How to get to Cabo Matapalo - Peninsula de Osa
Driving to Matapalo:
To get to Matapalo by car you need a four-wheel drive vehicle. The drive is 6-7 hours from San José, and is mostly recommended for longer trips. Find driving directions below but please contact us for further details.
Starting from San José, take the San José-Caldera highway, and head towards Oréotina. There will be several toll booths along the way (Escazú, San Rafael, Atenas - Orotina, Pozón-Caldera), so plan to have at least ¢2,000 colones in cash with you.
After approximately 40 minutes you will pass next to the town of Orotina, and approximately 6 kilometers after you will come to the Pozón-Caldera tollbooth. Immediately after the toll booth take the first exit right on to the newly paved Costanera Sur and head south through Jacó, Quepos, and then Dominical.
After Dominical continue heading south towards Chacarita, on the way you will pass Palmar Norte, 30km past Palmar Norte, you will find Chacarita's Gas Station at your right. Turn right here, you will see a sign that shows the distance to Puerto Jiménez (77 km).
When you arrive to Puerto Jiménez you might want to fill your tank because the Gas Station there is the only one in the Peninsula.
From Puerto Jiménez it is about a 45min drive to Marmaris. This gravel road can be very narrow and is undergoing repairs so please drive carefully. During the rainy season it is a good idea to ask the local people if it is safe to drive in or if you better wait since you will need to cross a few streams along the way. Driving on this road at night is not recommended.
By bus:
Buses leave daily to Puerto Jimenez. It is a 9-11 hour-long drive. Terminal Atlantico Norte Tel:+(506) 2256-8963 Flights to Matapalo:
- Nature Air: From Tobias Bolanos Airport (Pavas) to Puerto Jimenez
- Sansa: From Juan Santamaria International Airport (Alajuela) to Puerto Jimenez
Once you land in Puerto Jimenez you can either take a cab to Marmaris, this is a 45 min drive at a US $40 fee each way or you can rent a four wheel drive vehicle and drive from there.