Getting to Riomar

To arrive at Riomar requires about 1/2 day travel from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. First you must get to Golfito, a small town located in the southern pacific corner of Costa Rica, nestled in the Gulfo Dulce only about 20 miles from the border of Panama. From there it is a 2 hour drive southwest to the town of Pavones.

Flying from San Jose

A one hour flight from San Jose to Golfito is the best method for efficient travel, using local charter planes or Sansa, Costa Rica's domestic airline. Your other alternative is to drive or use the local bus line, Tracopa. By road, this journey takes 7 hours.

From Golfito, take a taxi, driving a little under 2 hours on dirt roads as you wind your way through hills, farms and jungle to our little coastal town of Pavones.

Driving from San Jose

It is highly advised to rent a 4x4 if driving to Pavones. If your preference is to fly to Golfito but you want to have a car while in Pavones, some car rental agencies will do drop off and pick up from the Golfito airstrip for additional fee.

Driving Instructions: From San Jose to Pavones can take up to 9 hours total. You have 2 options leaving San Jose: The coastal highway or the Pan-American highway. The coastal highway is a much more scenic, pleasant route although it can add 1-2 hours depending on traffic leaving San Jose going towards the coast. Eventually both routes meet at 'Palmar' after about 5-6 hours driving. Keep heading south to 'Rio Claro'. From Rio Claro there are 2 options.

Option 1: Go right at the gas station about five miles towards Golfito. You do not go all the way to Golfito. You turn off, left at the Rodeo Bar driving about 30 minutes to the ferry (The ferry is open 5am-8pm) Continue for another 30 minutes to 'Conte'. Turn right.

Option 2: This route bi passes the ferry. Go straight through Rio Claro taking the Pan-Am highway another 30 minutes all the way to 'Paso Canoas' at the Panama Border. Turn right, through Paso Canoas and drive 45 minutes on bumpy dirt roads across bridges to 'Conte'. Turn left.

Just past Conte take left fork in road for another 45 minutes to arrive in Pavones.

Money

There is no bank in Pavones. Dollars and Colones are accepted everywhere.

Shopping/Eating Out

There are a number of restaurants in Pavones that will satisfy even the pickiest gringas appitite. There are also two markets to choose from. Locals and expats also sell fresh bread and produce down by the cantina in the mornings. Don't miss the Mennonites that come to town on Friday mornings and set up shop under the mango tree by the cantina. The have the most amazing baked goods in Costa Rica hands down. There is also a fish hut near the cantina where you can haggle for the days catch if you like as well. Speaking of the cantina, watch out for the sexy blonde Tica that hangs out there at night. Word is that she was a he at some point in life if you know what I mean. Don't let the beer tell you different and don't say I didn't warn you either.