Transportation
Transportation to and from Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, San Jose and La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
There are many different transportation options leading you to the Southern Caribbean. Mepe the public bus has six direct buses a day leaving from San Jose to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita, and four direct buses a day leaving from Puerto Viejo or Cahuita to San Jose.
Shuttle service
Interbus is a shuttle service with a network to all the main destinations throughout Costa Rica. The shuttles are air-conditioned mini vans offering a comfortable alternative to the public bus. They have one daily morning departure from the doorstep of any hotel in San Jose to the doorstep of your hotel here in the Caribbean and two shuttles leaving from the Southern Caribbean one in the morning and the other in the afternoon
White water rafting is a great way to mix travel and adventure as the rafting company will meet you at any hotel in La Fortuna (Arenal), San Jose or the Southern Caribbean, take you to the exploration center in Siquirres which is located half way between San Jose and Puerto Viejo. On arrival to the base breakfast will be served.
Rafting on the Pacure
After breakfast you head up to the top of the Rio Pacure which is in the top 5 rivers in the world for it’s beauty. You spend a total of 4 hours on the river with a lunch break. There will also be a photographer catching you in all the action spots. When you arrive back to the base you can use the showers and changing rooms before heading back to the Southern Caribbean, San Jose or La Fortuna (Arenal) The Rafting company will take you directly to your hotel. The exploration center offers a locker to store your luggage whilst you are on the river with a security guard.
Private transportation can be organized from anywhere in Costa Rica. Please contact us for a quote with your departure and destination details. Private transportation can also meet you at Juan Santamaria airport.
Car Rentals are a popular choice to those who want to see the country at there own pace. The most popular car to rent is a 4×4 due to many of the potholes you will encounter in the beach towns. Road conditions on the main highways are descent but for the adventurous drivers who want to explore the jungle a 4×4 is a must. The rental companies can deliver you a car to your hotel or meet you at airport arrivals. You can drop the car off at the airport on your return. Some companies will allow you to drop the car off anywhere in the country depending on the area. You may be charged a drop-off fee. Please contact us for more information.
Puerto Viejo by bicycle
Transportation within the South Caribbean
The beach towns of the Caribbean are filled with tourists and locals riding bicycles in and around the towns. Many hotels and rental shops offer bicycles by the hour, day, week or month. The roads can get very dusty when it has not rained for a few days, regardless it is a great way to explore the coastline.
Scooters are available for rent by the hour, day or week. with a variety of models to choose from. The scooters are economic on gas and the rental company offers hotel delivery and pick up with a full tank of gas.
Electric Carts can hold four people, and have become increasingly popular in the area. The carts run approximately 30 miles per hour and will travel to Manzanillo and back to Puerto Viejo twice (52 km) before they have to be charged.
The Public bus has a good consistent service between the towns of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Bribri, Sixaola and Limon. The bus service between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo is not as consistent. Consult our bus schedule for more information.
The majority of taxis in the area are not official and at times you will be surprised the car actually runs. There are two taxi stations, taxi central which is located at the main bus stop in Puerto Viejo and the other is located on the main street next to the speed bump.
Shuttle service to
Bocas de Toro
Transport to Bocas del Toro
The most comfortable and time effective way to get to Bocas del Toro is with the Bocas Shuttle the shuttle leaves everyday at 9:00am depending on the location of your hotel and takes you all the way to Isla Colon. The price also includes the water taxi from Finca 60 and we reserve a seat on the boat ahead of time to insure a timely passage. You can also get to Bocas del Toro by taking the public bus to the border, then a taxi from the border to the water taxi.
How to Get Here
Scooters/Cart Rentals
Shuttles/Private Transportation
Bus Info & Schedules
Taxis in Puerto Viejo
Getting to Bocas del Toro
Driving Times & Distance
Road Reports & Conditions
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heard there are police checks from road north of Cahuita going south. Any info on this?
There’s a permanent police checkpoint at Tuba Creek. Just have a copy of your passport - the first page and last stamp page.
thanks, do they do vehicle checks or just check passport? Your site is great by the way, thanks! Cant wait to visit the caribbean side for the first time!! Really excited
That checkpoint is almost an extension of the border immigration check. Sometimes they look around the vehicle and once in awhile check the vehicles documentation - but mostly your passport. If you’re renting a car or taking a bus, etc. there’s nothing to worry about - the rental documentation in the glove box should be in order. There are tránsitos (traffic police) who DO always check vehicle documentation, they set up at various points just like US cops do. So make sure your documentation is in order. If you rent scooters or anything in the area, this will all be in order for you. Buen viaje!