Due to privacy reasons and the unique nature of our neighborhood, we do not have publicly posted directions or signage to Finca Bellavista.
Upon making a reservation, you will receive detailed directions and additional travel information.
Finca Bellavista is located in the mountainous South Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica. Perched overlooking the Golfo Dulce and nurtured by the Bellavista and Piedras Blancas rivers, the location of this unique enclave is unmatched in its magnificence and pulses with life. The greater region, referred to as the Southern Zone, is a bountiful area that boasts numerous outdoor adventure and eco-tourism opportunities and is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Often times referred to as the country’s ‘last frontier’, the rugged and picturesque landscape of the area, with its laid-back lifestyle and friendly vibe, is quite different than other parts of Costa Rica and provides a welcome retreat from the pace of life elsewhere in the world.
The mountains, valleys, rivers and trees that comprise ‘the finca’ almost seem custom-built for a community of this kind. Treehouses, ziplines, waterfalls, and rainforest combine to make the quintessential Costa Rica experience and provide a magical backdrop for this off-grid locale. And, while the Finca Bellavista community might feel far removed from the outside world, we are only 3 kilometers from the paved InterAmericana Highway, providing easy access to modern amenities in neighboring towns and cities like Rio Claro, Palmar Norte, Golfito and Ciudad Neilly.
General Vicinity Map (click to enlarge):
GETTING TO FINCA BELLAVISTA
We do not give direct recommendations for taxi and other transportation services due to constant changes in pricing, quality, and reliability of services. We will give contact information for private transfers only.
By Air
Visitors to Finca Bellavista can fly to two regional airports within a half hour’s drive to Finca Bellavista once they arrive to San Jose’s Juan Santa Maria International Airport. Nature Air and Sansa are the two regional air carriers that fly into Palmar and Golfito. We recommend flying into Golfito, as there are more daily flight options, services for tourists, and the view is outstanding.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Palmar and Golfito for the last 30 minutes to Finca Bellavista. (A 4×4 is REQUIRED on the road from the InterAmericana to the finca.) A taxi should cost around $60-$70 from the Palmar or Golfito areas to Finca Bellavista. Negotiate the price BEFORE you get in the taxi, and ensure that the taxi driver has read the Spanish directions on our pointers sheet (sent upon making a reservation) and fully understands where they are taking you. We cannot arrange taxi service for our visitors until you are on-site and have paid for the service.
Private Transfers
Private Transfers are a good option for travelers that don’t want to depend on taxi availability and communication, and don’t necessarily want to rent a car. While they might seem expensive at first glance, remember that you don’t have to drive, get lost, or care about how you are getting from points A to B to C.
Shared shuttle
Shuttle services go to and from most popular tourism destinations in Costa Rica, and provide travelers with an option that is cheaper than a personal taxi or car rental. There are plenty available on the internet at a variety of price points.
Bus
Bus travel is cheap and very good with very comfortable and clean seats, on par with tour buses in the United States. For travelers to Finca Bellavista, we recommend taking a Tracopa bus. Here is a schedule of their busses from San Jose to the Southern Zone. Pick a bus that goes to Paso Canoas, Golfito, Ciudad Neilly or Rio Claro – all of these pass through the small towns of Chacarita, Piedras Blancas, and La Florida where you can negotiate a stop. A local taxi driver can usually be found by asking around. Remember, it a 3-kilometer hike straight uphill to Finca Bellavista from the InterAmericana. You will not want to hike it, especially with bags.
Renting a Car & Tips for Driving
Given the exorbitant expenses involved in renting a vehicle and the irritations involved with driving in Costa Rica, we do not recommend renting a car.
Renting a car and driving in Costa Rica allows total freedom of movement, though it is pricier here than in other countries. You can cover a lot of ground without delay, and you can stop and sightsee wherever you want. Plan your route before you take it, then stop and ask if you need directions. Costa Ricans do not like to say “I don’t know” and sincerely want to be helpful. You may need to ask more than one person and get a consensus. Remember to NEVER leave valuables or passports in your car. It is best to carry them with you.
As an FYI for your planning purposes, if you drive to Finca Bellavista from the international airport in San Jose, budget at least 5 hours. Budget at least 8 hours from the international airport in Liberia OR the Caribbean side of the country. These timeframes are estimated, and are completely dependent upon the state of the roads and your party’s navigational capabilities.
Road conditions vary greatly depending on the location of the route and the season. Always check conditions before you decide your route. Our suggested driving route from San Jose to Finca Bellavista is the new Caldera Toll Road, which takes drivers from San Jose to the Jaco area. From there, take the newly paved Costanera through Palmar and on down to Finca Bellavista. For another beautiful mountain route, consider taking the road over Cerro de los Muertes, through San Isidro el General, through Buenos Aires, Palmar, then south on the InterAmericana.
By Boat
Finca Bellavista is an easy half-hour drive north from the southern port town of Golfito, the main south Pacific port in Costa Rica. Those arriving by boat will find Golfito is well equipped to accommodate most of their cruising needs. The ‘fast ferry’ from Golfito to Puerto Jimenez leaves Golfito at 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and is $5 one way. The same ferry leaves Puerto Jimenez going to Golfito at 8:45 a.m. or 4:20 p.m.