San José to Puerto Viejo
217 km (135 miles)
San José
Costa Rica's capital and cultural hub — markets, museums, and the country's best food scene.
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Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica's laid-back Caribbean side — reggae bars, reef breaks, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine.
See this destinationTransportation Options
Rental Car
From San José, take 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 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.
Shuttle
Shuttles cross the mountains to the Caribbean side. Scenic but winding mountain roads.
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
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.
Book a Flight