Palmar Norte Overview

As a major transportation hub for southern Costa Rica, most travelers will pass through this medium-sized town (pop. 10,800) on the way to more popular destinations on the Osa Peninsula. Palmar also happens to be at the center of a major banana growing region and offers phenomenal fresh fruit at roadside stands and supermarkets. Its variety of speedy Internet options make it a great place to get back in touch with home.

Transportation. Most likely, the bus stations in the center of town will be the focus of your stay here. TRACOPA buses (☎2786 6511) will take you to: Golfito (2hr.; 12:30, 9pm; ¢1505); Neily (1½hr.; 8, 9, 11am, 3, 5:30pm; ¢1200); Paso Canoas (2hr.; 11am, 7pm; ¢1585); San Isidro (3hr.; 8:30am, noon, 2:45, 5pm; ¢2315); San José (6hr.; M-Sa 7 per day, ¢4255). Office open M-Sa 6am-5pm. Buses to Cortés leave from a stop just north of the FarmaSur (20min., every 30 min. 6:30am-8pm, ¢425.) From this same stop buses leave for Dominical (1½hr.; 8:30am, 5pm; ¢1125). Buses to Sierpe leave from a stop across the street from the Importadora Monge (25min., 6 per day, ¢350). Taxis (☎2786 6457) line up across from the TRACOPA station, but the trip to Sierpe is pricey, even post-bargaining (around ¢6000).

Practical Information. In the small shopping center across the Interamericana Hwy., the friendly staff at Osa Costa Rica Travel can make hotel reservations and provide a great deal of tourist information (☎2786 7825, fax 2786 9003. Open M-Sa 8am-5pm. D/MC/V.) Next door, Banco Popular has a 24hr. ATM (V) and cashes traveler’s checks. (☎2786 7073. Open M-F 8:45am-3pm, Sa 8:15am-2pm. Banco Nacional also has a MC/V 24hr. ATM. (☎2786 6263. Open M-F 8:30am-3:45pm.) Western Union is located in the blue and white Coopealianza building 100m east of the shopping center along the Interamerica. (☎2786 7128. Open M-F 8am-5pm, Sa 8am-noon.) Other services include: 24hr. police (☎911 or 2786 6320); Red Cross (☎2786 6204); pharmacy, Ibarra #2 (☎2786 6757; open M-Sa 7:30am-8pm, Su 8am-noon) and closer to the bus stop FarmaSur (☎2786 6686; open M-Sa 8am-8pm, Su 8am-noon; V) public phones, within a block anywhere in the business district and at the ICE office (see map) public restrooms in Restaurante Wah Lok (¢100); Internet access in a variety of locations—fastest connection and Wi-Fi at Tecnicompu (☎2786 6584; ¢600 per hr.; open M-Sa 8am-8pm, Su 1-7pm) across the street from Hotel Osa at Imprenta Palmar Norte (☎2786 7556; ¢600 per hr.; open M-Sa 7am-7pm) or at the stationary store Librería Indiana (☎2786 6224; open M-F 8am-noon and 1-6:30pm, Sa 9am-noon and 1-5pm; ¢650 per hr., b/w copies ¢15, color ¢250; MC/V). The post office is currently closed. Postal Code: 8150.

Accommodations. Palmar Norte has two basic accommodation options: typical hotel rooms or cabinas. Cabinas Wah Lok offers inexpensive motel-style rooms just off the highway and near the bus stop. The spacious rooms include parking, private bath, and fan. (☎2786 6262. Singles ¢3000; doubles ¢6000. With TV ¢6000/8000.) Casa Amarilla offers spotless cabinas with cable TV, A/C, free parking, hot water, and lots of shelf space, and is conveniently located near numerous Internet cafes. Bus schedules and inspirational posters surround large beds. (☎2786 7272, 8848 9491, or 8819 4731; www.hotelosa.com. Singles US$20; doubles US$30; triples and quads US$40. With A/C add US$5. Hotel rooms with shared bath ¢4000). Brunka Lodge , located south of the Banco Nacional, is the newest, most luxurious place in town. Each free-standing wooden cabina has its own porch and spacious rooms with tile foor, A/C, mini-fridge, TV, and hot-water baths. Guests also have access to a small pool and hot tub. (☎2786 7489 or 8382 9936. Singles US$40; doubles US$46.)

Food. The largest supermarket in town, MegaSuper, has everything a hungry traveler could desire. (☎2786 6434. Open M-Th 8am-8pm, F-Su 7am-8pm.) Soda Anais is the best place in town to get an inexpensive típica meal. Filling gallo pinto breakfasts (¢800) and casados (¢1200) are served in a colorful dining room covered with landscape murals. (Open daily 7am-6pm.)A family-style franchise, Diqui’s has an inviting and colorful open front and one of the most expansive menus in town. It has everything from comida típica, to spaghetti, to a selection of five specialty hamburgers (¢2000-3000). For dessert try one of the many ice cream flavors or a milkshake (cones ¢300; milkshakes ¢1600). (☎2786 7944. Open daily 6:30am-10pm.) El Puente , on the first floor of the yellow building, has a wide variety of bocas (¢1000-1500), tasty casados (¢2500), good deals on Imperial (¢600 per bottle), and late hours, making it a local favorite. (☎2786 6251. Open daily 10am-1am.) It is near the bus stop and above the pharmacy.