Kaneez

My family of five (husband/wife, 13 year old, 8 year old and 6 year old) are travelling to Costa Rica in April.

My husband and I have driven in various countries and are comfortable behind the wheel of a car, and driving in various terrains.

I have researched this site and seen various threads about driving involving scams with slashed tires (2007), and generally warnings about thefts etc; roads that are pothole ridden; and non-existent roadsigns.

We are going to be in Arenal for 4 nights, Monte Verde for 3 nights, Manual Antonio for 2 nights and San Jose for one night prior to catching our flight. The rental of a 4WD for the duration appears to be about $650 online; and I have priced out private driver transportation from Point A to Point B (including boat-jeep-boat) to about $620. A car is attractive to us as it gives us the flexibility of going to restaurants etc in the evening for dinner. However, my husband is a little apprehensive about having the kids in a car and getting lost, etc.

Any insights from people who have faced similar dilemmas would be helpful and appreciated! Thank you!

rnman

I am getting ready for my third trip to Costa Rica next week. I have rented a car for all trips.I do follow a few self imposed rules for CR driving. I do not drive at night.. I made an exception to this for dining in Fortuna while staying in Arenal I now fly to Liberia, as to avoid the trip back to San Jose , as I am generally on the Pacific Coast. I allow twice the amount of time for travel, as the roads are bad in many areas. I NEVER leave anything in my car... NEVER. There are pluses and minuses to both plans. I have driven in Italy, NYC, and all over the US and Canada. I have taken 4 wheel drives to river put -ins in the US, and have a horse trailer.... nothing prepared me for the drivers in Costa Rica. They will pass on blind curves and drive way too fast. But where I stay in Guanacaste a car is necessary. Also, the police will pull over tourists for "speeding" and bribes are commonplace. A driver is nice in that they can guard your possessions if you want to stop for lunch... I have been known to back into a spot so that the hatch back is hard to open.. put it right up against something.The places you are going to are reasonable well marked... take a really good map.. have fun but drive very defensively

TiltedFlipCurves

Our trip with 4x4 rental is still in the future, but from all the extensive reading I've done, I'd say: You're sticking to quite popular destinations in a country that receives millions of tourists annually. Use common sense and you should be fine. As to the concern about getting lost -- GPS is available (either rent for appx. $9/day from car rental or if you own a compatible GPS unit download the map software for appz. $40) and recommended.

BAJJ

For our future trip (two adults and two kids), we opted for private drivers to get from point A to point B and then taxis during the respective stays. I just decided the stress of driving ourselves (potential of crazy drivers, scams, flat tires, police stops, getting lost) was not worth it to me. Plus, I look at the private driver as adding to the overall experience because he will know good places to stop and/or point out along the way.

plumboy

I think the title of your post says it all -- differing views. You're going to hear from people who say do it and those who say don't. I've done it twice, and, personally, I don't think it's that bad. Nothing worse than the rural Ozarks here in the US. I live in NYC, don't have a car, and only drive a couple times a year -- and I did fine. As others have said, don't drive at night and consider getting a GPS, and I think you'll be fine.

The thing that drove me nuts was the seemingly constant up-and-down of the speed limit on the way to MA. I was determined to stay a couple KMs under the speed limit at all times -- made for a pretty tired foot by the time we got there! But, we made it.

We used Wild Rider and they were great.

RAC

I would recommend renting a car for the San Jose through the Arenal stage of your trip--it really, really pays to have a car in the Arenal area. And the drive to there from San Jose is lovely, and it's nice to stop at your leisure.

You don't need a car in either Manuel Antonio or Monteverde--we wound up using cabs even though we had a car in both places. So, I would just drop off the rental in Arenal, and then do private transfers for the rest of the way.

mtrichards

get 4WD car for sure- you don't need a driver and get a GPS- we just returned and it saved us. the roads are not great and there are no lights at night so plan accordingly. you NEED 4WD to see anything off road and we were fine. There are parts of the roads that are fallen away due to rain etc. so it's just impt to be a cautious driver, but you don't need your own driver. We were 6 in a car- so similiar set up! use AMX and it will cover any damages incurred (call them) we did not experience any aggressive anything-

volcanogirl

We always hire private drivers just because it's fun to have a guide with you who will tell you what you're looking at, and it's a stress free way to go. You don't really need a car in Monteverde or MA. A lot of people like to have one in Arenal since it's so spread out. If you only want to drive part way, you could take the Jeep Boat Jeep with Desafio to Monteverde. The Monteverde drive is pretty rough and bumpy, kind of like country roads. Beautiful views though. Taxis are pretty cheap in Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. In MA, things are clustered closely together, and we never paid more than $5 for a taxi ride. There's also a public bus. If you're adventurous and want your car, you can definitely do it.

shillmac

We've been driving there for 10 years. I always tell people they will be pleasantly surprised after all the bad reports on Fodors. This issue is SUCH a matter of perspective and previous driving experience. If all the driving you've ever done is on freeways, then the roads might seem fairly bad. We've seen so much improvement over the years that honestly, most of the roads seem pretty darned good to us, except in an occasional spot. To me, an occasional spot does not warrant "the roads in Costa Rica are terrible" which is what so many report. There are a few that are worse than others. Most are quite decent these days.

