Costa Rica Guide
The Zona Norte
Getting Around
Although many roads in the region are seriously potholed, getting around the Zona Norte is easy enough and there's a good bus network around the La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo. If you plan on travelling outside these areas, then you're better off with a car. The highway infrastructure is relatively new, and both the western (via Heredia) and eastern (via the Guápiles Highway) routes from San José to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí are in good condition, as well as incredibly scenic. It's possible to travel cross-country between La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo in about two hours.