Planning a Trip to Costa Rica

Travel Like A Local

The cheapest way to get between Puerto Jimenez and Carate is definitely by taking the colectivo. It’s also a great way to feel like a local. The colectivo is basically a pickup truck with a tarp fashioned over the truck bed to act as a roof / sun protection. Two wooden planks are fixed to each side of the truck bed. It’s not the most comfortable seat in the world, but it’s a fun way to travel. And be aware that the roads are unpaved so expect a bumpy ride. If you’re taking the colectivo get there early to get the best seat (the ones nearest the truck cab). They squeeze in as many people as they can for the ride so prepared to be cozy. We had 4 people sitting on each plank and three standing up, hanging off the back, then another 2 adults and 2 children smooshed into the cab along with the driver. If the colectivo fills up many times they will call for another one to pick up the passengers they can’t fit, but that’s not always possible. They turned away passengers on our trip and denied them another colectivo, another reason to get there early. The ride between Puerto Jimenez and Carate takes about 2 hours and the driver will stop for a 5 minute break halfway through the ride. The cost is $7 US one way.

Leaves Puerto Jimenez for Carate: 6 am 1:30 pm daily. Leaves Carate for Puerto Jimenez: 8:30 am 3:00 pm daily.

Travel Like A Local

The cheapest way to get between Puerto Jimenez and Carate is definitely by taking the colectivo. It’s also a great way to feel like a local. The colectivo is basically a pickup truck with a tarp fashioned over the truck bed to act as a roof / sun protection. Two wooden planks are fixed to each side of the truck bed. It’s not the most comfortable seat in the world, but it’s a fun way to travel. And be aware that the roads are unpaved so expect a bumpy ride. If you’re taking the colectivo get there early to get the best seat (the ones nearest the truck cab). They squeeze in as many people as they can for the ride so prepared to be cozy. We had 4 people sitting on each plank and three standing up, hanging off the back, then another 2 adults and 2 children smooshed into the cab along with the driver. If the colectivo fills up many times they will call for another one to pick up the passengers they can’t fit, but that’s not always possible. They turned away passengers on our trip and denied them another colectivo, another reason to get there early. The ride between Puerto Jimenez and Carate takes about 2 hours and the driver will stop for a 5 minute break halfway through the ride. The cost is $7 US one way.

Leaves Puerto Jimenez for Carate: 6 am 1:30 pm daily. Leaves Carate for Puerto Jimenez: 8:30 am 3:00 pm daily.

SJO International Airport    If you’re flying to Costa Rica, chances are you’ll be arriving into the capital city of San Jose. The majority of international flights depart and arrive from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. The rest fly through Liberia in the north. SJO is located 20 km from the city of San Jose and 3 km from Alajuela. The airport is on the small side, but has all the amenities of a major airport, including bars, Duty Free and American fast food joints. Sansa Air, one of the two airlines that flies domestically in Costa Rica, also uses SJO as it’s home base of operations. The airport is small enough that if you’re changing planes you won’t have too many problems finding your connection but since Costa Rica is such a popular tourist destination be prepared for long lines at the ticket counters and customs. If you are connecting to a flight on Nature Air (the other domestic airline in CR) you will need to take a taxi to the Pavas International Airport in the city of San Jose. It’s approximately a 30 minute ride between the airports. Also know that if you’re flying from SJO into the United States you can buy liquor at the Duty Free, but you’ll need place the bottles in your checked luggage once you get to the USA if you’re on a connecting flight.