Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sixaola
Pop 8900
This is the end of the road - literally. Bumpy tarmac leads to an old railroad bridge over
the Río Sixaola that serves as the border crossing into Panama. Like most border towns,
Sixaola is hardly scenic: it's an extravaganza of dingy bars and roadside stalls selling rub-
ber boots.
Sixaola is centered on the optimistically named Mercado Internacional de Sixaola, a
gravelly square where you can find taxis and a handful of
sodas
. The market is about two
blocks from the border crossing.
There's no good reason to stay in Sixaola, but if you get stuck, head for safe, clean
Ca-
binas Sanchez
( 2754-2105; r US$16)
. From the border, head north along the lower road
and walk about 100m to the tunnel on the left. After exiting the underpass, walk west an-
other 100m to find the
cabinas
.
The bus station is just north of the border crossing, one block east of the main drag.
Buses to either San José (US$13.30, six hours, 6am, 8am, 10am and 3pm) or Puerto
Limón (US$6.35, three hours, hourly from 5am to 6pm) all stop at Bribrí and Cahuita.
There are also regular buses to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (US$3.35, one hour, hourly
between 5:30am and 5:30pm Monday through Saturday, every two hours on Sunday).
