Here are driving directions and some helpful hints on driving to the condominiums at Pueblo Real which are located two miles before the bridge at Quepos.

Driving is much easier now, as the road between Jaco (pronounced "hah-CO") and Quepos (pronounced "KAY-pos") is all paved. The road still has some potholes, some occasional animals, pedestrians, horses and bicycles but overall it is a good paved road. Most of the roads are well marked and there are road signs to most major areas (which are adequate if you pay close attention). We don't recommend driving at night unless you know where you are going and you cant make the trip during the day. (The same applies anywhere in Costa Rica. Unless you know where you are going and it is on main roads drive only during the day.)

Fuel is available in a number of towns on the way and just past Jaco, as well as just before entering Quepos. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted for gas purchases at most fuel stations and at most major stores. Travelers Checks are not recommended as many places will not accept the. Fuel is more expensive than in the U.S. at about $6/gallon (though it's sold in Liters). Gas station attendants will pump the gas for you, and often wash the windows and check the oil (and they appreciate a tip for doing so).

"Traficos" or traffic police, use radar to enforce speed limits along many stretches of Costa Rican roads especially on weekends.. Please obay posted speed limits, even though many locals do not. On straight, open sections of road where there are no posted speed limits, generally 80Km/H or 50 MPH applies. 60 Km/H or 35 MPH applies in urban and city areas, and even 40 Km/H or 25 MPH in downtown areas of Quepos, Parrita, and Jaco, and other cities.

Always carry your home country driver's license and either your passport, or a photocopy of the photo page from your passport, and a photocopy of the entry stamp from your passport, showing when you entered Costa Rica. These are routinely asked for by Traficos who normally speak some English and are polite, tickets are Never paid directly to the Traficos.

A good map is essential. We recommend the Costa Rica Travel Reference Map. But more importantly, don't be afraid to ask the locals, even if your Spanish is not very good. The local people are generally very friendly and eager to help.

More detailed driving Directions from San Jose to Quepos

Quepos is less than 160 Kilometers (100 miles) from San Jose, it is on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It's a beautiful drive that takes you through Atenas, Orotina, Tarcoles, Jaco, Parrita. Even though it is less than 100 miles on paved roads, it is best to plan about 3 to 4 hours (depending on weather and traffic) to drive it by car. I have always made it in much less time but there are many great places to stop and enjoy the view or some local food.

Head out of San Jose towards Juan Santamaria International Airport. At the airport follow the sign to San Ramon. About 10 Kilometers (6 miles) past the airport take the Atenas exit. At the stop sign turn left.

(IF you are leaving directly from the airport, the first part just outside the airport is tricky, it’s the first road just after you leave the airport and last month when I was there were no signs on that turn. )

The road past the Atenas exit slowly winds its way through the mountains. Follow the main street through Atenas to San Mateo.

At San Mateo the road jogs right one block due to one-way traffic. After making the jog, the road takes you back onto the main drag.

As you approach Orotina a sign directs you right. That goes into the business district. Instead, continue straight ahead and soon there will be a sign pointing right, to Jaco. This is the road you want.

The highway is in good condition here. There are a couple of times you need to negotiate interchanges. They are marked well, directing you to Jaco or Quepos, but without much advance warning.

A long bridge crosses the Tarcoles River. Often crocodiles can be seen below the bridge, and many tourists stop to look for them. About two miles past the bridge on the left is the administration building for Carara Biological Reserve. This is a nice stop-off, with trails along the river. Wildlife and waterfowl are abundant; scarlet macaws are frequently seen.

Now the road parallels the coast. Watch for potholes and a few rough, torn-up areas.

Shortly the road climbs and veers toward the shore. Watch for a pull-off on the right with a small shelter, and a great view of Jaco Beach. About 2 Km (1.5 miles) further, on a ridge, is an area where you can look down on Playa Hermosa, a popular surfing destination, with powerful beach-break waves and dark sand.

The road travels past rice fields and African Palm groves as it approaches Parrita. The main bridge at Parrita is under construction but close to being finished.

The stretch from Parrita to Quepos is now also paved. However, please don't be lulled into going too fast. All but one bridges are now complete and the one that is not finished is well marked.

You will see a sign that say Damas 5km,  (YOU ARE VERY CLOSE) at about the 5km mark, watch for the Pueblo Real La Laguna Condominium sign on the right, turn right on the gravel road , and follow the road to the end (its a mile, It ends at the water) where you will see the Pueblo Real complex on the right. (it you reach a gas station while on the main road, you missed the turn off by about 500 feet, turn around and go left on the first street.

The Pueblo Real turn off is about a mile and 1/2 before the one way metal bridge that goes into Quepos. If you get to the "oh my god" bridge, turn around, go back about two miles past the gas station and watch for the sign on the Left.  The phone at Pueblo Real is 2777 1403 and you will be in unit number ( 202 or 212 ) owned by Luis and Anita Alfaro. The front desk can help you with any questions you may have. Each unit also has a laminated card with additional information. Please feel free to leave us comments on how things went for you and any improvements we can make.


Beds, the master bedroom has a queen bed, the guest bedroom has two twin beds, there are two large overstuffed chairs that open into beds and the couch also makes into a bed. If you prefer we can move a foam folding bed into the spare bedroom.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide you. Relax and have fun.

Luis and Anita