By Plane: The nearest airport with regular service is in Quepos. From there you can hire a taxi, rent a car, or take the bus.

By Car: The traditional route from San José involves heading east out of town (toward Cartago), and then south on the Inter-American Highway (CR2) to the city of San Isidro de El General. From San Isidro, a well-marked and well-traveled route (CR243) leads to Dominical and the coast. The entire drive takes about 4 hours.

However, it’s faster and easier to take the San José–Caldera Highway (CR27) west to Orotina. Just past the fourth toll booth at Pavón, this road connects with the Costanera Sur (CR34), or Southern Coastal Highway. The exit is marked for Jacó and CR34. From here, it’s a straight shot down the coast. When you reach Quepos, follow the signs for Dominical. This route should take you just over 3 hours.

The Costanera Sur (CR34) heading south from Dominical to Palmar Norte, passing all the beaches mentioned below, is in excellent shape.

By Bus: To reach Dominical, you must first go to San Isidro de El General or Quepos. Buses leave San José for San Isidro roughly every hour between 4:30am and 5:30pm. The trip takes 3 hours; the fare is around C3,600. The main bus stop in Dominical is near the soccer field and San Clemente restaurant.

From Quepos, Transportes Blanco buses ((tel) 2771-4744) leave daily at 7, 9, and 11:30am and 3:30 and 4pm. The trip takes about 1 1/2 hours and costs C2,600.

From San Isidro de El General, Transportes Blanco buses ((tel) 2771-4744) leave for Dominical at 7, 9, and 11:30am, and 3:30pm. The bus station in San Isidro for rides to Dominical is 1 block south of the main bus station and 2 blocks west of the church. The trip duration is 1 1/2 hours; the fare is C1,600.

When you’re ready to leave, buses depart Dominical for San Isidro at 6am and 1, 2, and 4pm. Buses leave San Isidro for San José roughly every hour between 4:30am and 5:30pm. Buses to Quepos leave Dominical at 8am and 12:30 and 4:30pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.