710-7780. Every hour from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. BT: the same but every 2 hours.

San José – Cariari – Tortuguero (2 hours)
Empresarios Guapileños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2710-7780. At 6:30 a.m., 10:30 am, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. BT: every hour at 5:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Rubén Bananeros. Phone: 2709-8005. To Tortuguero must get off at the last stop in Cariari, take the bus going to La Guees at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and then take a boat at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Boat at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

San José – Limón (3 hours)
Transportes Caribeños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2221-2596. Every hour from 5 a.m.to 7 p.m. BT: the same. There are direct and to stop by Guápiles or by Siquirres.

San José – Cahuita National Park – Puerto Viejo – Sixaola Panamá Border (5 hours)
Transportes Mepe, Transportes Caribeños, 11th Avenue, Central St., at the Caribbean Bus Terminal. Phone: 2257-8129. At 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. BT: To Sixaola takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes and leaves every 2 hoursfrom 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. To Puerto Viejo leaves at 7:30 am, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. To Cahuita takes about 3hours and 30 minutes and leaves at 8 am, 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Buses from South Zone:

San José – Los Santos (2 hours)
Empresa Los Santos, 16th Avenue, 19th and 21st St., in Barrio Luján. Phone: 2546-7248. Via Santa María de Dota, San Marcos de Tarrazú and San Pablo de León Cortés, at 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. BT: every 2 hours from 5:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. then at 12:40 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

San José – San Isidro de El General and Chirripó National Park (3:30 pm)
MUSOC, 22nd and 24th Avenue, Central St. Phone: 2222-2422. Every hour from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. BT: the same from Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. New Direct Executive Service takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes and leaves at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m. BT: at 4:45 a.m. and 7 a.m. From San Isidro must catch the bus going to San Gerardo de Rivas, which is the National Park entrance. It leaves the Church at 5 a.m. and from the Municipal Market at 2 p.m.

San Isidro de El General – Coronado de Osa (3 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: 2771-4744. At 4 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.

San Isidro de El General – Uvita (2 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: 2771-4744. At 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 6 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

San Isidro de El General – Dominical (1:30 pm)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: 2771-4744. At 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. BT: at 6:45 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

San Isidro de El General – Quepos (1:30 pm)
Transportes Blanco, 300 meters south side of the Court Building or on the Interamerican Highway. Phone: 2771-4744. At 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

San José – Ciudad Cortés – Palmar
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2666. At 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

San José – Palmar Norte (6 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2223-7685. At 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

San José – San Vito (7:30 am)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2222-2160. At 5:45 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

San José – Paso Canoas, Panamá Border (8 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José. Phone: 2221-4214. To David, Panamá at 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. BT: 8:30 a.m. At 5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. BT: 4 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

San José – Golfito (8 hours)
Empresa Tracopa-Alfaro, 5th Avenue, 14th St., in San José . Phone: 2221-4214. At 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

San José – Puerto Jiménez (8 hours)
Transportes Blanco, 7th and 9th Avenue, 12th St., in San José. Phone: 2771-4744. At 12 p.m. BT: at 5 a.m.

International Bus Services in Costa Rica

by

TicaBus · TransNica

Tica Bus

Phones

+506 2221-0006
+506 2223-8680

Address

3rd Avenue, 24th and 28th St., in San José.

WAZE location Tica Bus San José International Bus Service Costa Rica  Google Maps location Tica Bus San José International Bus Service Costa Rica

www.ticabus.com. Departs daily from San José for all Central America. Tica Bus destinations are:
* Panama, Economy ($52) leaves at 12 pm, Executive ($74) leaves at 11 pm.
* Nicaragua, Economy ($42) starting at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Executive ($64) leaves at 3 a.m.
* El Salvador, Economic ($106) starting at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Executive ($116) leaves at 3 a.m. overnight in Managua, Nicaragua.
* San Pedro de Sula, Honduras, Economic ($110) starting at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
* Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Economic ($84) starting at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
* Guatemala, Economic ($136) starting at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Executive ($ 148) leaves at 3 a.m. overnight in Nicaragua and in El Salvador
* Tapachula, Mexico, Economic ($168) starting at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Executive ($178) leaves at 3 a.m. overnight in Nicaragua, in El Salvador and in Guatemala.

Transnica International Bus Service Costa Rica

TransNica

3rd and 5th Avenue, 22nd St., in San José.

WAZE location TransNica International Bus Service Costa Rica  Google Maps location TransNica International Bus Service Costa Rica

Phone
+506 2223-4123

Departs daily from San José to Nicaragua. Among destinations are covered by Transnica are:

* Nicaragua, Economy ($20) starting at 4 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Executive ($40) with output at 12 p.m.
* El Salvador, Direct ($80) leaving at 4 am
* Honduras, ($40) starting at 4 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Making connections in Nicaragua.

Other bus services:

To learn about the national bus service in Costa Rica click here.
To learn about the services of buses and private bus (shuttle) is in Costa Rica click here.