Nightlife on the Southern Caribbean

Transport to/from and in the Southern Caribbean

Getting to/from Puerto Viejo is pretty easy and there are options for all budgets:

The public bus. Buses in Costa Rica are generally very reliable, run on schedule and are reasonably comfortable (they do not have A/C however). They are also very affordable. Buses between San Jose's Caribbean Bus Terminal and Puerto Viejo run four times daily. Cost is about $8 per person one way. You can view the complete schedule here.

Interbus and other shared ride services. Several companies operate scheduled minivan service to/from the Puerto Viejo area. This is not particularly faster than the public bus (and may even be slower if you are the first to be picked up or last to be dropped off) but it does offer several advantages:

They will pickup directly at most hotels in San Jose and drop-off directly at most hotels in Puerto Viejo so there is no need to make your way to/from the bus terminal.
They have some routes which avoid San Jose, for example Puerto Viejo to/from Arenal (on the public bus you'd have to change buses and bus terminals in San Jose)
They can be reserved in advance (public bus tickets can only be bought at the station and they do sometimes sell out).

Depending on the route, prices vary from $29-$45 per person one-way. We can arrange your Interbus ticket online: Search Schedules and Make Reservation.

A private shuttle is a way to maximize your vacation. You can hire a private driver who will meet your international incoming flight and take you directly to your Puerto Viejo destination for $160 for up to 8 people. It's also a great option if you have lots of luggage or if you have pets. We have fixed priced rates for many other routes in Costa Rica too. This is on your schedule so there is no need to coordinate your schedule with that of Interbus or the public bus. And if your flight arrives San Jose in the afternoon, this is often the only realistic way to get to the beach on your first night and avoid spending the first night in San Jose (we don't recommend driving yourself after dark if you're unfamiliar with the route). Search prices and Get More Info.

Renting a car and driving is another option. All the major car rental agencies operate offices in San Jose both at the airport and in downtown San Jose. A few also have office scattered around vacation destination towns in Costa Rica although currently there is only one agency in the Puerto Viejo area, the Costa Rican company Poas. Costa Rica is known for its bad roads unfortunately, with car-swallowing pot holes. Signage is generally decent once you're on major routes but arriving in a city center can be very confusing, especially in the central valley major towns. Get Detailed Driving Directions. Search for Car Rental Rates.

Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River Take a Whitewater rafting trip or another tour which includes transport to/from Puerto Viejo. Costa Rica has some of the world's best whitewater rafting rivers, with choices from mild for nature lovers to extreme for thrill seekers. It's a unique way to see the unspoiled jungle. And it's surprising affordable because the company we use has a deal where they'll pick you up at your hotel in your choice of San Jose, Puerto Viejo or Arenal and at the end of the day they'll drop you at your hotel at your choice again. So you can start your day in San Jose, spend the day on the river (while your luggage is securely stored at the rafting company center between the two points) and at the end of the day get transported to your Puerto Viejo hotel. Prices vary from $75 to $95 per person depending on the river and including breakfast, lunch, all your transport and a unforgettable adventure! Get More Information and Make a Reservation.

Tortugero Lagoon We also have multi-day packages that include transportation. Our Arenal package starts in Puerto Viejo or San Jose and finishes in Arenal where you can continue easily to the Pacific. Our Bocas del Toro, Panama package picks you up in Puerto Viejo and ends in your choice of Bocas, Puerto Viejo or San Jose. Our Tortugero package starts in Puerto Viejo and ends in San Jose.

Finally, why not let us do it all for you!? Our Caribbean Wet and Wild package includes the most popular options on the Caribbean including:

Transportation from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. You can also start in Arenal for no additional cost.
Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
2 or more nights in Puerto Viejo at a hotel of your choice
Your choice of a Canopy tour or Cahuita National Park Boat/Snorkel/Hike trip while you're in Puerto Viejo
Transportation from Puerto Viejo to Tortugero National Park
1 or more nights accommodation in Tortugero
Canal and village tours in Tortugero
Return transportation to San Jose
And, here's a bonus: many of your meals are included too!

Prices start at just $335 per person. Get More Information and Make a Reservation.

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