Will be traveling next Feb in CR from San Jose to Tabacon Hot Springs to the Central Pacific coast by car. Do I need a 4WD vehicle for the road conditions? My concern is that all my luggage, etc. will be exposed. Many on this website have raised crime concerns. Thoughts?

I have never been to Tabacon but most places in CR are accessible with a regular sedan. Some prefer 4wd for the added ground clearance but if you just take it easy you will probaly be ok. Unattended rental cars parked in cities and the usual tourist spots are prime targets for thieves. I try to leave mine empty, as dirty as possible, unlocked, with a Spanish-language newspaper on the dash.....

hi there, i would say you do need 4 wheel drive because it is a heavier vehicle - you could do it with a regular car but you may have problems. We just did it and were glad that we had 4 wheel drive. You really should never leave things in the car but i really think it depends on where you are parked.

If by central Pacific you mean the Manuel Antonio area, unless you're taking an indirect route you'll essentially never be off pavement. There are large potholes. A 4WD might be more comfortable, but certainly not necessary.

I agree with Ray and Dncee 11. In February you will not need a 4 wheel drive. All of the routes you have described can handle a regular sedan just fine. The 4 wheel drive will give you better clearance, that is true, but we have done this in a car with absolutely no problem. And it is true that having a trunk is nice, but doesn't necessarily prevent things from being taken just because they are "out of sight".