Hey all. Headin' down to Costa Rica for roughly 10 days, 8 full minus all the flight time. Do you think i should rent a car for the time being or just use local transportation? Two of us are going and i figured that to rent a car for 8 days is only $150 total...We are heading all over...Do you think we'd roughly spend the same using public transportation? And any advantages/disadvantages?
Any insight would be much appreciated.....Greg

"The pleasure in traveling consists of the obstacles, the fatigue, and even the danger. What charm can anyone find in an excursion when he is always sure of reaching his destination, of having horses ready waiting for him, a soft bed, an excellent supper, and all the eases and comfort he can enjoy in his own home! One of the great misfortunes of modern life is the want of any sudden surprise, and the absence of all adventure. Everything is so well arranged." - - Theophile Gautier

It really depends on where you are going and how long you are spending in each place.

$150 seems very low. Does that include insurance?

I don't think $150 will even cover the insurance (your stateside insur. won't provide coverage and an accident in Cr is a criminal offense) Public transportation or a driver is the way to go as far as we are concerned.op

We prefer having a car, but believe me, you're not going to get one for $150 for 8 days. Maybe $300. . taxes and insurance included. There are a few companies that quote really low, then have all the add-ons once you get there.

Public transportation is, of course, much cheaper. And okay if you are backpacking. Theft can be a problem for luggage stored underneath--after all the stops.

Best all-inclusive prices you'll find will most likely be with Tricolor.

www.tricolorcarrental.com

They have an office in Liberia. Good company. . .no hidden costs.

We used Tricolor and everything went very smoothly, no surprises. If you are going to be driving around in the more remote areas, I would also suggest spending a little extra for a 4wd. We never actually needed to use the 4wd, but the extra ground clearance was really handy on some of the river crossings. Also I would suggest that you return your car to the rental office and not leave the car at the airport.

"two of us are going and I figured that to rent a car for 8 days is only $150 total" You wont get a car for that rate in Costa Rica!
I just searched the internet for a small 4x4 and discovered that many of the rates in the internet have additional hidden costs! I almost booked a Terios with Payless (www.paylesscr.com), on their website they offer it for around $ 176 for 8 days. When I called to check the details they told me that it is actually $290 with mandatory insurance!! I can only recommend everybody to call or to email companies before booking! In the end I got a cheaper rate from a smaller agency Wild Rider (www.wild-rider.com).

$150.00 weekly rate !! sounds a little to low for me...even if you are dealing direct with the rent a car...and they are avoiding the travel agent commision...a travel agent from any where will make at least 20% to 30% commision in all your bookings...cars, tours, transfers...etc...even if the rent a car is deducting that commision from you...I do not see how they can charge that amount...I know it is possible!! But another question...what kind of car you can get for that much money!!

One last thing...in Costa Rica TAXES are not charged to the rent a car contract...is not tax involved...so please be aware that if they are charging you...and you are paying...is not CORRECT!!

R.A Luis

Just buckle up and enjoy the ride in paradise!!