From Manuel Antonio back to San Jose you would enjoy the new highway. We thought it was awesome, but then it has been closed occasionally due to rock slides. It's a mountainous country, so that is a typical problem, certainly to be expected. And we like having a car at Manuel Antonio because we enjoy exploring to the south toward Dominical (especially now that THAT road has been improved).

The roads in and out of Monteverde are tradionally bad, which for many is part of the adventure. That said, they are certainly driveable, just bumpy. The day that road improves, Monteverde will be overrun with day trippers and none of us will enjoy going there.

Sounds like you guys are confident drivers with some international experience. I think you would enjoy the flexibility. We certainly do.

ambray8

I have to ask about driving at night...have people had a lot of trouble? Unfortunately, my husband and I are arriving for our 12 day trip in Liberia at 8:40 at night and plan on driving straight to Tamarindo - where we are staying for the duration. Our hotel has recommended a rental car. I am not crazy about our first experience driving in CR being at night but I am not sure how else we would get a car???

I have researched the route and it seems very direct on main roads...so hopefully we will not get lost (also plan on bringing or renting gps).

I am also concerned about being stopped by the police for "speeding", has anyone else had trouble with this in the area?

We are actually well travelled, however, don't have a lot experience with rental cars. Have to start somewhere...Ugh.

volcanogirl

ambray, a lot of people just like to stay by the airport when they're getting in that late and then head out the next morning.

ambray8

Hmm, I am kind of thinking about that now...I wonder if I can get my money back I paid already for the hotel that night...

Plan B: take a shuttle and get a car at Tamarindo airport next day. I really would like to weake up looking at the water.

Deb15July

You need to consider that your flight might be delayed...what would that do to your timing. You also have to clear customs. I think you would be less stressed if you choose to stay somewhere near the airport. I've never flown into Liberia so I have no suggestions.

TiltedFlipCurves

On general principles not specific experience, if you're staying in Tamarindo at one hotel (I presume beach-proximate and/or with attractive grounds and pool) the entire time, there should be no need to have a car rented the entire time. So you'll save both stress and $ by arranging a shuttle to and from the airport and renting at Tamarindo for less than all days. Other options include one-way auto rental and having the rental agency provide a driver for that first trip, which I understand is done in CR for a fee.

TiltedFlipCurves

Also, I doubt you'd need to go to Tamarindo airport to pick up a rental. I'd expect they'd deliver it to your hotel.

Whether you drive or shuttle, Liberia is close enough to Tamarindo that it would seem a shame to have to have to add a settle in/repack at the airport.

HappierWithLess

I live in Costa Rica and have no problem with driving around the country. I own an SUV and think that is the type of car you should rent. It gets you through the bad roads and any little rivers you might have to drive through (depending where you are going).

The things you have mentioned are true but I feel if you use some common sense you will be fine. I never leave anything in my car, if I stop at a restaurant I'll even bring in my suitcase. I've never been a victim of crime or had my car broken into. I think you will be fine and have a wonderful experience with your family.
Safe travels.
www.happierthanabillionaire.com

hipvirgochick

You will be fine with the routes you are driving, but I agree with not driving much at night and not leaving belongings in the car. I've used various forms of transport but the most fun was when I met up with a friend and a rental car and we had the freedom to explore. Interbus and flights are always great and in most areas taxis are inexpensive - plus the bus is cheap and easy in MA. Just depends on what you want. Private drivers aren't really my thing but I have used for a leg where there was no public transport. For a group or family of 4 the cost usually comes close to using Interbus.

shillmac

It is a direct route, and fairly simple. I think you will be fine. Although driving at night is taboo for many travelers to Costa Rica, this particular route is fairly short and smooth with good signage. We don't intentionally plan to drive at night and seek to avoid it whenever possible. That said, there are many routes that are certainly simple to navigate. Day or night, one always has to be on the alert for people or animals near the road. The speed limits keep you moving fairly slowly (generally 40-50 mph), and with the obviously required caution, you should be good to go. Be aware that it could be 10:00 before you actually get started. You should be checked in before midnight.

petite43

Kaneez: My family has traveled to CR several times over the last few years & we're heading back again in May. My kids are now 23, 21, 17 & 14 so I asked if they would rather rent a car or just take transfers (I like the freedom of having a car but the transfers would've been cheaper) They unanimously voted for the car rental & said getting lost & making fun of my husband's driving was all part of the adventure. Our first trip was 6 years ago & we still laugh at all the crazy things we experienced driving through the country. (same itinerary as you) We did get lost, stopped for speeding, had to let my son out of the car to pick the traffic sign up off the ground so we could read it and even got a flat tire--but I wouldn't change a thing. Renting a car gets my vote!

On the other hand, I wouldn't feel the same about driving in the dark from Liberia to Tamarindo and could definitely do without that adventure. I like the idea of arranging an arrival transfer & having the car rental delivered to your hotel the next morning. Why start your vacation on a stressful note having to worry about getting lost in the dark
when it could easily be avoided.

ambray8

Wow, thanks so much for all the input. Definitely helps to have more minds to think things through.
I think we have decided to have an arranged transfer and then get a rental car in town. There have been great points about how we may not even need the car our whole trip, which we completely agree with. Also, after traveling all day - it is much less stress to have someone drive us in the dark!