HOTEL LA COLINA

Quepos is less than 160 Kilometers (100 miles) from San José, on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It's a beautiful drive that takes you through Atenas, Orotina, Tárcoles, Jacó, Parrita. Even though it is less than 100 miles on paved roads, it is best to plan about 3 to 4 hours (depending on weather and traffic) to drive it by car.

Head out of San José towards Juan Santamaría International Airport. At the airport follow the sign to San Ramon. About 10 Kilometers (6 miles) past the airport take the Atenas exit. At the stop sign turn left.

The road slowly winds its way through the mountains. Follow the main street through Atenas to San Mateo.

At San Mateo the road jogs right one block due to one-way traffic. After making the jog, the road takes you back onto the main drag.

As you approach Orotina a sign directs you right. That goes into the business district. Instead, continue straight ahead and soon there will be a sign pointing right, to Jacó. This is the road you want.

The highway is in good condition here. There are a couple of times you need to negotiate interchanges. They are marked well, directing you to Jacó or Quepos, but without much advance warning.

A long bridge crosses the Tárcoles River. Often crocodiles can be seen below the bridge, and many tourists stop to look for them. About two miles past the bridge on the left is the administration building for Carara Biological Reserve. This is a nice stop-off, with trails along the river. Wildlife and waterfowl are abundant; scarlet macaws are frequently seen.

Now the road parallels the coast.

Shortly the road climbs and veers toward the shore. Watch for a pull-off on the right with a small shelter, and a great view of Jacó Beach. About 2 Km (1.5 miles) further, on a ridge, is an area where you can look down on Playa Hermosa, a popular surfing destination, with powerful beach-break waves and dark sand.

The road travels through Rice fields and African Palm groves as it approaches Parrita.

The stretch from Parrita to Quepos is now also paved. However, please don't be lulled into going too fast. Although the way is wide and fairly smooth, there are no lines marked, and several bridges. The single lane bridges are marked by yellow 55-gallon drums and lines painted on the highway.

In About 2 Km (1.5 miles), you'll cross a small one-lane bridge, and enter Quepos. Veer to the left after the bridge, and turn left on the main street, by the Hotel Best Western Kamuk.

Drive thru Quepos and take the only road there is towards Manuel Antonio. We are located 3 kilometers after Quepos, on right side of the road.