4WD necessary for this itinerary?
Jun 9th, 2005, 06:21 AM
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4WD necessary for this itinerary?
We will be travelling to CR in the dry season (February.) This is our third trip, but the first where we will rent a car. I am wondering if the following itinerary requires a 4WD car; the price difference is substantial ($600+ by the time you add all the taxes etc, vs. $$350 or so for a sedan. We have to have an automatic as neither of us can drive a stick, and my spouse refuses to learn.)
Two nights Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, at La Quinta de Sarapiqui or El Gavilan (we are birders and have booked a private guide at La Selva)
Two nights Poas Volcano area--Peace Lodge or (more likely, due to cost) Poas Volcano Lodge
Three nights Manuel Antonio at Si Como No (just to relax--I know this isn't a great birding area.)
It seems to me we should be able to do this without 4WD but I'd like to hear from someone who's actually done it ;-)
Two nights Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, at La Quinta de Sarapiqui or El Gavilan (we are birders and have booked a private guide at La Selva)
Two nights Poas Volcano area--Peace Lodge or (more likely, due to cost) Poas Volcano Lodge
Three nights Manuel Antonio at Si Como No (just to relax--I know this isn't a great birding area.)
It seems to me we should be able to do this without 4WD but I'd like to hear from someone who's actually done it ;-)
Jun 9th, 2005, 10:28 AM
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In February I would think you can do Poas and MA in a car. Although we had a 4X4. Many times the SUV is more comfortable due to more space and due to high clearance in case of pot holes. And maybe because it is what I drive at home. Sorry can't answer for the other.
Jun 11th, 2005, 02:46 PM
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We've driven a good many parts of the country during both dry and rainy season in a regular sedan. The clearance you get from a 4X4 is nice, but you are looking for do-able, and yes, it is very do-able. South of Cahuita and on down through PV to Manzanillo are some very potholed roads, but nothing you can't manage with a little care and patience. You'd need to exercise just as much caution in a 4X4! You should have no problems whatsoever with the routes you have mentioned. There are really just a few roads in Costa Rica where a 4X4 is absolutely necessary. Have fun!
Jun 12th, 2005, 09:46 AM
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I agree that you don't need a SUV for Puerto Viejo. BTW I would suggest booking Selva Verde rather than La Quinta (see my recent posting under Nature Lover's). Dont know if you can cancel La Quinta but we really didn't like it. But others have.
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