I am a little worried about the "river" crossing to get to the hotel. We are renting a small car, will that be a problem? Thanks!
There are two roads. One goes through the river - the other goes around. We went around- it did not really add time. My in-laws went through it and said it was fine- barely any water. Be advised that whatever road you take will be unpaved and unpleasantly loud and bumpy. We rented an SUV and were VERY glad we did.
As of a few weeks ago there is a new bridge over the river, so you don't need to worry about driving through it.
I went in the dry season (late February) and did the river crossing and there was water (somewhere around 5 inches at the deepest spots). We had a small SUV and were fine, however if there is water, I would recommend pulling off to the side and watching someone else go first so that you know where it's safe to cross because it's not a straight line across the river. We did it a couple of times and it was fine, but as others have mentioned you can always take the road around, which is longer, but may save you some anxiety.
We went in the mid-season----in mid-April. We actually had to call the hotel before we took the road to ask if the river was running. Some one at the hotel then called a friend of theirs who was closer to the river. Fortunately it was not----saves a lot of time.
The answer depends on the season. If you are going in the high season, January through April, then the river bed is dry and it's just like a dirt road. This saves time on your trip from the airport, and it cuts down on the amount of dirt roads you have to take.
If you are gong during the low season (I think the worst months are July through October) you definitely cannot go through the river. (I don't know about the "mid-Season", which is all the other months.) If you google "Ora river crossing" you can see videos of this. Most rental car companies have a policy where if you flood the car, you are buying it, so I would not advise crossing while it it wet!
There is a way to get to the hotel without crossing the river. It just takes longer and involves much more time on dirt roads instead of paved roads. Again in low season you have no choice--just make sure you leave 3 hours during the light hours of the day to get from LIberia airport to the hotel. There are numerous signs on the way but I recommend paying the rental car company for the navigation system. That will be very valuable. (the nav system doesn't know you can cross the river, by the way--it will automatically send you the other way). Have a great time!
I dont recall having to go through a river, but if we did, you will only know what the situation is on a very short term basis. If you are travelling in the wet season you may have a problem, but you will just have to ask the locals shortly before your crossing. If you are not in your own vehicle, the chances are you will be driven in a saloon car which will also have problems, or might have problems. That may not be too helpful a reply but I think it is the best you can hope for!!
As one other person stated, there is now a bridge over the Ora River.
My suggestion is the hire a private driver. Ours came with a truck so crossing the river was no problem. For a small car? Also, many of the dirt roads to get to Punta Islita are not well marked so be sure you have an excellent map if driving yourself. However, the roads and crossing the river are worth it, you'll love it. The hotel can arrange for a private driver for you as well.
No need to worry. There is a way to get to the hotel without crossing the river. It just takes longer and involves much more time (maybe 30 minutes more).
Went right across the river in a mini suv not very deep.. but the problem was a deep ditch we went through after that. But we made it through and happy to report the road less traveled was the best. I can send phenomenal pics of unexpected delights along the way that made it all so very worthwhile. Wouldn't go any othervway. Fine place though we did not plan to go just accidently found it on our road travels. Stayed in a villa. Yes loved it but love costa rica and would love to live there. Maybe in retirement!! Also look at villa called as and Manuel Antonio park
Yes it could be a problem. especially in the rainy season. However i have good news , there is a alternate route avoiding the river crossing. i believe it adds 30 min to your trip.
Check with the hotel and they will be sure to give you further information. But i do recall seeing a sign that stated avoiding the river crossing. Have a wonderful trip.
There is an alternative (albeit a bit longer) route if tou prefer not to take the riverbed or if it is flooded so no worries
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