How to Get to the Gulf of Papagayo

Bus:

Costa Rica’s excellent public bus system will take you as far as Playa Panama, just five minutes south of the Gulf of Papagayo. Buses depart San Jose once daily, and the six-hour ride costs about $5. Buses from Liberia depart many times daily, and the one-hour trip costs less than $1.50. When you reach Playa Panama, take a $5-10 taxi ride to your Papagayo resort. Bus schedules and prices change frequently, so please call ahead for more detailed information: (506)2-221-7202 or (506)2-680-0392.

Private shuttle buses are also available to the Papagayo area. A comfortable, air-conditioned van will take you to the Papagayo Gulf from many popular Costa Rican towns, including San Jose, Monteverde, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Arenal. The trip costs about $45 per person each way, and 24-hour advance reservations are required. Contact 1-800-517-7893 for reservations.

Car:

From San Jose or the Juan Santamaria International Airport, take the West Interamerican Highway (Route 1) to Liberia. From Liberia’s main road, turn right and follow signs to Papagayo. Cross a small bridge; 200 yards later, you will see another road with signs that will lead you to your Papagayo hotel. This trip will take 4-5 hours by car.

From Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport, head out to the main road and turn right, following signs to Papagayo and to your hotel. This trip will take about 30 minutes.

Air:

Visitors can fly directly into the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, or take a local flight from San Jose. Nature Air and Sansa Air offer 40-minute flights daily from San Jose to Liberia starting around $80. Contact 1-800-517-7893 for reservations.