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I keep hearing that the travel time from San Jose to Jaco will be cut to less than an hour when the new highway is finished. Is this true? Anybody know when will this be complete?
You’ve got a better chance of knowing when the U.S. will achieve energy independence than you do of knowing if, or when, that highway will be built.
I have been going to Jaco for six years now, and have heard about this highway from the first trip. The money, initially delegated for this road, mysteriously dissipated into thin air, and now more money has been directed this way. When it happens is still anyone’s guess. My guess is that it will happen, but there are a number of people who believe that this speculation has already been included in the price of real estate, to a certain degree. On the other hand, many believe that the upcoming growth in Jaco, and the Pacific coast, will be staggering in the next few years.
We do have a articles on this site about the new highway and one thing that does amaze me is that every time I hear the story the time to get to the coast is cut by another fifteen minutes.
You can see the articles at:
It is NOT a San Jose to Jaco highway, the three sections are San José – Ciudad Colón, then Ciudad Colón – Orotina, then Orotina – Caldera.
The original idea to build a new 77 kilometre (49 miles) route between San Jose and Caldera goes back to 1978 – 27 years ago and when I wrote the first article, the plan was to have five toll booths along that route. I believe that they have since added another two toll booths.
So driving the speed limit and travelling 49 miles with maybe seven toll booths on the way gets you to Caldera in 70 minutes maybe? Instead of about 90 now?
Saving maybe twenty minutes of travelling time for a MINIMUM cost of US$144,000,000 does not sound like a wise investment to me. I would have thought they would be better off improving the existing roadways and saving $100 here and there….
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comIf you don’t get stuck behind a truck crossing the mountains you can easily make the trip (SJ/Jaco) in 1 1/2 hours, not really a big deal. And it is quite a beautiful ride, but for those who get car sick..well that’s another story. If the government had the funds and technology maybe it would be cool if they just blasted through the mountains like in the alps. But from an environmental aspect this may not be so nice for the peaceful mountains! Don’t worry about the new highway to Jaco, that money would be better spent elsewhere.
I really enjoy the ride in either direction on that old road.
Anyone who is in a hurry to get to Jaco or San Jose has no business taking this road. You will probably be in an accident if you try to push for speed. Enjoy this part of Costa Rica and the slower lifestyle of the entire country. It is very pleasant with several small villages, great sodas and good scenery.
A lost 20 minutes… 30 minutes… Even 60 minutes on a “Slow Boat to Jaco” will probably keep your heart pumping a longer time than the time that is lost on this diverse ride.
Costa Rica… Don’t waste the money here. Spend it on the road and bridges between Quepos and Dominical.
I have seen heavy new road work in the mountains North of San Ramon to La Fortuna. Anyone know what is happening there???
Bill Maes
From my terrace I can watch the huge dirt movers on that new road — and yes, I think it is going to be the one to LaFortuna, which means that the other highway that the trucks used to use will just be a two-lane country road through my hood. I’m not sure, but I think it will eliminate having to go through Zarcera, which is pretty time consuming. Have no idea when the finish date is, but they’ve been working fast and furiously, so I hope it’s soon!
I absolutely agree with you on that issue, Bill. The drive to Jaco is “normal” Costa Rica” driving and what you should expect when you come to visit or live in CR. The drive to Quepos, then on to Dominical, however, is beyond ridiculous. You’re riding along nicely and then it’s as if Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall right onto the roadway! What a bloomin’ mess! And the bridges are unbelieveable, especially the one where you really feel you’re going to fall through.
Authorities have been working on this road, called “La Costanera”, for at least 30 years now. Who knows when it will be done. However, when it is, it will certainly be quicker and safer than the existing road, and will also finally open up the Pacific coast south of Quepos to major development.
Yeah, life is, and hopefully will remain, slower in Tiquicia. But those of us who remember the torturously long and switchbacked drive through Turrialba to get to Limón appreciate the new “Pista a Guápiles” through El Zurquí. Also, the new bridge to the Nicoya Peninsula is terrific.
Someday, they’ll finish La Costanera, and that will have an equally positive impact on the economy and tourism.
San Ramon is a great little city. I have been here for the last two weeks and hate to leave.
The road I mentioned North of San Ramon near Angel Valley and Maravilla home… I have been told by several people that it is being worked on very diligently. When completed, it will connect San Corlos to San Jose and then from San Carlos to San Ramon.
Now… With three different people telling me about this road, let see if it comes to fruition and the route I have been told.
I am so nerouvuos abuot my spleenig with fionabbb wtahcnig tihs baord… har, har, rah…
Bill Maes
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