# Getting to Cabuya: ferry, flights, buses and the road > Most people reach Cabuya from San José by driving to Puntarenas, taking the car ferry to Paquera and driving down through Cóbano and Montezuma, about 4.5 to 6 hours in all. The fastest option is a short domestic flight to the Cóbano airstrip, about 35 to 40 minutes from San José, then a drive of under an hour. Source: https://www.cabuyacr.com/getting-to-cabuya/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Nearest international airport: San José (SJO); Liberia (LIR) is farther by road Ferry: Puntarenas to Paquera with Naviera Tambor, about 70 to 80 minutes Nearest airstrip: Cóbano, served by Sansa from San José Last stretch: Montezuma to Cabuya, about 15 to 20 minutes by car ## Where Cabuya is Cabuya sits near the very southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. The road ends here: just past the village is the ranger station for [Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve](/cabo-blanco-reserve/). Montezuma is 15 to 20 minutes north, and Mal País and Santa Teresa are over the hills to the west. The peninsula is close to San José as the crow flies, but the Gulf of Nicoya sits in between. That's why most routes include either a ferry or a long drive around the gulf. ## From San José by car and ferry This is the classic route and the one most visitors take: 1. **San José to Puntarenas:** about 1.5 hours by highway to the port. 2. **Puntarenas to Paquera:** the car ferry run by Naviera Tambor crosses the Gulf of Nicoya in about 70 to 80 minutes. 3. **Paquera to Montezuma:** about 1 hour, through Tambor and Cóbano, then down the hill to the coast. 4. **Montezuma to Cabuya:** about 15 to 20 minutes south along the coast. Allow about 4.5 to 6 hours in total, depending on traffic and how long you wait for a ferry. **Ferry tips.** Naviera Tambor has run this crossing since 1992. Some spaces can be bought online, and the rest are sold at the ticket offices. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. The busiest sailings are Friday afternoon out of Puntarenas and Sunday afternoon out of Paquera, and cars don't always fit on those. Schedules change, so check the official timetable on the Naviera Tambor website a few days before you travel. You can also drive all the way around the gulf without the ferry, crossing the Tempisque bridge and coming down the peninsula. It's a long drive and only makes sense if the ferry times don't work for you. ## From Liberia airport Liberia (LIR), in the northwest, is the other international airport. From there you drive south down the length of the Nicoya Peninsula. It's a long road trip with no ferry, so plan on most of a day and try to arrive before dark. Some travelers fly into Liberia and spend a night or two on the northern beaches before heading south. ## Flying to Cóbano The quickest way to get here is a short domestic flight from San José. Scheduled flights used to land at Tambor, but they've moved to a newer airstrip at Cóbano, close to Montezuma and Santa Teresa. Sansa's own destination list now shows "Santa Teresa-Malpais (Cobano)" and no longer lists Tambor. The flight takes about 35 to 40 minutes. From the Cóbano airstrip it's a short drive down to Montezuma and then on to Cabuya. Arrange a taxi or a transfer before you land. Small planes have strict luggage limits, so pack light. ## By bus Transportes Cóbano runs buses from San José to Montezuma by way of the Puntarenas ferry, with a stop at the San José airport. The trip takes about 4.5 hours or more. Local buses then run between Montezuma and Cabuya a few times a day, turning around near the Cabo Blanco ranger station. They're useful for a day at the reserve, but times are limited and the last bus back leaves in the afternoon. Times change, so ask locally. ## By shuttle Shared and private shuttles connect the southern Nicoya Peninsula with San José, the airports and the main beach towns, often including the ferry. [Zuma Tours](/zuma-tours/) in Montezuma is one long-running operator that sells shuttles and transfers. A shuttle is a good middle ground: easier than the bus, without the stress of driving. ## By water taxi from Jacó A boat connects Montezuma with the central Pacific coast across the gulf. The crossing takes about an hour, usually with one morning departure, and lands at Playa Herradura, about 10 minutes by road from Jacó. It depends on the weather and the sea, so have a backup plan, and keep luggage light. ## The back road from Mal País On a map, Cabuya and Mal País look close. They're connected by a rough dirt road of about 7 km over the hills, with steep sections and 3 river crossings. You need a 4x4, and the road is generally only passable in the dry season. In the rainy season it's often closed in practice. If you're coming from Santa Teresa or Mal País and you're not sure about the road, go the long way through Cóbano and Montezuma. It takes about an hour and it's far safer. See our [Mal País and Santa Teresa day trip](/mal-pais-and-santa-teresa-day-trip/) for more. ## Driving tips - **Rent a car with good clearance.** An SUV is a sensible choice. In the rainy season, or if you might try the Mal País road, get a 4x4. - **The Montezuma to Cabuya road** is short. Sources disagree on how much of it is paved, so expect some rough patches either way. - **Drive in daylight.** Roads are dark, narrow and shared with people, dogs and wildlife. - **Fill the tank before you head south.** Fuel stations are few near the tip of the peninsula, so don't count on finding one in Cabuya. - **Don't leave valuables in a parked car,** especially at beaches and trailheads. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does it take to get from San José to Cabuya? About 4.5 to 6 hours by car and ferry, depending on ferry times and traffic. By plane to Cóbano, the flight takes about 35 to 40 minutes, plus a short drive. ### Can I still fly to Tambor? Scheduled flights have moved from Tambor to the Cóbano airstrip. Check with Sansa or your airline for the current airport before you book. ### Do I need a 4x4 to reach Cabuya? Not for the main route through Montezuma; an SUV with good clearance is enough for most of the year. You do need a 4x4 for the back road to Mal País, and that road is mostly a dry-season option. ### Can I take the bus to Cabo Blanco? Yes. Local buses run between Montezuma and Cabuya a few times a day and turn around near the reserve entrance. Check return times, since the last bus back is in the afternoon.