Tambor Costa Rica: Complete Beach Town Travel Guide That way the driver can stay in the car and stay in line if the cars move up. Besides having some of the most gorgeous beaches in Costa Rica, there are nature reserves, and tons of the best activities Costa Rica has to offer from whale watching, hiking, snorkeling, and fishing, to dining out at a great restaurant, Paquera has everything . The large ship holds 170 cars and up to 700 passengers but is rarely full. COMPLETE Guide to Visiting Paquera, Costa Rica +11 Fun Things to Do! However, once you board the ferry, nobody actually monitors this. Copyright 2004-2021 all rights reserved. It passes by small islands in the gulf, some of them protected biological reserves which are only inhabited by colonies of maritime birds. Once in Puntarenas, board the ferry to cross the Gulf of Nicoya and it'll take you to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. The dry season is from December-April and considered high season for tourists. Thousands of years ago, a volcanic fault line plunged the land into the sea, and only hilltops remained to form the Gulf's many speckled islands. Costa Rica Puntarenas Paquera Mail Box: 60105 https://www.paqueracostarica.com Phone: +506 6156 3829. Most of the areas inhabitants depend on food from the sea. There was another group who laid out their foldable beach chairs on the road, next to their car and created a mini party. . From San Jos take the new highway Ruta 27 via Orotina and Calderas to Puntarenas (approx 1 hour). Talk to one of our expert Travel Agents to figure out the best transportation methods for you! Hola! 6:30, 10:00, 14:20 and 19:30. The site is in Spanish. is the one word to express our trip to Costa Rica. Take the route via Caldera Orotina. Map of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica Note: If you are running late or it is very busy (weekends/holidays), sometimes the line can extend down the street. With a Car on the Ferry: . Yes, they check! We took the ferry in January 2021 on a Sunday during peak travel season. Driving Time from Puntarenas to SJO airport Although the ferry was quite full, the social distancing among people was at a fairly acceptable level. For sunset hour ride, we would recommend the upper deck, for unobstructed views. For taking the Puntarenas ferry either to or from Nicoya peninsula, you will constantly need to be aware of several small connecting pieces. The main advantage of taking the Naviera Tambor ferry is that you cut down significantly on the driving time. To the Southern Nicoya Peninsula (Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Malpais) drive into Puntarenas to take the Ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. Playa Montezuma Beach Costa Rica - TripSavvy More tips on this in the last section of this post. The boats run daily between Montezuma and Jac and . By taking the ferry it becomes very easy to get to both places. From there, you can pick up a private transfer, rent a car, or hop on a public bus. The Nicoya Peninsula (Spanish: Pennsula de Nicoya) is a peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The attendant working will tell you if you can go buy tickets at the ticket booth or if you need to wait. Single passengers cost about $1.50 per person. The same is true for the bus. Tambor: 24 km (40 min) For Puntarenas Ferry, the sail on the sea is for about 75 minutes. Sometimes the best-planned trips end up in unusual events and surprises that then inspire thinking. The water here is saltier, clearer and much deeper: between 30 and 180 meters. Seated on the upper deck of the Puntarenas Ferry, I kept visualizing the map of Costa Rica in my head. To experience the abundant flora and fauna eco tourists can can visit the Cabo Blanco Reserve. When your car reaches the first position in line, an official will give you a card for your vehicle (green at Paquera and orange at Puntarenas). Right from the start of the ferry ride, there was a cheerful vibe all around us. Driving from Manzanillo to Playa Coyote. happen to know? It sits at the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula and was the first national park created in Costa Rica. Montezuma: A Bohemian Beach Town: This laid-back beach town is another fun one to visit on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Then indicate the number of adults, children, and seniors in your group. Again, using Nicoya as a general guide, the distance from La Fortuna is about 106 miles (170km). There is a blue ticket counter (pictured below) inside the building. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica - 2023 Travel Guide - Anywhere So, if you want to skip the long waiting period for offline ticket, remember to make your reservation in advance. A list of vehicle types will pop up. So the joyous atmosphere on the ferry deck was complemented by a golden sky, glistening sea and birds returning to their nests. Do not enter Puntarenas ferry because this point gives you directions to the Nicoya Peninsula side. And no, nobody told us between 1:15 pm and 3:00 pm that our car (and hence we) will not fit in the car count of the 3:00 pm ferry! - SAVE 10% PLUS OTHER PERKS , Off The Beaten Path Costa Rica The Coolest Spots, Solo Travel in Costa Rica What to Expect. Costa Rica three weeks Costa Rica Paradise itinerary Get a taste for all the beautiful things that Costa Rica