This small yet bustling town of Palmar Norte, situated in the lush tropical lowlands of southern Costa Rica, serves as the northern gateway to the Osa Peninsula and an important center of agricultural commerce.
Palmar Norte is a strategic, often-overlooked destination in Costa Rica’s southern zone, making it appealing to travelers and investors alike. Interest in Palmar Norte, Costa Rica real estate has grown thanks to its proximity to the Osa Peninsula, strong local infrastructure, and access to nearby beaches and rivers.
For travelers looking to slow down and explore the region, staying in Palmar Norte offers easy day trips while enjoying a more local, authentic atmosphere. It’s also a budget-friendly option compared to nearby coastal towns, with lower accommodation costs and everyday expenses.
Palmar Norte – a history of bananas and mysterious stone spheres
Founded in the early 1900’s to meet the needs of vast banana plantations moving into the region, Palmar Norte and its proximity to major roadways and the coast played an important role in the growth of Costa Rica’s export economy.
In those early years, bananas and coffee transformed Costa Rica from a tiny, unknown republic into a globally recognized provider of niche crops with huge demand.
Palmar Norte’s most intriguing fame, however, comes from the discovery of hundreds of stone spheres in the area. These mysterious solid-stone artifacts range from small, inch-high balls to massive, perfectly spherical rock sculptures weighing up to 15 tons.
Their creation dates to pre-Colombian times, circa 800 B.C., and spans over 100 years. The spheres and their mysterious origin have made Palmar the site of one of Costa Rica’s most important archaeological findings.
To see the spheres and learn more about their intriguing past, visit the Finca 6 Museum and Archeological Site just a couple of miles from town.
Palmar Norte, gateway to nature and pirate treasure
When you’re staying in Palmar Norte, a place on your visit list should be Corcovado National Park. Considered the “crown jewel” of parks and Costa Rica’s largest protected area, Corcovado is brimming with rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Another must-see is Drake Bay. The remote destination is accessible by car but best visited via a scenic Sierpe River boat transfer departing from Sierpe village in northern Osa (leave your rental car in the secure lot).
Drake Bay is aptly named after the renowned pirate Sir Francis Drake, who allegedly left buried treasure in the area. Eco-lodges, budget-friendly hotels, and tour providers offer easy access to the northernmost entrance of Corcovado National Park and to the offshore snorkeling and scuba-diving spot, Cano Island.
Palmar Norte things to do with your Adobe Rent a Car
Though the town of Palmar Norte is more of a service center than a major tourist destination, travelers will still find a range of Palmar Norte vacation rentals in the vicinity. From simple apartments to family-friendly homes, the region is a perfect place to explore this lesser-known part of Costa Rica comfortably
The town is also a base for exploring the southern Pacific Coast. Popular activities include ocean and river excursions, wildlife watching, and archaeological sites.
Quick Guide to Renting a Car in Palmar Norte, Costa Rica
Renting a car is the way to go in Palmar Norte. In addition to the physical map provided by your Adobe representative, we recommend using a virtual GPS driving app like WAZE and becoming familiar with the Palmar Norte, Costa Rica map.
While we don’t claim to be a Palmar Norte, Costa Rica travel guide, we offer some valuable tips.
- Top Reasons for Renting a Car in Palmar Norte
- Getting to Palmar Norte, Osa Peninsula
- Best places to visit with your Palmar Norte, Costa Rica Car rental
- Car Rental Locations near Palmar Norte
- Tips for Driving in Costa Rica
For car rental rates, check online or call toll-free from the US & CAN:
+1(877)692-9595 or direct in Costa Rica: +(506)2542-4800
Top Reasons for Renting a Car in Palmar Norte
The best way to enjoy Palmar Norte, as with the rest of Costa Rica, is to rent a car. Travel at your own pace and visit off-the-beaten-track destinations, many of which are not accessible by public bus or shuttle.
Make your Car Rental Reservation TODAY! You will be glad you did.
Getting to Palmar Norte, Osa Peninsula
At Adobe, we have several full-service offices located across the country. Most visitors to Costa Rica choose to start their rental upon arrival. We have full-service car rental offices at both international airports. These are the Juan Santamaría – San Jose International Airport and the Liberia International Airport.
The closest Adobe office to Palmar Norte is in the charming beachfront
town of Playa Uvita. The drive from our office to Palmar takes about 35 minutes and is about 27 miles.
The nearest airport to Palmar Norte is Palmar Sur Airport (PMZ), located in Palmar Sur and just a short distance away.
