volcanogirl

Wow, interesting - we just did the SJO to Peace Lodge last year, and we paid about $50 - that's a big jump.

tully

Contact Alberto Barrantes - [email protected] so you can get an idea of the going rate. He's always being square with me on rates so you can see if PL's quote's are high or the norm.

shutterbug85

Hey guys... just wanted to give an update... I got in touch with both Wilson and Leo. Wilson was already booked, but Leo will be driving us from Monteverde to Manual Antonio. So excited! He's already made recommendations for where to stop along the way and is so pleasant.

Thank you for all the help!

colibri

Enjoy Monteverde and so glad Leo can help you out! I'm looking forward to meeting him in Nov.

Don't miss the Hummingbird Gallery next door and up the hill from the MV Reserve. At dawn and late afternoon it's fabulous to see the swarms of hummingbirds.

Have a great time!

Nanhenson

So, do we want to hire a driver or rent a car? We are flying into San Jose and were planning on renting a car to take us to Bahari Beach Bungalows north of Dominical. We figured down there on the less travelled path, we would need our own car. BBB can also come pick us up and provide transportation to most desinations in the area.

peggionthego

I have another recommendation for a reliable, safe, pleasant driver. He is Martin Mora and we have used him as a driver on four different visits to Costa Rica in the last six months. His email is [email protected]. It often takes several days to get a response to email. Our 17 year old daughter is in a gap year program in CR; we are now even comfortable enough with him that he picks her up at her school and brings her to meet us at the airport. His van is clean; he always brings beverages. He is very accommodating; just the nicest person. And a very safe, skilled driver.

vikesq

I would recommend Juan Espinoza (cell:506-8879-0154) or(email:[email protected])...he took care of my family of nine this past summer...took us everywhere we wanted to go in a safe, friendly manner. Also saved us from being stranded in our hotel on the day of our departure when our confirmed transfer from Tucan Limo did not arrive at 2:30 AM for our 6:30 AM flight out of SJO. Very reasonable prices as well!

wanderlusts

Can you tell me how much you usually tip a private driver?

Thanks!

Deb15July

15 to 20%

wanderlusts

thanks deb15july!

jemom

bookmarking

kelsey22

bookmarking

florclover

We use Randall Fernandez at [email protected]. We have used him two trips in a row. Our kids ask for him. We have had many mediocre drivers, but Randall is great with kids, funny, knowledgable, and really goes out of his way. Two examples: my dad left his diabetes medicine in San Jose. Randall made arrangements to pick it up from our first hotel and bring it to us later in our trip. Another time, night before we came back to the states, I left my iPad in his van. He walked it over to me at 5:30 AM. Before we left for our flight. His idea.

gtravelcr

There are many reasons why a private driver is highly recommended.
The trip from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is nearly 5 hours.
The first 19km are through unpaved roads. It is curvy and windy - offering great views to the mountains-

Drivers are knowledgeable and know the country very well, you can make stops along the way, take a break, eat, other. It might be an option for you to stop at the Carara National Park on your way to M.A

There are many transport options. You can choose the one that offer the best value. Although this leg can be quite expensive due to distance/travel time make sure to pick reliable companies with fully insured mini bus and a/c.

Good luck!

volcanogirl

Wow this thread is old!