Getting Here -
There are a number of ways to get to EB's location; Villa de la Luna y Sol in St. Teresa.
Fly To San Jose -
We recommend TICO TRAVEL - (1-800-493-8426)
Take the Earth Beat Shuttle -
Let us do the driving - arrange an early flight to meet with our airport shuttle. If you come in later or prefer to do your own thing here are some suggestions. (You may not want to travel at night. See accommodations below in case it's too late to travel on your day of arrival.) Please note that times are subject to change and costs are approximate).
Fly from Airport to TAMBOR -
Quickest way. If you do not make our shuttle and do not want to drive yourself or hire a taxi - do it the easy way. Take a 20 minute flight from San Jose to Tambor. Check Sansa www.flysansa.com or Nature Air www.natureair.com. Or check with the Information Desk in Main Terminal or your travel agent. Usually there is a morning and mid afternoon flight. You can have a rental car meet you at Tambor (ask your travel agent) or take a taxi service to us. ($60).
Driving -
For the more adventurous or if you decide to rent a car at the airport. Advise a 4WD. Pick up a map at the airport and look for the Nicoya Peninsula-this is where you are headed. Find the tip of the Peninsula-Cabo Blanco-then follow this northwest a few kilometers until you see Mal Pais/St. Teresa - this is your final destination. It's about a 2 drive to the ferry in Puntarenus for the trip to Paquera. You want to get to the ferry one hour in advance for a spot on line. After 30-40 cars you will have to wait for the next ferry, so give yourself at least 3 hours for the ride, without stopping. You will need to purchase your ferry ticket at a designated window about 15 minutes prior to its departure. You will pay for the car, which includes the driver, but each passenger is an extra ferry fee. If you are running late, stay in your car line and let the ticket person come to your car so you do not loose your spot. He will walk along the line of cars and pass out slips of paper to the first 30 or so cars in line. You then take this slip of paper to the ticket office and buy your ticket. You drive on to the ferry but your passengers need to get out and walk. The ferry ride is around 1 hour 15 minutes, plus another hour and a half drive to St. Teresa/Mal Pais.
Hire a Taxi or Van -
At the airport, which can cost $200+. For a group this may be the best and easiest way to get to Mal Pais, especially for three or more passengers who can split. Or you can hire a taxi to take you to Puntarenas, take the ferry to Paquera, and then go by bus or taxi from Paquera. At Paquera you can either take the bus to Cobano ($5), then hire a taxi from Cobano to us ($20). Or take private taxi from Paquera to us, ($60). It's OK to negotiate-speaking Spanish helps. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Accommodations -
There are several accommodations near the airport. The Hampton Inn being one of the nicest. Your travel agent can help you with the accommodation. If you would like a discount motel further away from the airport, try the Millenium11 B&B. (e-mail bbmilleniun@racsa.co.cr.) A taxi from the airport will take you there ($3). Or arrange for the Millenium to pick you up at airport.
Bus: Slow but Cheap -
You will need to pay in colones so do a money exchange at the airport. After you collect your luggage and pass through customs, go outside the terminal to the bus stop. Take a bus to downtown San Jose.($3) When the bus turns left onto Paseo Colon, (main street of the city), get off the bus two stops later. Or take a cab to the Puntarenas bus station. ($3). Buses leave for Puntarenas every hour. ($4). When the bus arrives in Puntarenas, take a cab to the ferry [$2), or walk three blocks east to the Lancha. (The Lancha is for passengers only).
These times may change, as well as costs. This is Costa Rica where anything goes. We have high season and off season. You may want to pick up a schedule at the airport if you can find one. Worse case scenario is that you would have to wait. Travel Guide's highly recommended. Generally the lancha leaves Puntarenas for Paquera at 6am, 11:00, and 3:15 PM. ($3). The Ferry (for passengers and cars) leaves Puntarenas for Paquera at 5 am, 8:45, 12:30 p.m, 2:30, 5:00 and 8:15. (Passenger tickets $4). When you arrive in Paquera, take a bus to Cobano, ($5), then a taxi to our location in St. Teresa ($20). Or the local bus that runs twice daily from Cobano to Mal Pais. ($3). All prices subject to change.
Suggestion -
Make sure you have your map and directions with you at all times along with a Spanish dictionary. If your not traveling with us then you are on your own and do not want to get lost, which you will not happen if you take these instructions with you. Confirm specific directions to our locale prior to your departure. |
