2 / Travel From Palmar Norte to Sierpe
From Palmar Norte, the quickest and easiest way is to take a private or shared taxi to Sierpe. There is also a small local bus between the two for a dollar, which we took on the return leg, but the bus is less convenient for some bus/boat connections.
TAXI
The best spot to get off the bus is just outside the town (here on Google Maps) where the taxi drivers tend to wait on the side of the road for bus passengers looking to connect with Sierpe.
You’ll have to keep an eye out and probably call out for the stop, which is why it’s a good idea to let the driver know you’re ultimately heading to Sierpe when you board.
There were five taxis waiting by the side of the road when we arrived, and we agreed a price of 9,000 colones / $15 USD. He originally said $20 but we had been advised it was $12-15 USD, so there may be a bit of haggling involved (don’t take the piss though and always be respectful in your negotiations).
As it’s quite a lot already for a 20-minute taxi ride, if you’re a solo backpacker we recommend trying to join others heading the same way (also best from a safety point of view).
A bunch of backpackers stayed on until Palmar Norte, where you can also take a taxi onward to Sierpe. It adds about 5-10 minutes to the journey, and so the taxi may be slightly more than we paid – let us know in the comments if you do this and any tips for other travellers!
Just make sure you don’t continue on to Palmar Sur, as that’s adding even more time on.
BUS
We took the bus from Sierpe to Palmar Norte on the return trip, and managed to find a timetable for you!
Palmar Norte to Sierpe | 5am, 6.30am, 8am, 9.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm, and 5.15pm
Sierpe – Palmar Norte | 5.30am, 7.15am, 9am, 10.30am, 1.30pm, 4pm, and 6pm
It costs $500 colones each (cash to the driver), travel time is about half an hour, and we THINK the pick-up spot is here on Google Maps in front of the Gollo shop. That’s where we got dropped off and saw passengers get on later*
Based on the current schedule, you’d have to arrive in Palmar Norte before 9.30am to make the 11.30am boat.
If that’s going to be a pain in the arse due to your start point or you find yourself running short on time for the next boat, it’s best to just jump in a colectivo or private taxi.
* If you find the local bus schedule has changed or have more accurate pick-up spot details in Palmar Norte, please let us know in the comments or send over an e-mail! We like to keep these posts as…
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