Travel to Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is approximately 5 hours by car or bus from the Juan Santamaria Internation Airport (SJO) in San Jose or a short 30 minute flight from San Jose to Limon followed by an hour shuttle. Tierra de Sueños Lodge in Playa Chiquita is just 6kms past Puerto Viejo. Here are several options to travel here:
Shared and Private Shuttles
Also known as busettas, this is the most common option to get to Tierra de Suenos Lodge with the best value. The shared shuttles cost is per person. And the private shuttle is for the max capacity of the shuttle.
There are several shuttle companies that provide door-to-door service from the San Jose airport or your hotel directly to Tierra de Suenos Lodge saving you the hassel of taxis. Shuttles usually make the trip in around 5 hours. Below are two popular shuttle companies for this area, however we prefer to help with booking your transportation so we are in touch with your arrival and departure times. Please email us at info@tierradesuenoslodge.com.
Caribe Shuttle – https://www.caribeshuttle.com/
Interbus – https://www.interbusonline.com/
A private shuttle for up to 10 people can also be rented and the price divided amongst the riders. Contact us at info@tierradesuenoslodge.com to help you make arrangements and send you a quote.
Bus
The most cost efficient option is MEPE, the national bus line that runs through out Costa Rica.
Buses depart from San Jose daily from the Mepe Bus Station, Downtown San Jose, 9th avenue, 12 street. Departure times can be found on their website. Take the Mepe Bus to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, not to be confused with Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.
The bus takes about 6 hours, costs approximately $16.00 per person and typically makes a 20 minute stop for refreshments and bathrooms. From the bus stop in the center of Puerto Viejo, you can catch a taxi to Tierra de Suenos. A taxi is also needed from the airport or your hotel to the bus station if you take the bus.
Car Rental
Renting a car is another option. Try Adobe, Alamo, or National Car Rental. Be cautious with insurance requirements that can add a lot of cost to your final rental bill. They will always require a pre-authorized hold on your credit card as well.
Since there are few street signs in San Jose, or anywhere, we recommend getting a GPS or using WAZE phone app. Renting an Internet device or GPS from the Rental Car Agency is quite common. While having a car gives you more mobility, driving in Costa Rica can be quite a different experience from North America so do your research ahead of arrival.
Flight to Limon & Shorter Shuttle Ride
If driving in a car for several hours is not for you vary and speed up your transportation by hoping a local national flight through Sansa Air from San Jose (SJO) to Limon (LIO) and then taking Caribe Shuttle’s Airport Express to Tierra de Sueños Lodge in Playa Chiquita. If the shuttle services is not running at that time you can book a private shuttle or taxi. Message us at info@tierradesuenoslodge.com for a quote and to book services.
River Rafting
Feeling adventurous? Take the Pacuare river rafting trip and get dropped off right at our doorstep! The rafting tour operators will pick you up in San Jose in the early morning, take you on a four hour rafting trip with breakfast and lunch included and then drop you off at Tierra de Sueños at the end of the day. Message us at info@tierradesuenoslodge.com to help you coordinate and book.