San Jose to Sierpe tickets

About the ride from San Jose to Sierpe

You may feel a bit overwhelmed with crowds and architecture after visiting Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. But don't worry; Sierpe is much more laid-back and relaxing. While it doesn't provide as many sightseeing opportunities as San Jose, there is a lot more adventure.

If you're watching your budget, look into a shared minivan to make the connection from San Jose to Sierpe. It's much more affordable than a private van or car, and you can arrive at your destination in less than five hours.

If you do take a shared minivan, make your reservation ahead of time, as there are just a few connections per day.

What is Sierpe like?

If you're looking for a word to describe Sierpe, it's peaceful.

Situated at the base of the Osa Peninsula, it is a place many people like to visit to escape the swarming crowds you sometimes get in San Jose. 

There aren't many roads or buildings, and you won't have a bucket list full of attractions. But there are jungles, forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and exquisite views that will have you giving your camera a workout.

Things to do in Sierpe

Adventure awaits you when you touch down in Sierpe. There are plenty of things to do to keep you busy:

1. Get into nature. Explore Sierpe's exotic wildlife on a river tour, taking in jungles, wetlands, and forests during a relaxing boat ride along the Sierpe River. Have your camera ready to take pictures of some of the monkeys, crocodiles, and bird species you will see. There are a variety of other tours, including a mangrove tour, a Sierpe Lagoon tour, a nature tour, and a birdwatching tour.

2. Go kayaking. If you're looking for some peace and quiet on the water, rent a kayak and navigate the waters. Unlike a guided tour, you control your own trip with the kayak, allowing you to pick and choose what you want to see.

3. Relax by the beach. The beaches in Sierpe are quiet and secluded and surrounded by palm and almond trees. 

4. Try scuba diving. Visit Drake Bay and get underwater, exploring various coral reefs and active marine life. You can also take a 45-minute boat ride to Cano Island, which has some of the best underwater scenery in Costa Rica. You'll see all kinds of sea creatures, including whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.

5. Drive south to Corcovado National Park. Head south 40 km (25 mi) and visit Corcovado National Park. Widely regarded as one of the best national parks in the world, there are many things to do here. Not only are the views here scintillating, but there is a lot more wildlife than you bargained for, including mountain pigs, javelinas, sloths, anteaters, pumas, jaguars, and different types of birds and monkeys.

Transportation from San Jose to Sierpe

There are two ways to get from San Jose to Sierpe: by minivan and by car.

The distance between the two cities is approximately 280 km (174 miles), and it takes between four and six hours to make the connection, depending on traffic.

Take a minivan

Shared minivans

You can take a shared minivan with prices around $77 per person. All minivans include A/C, and the drive is between 4.5 and 5.5 hours. Some companies require two passengers, so if you are a solo traveler, look for routes with Easy Ride.

Other amenities include:

Pick-up at any hotel or the San Jose Airport

Drop-off at a Sierpe hotel

1-2 bags plus a handbag allowed per passenger (varies by operator)

Surfboards are allowed (max seven feet) for an extra charge.

Free cancellation/changes 48 hours prior to departure

Private minivans

Private minivans start at approximately $354 for the van. They include A/C, WiFi (sometimes), reclining seats, a phone charger, and English-speaking staff. You can arrange a pick-up at any time.

Other amenities include:

One 20 kg/44 lbs bag and handbag per passenger

Max six people per minivan

Pick-up at any San Jose hotel

Drop-off at any Sierpe hotel

Free cancellation/changes 48 hours prior to departure. There is a 50% cancel/change fee up to 24 hours before departure.

Take a car

If you want to go by car or you're traveling with a small group, private transfers are available from the San Jose Airport (SJO), starting at $365 per car. They include A/C, and you can arrange a pick-up anytime during the day. A driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name.

It takes approximately 4.5 hours to make the connection. 

Other amenities include:

One 23 kg/55 lbs bag and handbag per passenger

Pick-up is at San Jose Airport

Drop-off is at Sierpe Dock

SUVs hold up to four passengers

Cancellations/changes not allowed after purchase

What is the ride from San Jose to Sierpe like?

You'll experience a change of scenery as you leave the capital city filled with history, architecture, and museums and go to a more isolated location that includes wetlands and jungles. 

What you see along the way depends on what route you take. You could take the coastal route along the beaches, where you will see plenty of the Pacific Ocean. However, if you go inland, you'll experience elevation changes, going through large hills and valleys and making your way down to sea level. 

You'll leave the crowded city of San Jose and navigate through more rural towns, coming across fewer people.

As you arrive in Sierpe, you'll see plenty of trees and water — Sierpe is known for its forests and wetlands. 

When is the best time to visit Sierpe?

If you want the best weather, the perfect time to book your vacation to Sierpe is between December and April. Conditions are relatively dry during this time of year, with average highs between 80 and 85°F (27 to 30°C). Bring a light jacket, as nights can get a bit chilly if the breeze is coming off the water.

Additionally, Sierpe doesn't see huge crowds, so trying to pick a month when it's less crowded shouldn't be a concern. 

The summers in Sierpe get very hot and humid with lots of rain, particularly from July to September. Hurricanes can also be an issue, so proceed with caution.

Where should I go after Sierpe?

If you want to stay along the water in Costa Rica, then a trip to Jaco Beach should be on your bucket list. There are shared minivans that connect Sierpe to Jaco Beach. The two cities are separated by just 182 km (113 mi), and you can arrive at Jaco Beach within three to four hours.

Jaco Beach is excellent for adventure seekers. You can catch some great waves for surfing and even go horseback riding along the beach. If hiking is your thing, there are tours to explore the amazing nature nearby.

You can also try snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, ziplining, ATV riding, and fishing, so you won't be bored.