Rio Sereno border crossing / Panama into Costa Rica

Secret Agent Man · 02-02-2010, 03:54 PM

My guide book (Footprint, 2009) said that the Panama border crossing at Rio Sereno did not have the ability to process vehicles so I started asking some locals and they all agreed that there is an Aduana at the Rio Sereno crossing.
This morning my wife and I crossed at this border into Costa Roca without a hitch, spending about an hour to check ourselves and our moto out of Panama and check ourselves and the bike into C.R.
I'm not sure if this has been reported in the past but I thought I would chime in.
I had heard that the Paso Canoas border crossing was a zoo and, given that were spent a night in Boquete, Rio Sereno seemed like a natural way to go.

There is a brand new road you can take from Dolega (south of Boquete) that takes you through some really outstanding farm land over to the highway just south of Volcan. This road makes you think you are in Switzerland or New Zealand with it's twists and turns and tidy farm houses....really a world class ride....no vehicles, perfect black top...WOW!! Then there is the road from Volcan to the Rio Sereno border...it just keeps getting better and better! You are at about 4,000 ft and the air is cool and crisp.
Anyone wanting to exit Panama or enter Panama from Costa Rica really needs to consider this crossing and it's fantastic mountain scenery!

Secret Agent Man · 02-04-2010, 04:34 PM

Further to my post above, I was just on Horizon's Unlimited "Hubb" forum and saw that six riders used the Rio Sereno crossing from Panama into C.R. several months back but five of the six were held back while one was allowed to ride into San Vito, Cost Rica, to get the bikes insured.
It was pointed out that this crossing is not set up for insurance which is manditory in Costa Rica.
This didn't effect my entry into C.R. as we already had been in Costa Rica ten days earlier and had the required insurance from that visit (it's good for 30 or 90 days, can't remember).
Good info to know...only use this crossing if you already have C.R. insurance.

Bajarider2000 · 02-04-2010, 05:37 PM

Thanks for updating, I was thinking about crossing there next week.

bananaman · 02-04-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Secret Agent Man

My guide book (Footprint, 2009) said that the Panama border crossing at Rio Sereno did not have the ability to process vehicles so I started asking some locals and they all agreed that there is an Aduana at the Rio Sereno crossing.
This morning my wife and I crossed at this border into Costa Roca without a hitch, spending about an hour to check ourselves and our moto out of Panama and check ourselves and the bike into C.R.
I'm not sure if this has been reported in the past but I thought I would chime in.
I had heard that the Paso Canoas border crossing was a zoo and, given that were spent a night in Boquete, Rio Sereno seemed like a natural way to go.

There is a brand new road you can take from Dolega (south of Boquete) that takes you through some really outstanding farm land over to the highway just south of Volcan. This road makes you think you are in Switzerland or New Zealand with it's twists and turns and tidy farm houses....really a world class ride....no vehicles, perfect black top...WOW!! Then there is the road from Volcan to the Rio Sereno border...it just keeps getting better and better! You are at about 4,000 ft and the air is cool and crisp.
Anyone wanting to exit Panama or enter Panama from Costa Rica really needs to consider this crossing and it's fantastic mountain scenery!

Good Info. I'll check it out asap. I'll stop in Volcan or Boquette for some more Johnsons Farm Coffee. I've been waking up to it for a while but I'm almost out.

Rogue Agent · 03-03-2010, 04:18 PM

I was planning on using that crossing FROM Costa Rica. Anticipate any issues?

Thanks.

Secret Agent Man · 03-03-2010, 08:37 PM

The only thing I can advise you on is be prepared for some outstanding mountain scenery

!!
Enjoy your ride!

Rogue Agent · 03-04-2010, 05:09 PM

Excellent. I'll be there tomorrow morning.

Rogue Agent · 03-05-2010, 03:48 PM

Outstanding ride today folks! Everyone was right. Rio Sereno border crossing was downright pleasant and the roads up the mountain from Ciudad Nielly, through San Vito, across the border, and into Volcan rivaled anything in New Zealand, Tail of the Dragon, etc. In fact, I think it's better than Tail of the Dragon because it's longer, the road is in better shape, and there isn't any traffic. The new road across from Cuesta de Piedra to Potrerillos is about 99% done--totally ride-able, even if you were on a Harley. Spending tonight in Boquete, where there's a constant cool breeze, light mist, and birds chirping, unless the sun is setting, in which case, the tree toads are croaking. Outstanding day!

crashmaster · 03-07-2010, 07:02 AM

Good to know. Thats now on my list of crossings in the coming weeks.

