La Fortuna to San Juan del Sur: Private Transfer with Border Help

Summary

Private ride from Costa Rica’s volcanoes to Nicaragua’s surf coast

You’ll start your journey in La Fortuna with private pickup, cross into Nicaragua at Peñas Blancas with help from local drivers on both sides, and finish right at your accommodation in San Juan del Sur. Expect a smooth ride with WiFi onboard, a bit of border chaos (in a good way), and small moments that stick with you long after you unpack.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the quiet hum of the minivan’s AC and that slightly sweet smell you get in Costa Rica after a night of rain — kind of earthy, but not muddy. Our driver, Mauricio, showed up right on time at our little hotel in La Fortuna. He smiled a lot but didn’t say much at first, just nodded when I asked about the route. It felt good not having to share the ride or wait for anyone else. The road out of town wound past little fruit stands and those bright green fields, and I kept thinking how weird it was to leave Arenal Volcano behind so quickly.

We reached Peñas Blancas border after a few hours — maybe four? Time got fuzzy somewhere between podcasts and staring out the window at cows and motorbikes zipping by. The border itself was… well, borders are never fun, right? There were lines and some confusion (I almost handed my passport to the wrong window), but Mauricio gave us a quick rundown before we went in. The heat hit different there — drier, with this faint smell of grilled corn from a stall nearby. I tried to ask what they called it in Spanish; the woman selling it just grinned and handed me one anyway.

Once we finished immigration stuff (longer than I hoped, shorter than I feared), another minivan was waiting on the Nicaraguan side like they’d promised. Different driver this time — José — who greeted us with “Bienvenidos” and asked if we wanted music or quiet. We picked music, obviously. The drive into San Juan del Sur felt lighter somehow; maybe just knowing we were almost there. José pointed out where surfers hang out and where he likes to eat seafood by the beach. When we finally pulled up at our hostel, my shirt was wrinkled but I felt oddly refreshed — something about being looked after all day without fuss.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private transfer from La Fortuna to San Juan del Sur

• Pickup from hotel in La Fortuna
• Travel to Peñas Blancas border
• Complete immigration procedures
• Board minivan to San Juan del Sur
• Arrive at accommodation in San Juan del Sur

Top questions

How long does it take from La Fortuna to San Juan del Sur?

The drive is about 4-5 hours not counting time spent at immigration offices, which can vary depending on how busy the border is.

Is hotel pickup included for this transfer?

Yes, you’ll be picked up directly from your chosen hotel in La Fortuna at whatever time you request when booking.

Do I have to change vehicles at the border?

Yes, after finishing immigration procedures at Peñas Blancas border you’ll switch to another minivan waiting for you on the Nicaraguan side.

Is WiFi available during the trip?

Yes, both minibuses offer WiFi onboard for passengers during the transfer.

Can infants or small children travel on this route?

Yes, infants and small children can travel; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Are service animals allowed on this private transfer?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the journey between La Fortuna and San Juan del Sur.

What happens if there’s a delay at immigration?

The drivers will wait for you as needed; total travel time depends on how long border processing takes that day.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in La Fortuna by air-conditioned minivan with WiFi onboard; after crossing Peñas Blancas border post-immigration procedures, you’ll continue in another comfortable minibus straight to your accommodation in San Juan del Sur—no waiting for other passengers or shared transfers required.