Best places to visit with your Palmar Norte, Costa Rica Car rental
Nature & Wildlife
A world-renowned biodiversity hotspot, visitors can book guided hikes to see tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and maybe even jaguars. Corcovado National Park, located on Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula, is one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. Vast stretches of primary rainforest meet wild Pacific beaches, creating a landscape alive with wild species.
With its rugged trails, river crossings, and raw, untamed beauty, Corcovado offers an immersive experience of Costa Rica as it once was—primal, powerful, and unforgettable.
Take a boat or kayak tour through the most extensive mangrove system in Central America for incredible birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Sierpe Village:
The launching point for mangrove and Corcovado trips, offering a glimpse into authentic Costa Rican life.
Culture & History
Finca 6 houses remarkable stone spheres. Visit the archaeological site and museum to see these enigmatic, perfectly carved stone balls from the Diquis culture, dating back to around 800 BC.
Nearby Beaches & Towns
1. Playa Uvita & Marino Ballena National Park
Distance: Approximately 42.8 km / 27 miles
Drive time: About 35-40 minutes
Description: Playa Uvita is the access point to Marino Ballena National Park on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast. It is known for its vast, golden-gray sands, gentle waves, and dramatic mountain-to-sea backdrop.
At low tide, the park’s iconic whale-tail–shaped sandbar reveals itself, symbolizing the area’s deep connection to marine life.
Protected reefs, mangroves, and calm waters make it a prime spot for swimming, snorkeling, and seasonal whale watching, while the surrounding rainforest hums with birds and wildlife. It’s a place where nature feels expansive, peaceful, and profoundly alive.
2. Ojochal
Distance: Approximately 30.7 km / 19 miles
Drive time: About 30 minutes
Description: Ojochal is a serene, jungle-fringed village on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, where lush rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean.
It’s known for its relaxed, off-the-beaten-path vibe, spectacular beaches (like Playa Ventanas and Playa Tortuga), and abundant wildlife—from howler monkeys to toucans—making it a nature lover’s dream.
Ojochal also stands out as a gourmet destination. A surprising concentration of international and fusion restaurants thrives here thanks to its vibrant mix of Tico residents and expatriates from around the world.
Just a short drive from Marino Ballena National Park and other natural highlights, it’s perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and quiet tropical charm.
Car Rental locations near Palmar Norte
Contact Uvita
Phone: (506) 2743-8102
US & CAN Toll Free: +1(877) 692-9595 (8 am-5 pm Central Time)
WhatsApp: +506 2542-4801
Email: opsuvita@adobecar.com
08:00 am – 05:00 pm / Monday to Sunday
Car Rental Palmar Norte, Costa Rica
Address
In front of Supermercado BM, next to Bahía Ballena bakery, Uvita, Puntarenas.
Tips for Driving in Costa Rica
Top Tips for Driving a Rental Car in Palmar Norte, Costa Rica
1. Avoid Rivers and Off-Road Trails: Don’t cross rivers or unmarked trails, as these can be unsafe and WILL VOID your car-rental insurance.
2. Fuel Up Before Exploring: Fill your gas tank in larger towns. Remote towns and beach towns usually lack gas stations.
3. Use Navigation Apps like WAZE: Avoid shortcuts suggested by apps that may lead to rough terrain. Stick to main highways and coastal routes.
4. Protect Your Belongings: Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle when visiting beaches or trails, especially in secluded areas.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
For drier, sunnier days and more reliable travel conditions, choose to visit January through March. If you prefer lower costs and lush scenery and don’t mind some rain, May through August can also be great options.
Yes — but cautiously. Main roads are safe and paved, but rural roads often lack lighting, have sharp curves, and feature narrow bridges.
Yes — You can find vacation rentals in Palmar Norte and the surrounding areas.
4) What do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
Basic car rental requirements at Abode Rent a Car.
You must be at least 23 years old and have a valid license for 2+ years. Some exceptions apply—check with us for details.
A Valid driver’s license – issued at least 2 years prior. Valid for the legal term of your stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.
You must present an International Driving Permit if your license is not in the Latin alphabet. We do accept digital licenses.
A Costa Rican ID or an international passport with a valid Costa Rica entry stamp.
A valid credit card with the renter’s name is required for the US $1,000 deposit (we accept MasterCard, VISA, and American Express). The cardholder must be the same person picking up the vehicle.
Yes, at Adobe Rent a Car, you can add additional drivers. Additional charges apply.
Adobe Rent-A-Car, the rental car company of choice!
