Manzanillo, Costa Rica

• Description of Manzanillo
• Santa Teresa Area Map
• Road Map to Playa Coyote
• Rio Bongo

Driving from Manzanillo to Playa Coyote:

The coastal road from Mal Pais and Santa Teresa ends in Manzanillo. If you wish to continue north to Samara, Nosara and Tamarindo, you must turn right in Manzanillo and drive uphill and away from the coast. After 4 km you arrive at a T-intersection with a big mango tree on your left. This is Betel where you take the road to your left towards Bajos de Ario.

Crossing the Rio Ario in dry season

For much of the year this road is in bad condition and only passable with a high-clearance 4WD to to tackle steep and often-muddy inclines plus three rivers. In rainy season it is often impossible to drive this road.

When crossing a river remember that the shallow part of the crossing is a curve in a downriver direction. Your car can submerge if you attempt to drive straight across. Check the river by foot before you cross in the car, or wait until locals come and show you the way.

Road signage is confusing and scarce for the most part. Make sure you have filled up on gas as the only gas stations in the area are in San Francisco de Coyote and Cobano.
Before leaving, ask the locals about current road conditions. If you are in doubt, play it safe and take a right at Betel, drive to Paquera via Cobano, and continue north along the Gulf of Nicoya.
See » From Naranjo to Paquera.