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 Orotina. 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 later you will come to the Pozón–Caldera toll booth. Immediately after the toll booth take the first exit right onto the 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. 30 km past Palmar Norte you will find Chacarita's gas station on your right. Turn right here; you will see a sign that shows the distance to Puerto Jiménez (77 km).
When you arrive in 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 45-minute drive to Marmaris. This gravel road can be very narrow, 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 had 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 from San José to Puerto Jiménez. It is a 9–11 hour drive. Terminal Atlántico Norte, tel. +506 2256-8963.
Flights to Matapalo
Domestic flights go from San José to Puerto Jiménez (PJM). Sansa flies from Juan Santamaría International Airport (Alajuela).
Once you land in Puerto Jiménez you can either take a cab to Marmaris, a 45-minute drive at a US $40 fee each way, or you can rent a four-wheel drive vehicle and drive from there.