Road to Drake Bay | Warning

This route does not require any water crossings; there are bridges across all rivers. The road from Sierpe to Hwy 245 has some steep sections with loose gravel, and is more challenging than the Hwy 245 to Drake Bay leg. It is likely the road would be much more challenging if it were wet, as all but a few short sections are not paved:

From Sierpe to Hwy 245

N8° 51.556' W83° 28.439'
N8° 47.055' W83° 30.534'
N8° 45.548' W83° 30.060'
N8° 43.468' W83° 29.109'

From Hwy 245 to Drake Bay

N8° 41.391' W83° 28.572'
N8° 41.206' W83° 29.364'
N8° 40.278' W83° 30.566'
N8° 42.330' W83° 37.369'
N8° 41.914' W83° 37.891'
N8° 42.052' W83° 37.986'
N8° 42.637' W83° 38.215'
N8° 42.465' W83° 38.709'
N8° 41.923' W83° 39.085'

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There are 3 ways to reach Drake Bay. Google will usually refer you to the paved route around Piedras Blancas, and then right to Drake on the major gravel road just after Rincon. As stated here all the river crossings have bridges now, however google doesn’t know about the final bridge and will direct you through 2 rivers instead. If you look on the map, you can see the road called “Paso por Río” that has a bridge.

The other, more interesting way is to go through Sierpe & take the old ferry boat. It hangs out on the Sierpe side, honk if it’s not there for a ride. The first part of this route is quite steep but in decent shape, at least in dry season conditions (in the rainy season it would be a challenge, lots of red clay). Some ruts, but I saw people in rental cars driving it in the dry season. After a few kilometers, there is an intersection with a sign post. Left is the way google will map you, which is a small dirt road until you meet the main road at Rincon, then you join the main gravel road same as option 1.

The third, most interesting way, is to go right instead at the sign. This is an entirely dirt route way that runs along the river Sierpe through the jungle, smaller, narrower, but very beautiful. On a moto this is probably the most fun option! There is one small river crossing, and 1 or 2 steep loose gravel hill climbs, but again in the dry season not too crazy. It’s frequented by locals so you’re probably not alone the entire time. It comes out at a place called “El Progresso” which means you do have to do one more river crossing to reach Drake.

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The road is in good enough condition to be passable with a high clearance vehicle. 4x4 is more practical but might work with regular vehicle as well when not too wet. No river crossings needed anymore, there are bridges along the entire road to Drake Bay. At time of passing last section of road to El Progreso was eroded too much to be safe (rainy season), but alternate road to Drake Bay via calle Los Angeles was possible, albeit steep and bumpy.

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We decided to take the speedboat from Sierpe to get to Drake because of these warnings. Being here now, I see several delivery vans and 7.5t trucks. Talked to the drivers and they all drive here regularly without any issues during rainy season.

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Bridges all completed. Be carefull, some steep sections with a 15° slope. One part is tarted but the others still bumpy.

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Most rivers have bridges now, there are 2 incomplete bridges that require river crossing but I am sure those will be complete within months of writing this. The road is being worked on and in pretty good shape despite the current weather (rain all day!!!) 4x4 is still a wise idea, high clearance probably recommended for that first river crossing on a rainy day, should be fine if the level is lower when it’s dry. Other wise a decent 2x4 will work in the dry season for sure.
Unfortunately I have the feeling this road might get paved in the years to come… then the community will lose its charm.

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Track is very well maintained, and no (serious) river crossings any more as they've build new bridges.
Def doable with any 2wd, which is not a super low sedan or so.

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No issues with incline. Did this route today from the Ferry in Sierpe the road has clearly been improved. You still need a 4x4 to cross one river at the end that’s knee deep in June.

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In July its for 4x4 and high clearance only. Last river had water above the tires of the Defender. Maybe because it was raining... Fun drive...

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Actually not bad of a road. It is dry season now so streams are low. Steep inclines yes, but anything with 4x4 will easily do it. We had a Jimny with A/T tires and it was a piece of cake. Locals crusing with Cr-V's and Rav 4's. Beautifull landscapes and villages.

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This road has a few steep inclines but otherwise was not a big deal. The Rio Drake now has a bridge and other than a few deep ruts in the road was an easy drive.

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had to turn arround with our VW Eurovan 93 T4 2WD at one of the steep climbs

with drier conditions 2 days earlier or RWD we would have made it.

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not really a track, it's a wide, levelled gravel road with A LOT of construction traffic goingvto/from the new airport being built at Drakes.

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With a 4x4 this track is a fun experience!

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A 31 km decent graded dirt road in dry season. Five stream crossings so could be different story in rainy season. some steep sections for which 4x4 is helpful. We recommend airing down and only air back up once you return to pavement, made for a smoother ride for sure.

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