Flying into Liberia
Jan 21st, 2008, 06:35 AM
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Flying into Liberia
My husband and I plan to spend 5 days at a small condo in Potrero the last week of March. We would like to fly into Liberia and then drive to our destination. We are really just looking to relax, do a little swimming, beachcombing, sightseeing...I read elsewhere about drivers being stopped and robbed in transit but it sounded like it was more in the San Jose area?? I am completely new to the idea of travelling in Costa Rica and my Spanish is poor. Could anyone comment on the safety of the route we would need to take to get to Potrero? Also, any tips for sightseeing, getting to/from the market and other shopping/dining?
Jan 21st, 2008, 06:51 AM
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LIR is completely safe. About two years ago, a small gang of criminals did rob tourist cars when they left the airport in San Jose. They have been caught and this type of crime has not happened since. There has never been anything like this at the Liberia airport.
Same goes for the drive from LIR to Potrero - nothing to worry about beside a few potholes and the occasional cow on the road.
While you are in the area, I'd suggest you look into spending a day at Rincon de la Vieja National Park. There are several hotels in the area that offer a wide variety of activities.
Same goes for the drive from LIR to Potrero - nothing to worry about beside a few potholes and the occasional cow on the road.
While you are in the area, I'd suggest you look into spending a day at Rincon de la Vieja National Park. There are several hotels in the area that offer a wide variety of activities.
Jan 21st, 2008, 07:15 AM
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Thank you for the info! Any other suggestions for us newbies? It sounds like developing is pretty rampant in potrero. In your opinion does this detract from the experience? We are hoping to avoid the boardwalk type feel of the Jersey shore.
Jan 21st, 2008, 02:46 PM
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You'd better believe the development has detracted from earlier feel of being in the Costa Rican countryside! Non-Costa Ricans, SUV's, and condos all over the place--but NOT the Jersey shore! 
Hopefully you can try to imagine how it was just 3 years ago and get a mental picture!
We love traveling in that area and feel it is completely safe--we've never given a thought to it, never had a reason to. . hope that doesn't change!
It will take you about 1.5 hour to get there from Liberia. Follow directions from the airport to Playa Flamingo and just before you make the curve into Playa Flamingo, there is a turn to the right to Potrero. From there, it is just down the dirt road a short distance.
Once you are there, check into driving the Monkey Trail (or Congo Trail) up to Playa Hermosa area. This is a neat part of Guanacaste to visit and there is a good restaurant (Ginger) in Playa Hermosa. That country road can get you up there in 40 min. as opposed to about an hour and a half on the road you came down in your initial drive. But I wouldn't want you to attempt it on the day you arrive. It's a cool little road, needs a 4X4 in a couple of places. We've even driven it at night with no problems. Just us on it. Maybe that's good or maybe bad, who knows!
Just up the road from Playa Flamingo is Playa Brasilitol. You'll drive through it when you first arrive, about 10 minutes from your turn to Potrero. There is a great little beachside restaurant called Camaron Dorado. Perfect place for dinner some evening at sunset. Have fun!
Hopefully you can try to imagine how it was just 3 years ago and get a mental picture!We love traveling in that area and feel it is completely safe--we've never given a thought to it, never had a reason to. . hope that doesn't change!
It will take you about 1.5 hour to get there from Liberia. Follow directions from the airport to Playa Flamingo and just before you make the curve into Playa Flamingo, there is a turn to the right to Potrero. From there, it is just down the dirt road a short distance.
Once you are there, check into driving the Monkey Trail (or Congo Trail) up to Playa Hermosa area. This is a neat part of Guanacaste to visit and there is a good restaurant (Ginger) in Playa Hermosa. That country road can get you up there in 40 min. as opposed to about an hour and a half on the road you came down in your initial drive. But I wouldn't want you to attempt it on the day you arrive. It's a cool little road, needs a 4X4 in a couple of places. We've even driven it at night with no problems. Just us on it. Maybe that's good or maybe bad, who knows!
Just up the road from Playa Flamingo is Playa Brasilitol. You'll drive through it when you first arrive, about 10 minutes from your turn to Potrero. There is a great little beachside restaurant called Camaron Dorado. Perfect place for dinner some evening at sunset. Have fun!
Jan 22nd, 2008, 02:47 AM
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Hi there, do not mean to hijack your thread but does anyone know of a driver to take us from the airport to Tamarindo or should we just grab a cab - if so how much should we pay for 4 people? THANK YOU!
Jan 23rd, 2008, 04:08 PM
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Hi Shillmac, I was hoping to get a reply from you! Are you familiar with Villa Malibu in Potrero? we have been looking at this property to rent. It's not your typical condo type building and it looks a little more remote. Thank you so much for the tips. we are so looking forward to our trip! Oh! One more thing, are you familiar with Hola car rental? Can you recommend a reputable car rental place at the Liberia airport?
Jan 23rd, 2008, 06:58 PM
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Hi peternjaime,
No, haven't heard of that one. Perhaps it has sprung up since we last visited in July! Or maybe was in the process or off the road a ways. Hola rental has been around for a long time and I would imagine them to be quite reputable. But no personal knowledge.
Tricolor is our company of choice and it has always been the least expensive with all costs included. We always rent with the Tricolor office near SJO. However, there was a recent poster who had a bad experience with a vehicle rented from the Liberia office and the company's lack of assistance when they reported problems on the road. Problems that turned out to be major. I would imagine that incident to be just one of those occasional mishaps that could probably be said of all companies, but it was still bothersome.
Years ago we rented from Economy in Liberia and got a good deal. There are a lot of choices there now, of course. Mapache might be a good option as well. Or Dollar.
No, haven't heard of that one. Perhaps it has sprung up since we last visited in July! Or maybe was in the process or off the road a ways. Hola rental has been around for a long time and I would imagine them to be quite reputable. But no personal knowledge.
Tricolor is our company of choice and it has always been the least expensive with all costs included. We always rent with the Tricolor office near SJO. However, there was a recent poster who had a bad experience with a vehicle rented from the Liberia office and the company's lack of assistance when they reported problems on the road. Problems that turned out to be major. I would imagine that incident to be just one of those occasional mishaps that could probably be said of all companies, but it was still bothersome.
Years ago we rented from Economy in Liberia and got a good deal. There are a lot of choices there now, of course. Mapache might be a good option as well. Or Dollar.
Jan 24th, 2008, 04:52 AM
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I have repeatedly rented from Alamo and Budget and both have been exceptional to deal with - fast, courteous, and reliable. If you search online for reviews, you will find people who have had very good experiences with just about any rental company, and people who have had horrible experiences with the same company that others praise to high heavens. There is always the element of chance involved when one rents a vehicle here. For me, the two companies mentioned above have never raised an eyebrow of given me a hard time.
Jan 24th, 2008, 04:24 PM
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Thanks for the rental car info. Another question, I requested a copy of the rental contract from the owner. She sent me a reservation form. Does anyone know if this is typical? Does it act the same as a contract? Also, A deposit is due at the time we book (typical) but then we must pay the balance in cash once we arrive. Anyone been in a similar situation?
Jan 24th, 2008, 04:50 PM
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Yes, this is very typical. Frequently, hotels will require 50% up front and the rest upon arrival. There are a few we have used who prefer cash. I know one person who just pays it all up front and doesn't have to worry about carrying around extra cash. This works pretty well if you know you can trust the other party to refund a % should it become necessary.
