Are there big benefits for a private driver/guide in Costa Rica, compared to renting a car and a tape player for seeing the sights? We're especially interested in seeing greenery and water. Do driving conditions allow a typical US city driver to go to the nicest sights?

Some people don't feel confident driving in another country - roads aren't always well marked, you shouldn't really drive at night, you can encounter rain and fog, but other people love the freedom of having their own car; it really just depends on your own style.

As for tours, I think having a guide can really add a lot; they can provide a lot of information and spot things that you would never see on your own. Interbus is an affordable option to get from place to place depending on how many people you have. Road conditions really depend on where you plan to go - some roads are great, and others are bumpy and filled with potholes. One thing you shouldn't do is leave anything in your car unattended; car breakins aren't that uncommon.

Always rent a car and have freedom flexibility fun

www.mapcr.com roads mostly paved fine

GPS if no good with map

www.servicecarrental.com get a week for what 1 leg

would cost with a driver also save on taxis...

Actually take my savings upgrade more upscale hotels

negotiating for 50% hospitality discounts on my way.

Have fun,

It really depends on you -- and your budget.

Not exactly sure I know what you mean by "greenery and water."

Hiring a private driver to go from place to place is great since you will get there with no worries about anything, he will be able to tell you a lot about Costa Rica and whatever you are seeing, will stop when and where you want - and will probably suggest stopping at a couple of places along the way to see something or have something to eat. With a private driver, you have none of the responsibility and he will pick you up according to your schedule.

The disadvantage is that wherever you end up, you will not have transportation around the area and will need to use taxis or walk or rent a bicycle. In some areas, you could take a private driver for the transfer and just rent a car for a couple of days to get around the area. This is really the easiest, but not the cheapest, thing to do.

As I said, it really depends on what you want for your vacation (and can afford). For more information, you can check here: www.tucanlimoservices.com or www.ecotranscostarica.com

It would be easier to help you compare if we knew where you are going, which sites you are referring to.

For greenery and water, you could do what most people do for their first trip and do a split between Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Check out those areas and see if that's what you're looking for. Arenal has the active volcano, natural hot springs, waterfall, green landscape, a river tour to see wildlife, and Hanging Bridges. You can also zipline or white water raft. Manuel Antonio has lots of hotel and restaurant choices, a beautiful beach inside the park, and easy access to wildlife. There are other locations known for birding, turtles, wildlife, etc. - just depends on what you're looking for. We hire private drivers through our hotels when we book them, and that's always worked out well. We take taxis once we're in town, but plenty of people do drive themselves.

For Arenal - www.arenal.net
For Manuel Antonio - www.manuelantoniopark.com

These are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Each has a lot to do and see but if you are wanting someplace less busy, try elsewhere. Of course, there will be fewer people in these places during the rainy season.

Here's how I'd decide:
1. If your Spanish is good, rent the car with gps. You'll have a ball.
2. If your Spanish is weak, hire a driver. You'll have a ball.

o.k, here is my advice,rent a car and a hire a driver and a guide it will cost you a little more in the begining but it will save you a lot of money on tours gift shops, restaurants, not to talk about the advantage of having someone who really knows the area to advice you while trying to figure out where to go what to do and things of that sort, besides they will maximize the learning experience while driving around, think about this way, gps has a certain xtra cost, but it will not tell you which restaurants offer better food for less money, if you want to take a guided tour for example to the arenal volcano it will cost about $50 per pax,but if you already have a guide and a driver to take you lead you around and pick you up, all you will be paying willbe the entrace fee, about $7,
it also helps when a traffic officer pulls you over ,you know having some one from the country will lesser you chances to be taken advantage of, I have seen cases of cars getting damaged while the owners are distracted at the beach or in restauratns not to talk about stolen belongins. so hiring a driver and a guide has been a very convenient option for me while traveling around in costa rica.