Route Pura Vida

La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo

269 km (167 miles)

Mountain landscape at La Fortuna, Costa Rica
From

La Fortuna

Base camp for Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and the country's biggest hanging-bridge hikes.

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Beach scene at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
To

Puerto Viejo

Costa Rica's laid-back Caribbean side — reggae bars, reef breaks, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine.

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Transportation Options

Rental Car

Distance: 269 km (167 mi)
Duration: ~4.5 hours

From La Fortuna, take Northern Lowlands Highway (Route 4) for 13 km, Northern Lowlands Highway (Route 4) for 83 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 3 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 38 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 53 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 10 km, then Caribbean Coast Highway (Route 36) for the final 48 km into Puerto Viejo.

Highways used

  • Rt 4 Northern Lowlands Highway 13 km · 13 min
  • Rt 4 Northern Lowlands Highway 83 km · 1 hour 25 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 3 km · 3 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 38 km · 29 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 53 km · 41 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 10 km · 9 min
  • Rt 36 Caribbean Coast Highway 48 km · 56 min

Note: Costa Rica traffic, weather and road conditions can greatly increase your drive time. It's always best to check with Waze before heading out. Read more on how to drive in Costa Rica.

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Shuttle

Duration: ~5 hours

Full-day journey. Consider intermediate stops or flying.

Note: Shuttles come in shared and private flavors with different costs and trade-offs. Read more on taking a shuttle in Costa Rica.

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Flight

Route: FON (La Fortuna) → LIO (Limón)
Duration: 45 minutes

Note: Domestic flights in Costa Rica are short hops on small turboprops, with strict baggage limits and early check-in. Read more on flying in Costa Rica.

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