Barbara

We will be driving around Costa Rica for about 10 days and want to know which is the best map to use, as we understand there aren't good road signs. Also, where can said map(s) be purchased or obtained.<BR><BR>Thanks!

David Cook

The rental car agencies have fairly decent maps to give you. Better ones are for sale at bookstores in SJ or some better hotels. I wonder if there is a source online somewhere?<BR>Good luck, you'll have fun!

Michael

As mentioned you can pick up a map at the car rental agency or at bookstores down town San Jose. I picked one up in a book store in Victoria, BC that worked well. The road signs are getting better each year and MOST major towns and villages are marked.<BR>The speed limits can be a bit confusing at first, a sign on the road may say 90 and the road markings say 60. Go with the 60 and watch for radar!<BR><BR>Good Luck!<BR><BR>Michael Mills<BR>Spanish Dancer Sailing & Snorkeling Adventures Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica<BR>http://www.spanishdancercharters.com/<BR>

Robbie Felix

try this:<BR>www.costaricamapguide.com<BR>Should do the trick for you. There wll also be a new one that is better and more detailed, the site goes up in a week and maps will be downloadable with PDF.<BR>Best wishes!<BR>Robbie

Iza

We used the maps given to us by the car rental agency and the travel agency. There are also some decent maps that can be purchased in book stores like Borders.<BR>One hint that made our travelling much easier: It is true that quite often there are minimal or non-existent signs. Quite often you'll find yourself at an intersection with no clue where to turn. What we found helpful were private hotel signs. A lot of hotels put up signs at intersections and along the way giving distances and directions where to turn. So pay attention to them, they are much more than just advertising. Even if the hotel you are staying at does not have signs, look for other hotels located in the same town and follow their signs. Also try to read your guidebook and familiarize yourself with hotels located along the way you want to take so that you can look for those signs. Last year we drove from San Jose to Arenal taking the less travel route through La Tigra. The signage was very poor and we followed hotel signs (for hotels located along the way and in La Fortuna) and did just fine. Also don't be afraid to stop and ask for directions. We don't speak any Spanish but when we said the name of the town where we were going people would show us the direction with gestures. We found Costa Ricans very helpful and pleasant.

Barbara

Thanks everyone for all the good info!<BR><BR>PS: Iza, you mentioned a travel book, which one(s) did you take? <BR>

Iza

I found the Lonely Planet Costa Rica book the most detailed and helpful. We had that one with us. We also had Frommers which was pretty good too.

Barbara

Great! Thanks again for all the help & support. This site has been extremely helpful.

Don

You just need to adjust your expectations in a road map. We got a number of maps thinking that all previous did not have enough detail. Its not the maps. There just are not that many roads. You will probably stay on all the main roads (does not mean good roads).<BR><BR>Driving problems in CR are over stated. We had no problems at all. Just get used to pothole after pothole. Even on the main Pan American highway up north.\<BR><BR>Also, the Ticos were quite courteous drivers and mostly slow drivers. NOT what people told us before hand.<BR><BR>What out for Cops. Speed limits change abruptly and the cops are waiting.

Robbie

Just a note: When Costa Rican drivers flash their lights at you it means there is a traffic cop just ahead and you need to observe the speed limit. Ticos are incredbly considerate. If you just watch their lights and slow down you wll never get a traffic ticket!<BR>Remember, it is illegal to do this early warning system, so be careful, but keep an eye out and you will save yourself some hassle!<BR>best wishes,<BR>Robbie