car rental vs. hiring drivers
 

Trying to figure out if it makes sense to rental a car vs. pay a driver to bring us to various destinations. The plan is to go from San Jose to Peace Lodge, then up to Arenal for a couple days, then we will be in Tamarindo for a week, flying out of Liberia. I hear the car rentals are expensive, driving conditions are crazy, among other issues. Hiring a driver seems low stress, but don't want to do it if it cost a fortune. I would be interested in hearing peoples opinions on this matter. Also if someone has the name of a company that is reliable and reasonable that would be helpful. Are there any tour buses that my be able to help us with our route?

We returned from 9 days in Costa Rica a week ago today. (Wish we had had more time). We had "Leo" Leonardo Rodriguez, owner of Lera Travel picked us up at the Hampton Inn Suites near the airport in San Jose to take us the 4 1/2 hrs. (he chose a roadside cafe for lunch - and we ended up needing him to order for us!!!)to Tamarindo. Leo surfs so we ran into him in Tamarindo a couple of times. He is a college graduate (born and raised in San Jose) and has a nice 2002 Toyota van and DRIVES carefully compared to others that drove for us. He is a wealth of information, our young adult children and we 50 yr. olds enjoyed him thoroughly. He offers canopy tours, scuba diving, hiking, horsebackk riding, etc. excursions His telephone # is (506)378-0001 and his e-mail address is: [email protected] Pura Vida from South Dakota, USA

Call Luis Chinchilla of Tucan Limo Services. Very professional, safe driver. Punctual and speaks flawless English. Very funny, entertaining guy who will fill you in on all the sights you pass. Makes the trip go by easily. Has a fleet of 6 newer vehicles including 4x4 if needed for certain areas. Call him for a quote: (506) 387-8428

Kumabear,
We haven't traveled yet, but have hired a driver - Juan from Tamarindo Shuttle ([email protected]) and by my calculations, we're saving about $80 over the course of the trip by using Juan. The 4WD was going to be close to $400 with insurance and everything. Juan is picking us up from Liberia Airport, taking us to Arenal, then on to Playa Hermosa and then back to the Airport. I figure we won't spend $80 on cabs! It seemed like a no brainer to me, also hubby will get to look around and not have to focus on driving. And I hope Juan will let me practice my Spanish on him!
H

Quick questions about hiring a driver... when you use them for multiple cities, do you pay for lodging? FOod ? (which I am sure is not an issue, can't be that much). I guess I don't understand how that factors in.
Can you give a ballpark figure for using a driver for a few days?

thanks

Back to the original question, if your mind is made up about the driver/rental question, fine. I would say the decision would have more to do with the time available to you. If you have 2 weeks or more, renting makes sense. Don't be afraid to drive in CR - its not that bad! The main roads are paved (with some potholes) but generally safe and traffic laws are enforced (believe me, I know!) Many other tourists rent and appreciate the freedom and flexibility it gives them. That being said there are plenty of drivers and other modes of public transportation available also. Good luck and have fun!

I loved driving our own car too but don't know the drive to Tamarindo and the one way drop off car. Why don't you email Tricolor Rentals and find out

Definately rent a car! I just came back from 10 days in Costa Rica and we drove all over the place under all conditions. The driving situation in Costa Rica has been blown way out of proportion. The traffic seemed very orderly with people obeying the stop signs and signal lights in the cities. Outside of the cities driving was pretty easy and there are lots of police with radar to keep people from speeding. If you have driven in any major US city you can handle the traffic. Just be sure to know what all the traqffic signs mean, especailly "No hay paso".

We rented a tiny Terios 4x4 from Tricolor for only $350 for 10 days. I liked having the car because it gave us a lot of freedom to go where ever we wanted and do lots of exploring that we wouldn't have been able to do otherwise.

Does someone know the answer to Plmrods question about what drivers do between locations? Do they go back to their base or do they stay overnight so they are available the next day. Meals? We are going to hire a driver in August, and am totally in the dark about the procedure. Thanks, owa

Hi kumabear

I'm actually in the same predicament. we have investigated both. the car rentaal seems a bit cheaper, but the driver seems less stressful. i have waivered back and forth. i was happy to hear the improvement in the driving condition and would enjoy the freedom. our group was 6 and is now 4, which makes the driver much more expensive.

In our only trip to CR, we rented and drove. I was glad that we did. And still am content with this decision.

During our next trip, we will hire a knowledgeable driver for some portions of our travels to gain the insight of "the untold stories of CR". There are so many things that don't get printed in guidebooks and online.

I also need an answer to this question. I have seen it posted a number of times, but never have found an answer. For example, if I wanted to hire an experienced/knowledgeable driver and am interested in going to the areas of Arenal and MA and maybe Monteverde or Oso, what is the process.
I have included a copy of the original question.
Does someone know the answer to Plmrods question about what drivers do between locations? Do they go back to their base or do they stay overnight so they are available the next day. Meals? We are going to hire a driver in August, and am totally in the dark about the procedure. Thanks, owa

Can I suggest? Posting the question about expenses for the driver, as a new subject? I suspect people with your answer are not reading this particular subject.

Here's another thread about drivers vs. rental cars:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34605984

As for expenses and overnight locations, I can only speak from our experience hiring the now-Fodor's-famous Oscar. We were not responsible for paying his overnight stay. He either stayed with friends, rented an inexpensive room, or he drove back to his home near San Jose. (depending on the location and whether we would need him the next day).

We did pay for his meals when he was driving us. However, at some attractions (LaPaz waterfalls, Turubari park), the establishment "comps" the drivers and guides.

The costs for the actual driving depends on how long the drive, and how long he drives you around once you reach your location. It can range from $80 per day to $150 per day. He will quote you in advance, so there are no surprises.