Costa Rica Maps & Directions

Back to San Jose

Passing by the parque Nacional Braulo Carillo:
6:30am, 8:00am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm,
1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm
Trip Duration: 1hr 45mins

Passing by the Peace Waterfall /
La Catarata de la Paz
6:30am & 5:00pm
Trip Duration: 2hr 45mins

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui to San Jose

Passing by the Peace Waterfall /
La Catarata de la Paz
5:00am, 7:30am, 11:30am, 4:30pm
Trip Duration: 2hr 45mins

Passing by the Parque National Braulo Carillo
5:30am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm,
3:00pm, 5:30pm
Trip Duration: 1hr 45mins

Directions to Caribe Bus Terminal in San Jose

From the Hotel Europa in San Jose, Avenue V, 500 meters to the north on the left hand side or 200 meters to the south of the Radisson Hotel.

Telephone # of Bus Line:

Transportes Los Guapilenos in San Jose: 221-79-90

*Please note that in Costa Rica there are two Puerto Viejos. One is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the province of Limon on the Caribbean Coast. The other is Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui (PVS) located in the province of Heredia. The lodge is actually located in Chilamate which is about 5km from PVS. When buying your bus ticket be sure to go to the ticket window for PVS. Once you arrive in PVS you can take another public bus to Chilamate. The local bus terminal is located just across the street from where the San Jose bus unloads passengers. You can check the bus schedule for Chilamate and buy your ticket there. Another option is to take a taxi to Chilamate (ask the driver to take you to Selva Verde), which costs about $5.00. Taxis can be found at the bus stop where you will be dropped off.

Arrange for one of our skilled drivers to meet you outside the airport terminal with a Selva Verde Lodge signboard for easy recognition. The trip is a 2 hour ride, our van carries 2-12 passengers and reservations are required. If you have a larger group, buses are available.

After 7:30pm we suggest that you make reservations for the night in San Jose and transfer to Selva Verde the following morning.

Prices, one way in US Dollars:

1-3 passengers	$125.00 per transfer
Additional passengers	$5 per person

Shuttle arrangements for 10 passengers or more can be made by special request

To arrange for transportation, please info@selvaverde.com.

For USA and Canadian guests - 800-451-7111
For our Costa Rican guests - 506-2766-68-00
Outside Costa Rica, USA and Canada - 352-377-7111

1.5 hour ride (credit card or cash only). Make sure you negotiate a price before you depart. Official taxis (red or orange in color) have a yellow triangle with their registration tag number on the door and a photo ID of the driver inside the cab, usually on the sun visor. Avoid piratas (pirates), or unregulated cabs that do not have these markings.

If you crave independence and adventure there are many rental car companies in Costa Rica ready to serve you. Don't expect a bargain - you will find the rates to be comparable or higher to rates found in the U.S. Inspect the car you are assigned carefully before you sign any papers - especially the tires - for any damage that you could be held responsible for. You must have a drivers license, passport and credit card to rent. The deposit is $1,000+ and can be covered by credit card.

There are two ways to get to Selva Verde from San José, both of which take approximately 2 hours. Enjoy great natural beauty along each route.

Route #1: On this route pass by La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the entrance to Poás Volcano National Park. Start at the International Airport and travel north on Highway 125 until you reach Route 9. Continue north on Route 9 in the direction of San Miguel and Puerto Viejo. Approximately 20 miles from San Miguel you will see Selva Verde Lodge on the right side of the road.

Route #2: The alternative route takes you past the Rainforest Aerial Tram in Braulio Carillo National Park and the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Field Station. From the International Airport, travel north on Highway 125 until you reach Route 9. Travel south on Route 9 to Route 32, which curves to the northeast. Approximately 8 miles past the Rainforest Aerial Tram, turn left on Route 4. You will travel north on Route 4 until you reach the town of Puerto Viejo. At the stop sign, turn left on Route 9 and travel 5 miles west until you encounter Selva Verde Lodge on the left side of the road.

Driving Directions from Arenal

The route from Arenal to Selva Verde takes approximately 2 hours and passes through several quaint villages along the way. Driving east from Arenal, turn left at El Tanque then take the turnoff to Muelle on Route 4. Follow road signs to Aguas Zarcas and turn right at each turn. When you reach Aguas Zarcas, turn left to San Miguel and left again to La Virgen, Chilamate, and Puerto Viejo. You will find Selva Verde Lodge on the right side of the road.

Driving in Costa Rica is an excellent way to see the countryside but can also be a dangerous experience. If you decide not to use the services of a professional driver, consider following these safety tips:

• Be aware that Costa Ricans practice aggressive driving habits.
• Main roads are reasonably good and connect all major towns.
• Smaller roads range from fair to poor condition and may require the use of 4 wheel drive vehicles.
• Roads are poorly numbered and marked and it is helpful to know landmarks you should expect to encounter along your route.
• Allow extra time in your schedule to account for traffic delays.
• Never leave anything in your unattended vehicle.
• Don't drive at night when potholes and turn-offs are difficult to see.
• If you drive on a beach, stay off the area just above the high tide line and the trees - this is where sea turtles make their nests.
• If you see a branch or pile of sticks in the road, slow down! This is the Tico version of a road flare and indicates danger ahead.
• Costa Rica strictly enforces its seatbelt laws. Front seat passengers should always wear seatbelts, not only for safety, but also to avoid a ticket.

Contact us to arrange private or group transportation to other areas for you.

For USA and Canadian guests - 800-451-7111
For our Costa Rican guests - 506-2766-68-00
Outside Costa Rica, USA and Canada - 352-377-7111