Nata Harli · 03-07-2010, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bananaman

Good Info. I'll check it out asap. I'll stop in Volcan or Boquette for some more Johnsons Farm Coffee. I've been waking up to it for a while but I'm almost out.

To bring to ALARR III, I'm sure.

crashmaster · 04-22-2010, 11:19 AM

I just did this crossing (C.R. to Panamá) and it was a breeze. Checked out of C.R. in about 3 minutes, but it was lunch time in Panamá. No problem though, the Migracion and Aduana folks actually checked me in during their lunch break. I simply handed them all of my paperwork, then went across the street to a tienda and bought everyone some refreshments while they took care of my passport and vehicle permit.

I was the only person using this crossing when I was there. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this crossing!

But like mentioned before, there is no insurance availible if you are crossing into Costa Rica at this location (you can however buy Panamá insurance when crossing into Panamá)

Talk about a sleepy little border crossing. By far the most tranquilo crossing I have done yet. The ride to and from the border is awesome as well, twisty, scenic and cool.

Its a little difficult to find as its on a dirt road with no signage, but there are plenty of people around that will point you in the right direction if you simply stop and ask.

Bajarider2000 · 04-22-2010, 05:37 PM

Crashmaster-

What's your plan while in Panama?

I have an ice cold beer waiting for you in San Carlos if you need it.

DaveCR · 06-12-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crashmaster

I just did this crossing (C.R. to Panamá) and it was a breeze. Checked out of C.R. in about 3 minutes, but it was lunch time in Panamá. No problem though, the Migracion and Aduana folks actually checked me in during their lunch break. I simply handed them all of my paperwork, then went across the street to a tienda and bought everyone some refreshments while they took care of my passport and vehicle permit.

I was the only person using this crossing when I was there. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this crossing!

But like mentioned before, there is no insurance availible if you are crossing into Costa Rica at this location (you can however buy Panamá insurance when crossing into Panamá)

Talk about a sleepy little border crossing. By far the most tranquilo crossing I have done yet. The ride to and from the border is awesome as well, twisty, scenic and cool.

Its a little difficult to find as its on a dirt road with no signage, but there are plenty of people around that will point you in the right direction if you simply stop and ask.

Hey !

So what was your route to get to this pass? how's the road? I did crossed to Panama but thru Paso Canoas.. on Semana Santa.. a nightmare !

Regards,

crashmaster · 06-13-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bajarider2000

Crashmaster-

What's your plan while in Panama?

I have an ice cold beer waiting for you in San Carlos if you need it.

Sorry I missed you amigo. I didnt see you post until a month and half later.

Unfortunately, my Panama experience was mostly about wondering if Dengue Fever was going to kill me........

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveCR

Hey !

So what was your route to get to this pass? how's the road? I did crossed to Panama but thru Paso Canoas.. on Semana Santa.. a nightmare !

Regards,

Not sure about what you mean by a route. Just go to Rio Sereno, the border is there, you cant miss it, its a small town. Also, of note if you are going from Panama to Costa Rica, they are not able to sell you the mandatory insurance for Costa Rica at this crossing. So if you still have Costa Rica insurance, you will be good to go, otherwise you will need to go to one of the other crossings....

DaveCR · 06-13-2010, 02:04 PM

Got it!

I'm actually from CR and I did not hear about this crossing.. I knew about Sixaola and Paso Canoas; got to tell you it sounds good.. At least to go on a Sunday and make some "road recognition" hehe

Thanks for the info !

02-02-2010, 03:54 PM	#1
Secret Agent Man ^OP Globe Trotter Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Okanagan Valley, B.C., Canada Oddometer: 45	Rio Sereno border crossing / Panama into Costa Rica My guide book (Footprint, 2009) said that the Panama border crossing at Rio Sereno did not have the ability to process vehicles so I started asking some locals and they all agreed that there is an Aduana at the Rio Sereno crossing. This morning my wife and I crossed at this border into Costa Roca without a hitch, spending about an hour to check ourselves and our moto out of Panama and check ourselves and the bike into C.R. I'm not sure if this has been reported in the past but I thought I would chime in. I had heard that the Paso Canoas border crossing was a zoo and, given that were spent a night in Boquete, Rio Sereno seemed like a natural way to go. There is a brand new road you can take from Dolega (south of Boquete) that takes you through some really outstanding farm land over to the highway just south of Volcan. This road makes you think you are in Switzerland or New Zealand with it's twists and turns and tidy farm houses....really a world class ride....no vehicles, perfect black top...WOW!! Then there is the road from Volcan to the Rio Sereno border...it just keeps getting better and better! You are at about 4,000 ft and the air is cool and crisp. Anyone wanting to exit Panama or enter Panama from Costa Rica really needs to consider this crossing and it's fantastic mountain scenery!

