Originally Posted by
cAAribmorpho
I don't know about your travel habits, but I feel that everyone should take a Central American bus ride at some point in their lives.
The bus ride is 3.5 hours long, IIRC, and if I can stomach it (I'm 6'3" and was quite uncomfortable in most buses' seats), anyone can. I haven't flown that route, though, so I can't compare the two.
The bus ride isn't bad though -- although you will find yourself marvelling at some things during the trip ("Why are there no guardrails on the side of the highway on these mountain passes?" "How is the driver going so fast on these rain-slicked, curved mountain roads?" "How is this heavy bus going to fit on this rickety, seemingly lightweight bridge into Quepos?")
I have done bus rides in Panama, Guatemala, and Mexico, and I understand your points well. Since we're going to be arriving in rainy season, I am concerned about possible delays due to road conditions. I'm willing to risk the delay, if there is scenery so spectacular that it makes that risk worthwhile.