has to offerOne of the most common questions we get asked over here Are you considering solo travel in Costa Rica? If you are going for the offline tickets, arrive early. As you reach the counter, you will need to return the colored card for vehicle and make the payment for your car and all the persons in the car. The interiors of the peninsula are still steeped in traditions its the land of cattle ranches and sabaneros the Costa Rican variant of cowboys. They only offer a certain amount of online tickets. Site Map The upper deck of the boat is the most crowded but also has the best airflow. From Liberia its less than an hour to reach the beaches of the Northern Nicoya Peninsula. The ride across the bay is 11 nautical miles and takes about 70 minutes. Return to your car and wait for boarding. The Tempisque River washes much soil and organic material into the estuary, and mangrove swamps thrive on the shores. Puntarenas Ferry Schedules - COSTA RICA Nicoya Peninsula Closest International Airport: Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR). The easiest way to travel to and from the Nicoya peninsula is to take the Naviera Tambor Ferry, popularly known as the Puntarenas Ferry. Home Costa Rica Destinations Nicoya Peninsula. The southern Nicoya Peninsula had long been one of Costa Ricas most secluded gems. Under Tipo de servicio (type of service), if you are traveling without a car select persona(s). Our journey began very early in the morning. Currently, only few of Costa Ricas tourists visit this region an advantage for those who love nature instead of crowds. This service of prebooking is only available for the route between Puntarenas and Paquera. Ferry Tambor now accept Visa and Master card, do not allow $100 but smaller yes. They do accept dollars or colones. The driver will then park the car on the ferry and can then join everyone else up on deck. Youll then get a ticket from the driver for the ferry (included in the bus fare), get your bags from under the bus, and wait in a designated area while the bus parks on the boat. All the children gave him", Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in June, 2023, "AMAZING !! But do not auto-translate the page for all the site functionalities to work properly. We dont think the drive is THAT bad, but it is definitely long and interesting. All of the driv", "Olman was very informative and always available to answer our questions. The road is paved for part of it and then becomes unpaved once you get closer to Santa Teresa. Take the Playa Naranjo ferry from Puntarenas, from Naranjo head to Jicaral, then San . A list of vehicle types will pop up. The many beach front hotels and bungalows are great for both romantic and family vacations. Most of them are unpaved, rutted and potholed so that even short distances take a long time to get there. The new schedule below applies for November 28th 2022. A single passenger ticket is $ 1.50 (Col 810). Where it asks for the license plate number (Nmero de placa del vehculo), you can write Rental Car if you dont have the car yet. Bad news: It was already packed. Take boating tours to see crocodile and visit the famous nesting colony of Isla de los Parajos! Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica - A Magical Destination Once you have your tickets, you can return to your car. Playa Nosaras natural heritage and tranquil environment are made for those looking to take a detour from the fast track and learn to be at home with themselves. Roads, which connect the two provinces, are still few and in poor condition. At least you then have your ticket and dont need to stress. The site is in Spanish, but we took some screenshots of the booking process to help you figure it out. On the southern peninsula there is only a gas station in Paquera, and two more in Cobano. Christmas, Easter, and during Costa Rican school vacations the ferry is almost always full. Youll also find a seemingly unlimited amount of yoga classes and studios throughout Santa Teresa. There are plenty of bathrooms on board and a snack bar where you can buy things like chips, candy bars, sodas, beer popcorn etc. I call it the armpit of Costa Rica,.sorry Puntarenas! But if youre planning to visit areas on Costa Ricas southern Nicoya Peninsula like Montezuma, Mal Pais, or Santa Teresa, one great option is to take the Puntarenas Ferry. Most of the gas station bathrooms are actually fairly decent. Gulf of Nicoya Costa Rica between Playa Naranjo and Paquera From the hilly interior, the mountains sweep down to the Pacific Ocean, creating some of the most pristine and remote beaches in Costa Rica. We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean. So based on our recent experience of taking the ferry, we created this comprehensive guide about everything you need to know about the Puntarenas Ferry. Drive defensively and be aware that when two lanes become one, CEDA means Yield. The bay is safe for swimming and you have views to the Tortuga Islands. From the ferry terminal, it is possible to take a ferry either to Naranjo or Paquera (and back). In other words, if you miss the ferry and decide to drive its not so much of a hassle to get back on track. Patience is the key to traveling, so its best to slow down to enjoy your vacation in Costa Rica! This can be done when you disembark the boat at the ferry ticket office or online ahead of time. So