Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
village of Carate); and Los Patos ranger station in the northeast corner (near the village of
La Palma).
Getting There & Away
AIR
ing Puerto Jiménez, Drake and Golfito to Carate and Sirena. Flights are best booked at the
airport in person, and one-way fares are typically less than US$100. Note that long-term
parking is not available at any of these locations, so it's best to make prior arrangements if
you need to leave your car somewhere.
FROM BAHÍA DRAKE
From Bahía Drake, you can walk the coastal trail that leads to San Pedrillo station (about
four hours from Agujitas). Many lodges run day tours here, with a boat ride to San Pedrillo
(30 minutes to an hour, depending on the departure point) or Sirena (one to 1½ hours). You
can make camping reservations at San Pedrillo or Sirena stations.
FROM CARATE
In the southeast, the closest point of access is Carate, from where La Leona station is a
one-hour, 3.5km hike west along the beach.
Carate is accessible from Puerto Jiménez via a poorly maintained, 45km dirt road. This
journey is an adventure in itself, and often allows for some good wildlife-spotting along
the way. A 4WD
colectivo
travels this route twice daily for US$10. Otherwise you can hire
a 4WD taxi; prices depend on the size of your party, the season (prices increase in the
rainy months) and your bargaining skills.
If you have your own car, the
pulpería
in Carate is a safe place to park for a few days,
though you'll have some extra peace of mind if you tip the manager before setting out.
FROM LA PALMA
From the north, the closest point of access is the town of La Palma, from where you can
catch a bus or taxi south to Puerto Jiménez or north to San José.
Heading to Los Patos station, you might be able to find a taxi to take you partway;
however, the road is only passable to 4WD vehicles (and not always), so be prepared to
hike the 14km to the ranger station. The road crosses the river about 20 times in the last
