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Can anyone give me any advice on driving from Ocotal to Turrialba? My husband and I do want to get out and experience other parts of the country but I have to say, I am a bit nervous about taking a drive and having to navigate through San Jose and other parts. I am sure we can do it just fine, but does anyone have any tips to offer to a newbie driver in Costa Rica? By the way, we are not fluent in Spanish as of yet. (planning on taking classes and can’t wait.)
Dkharlan, driving from Ocotal to Turrialba is not a great idea as you will be driving for almost 6-7 hours depending on traffic. My advice is to aim to drive from Ocotal to La Fortuna de San Carlos which is about 2 hours or less away and will provide you with that rainforest environment. Ocotal is on the Pacific side and Turrialba is closer to the Caribbean so considering that it’s your first time driving in Costa Rica it’s not such a great idea. Go and check out Arenal Volcano.
The best route to follow between Ocotal and Turrialba, would be to proceed to Liberia, where you would intersect the main Pan American Highway. Head in the direction of San Jose, as far as the next major town of Canas, where you would turn left and head toward Tilaran and Lake Arenal. Follow the north lake shore road through Nuevo Arenal to La Fortuna. From La Fortuna, head toward the Caribbean Coast passing through the towns of Muelle and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. From Puerto Viejo, head to the town of Guapilies, where you will intersect the main highway between San Jose and Puerto Limon. You will turn left onto that highway and head in the direction of Limon, as far as the town of Siquires, where you will turn right onto the highway for Turrialba.
The roads are paved all the way, but as this is the rainy season, potholes will be developing, and there maybe slides or wash-outs. All-in-all it will be a very interesting drive, and you will see some very beautiful countryside.
Yes, watchdog gave you a wonderfull route. Longer than trudging through San Jose-Cartago area, but the ONLY way to avoid the city and its horrific traffic. You will not likely make it in a single day without leaving predawn and arriving early evening, but the road is pretty good most of the way. Always be on the look-out for the inevitable hole-in-the-road… or possibly your whole lane gone down the hill.
Jerry, in La Suiza-Turrialba
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