cmazza

I land at the airport around noon I have arranged a private driver to la fortuna is there anything of interest along the way or would I most likely just want to get to the airport?

Pat_Hewitt

The driver will want to take the route through San Ramon. This is the fastest way, but only by a little.

Ask him to take the route that allows you to pass through Grecia, Sarchi, Naranjo, and Zarcero. I feel that this is one of the most scenic drives in Costa Rica. If you have a private transfer, you can ask the driver to go this way. They will also usually make some short stops for photo opps or lunch.

If you stop for lunch, pay for his. These guys make very little, and try to eat inexpensively. If you just tell him to stop for lunch, he will stop in a place that fits his budget. The food will be okay, but nothing special.

If you let him know up front that you want to treat him to lunch. He will stop at a nicer place with good food. It will still be very inexpensive by our standards, not much more than the cheaper place. You will score some points with your driver too.

You also want to tip him well, especially if he is willing to do these little extras. Gratuities are the most important part of their pay, and you are his major source of income for the day!

If anyone is driving themselves on this same route, just be aware of your luggage. You don't want to leave the vehicle unattended.

It is easy to get caught up in the old churches, shopping in Sarchi, and other sights along the way. Don't let this happen. The thieves are aware of this, and are waiting for you! We have noted an increase in thefts near the town square in Zarcero.

I know that this warning has be given here ad nauseam. But it never hurts to offer a reminder!

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
(Travel Professional)

marcit

I am looking for a private driver from the airport to La Fortuna. Is there anyone you would recommend?

volcanogirl

marcit, if you don't get a specific recommendation, we always book ours through our hotels and have had good luck doing it that way.

RandiRA

Pat,

This gave me lots of great info. as we'll also have a driver from LaFortuna back to SJ & look forward to the scenery. We're flying to LaFortuna from Golfito so will miss the sights on that leg.

We'd love to treat our driver to lunch (we're retired from the casino industry so very aware of tipping) but do we take turns having lunch to avoid an unattended car or can the driver eat with us? I assume that local drivers are just as vulnerable to theft as tourists?

Thanks,
Randi

cmazza

Thanks I will email the driver and see if we can arrange this.

janenicole

Good question, RandiRA. We might hire a driver to take us from Arenal to Alajuela, so we can see the sights, too.

kimmarinelli

We used Wilson Rojas as a driver on our family trip last year. He was courteous, a great driver, helped us set up a guide at Carara park, horseback riding and a river rafting tour. He suggested places to eat, things to see etc. Spoke good English also. His website is [email protected]. We will definitely use him again!

Pat_Hewitt

"We'd love to treat our driver to lunch (we're retired from the casino industry so very aware of tipping) but do we take turns having lunch to avoid an unattended car or can the driver eat with us? I assume that local drivers are just as vulnerable to theft as tourists?"

Most of the restaurants are open air. So you can park your vehicle where you can keep an eye on it.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
(Travel Professional)