Route Pura Vida

Puerto Viejo to Arenal Volcano National Park

278 km (173 miles)

Beach scene at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
From

Puerto Viejo

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

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Mountain landscape at Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
To

Arenal Volcano National Park

A near-perfect volcanic cone wrapped in rainforest, hot springs, and lava-trail hikes.

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Transportation Options

Rental Car

Distance: 278 km (173 mi)
Duration: ~5 hours

From Puerto Viejo, take Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 23 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 28 km, Braulio Carrillo Highway (Route 32) for 47 km, Northern Lowlands Highway (Route 4) for 83 km, then Northern Lowlands Highway (Route 4) for the final 13 km into Arenal Volcano National Park.

Highways used

  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 23 km · 18 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 28 km · 22 min
  • Rt 32 Braulio Carrillo Highway 47 km · 37 min
  • Rt 4 Northern Lowlands Highway 83 km · 1 hour 26 min
  • Rt 4 Northern Lowlands Highway 13 km · 14 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: ~5.5 hours

Private and shared shuttle services available; check with operators for current schedules and pricing.

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

Not Available

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