Tonia and Friends visit Costa Rica 2023
This arial panorama shows Le Chemeleon Boutique Hotel where you will be staying for your Costa Rica vacation. There are two sides to the hotel, beach side and jungle side (my words, not theirs). Getting to the beach is no more trouble than crossing the street. I live approximately an hour away from your stay but you don’t have to worry about that. I take that drive daily, and I have a cousin about 5 minutes from you. but I do like my little town as well. Should time permit maybe you can bike ride in my area towards the banana plantations and Indian villages. But enough about me. What about you you ask? So you made it here via plane(s) from the USA to San Jose, then to Limon, now to Puerto Viejo. After all that traveling, do you feel you’ve gotten away? I hope so. Because, “You’re no longer in Kansas, Dorothy”.
Complete your check-in dance which is really the last hurdle before you can ditch your travel clothes for your beach duds. Grab a drink in the bar and wonder down to the beach and put your feet in the water to baptize the experience. You made it. Breathe! No, really. Breathe!
You won’t need any local currency immediately. Your credit cards/ATM cards are also valid most everywhere, even really small mom and pop stores. If you really want local currency, I would exchange some money at a local bank or use an ATM machine to get local currency. Just expect the typical Latin American bank experience (think slow or 30 years ago if you decide to go inside). Check your bank services before you arrive as some US banks will charge you foreign transaction and/or currency exchange fees for using the ATM on top of an access fee. It’s not outrageous but you should be aware, and if they do, less withdrawals are better then more frequent visits
Highlights, or details for those who need to know
Generally – How to get to the hotel from San Jose
Great choice! Puerto Viejo (Cocles), Costa Rica is a beautiful destination with plenty of things to see and do. Here are some steps to help you plan your trip:
You’ve already picked your travel dates and will fly into San Jose, Costa Rica. Assuming your flying as a group we’ve arranged for a domestic flight connecting San Jose International Airport (SJO) to Puerto Limon. We’ll arrange transport from the airport to the hotel. If you’re not traveling with the group, we can arrange a scenic multi-hour drive through the rain forest to the hotel. It’s long, but can be really nice if you like scenery. Read the stuff on the right ->>
Prepare for your trip: Make sure to pack comfortable clothes and shoes for outdoor activities, insect repellent, sunscreen, and other essentials. Consider getting travel insurance, and check if you need any vaccinations. Most people don’t and visas are not required for US citizens. Check the links on the side as to what to bring.
Enjoy your trip, I’ll see you there!
These are the options to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo:
These are the options to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo:
By Car: You can rent a car in San Jose and drive to Cahuita. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The main route is through Route 32 and then onto Route 36.
By Bus: There are regular buses that run from San Jose to Cahuita. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours and the buses depart from the San Carlos bus terminal in San Jose. The bus company that operates this route is called MEPE.
By Shuttle: There are shuttle services available from San Jose to Cahuita. This is a good option if you do not want to drive yourself. The shuttle service takes approximately 4-5 hours and there are various companies that offer this service.
By Private Transfer: You can also arrange for a private transfer from San Jose to Cahuita. This is a good option if you prefer a more comfortable and personalized service. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours and there are various companies that offer this service.
Bus terminal information for Caribenos and MEPE)
Schedules for Caribeno buses:
Customer service hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. But buses take off from 5am and leave every hour on the hour to Limon so just ask for “Autobuses para LIMON”
Gran Terminal del Caribe Telephone number is 2222 0610
MEPE (the other Bus Line company) has buses straight to the house:
There is a MEPE bus which leaves at 3pm Monday – Friday to the house. Again, ask for Valle le Estrella. You’ll arrive after dark but no stress. And for about $10, it is certainly an option. See below for more information.
Can you fly to the Caribbean region?
Short answer: YES
Right outside the international terminal in San Jose is the domestic terminal with twice daily flights to Limon’s Airport. Sansa Air travel time is about 40 minutes and cost between $90 and $120 per person, one way. The Sansa Charter is $290 per person. Times and reservations can be found here. Please verify luggage restrictions as these as smaller planes.
Typical Driving Hours
1 hour Liberia to Tamarindo
3 hours Alajuela-SJO to Manuel Antonio
3 hours Liberia to Arenal
3.5 hours Monteverde to Samara
4 hours Arenal to Tamarindo
4.5 hours Alajuela-SJO to Monteverde
5 hours Alajuela-SJO to Puerto Viejo, Limón
5-6 hours Alajuela-SJO to Mal País
MEPE bus schedules and fares (from Pandora)
Terminal Atlántico Norte, Contiguo A Plazoleta México • Valle La Estella (Limón)
SAN JOSÉ A VALLE LA ESTRELLA bus Schedule
SAN JOSÉ A VALLE LA ESTRELLA bus route operates on weekdays. Regular schedule hours: 3:00 PM
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Not Operational |
| Monday | 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:00 PM |
| Thursday | 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not Operational |
MEPE bus schedules and fares (from Puerto Viejo)
Puerto Viejo – San José |
| Departure times |
* 04:50 a.m. |
* 07:30 a.m. |
* 09:00 a.m. |
* 11:00 a.m. |
* 01:00 p.m. |
* 04:00 p.m. |
Click here for Official website
|
| Station/Stop | Date | Time | Transport Company | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | San José Valle la Estrella |  | Th, 07/29 | dep. arr. | 15:00 19:30 | Autotransportes Mepe 2257-8129 | |
| 2. | San José Valle la Estrella | | Fr, 07/30 | dep. arr. | 15:00 19:30 | Autotransportes Mepe 2257-8129 | |
Bus