Costa Rica

Tamarindo Getting There

Air:

Local carriers Nature Air and Sansa operate daily flights to and from Tamarindo. Flights depart from Nature Air's airport in Pavas (halfway between San Jose and Alajuela), and from Sansa's terminal in Alajuela, adjacent to the international airport.

Alternatively, visitors can fly into the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, less than a one-hour drive from Tamarindo.

Bus:

From San Jose: $10; 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; 6 hours. Departs from the intersection of Avenida 3 and Calles 14/16 (Alfaro Terminal). 2222-2666 or 2255-0775.

From Tamarindo to San Jose: $10; 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. (Monday-Saturday); Sundays 5:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; 6 hours.

Car:

Depending on road conditions and traffic, travel time between San Jose and Tamarindo is roughly four to five hours. Take the Interamerican Highway (Route 1) following signs to San Ramon and Liberia. Pass the Shell gas station in Limonal, and follow signs to the Tempsique River Bridge (Puente La Amistad) and Nicoya; turn left here onto Route 18. Continue driving until you reach the T-intersection south of Nicoya, then turn right and follow signs to Nicoya and Santa Cruz. Drive through both towns and continue on the Belen, where you will see signs to Tamarindo. Follow signs through the town of Santa Ana, and pass the Oasis gas station. The next town is Huacas, followed by Tamarindo.