I had to turn back and go around Nicoya Peninsula on a trip I enjoyed like few others. We took the ferry on the first Sunday after New Years Eve. During rainy season roads sometimes transform into giant mud swamps, while in dry season you jolt in a collective dust bowl over rutted dirt roads. Get your return ferry tickets at the same time (Paquera a Puntarenas). One of the best places to see the pristine water and beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula is in the city of Paquera, Costa Rica.. Save the ticket to your phones documents in case you dont have a signal to open it at the docks (especially on Paquera side). Other tracks connecting the northern with the southern province are only seasonally driveable and you need a car with 4WD. Dont forget a repellent, as there are sometimes many bugs on Playa Organos. After putting in all your information, you will be able to pay with your credit card to finalize the purchase. In Puntarenas, much of the city is built on a long point that juts out into the ocean. This area can be easily accessed from either Liberia International Airport or San Jose. Tambor Costa Rica, Travel and Vacation Guide - COSTA RICA Nicoya Peninsula This is a great way of getting from the San Jose area, Central Pacific, or South Pacific to the towns of Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Mal Pais, and Tambor. The Nicoya Peninsula is notorious for its horrendous roads. The crossing however is a scenic and relaxing trip with great views of the peninsula and the mountains of the mainland. To the Northern Nicoya Peninsula (Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara) drive past Puntarenas and continue until KM 168. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. Try to avoid touching surfaces as much as you can. In between, you are just sailing for about 75 minutes. Even with the shade of the canopy, we have gotten a sunburn during the 70-minute ride. 5. Or use a private shuttle from Samara, Nosara or Tamarindo to Montezuma, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. In Paquera you find supermarkets, an ATM cashier, a gas station and some nice options for staying overnight. Masks: It is mandatory to wear your mask for the entirety of the ferry ride, starting from when you are seated inside your car before embarking the ferry. Try to arrive at least 45 minutes to 1 hour early to avoid having to rush. It is divided into two provinces: Guanacaste Province in the north, and the Puntarenas Province in the south. And, lets be real, we all want to get to our vacation destinations as quickly and smoothly as possible. A small private reserve with a wealth of wildlife. If you are taking a bus from San Jose to the Nicoya Peninsula the bus will likely go on the ferry. Leaves from Puntarenas at: 5:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. Leaves from Paquera at: 5:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Mal Pais is located on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. You need to get there about 30 minutes before the ferry leaves, Its not exactly cheap to take a car on the ferry. However there is still no public bus between Paquera and Playa Naranjo. Landscape: Beaches, City ; Attractions: . The surf capital and touristic center of Guanacaste is the bustling beach town of Tamarindo. Click here for a map so you can see what we mean. There were dozens of other cars behind ours as well. The lower Gulf of Nicoya is much different from the upper part. Our rainy season your was filled wit", "We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. On good swells there are some outside reefs at places like Playa Smara with no one out. From Puntarenas (where you would turn off to go to the ferry) the drive to Santa Teresa or Montezuma will take about 4.5 hours. Important: If you have not pre-purchased tickets online and are taking your car across, you will need to get in the regular line of cars (explained below) and wait for an employee to come over. Nicoya Peninsula - Wikipedia -Sarah. While the town of Nicoya is somewhat centrally located, travel times may vary depending on where your final destination is on the peninsula. Ferry employees were enforcing this on our last trip. We have taken the ferry and we have also driven around to the Nicoya Peninsula. Paquera to Santa Teresa or the way back we ofert private Transfer and shuttle service. If you have time in your itinerary, consider breaking up the drive with a ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya. Inland the pleasant town of Nicoya is the cultural center of the Nicoya Peninsula and boasts Costa Ricas oldest colonial church. If you have extra time, there is a cafeteria-style restaurant in the building on the Paquera side that sells food and drinks. How did we sustain this long waiting period in our car on a hot sunny afternoon? Even after waiting in the car queue, you are not actually guaranteed a spot in the immediate next ferry. The first rainfalls to relieve the dry season occur in May, initiating the little summer with intermittent rain showers. We definitely suggest checking out these areas if you can. To get to the ferry terminal, just follow the main road, Avenue Central, all the way to the end of the point and take a right. You'll save loads of time (somewhere around 4 hours) and have the opportunity to spot dolphins, whales and manta