LATIN AMERICA | COSTA RICA
Planning your trip to Isla San Lucas, Costa Rica
THE BEST WAY TO ISLA SAN LUCAS
From LAX, LACSA offers nonstop service to San Jose, and Mexicana, Continental and American offer connecting service (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $308.
Puntarenas is the staging area for trips to the island. From San Jose, rent a car and drive west on the Inter-American Highway to Puntarenas; or book a shuttle bus or catch a public bus.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 506 (country code for Costa Rica) and the local number.
The boat ride from Puntarenas to San Lucas takes about a half an hour and can cost as much as $100 for a round-trip in which the captain either waits on the island for you or returns to pick you up at an appointed time. Tides and weather will determine the best schedule for your trip.
The easiest way to arrange a boat to the island is to wait until you get to Puntarenas. Check with Calypso Tours 2256-2727, www.calypsotours.com; Island Tours, 2661-9011; Sport Fishing Tours, 2661-9011; and Tourist Adventures Lahoe Lani, 2661-1675
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Alamar, Paseo de los Turistas, 2661-4343, www.alamarcr.com /ing_index.htm, right on the water and a few blocks from the ferry terminal. Doubles from $60.
Hotel Tioga, just off Paseo de los Turistas, 2661-0271, www.hoteltioga.com. Doubles from $75.
Hotel La Punta, Avenida 1 between calles 35 and 37, half a block south of the ferry terminal; 2661-0696. Doubles from $30.
WHERE TO EAT
Steak House La Yunta, Paseo de los Turistas near Calle 21, 2661-3216, serves delectable seafood as well as tender meat.
Caribbean Breeze, Paseo de los Turistas near Calle 23, 2666-2034, serves ceviche, grilled fish and spicy Caribbean-inspired specialties.
TO LEARN MORE
Costa Rica Tourist Board, (800) 343-6332, www.visitcostarica.com.
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