I heard there is a "must have" map for driving in Costa Rica. Does anyone know the name of this map and where it is available (i.e. bookstores, amazon.com?). Thanks!

Hi jhand, My guess is that it's the Berndston&Berndston folding/laminated map. We just got ours (first trip to CR coming up!) yesterday at Barnes and Nobles. I'm sure they can order it for you if it's not in. I am already loving it and I'm sitting here in Ohio! It's helped alot in planning our itinerary and will be pricelss on our trip.Happy Travels! Cheri

Another good thing about that map is its layout of San Jose. We were going to be going into town and driving ourselves around for the first time a few years ago. Knowing I would be "chief navigator", I literally memorized that map and was pretty much able to get us around with it in my head. Later on, when I had to do the driving (with our daughter on spring break) I was glad I could visualize the map from my previous studying of it. If you know the way the streets are arranged, it is helpful as well so you will know what quadrant of town a particular address is in. Gives you a general idea where things are when you see addresses; for example, Avenida 14, Calle 8. Both odds or both evens tell you one thing. Avenida odd, calle even gives you other info. Avenida even, calle odd still another area. I go to that map all the time here at home--when posting on Fodor's or just to look at it. It's a great map.

Any thoughts on which map is more useful National Geographic or Berndston & Berndston? Do I need both?

Which one would be more useful for the areas we will be in: Alajuela, Arenal, Malpais and Montezuma?

I have the National Geographic, but prefer the B&B.

I had the B & B map - it was great. I even had several Ticos asking where I got the map!

ttt

The National Geographic map is divided in 2 parts and not very practical, someone said that ICM is very good.

Check out this place. www.mapcr.com