I · North Caribbean route
25 min from Guápiles on the way to La Pavona
Enjoy an unhurried lunch after leaving Braulio Carrillo, before taking the Guápiles (Pococí) turnoff toward Cariari and the La Pavona dock.
— 10.2337° N, 83.9122° W — Horquetas de Sarapiquí, Route 4 · 3 km from the Río Frío Junction
San José → Tortuguero · La Fortuna
Where to eat between San José and Tortuguero
Yan's Bistro is located in Horquetas de Sarapiquí on Route 4 (just 3 km from the Río Frío Junction) — a three-minute detour off Route 32. A proper farm-to-table lunch, with spacious and secure private parking for your rental car and luggage.
01 / Drive times
Right after Braulio Carrillo, in the heart of Sarapiquí & Route 4
As soon as you finish descending the mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Cerro Zurquí on Route 32, take the Río Frío Junction onto Route 4: just 3 kilometers (3 minutes) ahead in Horquetas de Sarapiquí, Yan’s Bistro awaits. We are the ideal culinary stop with spacious, secure private parking for travelers between San José, the Caribbean (Tortuguero, Limón), and La Fortuna or Arenal, as well as a dining destination minutes from Guápiles (Pococí).
| Destination | Km | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Río Frío Junction (direct Route 32 ↔ Route 4 link) | 3 | 3 min |
| Braulio Carrillo National Park exit (Quebrada González sector / Route 32) | 18 | 15 min |
| Guápiles (Pococí canton, via Route 32) | 23 | 25 min |
| La Selva Biological Station (OTS) / Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí | 25 | 28 min |
| Tirimbina Biological Reserve | 32 | 35 min |
| Zurquí Tunnel / Cerro Zurquí (Braulio Carrillo National Park, Route 32) | 42 | 40 min |
| San José (via Route 32 / Braulio Carrillo) | 70 | 1 h 15 min |
| La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano (via Route 4) | 88 | 1 h 30 min |
Approximate times without traffic or road closures. Confirm your route in Waze before leaving.
02 / Route 32 & Route 4 connection · Horquetas de Sarapiquí
On your way to Limón, Tortuguero & La Fortuna
As you finish descending the mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Cerro Zurquí on Route 32, the Río Frío Junction is the strategic point where the roads to the Caribbean and the Northern Zone meet. Just 3 kilometers (3 minutes) ahead on Route 4, in Horquetas de Sarapiquí, Yan's Bistro awaits.
Before continuing to the La Pavona dock (Tortuguero), Guápiles, Limón and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, or on your way to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, take a break on our open terrace among gardens and ponds, with spacious and secure private parking for your vehicle and luggage.
II · South Caribbean route
The oasis 3 km off Route 32
Skip the noisy roadside diners. Enjoy our Sea Bass in Cardamom Sauce, a grilled Ribeye or an iced coffee just 3 minutes from the Río Frío Junction.
III · North Atlantic corridor
Right on Route 4 toward Arenal
If you travel between the Caribbean and La Fortuna along the Bajos de Chilamate – Vuelta de Kooper corridor (Route 4), you will drive right past our terrace in Horquetas de Sarapiquí.
03 / Gluten-Free & Vegetarian
Real Gluten-Free and Vegetarian options
Grilled cuts, sea bass, salads and desserts marked Gluten Free on our menu, Vegetarian dishes, and fresh in-kitchen adaptations made to order, with select ingredients from our garden.
Pay however suits you: international cards, Apple Pay or SINPE Móvil.
04
What to order on the road
House specialties from our fusion menu on Route 4. The JAGUAR cocktail is for whoever is not behind the wheel.
- 01Selected Cuts of Beef
Ribeye Steak
The ribeye is a premium cut of beef, renowned for being exceptionally tender and juicy. It is grilled and served with plantain croquettes, grilled vegetables, and chimichurri. 1795035
- 02Seafood and Poultry
Sea Bass in Cardamom Sauce
Sea bass in a delicate cardamom-infused sauce, served with carrot purée and sautéed vegetables. 890018
- 03Starters
Burrata Salad
This salad originated in Italy in 1920. A combination of arugula, red onion, Serrano ham, cherry tomatoes, Burrata cheese, and balsamic vinegar. 850017
- 04Cocktails, Beer and Wine
House Cocktail JAGUAR
Tropical mix of passion fruit, mango, rum, and lime. 45009
Route questions
Braulio Carrillo, Zurquí & Route 32
Where to eat when exiting Braulio Carrillo National Park and Cerro Zurquí on Route 32?
Yan's Bistro is the ideal restaurant right after Braulio Carrillo National Park: at the Río Frío Junction (Route 32), turn 3 km onto Route 4 in Horquetas de Sarapiquí. We offer spacious and secure private parking, an open garden terrace, grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and fusion cuisine daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Which restaurant is open on Route 4 during Route 32 (Braulio Carrillo) delays or detours?
Located in Horquetas de Sarapiquí on Route 4 (3 km from the Río Frío Junction), Yan's Bistro is the perfect stop for lunch, specialty coffee, or dinner when driving the Sarapiquí alternate route or waiting out Route 32 delays, featuring free Wi-Fi and spacious private parking.
Route 4, Sarapiquí: halfway to the coast
Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Reserve on WhatsApp at +506 8337 3199 or just pull in.
Plus Code: 63MQ+F4, Heredia, Sarapiquí