Car hire in Costa Rica
 

I'd like to hire a driver to take my family between hotels this March. One morning, we'd like a ride from San Jose to the Arenal area. A few days later, we need to get from Arenal to Nosara. A few days later, from Nosara back to San Jose.

Has any one had experience traveling in CR this way? Any input/company recommendations would really help. I would rather not rent a car for this trip. It will be our first time in country, we are traveling with children, and I'd rather not stress about finding my way. I realize flying in country might also be an option, but I want to fully explore the driver option first.

Thanks

Dear americano,
Hi my name is Neta Talmor and I live in Costa Rica. I haven't used a driver myself, but I have organized a few trips to friends and family with Juan Carlos and Trino, two brothers who have two 12 seat 2003 cars, and work as drivers. They are great, and everyone was very happy with them. Juan Carlos speaks some English, but for transfer it is quite enough, and you shouldn't have any problem using their service even if you don't speak any Spanish. I actually have to call Juan Carlos today about something, so I will ask him to give me a quote for the trips you wanted, just to get an idea of what he will charge. I will post it as soon as he gives me an answer.
OK, feel free to send me an email directly if you have any more questions or need any more advice planning your trip.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

Thanks Neta, I am planning almost the exact same itinerary and would be interested in hearing about their rates. Muchas gracias por todas las respuestas que nos estas ofreciendo recientamente.

Dear Americano and SrFlojo,
I spoke to Juan Carlos and he will charge $450 for these trips. I think it is a fair price, especially since Nosara is so far, and he will have to make 2 separate rides there.
Sr.Flojo, I understand you speak Spanish, so that should make everything much easier. Write me directly and I will give you all the information to contact Juan Carols (I am not sure he would like me to post it here, that is why I ask you to write me). Amricano, if you would like to go ahead with this plan, write me also directly with all the dates and everything, and I will talk to Juan Carlos. If you would like to contact him directly, just let me know.
OK, that's all for now.
Neta Talmor

When my husband and I were in CR last October, we had a private driver arranged for us by the folks at Gaialink Tours. They handled logistics and hotel reservations for us (we gave them info on hotels we wanted, a couple of tours, etc.) for a price as good or better than what I could have arranged myself. It was always nice to have someone meeting us at airports, etc. We had the same driver all week, in a new van with just the 2 of us as passengers. It was terrific. The roads and driving in CR can be formidable. We had transfers in San Jose, took Sansa to Quepos, then our driver from Quepos to Arenal, later back to San Jose, and airport transfer to finish. We could really enjoy the scenery without worrying about the driving or getting lost. I can't recommend Gaialink too highly.