tad

We were planning on renting a car and driving from Arenal to Manuel Antonio. Now, after hearing that it could be a 6 hour drive, we are thinking of hiring a driver or taking a shuttle. Has anyone done this? Any recommendations on companies?

Ears

Tad, we hired a driver that our hotel in SJ found for us. Jose speaks excellent english and is friendly and very reliable. He knows a lot about the history and geography of CR, as well as some interesting spots to stop along the way. He'll remind you that "you're the boss" - if you want to stop somewhere just let him know. A much better option than the bus, IMHO. Cost from Arenal to MA is $150. Jose's cell phone number is 506-363-0525.

BTW, figure on at least 6 hours. We left Arenal just before 9 and rolled into Quepos around 4:30. We did stop for lunch, and got tied up in traffic at one of the many one-lane bridges.

-Jeff

dcd

This past December we hired Oscar for 2 private transports based on the recommendations of other Fodorites. I recommend him highly. If you do a search on this site for "Oscar" that should pull up several threads discussing him and giving his email address and phone number.

Dave

poss

We used Costa Rica Sun Tours for all our transfers (including Arenal to MA). They were excellent.

tad

Thanks Ears. I want to contact Jose before we leave for Costa Rica. Any chance that you have an email for him?

Ears

Tad, I don't have an e-mail for Jose. If you can't get him by phone, contact Hotel Grano de Oro - they are the ones that initially booked Jose for us.

-Jeff

ekellyga

As a question to go along with this post....we are debating renting a car vs. doing the travel between our destinations with the transfer companies. Question....if we are staying 2 or 3 nights at Peace Lodge, or MA, or Arenal.....is having a car a big advantage once we get ourselves to these places for our 2 or 3 nights???
Thanks

dineroguru

I rented a car for the week we were in CR (2/2-2/9). There is no disadvantage in having a car-- it really is about a breakeven in terms of costs verses hiring a driver. It boils down to whether or not you are comfortable driving or not-- I had absoluely no problem with the roads etc. and would proably drive it again. You don't really need a car if you are staying at the hotels-- we did venture out at our own for pizza in town at Arenal and a picked up beverages and cereal at the super merkado in Quepos which we had in the room at the Costa Verde-- which came in handy. Either way will work-- with 3 younger kids i was happy to gain the flexibility of having a car.

password

My husband drove us from MA to arenal and loved it. Parts were very windy and we got stuck behind/had to pass wheezy old trucks at least 20 times but he likes driving. The roads were much better than we expected. If you are a tense driver like me you will want a driver. also,it took every bit of 6h and he drives fast.

password

One more thing..most roads and freeways in costa rica are not named!!

hopabout

Hi,
I just saw your post and had not seen it before. If I am not too late to help you, I am a guide here and have several drivers I use frequently.

One, very reliable one is Jackson Vasquez A. You can find him at [email protected]

He has a 10 passenger van and has several associates that help him when he is very busy. He may not answer e-mails immediately.

Jackson speaks fluent English and has driven many of my clients all over the country. I personally travel with him often.

Most freelance drivers will drive to any place and deliver or pick up where needed. There cost, of course, depends on the season and the distance.
Generally $150 is tops.... to short distances say 3 hours away, $125 is normal. If it is the rainy season, it can sometimes be less.

Note: These drivers depend entirely on their daily routes to feed their family. If you book a driver, please use the service and don't cancel him the day before and fly instead. He needs the work and will not be able to find a replacement.

Have a great trip!
hopabout

sally17

hopabout - would it be okay if I emailed you to ask more specifics about my HM that I am planning in CR for this coming Nov?