03-07-2010, 07:02 AM	#9
crashmaster ow, my balls! Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Girdweed, AK Oddometer: 4,603	Good to know. Thats now on my list of crossings in the coming weeks. __________________ Riding the Americas: No Fumar Español - Terminado. _____________________________________________

04-22-2010, 11:19 AM	#11
crashmaster ow, my balls! Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Girdweed, AK Oddometer: 4,603	Rio Sereno I just did this crossing (C.R. to Panamá) and it was a breeze. Checked out of C.R. in about 3 minutes, but it was lunch time in Panamá. No problem though, the Migracion and Aduana folks actually checked me in during their lunch break. I simply handed them all of my paperwork, then went across the street to a tienda and bought everyone some refreshments while they took care of my passport and vehicle permit. I was the only person using this crossing when I was there. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this crossing! But like mentioned before, there is no insurance availible if you are crossing into Costa Rica at this location (you can however buy Panamá insurance when crossing into Panamá) Talk about a sleepy little border crossing. By far the most tranquilo crossing I have done yet. The ride to and from the border is awesome as well, twisty, scenic and cool. Its a little difficult to find as its on a dirt road with no signage, but there are plenty of people around that will point you in the right direction if you simply stop and ask. __________________ Riding the Americas: No Fumar Español - Terminado. _____________________________________________ crashmaster screwed with this post 04-22-2010 at 11:28 AM

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02-04-2010, 04:34 PM	#2
Secret Agent Man ^OP Globe Trotter Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Okanagan Valley, B.C., Canada Oddometer: 45	Further to my post above, I was just on Horizon's Unlimited "Hubb" forum and saw that six riders used the Rio Sereno crossing from Panama into C.R. several months back but five of the six were held back while one was allowed to ride into San Vito, Cost Rica, to get the bikes insured. It was pointed out that this crossing is not set up for insurance which is manditory in Costa Rica. This didn't effect my entry into C.R. as we already had been in Costa Rica ten days earlier and had the required insurance from that visit (it's good for 30 or 90 days, can't remember). Good info to know...only use this crossing if you already have C.R. insurance.

02-04-2010, 05:37 PM	#3
Bajarider2000 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Bocas del Toro, Panama Oddometer: 194	Thanks for updating, I was thinking about crossing there next week.

03-03-2010, 04:18 PM	#5
Rogue Agent Adventurer Joined: Aug 2005 Oddometer: 28	I was planning on using that crossing FROM Costa Rica. Anticipate any issues? Thanks.

03-03-2010, 08:37 PM	#6
Secret Agent Man ^OP Globe Trotter Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Okanagan Valley, B.C., Canada Oddometer: 45	The only thing I can advise you on is be prepared for some outstanding mountain scenery !! Enjoy your ride!

03-04-2010, 05:09 PM	#7
Rogue Agent Adventurer Joined: Aug 2005 Oddometer: 28	Excellent. I'll be there tomorrow morning.

03-05-2010, 03:48 PM	#8
Rogue Agent Adventurer Joined: Aug 2005 Oddometer: 28	Outstanding ride today folks! Everyone was right. Rio Sereno border crossing was downright pleasant and the roads up the mountain from Ciudad Nielly, through San Vito, across the border, and into Volcan rivaled anything in New Zealand, Tail of the Dragon, etc. In fact, I think it's better than Tail of the Dragon because it's longer, the road is in better shape, and there isn't any traffic. The new road across from Cuesta de Piedra to Potrerillos is about 99% done--totally ride-able, even if you were on a Harley. Spending tonight in Boquete, where there's a constant cool breeze, light mist, and birds chirping, unless the sun is setting, in which case, the tree toads are croaking. Outstanding day!

04-22-2010, 05:37 PM	#12
Bajarider2000 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Bocas del Toro, Panama Oddometer: 194	Crashmaster- What's your plan while in Panama? I have an ice cold beer waiting for you in San Carlos if you need it.

06-13-2010, 02:04 PM	#15
DaveCR Adventurer Joined: Apr 2010 Location: Costa Rica - Nicaragua Oddometer: 33	Got it! I'm actually from CR and I did not hear about this crossing.. I knew about Sixaola and Paso Canoas; got to tell you it sounds good.. At least to go on a Sunday and make some "road recognition" hehe Thanks for the info !