There are three routes to get to "Marcia's Paradise."

The first is the nothern route along the new highway to Limon and then down from Siquirres. This is really the longest route and it is sometimes closed due to landslides in the rain forest.

The second is the southern route through  Paraiso. Most people go this way but it means going through several bottleneck towns with detours to avoid road construction. This makes it the most tiring route.

The third route is the center one and my favorite. This route certainly has the best views and there are only two small towns to go through. However there are a couple of places where you can make a wrong turn if you're not careful. Let's call this the Pacayas / Santa Cruz route because Pacayas is the one small town and Santa Cruz is the village where the cheese is made. Find your way through the maze of San Jose to the autopista (expressway) to Cartago. Just follow the signs to "Cartago" If you lose your way just ask a local for "Cartago por favor." Just be sure to pronounce it CAR-tago. On the autopista you'll go up a steep hill with a gas station on the left at the top. Then going down the hill you'll finally see the city of Cartago below you. At this point stay in the left lane and instead of turning right to Cartago go straight (watch for crossing traffic) and go about 50 meters past the first traffic light. You'll see a road to the left with a sign (the sign is on the right) to Pacayas and also one showing a volcano. Passing an industrial area you'll go across a large steel bridge. Keep going until you see a very large statue of Jesus.  Be sure to stay on the right side of Jesus (of course) and take the right fork around this statue or you'll find yourself heading for the Irazu Volcano. Continue on this road into the town of Pacayas. Watch for the signs to Turrialba here and then you're well on your way. At one point you'll come to a ford on the right and bridge on the left. I suggest taking the bridge although either way brings you to the same point. Then, just continue to Turrialba. Once in the town stop and call us so that we can meet you in Tres Equis, 2554-1550 or 8316-6193. Then look for signs to the CATIE institute and passing CATIE continue on the road towards Siquirres. When you see a house in the middle of the road with a bright blue roof you're getting close. Of course the house is not in the middle of the road. It just looks like it from the distance and the road curves just before it. In another 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) you'll see a soccer field on your left with a cemetery above it. You'll also see three or four signs for the "Mega Super" supermarket. Make the next left turn and stop near the supermarket. We'll meet you there. PLEASE NOTE. Most people miss the three signs for Mega Super and the Cemetary and Soccer field because they're busy talking. After you pass the house with the blue roof STOP TALKING and look for the signs, otherwise you'll sail right past us. We can wait but you really don't want to waste gas do you!