Bus from Alajuela, Costa Rica to the Nicaragua border via Los Chiles

Hi, can you tell me if there’s a bus or shuttle from Alajuela to the Nicaragua border via Los Chiles? I’d like to avoid going through San José. Thanks for your help!

Hey

The Pulmitan buses used to leave from San Jose and stop in Alajuela... They went all the way to Liberia on the way to Nicaragua. From Liberia, there were buses to Managua, but you could definitely stop earlier (Los Chiles?). My info is a bit old... maybe really old! But there’s no reason it would’ve changed. I hope you find more up-to-date info—it won’t be easy since most travelers in Costa Rica either use an agency or rent a vehicle :( PS: If it helps: https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g291982-i813-k14185414-Pulmitan_Bus_from_San_Jose_to_Liberia_Stop_close_to_SJO-Costa_Rica.html

No, you have to go to the bus terminal that leaves for the north, and it’s in downtown San José—no other options.

thanks Jacques, that’s what I’ll do. Have a great day!

Hi, From Los Chiles, there’s a road that goes to Nicaragua without passing through San Carlos. If you need to go there to reach a place like Solentiname, check if there are still pangas to go down the Río Frío to San Carlos

Thanks Philippe! I want to go from San Carlos to El Castillo and then to Indio Maíz. No problem, there are launchas running regularly from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. BOATS FROM SAN CARLOS - EL CASTILLO DEPARTURE ARRIVAL PRICE 06:00 08:00 $150 CA 08:00 10:00 $150 CA 10:15 12:45 $150 CA 12:00 15:00 $100 CA 13:00 16:00 $100 CA 14:30 17:30 $100 CA 15:00 17:00 $150 CA 16:30 18:30 $150 CA Thanks for your help!

Great trip—we did it with my wife and our two daughters back in 2003. It seems Indio Maiz has really taken a hit; the government is letting gold prospectors and ranchers clear-cut the forest like there’s no tomorrow.

A great place to stop along the way: Gran River Lodge, by the river, rustic cabins in the middle of nature, small budget, hiking, and lots of animals.

thanks Jacques, I’ll check it out right away nicole

Thanks Jean-Michel, I’ll check it out. I think we’ll try going via Quesada. Nicole