www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hello everyone,



On March 6th, if all goes well, Mystery Girl (see my Trip Report submitted as jelb) will meet me when I land and we'll depart directly for the coast. As I've been to Quepos I'm inclined to go that way though Puntarenas is a possibility. (I'd like to find a good snorkeling site on the Pacific side).

What I'd like to know is how is the road that runs directo from San Jose, through San Ignacio, and onto Parrita? The bus I've taken to/from Quepos went via Jaco both ways. I wonder if that's because the directo route is often troublesome? Anyone know?

_________________
Chica Chaser

Not sure if you have been there before but Puntarenas is the armpit of the country. I think the snorkeling is good up in Guanacaste. Hope I'm not offending anyone but Puntarenas is really horrid.

Heheh, I was wondering about it. Even the name sticks eh? There is the bay though, and the places a ferry ride away. I figured that would be where the good diving would be. Still, as I'm a bit familiar with Quepos if the directo road to it is good I'll likely go that way. Could take the long way but that just seems so, well, long.

_________________
Chica Chaser

The dirt paths heading west from St. Ignacio are just that, dirt paths. If you go that way make sure you have very good tires and a good spare on your FWD. I'm sure the route will be a new adventure.

A better route is to go through Santa Ana, Ciudad Colon, and Puriscal. Stay on the main dirt and gravel road, and you will hit the costal highway just north of Parritta in 2-3 hours.

Speed is your friend on this road or you will feel every pothole the entire ride. Very little traffic, and the scenery is cool.

good luck