rays along the way. Guanacaste is home to Costa Ricas most popular beach destinations and all-inclusive resorts. You can take your pick of different yoga disciplines. Using Nicoya as a general destination, the distance is about 67 miles (108 km) so the drive should take a little over two hours. You will just have to go into the ticket office with your receipt and license plate number upon arrival at the port. From July to August however, nobody is allowed to fish, as this is the breeding time for maritime life. Yeay!! When you arrive, park in one of the lines with help from the ferry employee and go inside the building to buy your tickets if you didnt already get them online. However, if you already know exactly which ferry you plan on taking, it doesnt hurt to book ahead of time. Other popular tourist destinations are the off-beat enclave of Montezuma with its vivid street life and scenic waterfalls. So, its not bad. Between beaches, waterfalls and nature reserves, youre sure to find adventure in the Nicoya Peninsula. But during peak holiday seasons, like Christmas, New Year and Semana Santa (Holy Week), do not be surprised if your waiting time changes from 2 hours to 4 hours in the snap of a moment. Carlos, in Monteverde was particularly outstanding. North of Tamarindo surfers frolic on Playa Grande while to the south a series of surf spots include Playa Langosta, Avellanas and Playa Negra. The top deck has a canopy to help block the sun but is otherwise open to the elements. Youll have to wait for the next one if you havent booked online ahead of time. In Puntarenas the ferry dock is at the tip of the land spit, 2 km from the town center. However, it is always a good idea to double-check when you book. . She is originally from the United States. If you have transportation to the ferry and transportation on the other side, it is possible to just walk on the ferry (with a ticket of course). The terminal is located around the corner from a small water park and lighthouse. Without own vehicle you have to cross the Gulf by ferry to continue by bus from Puntarenas. Visiting Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve The Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve sits at the very tip of theNicoya Peninsulaand was Costa Ricas Southern Zone is where youll find the tallest mountains, pristine cloud forest areas, and a virtually unexplored paradise. From the turn on Paso de Tampisque, it is usually smooth sailing until you take a left to head onto the Nicoya Penisula. Rainfalls increase during the following months to become very heavy in September to November, when the peninsula turns into a dripping lush rainforest. Taxes will be added to the total purchase. 5 mi Leaflet | Map data OpenStreetMap Click on the marker to see a description, use the URL to get further information: Villages Nature Reserves Traveling to the Southern Nicoya Peninsula, Province of Puntarenas: To Santa Teresa, Mal Pais, Manzanillo, Cabo Blanco, Montezuma, Tambor and Curu Nicoya Peninsula - Travel guide at Wikivoyage Nicoya Peninsula - Costa Rica Guides But the good part was that we were just 4th in line, and hence kind of guaranteed, for the next ferry at 5:00 pm. How early? Tambor is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, the big hook of Costa Rica. See Driving from Manzanillo to Playa Coyote. See also: Along the Gulf from Naranjo to Paquera. On the same road is also a small supermarket, restaurant and some dispersed villas and vacation rentals of the Roma del Mar development. Get your ticket online and do not make the waiting line at www.quickpaycr.com. All of the roads have been redone in the past few years and are actually really nice to cruise along. If you are looking for a beach vacation, this is your destination for sun, sand, and surf. The picturesque bay of Curu is great for bathing. The person working will give you change in colones. Take the ferry from Puntarenas. Our", "We had the most amazing vacation trip to Costa Rica in June 2023. This area is somewhat remote. We visited 4 regions and stayed at 4 res", How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Tamarindo, How to Get from Liberia to Arenal/La Fortuna, How to Get from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado National Park, How to Get from San Jos Airport (SJO) to the Osa Peninsula, How to Get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park, How to Get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, How to Get from Tortuguero to Arenal/La Fortuna, Nicoya Peninsula Surf & Yoga Adventure - 10 Days, Relaxing Nicoya Peninsula Road Trip - 15 Days, Road Trip to Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula - 16 Days, Relaxing Nicoya Peninsula Road Trip - 13 Days, Costa Rica: Nicoya Peninsula Tour - 10 Days, Nicoya Peninsula Surf Adventure - 11 Days. You can also find various bars and restaurants, luxury hotels and tours for the whole family. