Gringos Guide To Driving Mexico, Central America & Costa Rica
  • San Jose - Panama Border
    Costa Rica

    San Jose – Panama Border

    DRIVING TIME: 5.32 hoursKILOMETERS: 323MILES: 201HWY: CA 2 This is a long drive over the mountains into the lowlands of Costa Rica. Leaving San Jose, head for Cartago, CA 2. Once in Cartago, go through the town, and the road will veer right. There are no signs, so you may have to stop and ask. After you leave the city, you will ascend into the mountains again. This is a demanding drive with twists, turns, and potholes. Eventually, you will reach San Isidro in 3 to 4 hours. From San Isidro, you may visit Dominical on the coast or continue south toward Golfito and the Panamanian border. Leaving San Isidro,…