Traveling to the Nicoya Peninsula by Car
From San José drive on the Interamericana to Puntarenas (120 km) where you take the ferry to Paquera or Naranjo. Or continue on the Interamericana, direction Liberia, and turn off at km 168 to the road leading over the Tempisque bridge.
From Liberia drive down the highway to Santa Cruz, which is the fastest way to get to Tamarindo. To get to the middle and southern part of the peninsula you can also drive on the Interamericana until km 168 and then take the road over the Tempisque bridge.
see also:
Overview Map of the Nicoya Peninsula
The Ferry from Puntarenas
There is only one year-through driveable road which connects the
northern with the southern part of Nicoya Peninsula.
see: From Naranjo to Paquera
Road maps indicating other routes are not correct.
Another rough track goes along the pacific side of the peninsula,
but for most of the year the road is impassable
see: Manzanillo,
How to get to Guanacaste.
The Nicoya Peninsula is known for its horrendous roads. Few parts are paved and potholes abound. During rainy season giant mud holes may occasionally make roads impassable, while in dry season you and your car will be shaken on rutted and dusty tracks. A four-wheel-drive is advisable for this region.
Going under in rainy season
Especially on the Southern Nicoya Peninsula gasoline stations are rare. There is one gas station in Paquera,
another one in Cobano, and a new one 3 kms before Santa Teresa.
On the Northern Nicoya Peninsula be sure to fill up on gas before driving the coastal road
between Samara and Tamarindo. In Tamarindo the closest gas station is 12 km away, past Huacas.
In a pinch you can ask locals for gasoline vendors who will fill your tank from a barrel.
Patience while driving is a virtue. Car accidents are frequent due to bad road conditions with unexpected hazards.
And last but not least, a very important rule: Never leave any valuables in your car when you leave it alone. See also: Travel Safety