Costa Rica first time rent a car?
 

My boyfriend and I (28 yrs old) are planning a trip to Costa Rica in early April. We will have 9 full days to spend there, so this doesn't include our flying days. We were thinking splitting our time at 2 locations would be best. We're interested in visiting areas that are a bit more remote and away from the majority of the tourists. We definitely want to stay at the beach for part of the time, preferably with beginner surfing opportunities, and of course experience the rainforest and the wildlife, hiking, and waterfalls. We'd also like the rent a car for part of our stay to be able to get around at our leisure. From what I've read, driving conditions are not the best, it is best to have a 4WD, and car rental companies can easily scam us and try to blame us for previous damages.

Which places do you recommend that are a bit more remote?
Any car rental company recommendations and tips?

Thank you!

My wife and I visited Costa Rica in July 2011 and loved it. I would highly recommend staying a night or two at the Marriott in San Jose, it was a beautiful hotel on a coffee plantation. The downside of San Jose is that it is in the heart of the country and it will require some travel to get to the beaches.

After a bit more research, we are 99% sure we would like to spend half our time on the Osa Penenisula, where we would definitely rent a car. I see there is an Alamo in Puerto Jiminez and have read that it is reliabe? Anyone have experience renting there? We would also like to visit Corcovado for a day. We understand we have to go with a guide, so any guide recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Also interested in kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in Gulfo Dulce. Would love to hear about previous experience with these rentals as well. Thank you!

Bosque del Cabo on the Osa Peninsula is a wonderful place to stay. It has the best wildlife of anyplace we've ever stayed. We saw all 4 kinds of monkeys from the front porch of our room, also toucans, and scarlet macaws. We even saw an anteater on the property. They have beautiful views of the water down below. We've only flown down. It's about an hour's flight from SJO. Excellent hiking and well maintained. You have to hike down to get to the ocean.

That should read well maintained trails.

We used service car rental with no issues

Alamo is a good company and we often use them but they do not serve Puerto Jimenez. The nearest place you can pick up a car is Dominical. It doesn't really matter though because if you're already in Jimenez (how are you getting there?) you can take a collectivio (shared 4wd truck taxi) for $2 to $8 on every road out of town for ten bucks instead of paying $80 a day for an SUV rental.

From what you describe and if you're sincere about wanting to be away from the tourists you would be ecstatic if you booked either Boca Sombrero or Playa Nicuesa and let them arrange the transportation. If those are too expensive for your budget google poor mans paradise.

Solid is a good company; we had everything confirmed via email, very good price (small 4wd, not even half of $80!) used our cc insurance (bring proof), and had no problems or surprises.
Well worth your time and energy to have your own vehicle, imo.