Driving times here are only estimates — weather, wandering animals, and drivers who stop mid-road to say "Pura Vida" to a friend can all slow things down. Costa Rica doesn't rush its roads on purpose: Monteverde's "go slow" policy, for example, deliberately leaves the road to the cloud forest unpaved, keeping traffic light and towns safer for kids walking home from school.

One of our favorite drives leaves the hotel along the La Garita road, passing plant nurseries, coffee plantations, and small pulperias (corner stores). It continues through Grecia, past the big church, and up to the two Sarchi towns, known for colorful painted bridges and hand-painted ox carts. Keep going and you'll reach Zarcero, famous for the topiary gardens in its main square — a scenic route on the road to Arenal worth the extra time.

A Few Driving Tips

• Ask locals when completely lost — pointing and basic English work fine
• Use your horn — it's standard practice here/noise is not an issue
• Leave nothing in your car you want to keep (park loaded car where you can see it)
• Never leave valuables in the car, put em on your back
• Avoid night driving if possible — watch for pedestrians and black cows on black roads on black nights
• Take extra care on mountain roads (fog, floods, landslides)
• Rain storms can be apocalyptic, if so pull over for 20 mins or so and they will pass
• Slow down for speed bumps — signage may be non existent
• Beware of motos, they are mad

Enjoy your stay, and drive carefully.

Driving Times From Here to There - yes, you can drive to this village too . . .