Pavones Getting There
Air:
Local carriers Sansa and Nature Air offer daily flights into Puerto Jimenez and Golfito.
Golfito Airport: This is the most convenient because of its close proximity to Pavones. Rental cars are available in Golfito, and from here it is a two hour drive on a dirt road to Pavones. A public bus also runs twice daily.
Puerto Jimenez Airport: This option is better for those who wish to see a bit of the Osa Peninsula on their way to Pavones. From Puerto Jimenez, a ferry runs twice daily to Golfito. From Golfito, it is a two hour drive on a dirt road to Pavones.
Boat:
Pavones does not have a dock, and as a result water landings are rare. Waves can reach enormous heights, so hiring a private boat can be a risky endeavor. Passengers should be prepared to get wet. Boats can be chartered from Golfito for about $140.
Bus:
Buses depart San Jose for Golfito from the Tracopa station at 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (the 3:30 p.m. bus is direct). The trip takes about eight hours and costs $12. Tracopa Tel: 2222-2666. Buses to Pavones depart Golfito daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The trip lasts two and a half to three hours and costs $2.40.
To return to San Jose, buses depart Pavones daily at 5:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for Golfito. They depart Golfito in front of the Deposito Libre at 5:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The trip takes about eight hours and costs $12.
Car:
Take the Caldera highway from San Jose toward the central Pacific coast. Exit, following signs for Quepos/Manuel Antonio and continue on the Costanera Sur highway to Palmar Norte. Then you will get back on the Interamerican highway until Rio Claro. Continue south, turning left at the sign to Pavones – about nine miles before Golfito. At the Rio Claro, for about $.50 per person a small ferry transports people and cars from one side of the bank to the other. From here, it is only about 30 minutes to Pavones.
Taxi:
A 4WD taxi costs between $60 and $70 from Golfito. To ensure availability, be sure to make arrangements at least a few hours in advance.
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