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Bicycle: 2,200 (about $4). Here is what we noticed some people were sleeping in their cars, some were watching movies on their laptops, while some others were busy talking among themselves. As in Puntarenas, they prefer that only the driver remain in the car during boarding so other passengers usually get out and walk onto the ferry when the time comes. Get ready for a relaxing, unforgettable Costa Rica vacation in Nicoya. It is now possible to buy tickets online if going between Paquera and Puntarenas. After entering the details, click on. If you have young kids or older passengers, though, they will probably allow it. Surfing is a predominant activity in Tamarindo, same as on the surrounding beaches. The ferry route between Paquera and Puntarenas is utilized by the locals on a daily basis. This is for people that need one for Costa Rica tax purposes. Patience while driving is a virtue. The Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve was the first protected natural reserve established in Costa Rica and you cant miss it. A simple car with driver included costs $ 24 one way. Maintain a safe distance from other social bubbles. From its northern base in the arid Guanacaste lowlands the peninsula extends 140 km to the south where the landscape progressively becomes more moist and hilly. With Costa Ricas zigzagging roads and spread out destinations, getting from point A to point B can be either half the fun or the most frustrating part of your trip. Here turn left to the bridge over the Tempisque River. While signage tends to be fairly navigable, many roads throughout the peninsula are not paved. On the Nicoya Peninsula the only reliable road connection between the provinces Guanacaste and Puntarenas is along the Gulf of Nicoya. Raw and rugged vibes 2. The Nicoya Peninsula is still largely undeveloped and home to some of Costa Ricas most beautiful beaches. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is useful, particularly towards the southern part of the peninsula. If youre looking to cut some driving time off your next trip to the Nicoya Peninsula, we highly recommend taking the ferry between Puntarenas and Paquera. Separated from the mainland by the Tempisque estuary and the Gulf of Nicoya, Nicoya is home to some of the most immaculate and spectacular beaches in Costa Rica including Santa Teresa, Malpais and Montezuma. It was much more comfortable to sit outside. From San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and largest airport, it's easiest to fly into Tambor. Costa Rica's largest peninsula, Nicoya measures about 85 miles (140 km) northwest-southeast and . Development was fueled when the Tempisque bridge was built to connect the peninsula with the Costa Rican mainland. Fortunately, as of now, package tourism and chain hotels are not common to the area. how long does it take from puntarenas to naranjo? Gulf of Nicoya The Gulf of Nicoya (Golfo de Nicoya) lies east of the peninsula. You wont be able to purchase the ferry ticket for your car without the plastic ticket. Whether you are returning from Santa Teresa, Malpais, Cabuya or Montezuma, driving feels like a breeze if you take the ferry. The only reliable north-south connection is along the Gulf of Nicoya. Costa Rica Nature Reserves on the Nicoya Peninsula The local folklore comes alive on civic fiestas hold in countryside villages during dry season. The drive down Route 142 to Route 18 is not only quicker, but you'll also enjoy a scenic meander around Lake Arenal on your way. When it comes time to buy tickets it is best to have one of your passengers go buy the tickets at the nearby stand. Take the stairs to walk up to the deck and choose a spot for your ride. Check out our ferry guide for more on that. A 75-minute boat trip across the Gulf of Nicoya is a scenic and relaxing trip, with great views of the peninsula. Within the vast expanse of coastline are innumerable magnificent beaches with dramatic coastal scenery, and small villages, each with its own distinct charm. If they are unsure if all vehicles will fit on the ferry they will have you wait in line until they have a better idea if you will be able to make it on. Nearby, the yoga and surf community of Nosara is ensconced in a jungle by the beach and offers many services for health and spirit. You have to pay the ferry ticket price for all passengers in your group as well as your vehicle. Eco-tourism is also popular here. But we missed the 3:00 pm ferry by just 3 cars! You will need tickets for each person in your car and the car itself. Social Distancing: It is recommended to maintain a distance of 1.8 meters from other social bubbles. Warning: Speed ahead reduces to a sloth crawl! While on the map it looks shorter to take the coastal road from Samara to Mal Pais/Santa Teresa it actually takes longer and you risk to get lost or drown your car in a river. If you're coming from the areas of Monteverde or La Fortuna/Arenal, it's most convenient to travel by private transfer. How To Visit Costa Rica's Blue Zone One of the Healthiest - Matador Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. Mal Pais Costa Rica: A Peaceful Fishing and Surfing Village Steeped in History & Culture, many people use the capital as the jumping off point for their vacations. Agriculture and cattle trade still flourish on the Nicoya Peninsula but tourism is becoming more and more important. Water sports such as surfing define many local communities. Children Under 12: 485 (about $1) Puntarenas Ferry If you're traveling by car from the Central Pacific (including San Jos), the quickest and simplest way to reach the Nicoya Peninsula is by taking the ferry at Puntarenas.
Crandall Isd Teacher Salary,
Kent County Divorce Records,
Best Death And Co Cocktails,
What State Has The Most Murders,
Articles N
