The easiest and most comfortable way to reach Casa Roja from San José International Airport (SJO) is by private shuttle, which we can help arrange for you. The drive from SJO to the Sierpe River, where your boat transfer begins, is about five and a half hours. The private shuttle costs around $400 USD, though if you decide to split the journey over two days, the price may increase slightly. If your flight into SJO arrives after 11:00 a.m., we strongly recommend you plan to spend the first night somewhere along the way. Delays at the airport, customs lines, and traffic are all common, and it’s important to time your arrival in Sierpe so you can enjoy a smooth transfer by boat before dark.
Our resort manager will be waiting to greet you at Las Vegas Restaurant on the Sierpe River. From there, we’ll travel together by private boat downstream to Casa Roja. The journey to the river mouth takes around 45 minutes, and to catch the best light and safest conditions, we aim to depart Las Vegas by 4:30 p.m.
Many of our guests choose to enjoy the first night at one of the beautiful beach towns along the way. It’s a wonderful opportunity to recover from your travels, enjoy the sunset, and have a good meal before continuing south to Casa Roja the next day. We usually recommend taking your time, stopping for lunch at Fuego Brewery in Dominical, and enjoying a walk along the palm-lined beach. Arriving at Las Vegas between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon gives you time to relax with a cold drink, enjoy the boat ride at a leisurely pace, and perhaps spot crocodiles or meander through the mangroves on your way to the house.
This timing also allows you to settle in, explore the property, and have Graciela prepare a welcome cocktail just in time for sunset. Afterward, she’ll prepare a delicious dinner to celebrate your arrival — and your Casa Roja Osa Peninsula adventure officially begins.
Breaking up the journey this way adds to the experience. It allows you to relax, soak in the beauty of the Pacific coast, and get a good night’s sleep before your adventure continues. There are several great beach towns to consider for your overnight stay, and your choice will depend on your arrival time and your personal travel style. For later arrivals, staying closer to San José makes sense. Earlier arrivals can enjoy traveling a bit further down the coast. We’re happy to recommend specific options based on your preferences, and you’ll also find posts on our website with more details about each town along the way. Whether you’re looking for a local guesthouse, a family-friendly hotel, or a five-star resort and spa, there are wonderful options for every traveler.
