Rental cars can be delivered to the Backyard Hotel or rented at the airport.

Driving distance from the airport is 1:45 hours.

Driving directions to Jacó and Points South

Hwy 1 (the Autopista) from San José or the airport.
Route 1 - follow signs to San Ramon, and continue straight ahead for ten to fifteen minutes and take the exit for Jaco and Quepos/Manuel Antonio. There is a sign here for Punta Leona and for Atenas (14km). Take this exit and turn left at the stop sign, crossing back over Route 1. Reset your trip odometer here to follow our detailed directions.

The road from here on out is relatively good, but very curvy and steep in some of the mountain passes. Passing should be done with extreme caution, though there are several long straight sections. There are no lines on the road, assume it is two ways all the time. About 2km or 10 min from the autopista is the Fiesta del Maiz serving good food.

The road gets curvy shortly after this and as you descend, the 1st bridge goes over Río Grande. (It is one of the first and oldest bridges in Costa Rica.) Next up is Atenas — a small town with a gas station and other amenities.

Blue signs with tree indicate how many km to Guanacaste.
In San Mateo, there is a well-marked left turn, follow signs for Punta Leona.

Go straight through next town of Orotina. (This is a good place to stop for fruits and snacks. There are several markets on the left near the railroad tracks and a gas station with clean restrooms).

Take the next exit to the right to Route 27 sign says Jacó, Quepos, Caldera.

Take right exit again to Route 34, follow signs for Jacó, Quepos. This exit has a rotunda and at the base, continue to bear right, following signs for rain forest aerial tram. There is a sign a little ways up for Jacó so you know you are going the correct way.

Next, you will cross over the Tárcoles River Bridge at km #54—Crocodiles! (Park either before or after bridge and get out and walk over the bridge to get a great view of many enormous crocs.) Carara National Park is 10 more minutes up the road on the left.

The first view of the ocean is at km #60 after exiting from Hwy 1. There is a gas station here, too. Pass Punta Leona. Jacó is only 10 more minutes away.

To Playa Hermosa:

The first turn off for Jacó is well marked at km #76 from Hwy 1. There are three other entrances to Jacó, the last one being immediately after passing the large Servicentro Enersol (gas station). This road takes you to the end of Jacó beach where there is a good surf break.
Continue on the main highway south 4 Km past Playa Jacó, enter Playa Hermosa follow the highway for 1Km. The Backyard Hotel is the last building on the right hand side of the road.