Sorry for the repost. I forgot to put in the "Costa Rica" box!

In a couple of weeks, we'll be landing at Liberia just before 8PM and grabbing a quick bite before heading to Rincon de la Vieja Mountain Lodge for two nights. After that, we'll drive over to Arenal

Here's my question: I've read in this website that driving at night in some parts is pretty tricky. Is this also true for Liberia-Rincon? If so, would you recommend hiring a taxi in and out of Rincon and then picking up our car in Liberia? Finally, how much should I pay for that drive in to Rincon?

Thanks!
Cheryl

Cheryl, Even if you put in "Costa Rica" in the box, all posts dump into the Latin America board. That's why it's good to put the country or city as part of you post title.

Kindly from, a regular here

I've been to Rincon de la Vieja three times and the trip from the main highway to the the Mountain Lodge is not one I'd like to do at night. If you are only going to be there for two days, you would probably be smart to take a taxi. I've never stayed at the lodge, but they might even arrange transport for you from the airport.

I agree with rbrazill

Take a taxi,even though the road is paved,it is narrow, and at 8 PM it will be DARK.

Percy

Take a taxi, for sure. The road to Rincon Mountain Lodge is completely UNPAVED from the Interamerican Highway to the lodge.
You would be dodging rocks and crossing an old lava flow....enough of a challenge during the day !

Cheers

Jerry

It is 15 to 20 km of pure torture, as you go from Liberia to the mountain lodge.

I would not recommend driving that road at night. If you do take a taxi, have you considered how you will be commuting between the park and the lodge the next 2 days?

Another option to consider maybe to stay in Liberia that night, and head to Rincon park the first thing next morning and then head to the lodge. Just an idea.

Commuting between the Park and Rincon Lodge really would not be a problem since it is an easy 20 to 25 minute walk [including brief stops for monkeys and butterflies....] from the lodge to the Park ranger station.

Jerry

Jerry

I could have sworn the road off the Inter American Highway to the Buena Vista Lodge in Rincon was paved.!!!

Maybe we were all having such a good time we did not realize we were on a secondary unpaved road..

I do not want anyone to think it is paved when it is not paved.

Guess when you are not driving ,maybe you do not pay attention ,but I remember all the other roads we.

Hmmm my Betz cells are just not firing the way they used to !!!

Thanks for your clarification.

Percy

Percy.

Rincon Lodge is on a different road than Buena Vista Lodge. Your memory is not failing you!

Jerry

Many thanks! We will wait to pick up a rental car until we leave Rincon. BTW, it turns out that getting a rental car to go to Liberia would not have even been an option as the rental car offices would be closed well before 8PM!

Two follow-ups: first, I read about rental places dropping off cars in CR, but I assume Rincon is too far out, and we will need to taxi it in to Liberia, right?

Second follow-up: I've read that some hotels will send a car to pick you up in Liberia. Has anyone had any luck with Rincon de la Vieja doing this? Even if it costs, it would nice not to have to haggle after a full day of travel.

Many thanks!

Cheryl

I called Ricon last night and he said that they can arrange for a taxi for pick you up at the airport. Meanwhile he said to email my request for reservation and I have not heard back yet.

FWIW, Percy's post sent me for a loop as well. I thought maybe they had paved the road since September when I was there last. I am not familiar with the Buena Vista Lodge, but gannetmusic is correct: the road from the Interamericana to the park (and the Mountain Lodge) is unpaved. What's more, I don't think there is even a sign on the Interamericana where you have to turn off. Take a cab.