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Villas Hermosas Mal País, Costa Rica

HOW TO GET HERE

Costa Rica Map

There are two international airports in Costa Rica: San Jose (SJO) and Liberia (LIR). As of recently, less-expensive and, often, non-stop flights are being offered to Liberia which has become a good alternative for travellers. To get to Villas Hermosas from either International Airport, you can travel by road or small plane.

By Plane:

There are two major airlines to choose from -

You will fly from San Jose or Liberia into Tambor (30 minute flight). From there we can arrange a cab for $40 to bring you the rest of the way (45 minutes), or you can hire one of the many cab drivers usually waiting at the airport. Alternatively you can rent a car at Budget Car Rental in Tambor:


Be sure to leave enough time between your International and your local flight. You may have to spend a night in San Jose or Liberia. We recommend the following hotels:


San Jose
Liberia

By Rental Car:

If you are going to drive yourself, we recommend renting a car with four-wheel drive, especially in the green season. The roads in Costa Rica can be challenging. Also be prepared for an amazing lack of signage to help you along the way!


From San Jose:

You will drive northwest along the Interamericana Highway about two hours until you come to the port town of Puntarenas. Two different companies sail ferries to Paquera which means a ferry leaves every two hours. The schedule seems to vary as of late; you can contact Naviera Tambor (661-2084) and Ferry Peninsular (641-0515) for times. After the 1.5 hour scenic ferry ride, you arrive in Paquera. From there you will drive west through Tambor and Cobano, then follow the signs to “Mal País/Santa Teresa”. In the crossroads of town (“Frank’s Place”) you will turn right. Drive through Santa Teresa, into Playa Hermosa (approximately 6kms. from the crossroads) until you come to “Villas Hermosas”. Turn left. This is about a five-hour trip, not including any wait for the ferry.


From Liberia:

You will drive south towards Guardia, then continue to Santa Cruz, Nicoya, towards Carmona, Jicaral, Lepanto, then Playa Naranjo. You will continue along the same road through Paquera, Tambor, then Cobano. Follow the signs to “Mal País/Santa Teresa”. In the crossroads of town (“Frank’s Place”) you will turn right. Drive through Santa Teresa, into Playa Hermosa (approximately 6kms. from the crossroads) until you come to “Villas Hermosas”. Turn left. This is about a five-hour trip.

Alternatively, you can travel the same route through Santa Cruz, Nicoya, and towards Carmona, but in Jicaral head south using the back road to Cobano. From Cobano follow the signs to “Mal País/Santa Teresa”. In the crossroads of town (“Frank’s Place”) you will turn right. Drive through Santa Teresa, into Playa Hermosa (approximately 6kms. from the crossroads) until you come to “Villas Hermosas”. Turn left. This can be slightly less than a five-hour trip.


To help you visualize these long car trips, please check out www.maptak.com/cr/gua/pro-gu.html and http://www.maptak.com/cr/pun/pro-pun.html for great detailed maps.

By Shuttle:

If you would like transport arranged for you by ground, please ask and we will be happy to arrange a shuttle van. These air-conditioned and comfortable tourist mini-buses will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose, and transport you directly to Mal Pais for a cost of $35/person. The closest shuttle from Liberia would leave from Tamarindo, and would cost approximately $35/person, depending how many people in the group. Please ask for details.