Puerto Viejo is on the far side of the mountains — plan on most of a day from San José. Here are the options the house recommends, re-checked with each operator in October 2026.
Freedom to stop on the way — but the mountain road through Braulio Carrillo needs respect.
Take Route 32 from San José through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards Limón, then south along the coast to Puerto Viejo.
Use the house’s Google Maps pin for the last stretch.
Landslides close Route 32 several times a year (it closed repeatedly in October 2026); detours via Turrialba add hours. Check road status before you leave.
Don’t drive the mountain road at night — it’s dark by 6 PM all year.
Rental quotes often leave out taxes and mandatory insurance — read the fine print.
Road closures reported Oct 2026
Fly to Limón
~40 min flight + a little over 1 h by road
Skip the mountain road: Sansa flies from San José to Limón, then it’s taxi, bus or shuttle down the coast.
Book a Sansa flight to Limón (LIO).
From Limón airport, continue by taxi, bus or a shuttle such as Caribe Shuttle’s Limón Airport Express.
Small planes have tight baggage limits — check before you pack.
We don’t publish fares or timetables — they change often. Check with each operator, or ask the hosts, who keep current schedules.
Plan your arrival day
It’s a long day: depending on your flight times, the house suggests sleeping in San José on arrival and before you leave.
If your flight home leaves before 3 PM, spend the night before in San José.
Landslides can close Route 32, and detours add hours. Check before you set off.
It’s dark by 6 PM — avoid driving the mountain road at night.
Arriving late? Send the hosts your estimated time so they can plan for you.
Finding the house
In Playa Negra, just outside downtown Puerto Viejo — on the road behind Playa Negra Brewing / Kaya’s Place, per the house’s own map listings. The owners don’t publish a street address: use the pin, and message when you’re close.
From the downtown bus stop: ~10 minutes on foot (or a short taxi).
To the beach: out the gate, turn right. 142 steps.
Islands next door. Go with a shuttle that helps at the border, or do it yourself via Sixaola.
Shuttle: Caribe Shuttle picks up in Puerto Viejo, and a guide helps you cross the border.
DIY: MEPE bus to Sixaola → walk the bridge to Guabito → bus or shared taxi to Almirante → water taxi to Bocas.
Pay Costa Rica’s land exit tax in advance (check the current amount on the official channel); carry proof of onward travel and a passport valid 6+ months.
Panama is one hour ahead. Border hours change — confirm before you go.
