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All routesLa Fortuna → Puerto Viejo
Private Shuttle from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo
Everything you need to book with confidence
Updated August 2026
Puerto Viejo runs on Caribbean time — slower than the Pacific side, with reggae bars and afro-Caribbean cooking in every soda. Connecting from La Fortuna means crossing the country east — from the volcanic northern lowlands, through Guápiles, and down the Caribbean coast through Limón.
How long is the drive from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo?
Plan on roughly 6 to 7 hours for the 325 km (202 mile) drive. The first 90 minutes runs through the Arenal lowlands east toward Guápiles; the middle section crosses banana country and joins the Caribbean coast; the final stretch runs south through Limón to Puerto Viejo.
Is the road from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo safe?
Yes — paved highway end to end, via Guápiles. The drive runs through Arenal lowlands and along the Caribbean coast.
How much does a private shuttle from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo cost?
$397 for the whole van, up to 5 passengers — about $79 per person if you're a full group. That's the all-in price you see at booking; taxes are baked in, and tipping stays at your discretion (most travelers leave $10-20 for the long drive).
What's included on every La Fortuna → Puerto Viejo shuttle
Every item below is in the price you see.
- Direct private route — no detours, no shared rides
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off
- Bilingual driver, just your group on board
- Free WiFi on board
- A/C modern van
- Bottled water
- USB & Type-C chargers
- Free child seats on request
- 1 large + 1 carry-on per person
- ICT-licensed & fully insured
- Real-time flight monitoring
What travelers actually say.
Pedro Silva
in the last weekMy family and I had a great experience with this company. The van we used was clean, spacious, and very comfortable. Julio, our driver was always on time, he was polite, and very knowledgeable about Costa Rica and its whereabouts. On the way to places, he showed us sloths, howler monkeys and macaws, and he also took us to local food places to eat real Costa Rican food. We felt very safe while being with him. I strongly recommend Can’t wait Travel and Julio for all your travels. Pura vida!
Sissela Tucker
in the last weekCan’t Wait Travel should get ten stars if I could. Julio drove us on two long trips, stopping along the way when my kids needed a break, showing us sloths, howler monkeys, and many birds. We felt super safe the entire time, and they included two booster seats free of charge. Prices were reasonable; Jorge was exceptionally communicative and thanks to them, our trip was flawless. They even answered our million questions about everything and helped us arrange a few tours. Super thrilled that we booked with them. Highest recommendation.
A Wray
in the last weekJulio was awesome! The drive from La Fortuna/Rainforest to Jacko Beach was really beautiful and took us through some small towns that were great. We stopped at El Jardin to see the butterflies and was really good for spotting toucans & macaws. Totally work with them again
laurent fabre
a week agoGreat experience. The journey was very pleasant. Julio is very friendly.
Grégory Luzzardi
a week agoReliable and punctual company. Our driver, Julio, was very friendly.
What happens if your plans change
Cancellation
- ✓48+ hours before: Full refund (minus 13% tax)
- ✗Within 48 hours: Non-refundable
- →Email: mybooking@cantwaittravelcr.com
Changes & Modifications
- ✓Free changes up to 48 hours before pickup
- ✓Change time, date, or location (subject to availability)
- →Route changes may affect price
Need Help?
- ✓WhatsApp support before, during & after your ride
- ✓Bilingual team available 7 days a week
- →Reach us at +506-8596-2438
Pricing
- ✓Price is per vehicle, not per person
- ✓No hidden fees — price you see is final
- ✓All-in price · Taxes & fees included (13% VAT)
Which hotels in Puerto Viejo does this shuttle drop off at?
Our private shuttle from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo drops off at any hotel, villa, or Airbnb in the area. Common drop-offs include Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel, Banana Azul Hotel, Hotel Aguas Claras, Hotel Banana Azul, Almonds & Corals Hotel, and many more.
Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel
Cocles
Banana Azul Hotel
Playa Negra
Hotel Aguas Claras
Hotel Banana Azul
Playa Negra
Almonds & Corals Hotel
Manzanillo
Shawandha Lodge
Playa Chiquita
Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort
Playa Cocles
Hotel La Diosa
Cahuita
Selina Puerto Viejo
Don't see your hotel? We drop off at every property in Puerto Viejo — just enter the name when you book.
Discovery: make more of the La Fortuna → Puerto Viejo drive
Turn this transfer into a slow-travel day — pick one experience along the way, with time for a local lunch and photo stops.
From
+$119 US vs Standard · ~3 extra hours · up to 5 passengers
Choose one experience for your day
- Option 1
Local town walk. A short stroll through a town along your route — church, plaza, local market, the everyday Costa Rica most travelers drive past.
- Option 2
Wildlife-watching stop. A brief stop at a spot where sloths, monkeys, toucans or crocodiles are commonly seen, depending on the corridor.
- Option 3
Scenic detour. A viewpoint, bridge or landscape worth leaving the main road for — your driver-guide picks the best one for the day's light and weather.
Part of every Discovery day
Lunch stop en route. Stop at a soda or family restaurant on the way — typical Costa Rican food picked by your driver-guide, meal paid on site.
Scenic photo stops. Pull over at the best viewpoints along your route instead of driving past them.
Specific options depend on the route and the season — your driver-guide adapts the plan to daylight, weather and your group's pace.
Discovery adds about 3 extra hours to the drive: one experience of your choice plus a relaxed lunch stop. Tell us your pick at checkout or decide with your driver-guide on the day.
Best departure 8:00–9:00 AM. Pick Standard or Discovery at checkout — same reservation, no separate booking.
Meals, entrance fees and tour tickets are paid by the passenger on site. The Discovery service includes the private shuttle, the bilingual driver-guide, the coordinated stops and the on-board welcome kit listed below.
Travel with peace of mind
Nothing left to chance.
Honest answers to the questions travelers ask us most.
What if my flight is delayed — even at 2 AM?
We track your flight in real time and adjust your pickup automatically. Your driver waits for you. Same price, any hour, no extra charge.
What if I can't find my driver when I land?
Your driver is there before you land, holding a sign with your name. For late-night and early-morning arrivals we reconfirm the day before and send you your driver's name, phone and WhatsApp — a direct line to them, plus our company WhatsApp (+506-8596-2438). Two ways to reach us, always.
I'm traveling solo / with friends — is it safe?
Your van is 100% private: only your group on board, never shared with strangers. Background-checked, C2-licensed drivers and WhatsApp support the whole way.
What if my kids get carsick on the road?
A/C, smooth driving and we pull over for fresh air whenever you need. Bags on board, free child seats, and restroom or snack stops on request.
What if my plans change and I need to cancel?
Free changes and a full refund (minus 13% tax) up to 48 hours before pickup. One email to mybooking@cantwaittravelcr.com and it is handled.
Will anyone confirm everything before my trip?
Yes. We reconfirm by WhatsApp or email 24–48 hours before your service — pickup time, exact location and your driver. You are never left wondering.
Ready to book La Fortuna → Puerto Viejo?
Private van, all-in price, and your driver confirmed before you travel. Booking takes under a minute.
Officially Recognized
We are proud members of Marca País Costa Rica (Esencial Costa Rica) and licensed by the ICT — Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (License 4121-2025), Costa Rica's official tourism board.
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