I've found a resource for Garmin maps covering Costa Rica. We're hoping to do some driving (4-wheel?) while visiting for 10 days. Software from Sergio Vargas
IT Manager, RSGPS S.A. Cost: $125. Payment to Paypal acct. Is this the right way to go, so to speak?

Anyone here that has experience with any Garmin software for Costa Rica?

Any advice for driving Costa Rica in general, or about specific cars or rental companies, beyond some of the common sense tips found online?

Thank you. Everyone has been so helpful.

There's a woman on here who used her Garmin gps but I don't know her username. Maybe she'll chime in -- but, I do have her online travel journal bookmarked for my own future use: http://tr.im/pDGJ

Here's what she had to say:

"Navigating the highways, streets, and back roads of Costa Rica—all of which are pretty much unsigned—was a piece of cake, thanks to our trusty GPS. Prior to leaving the states, we loaded our Garmin GPS with a 10-day limited time version of EzFind’s Costa Rica map—available for $59.00 through eBay. This proved invaluable and we highly recommend it if you have your own GPS—buying the download is cheaper then renting a GPS from the car rental agency."

Thank you. I found the very same product you mentioned on EBay. $59. Checking to see if it can arrive in time or if available as a download.

Some of the car rental places rent them out as well.

I have used the Garmin maps from Sergio Vargas for a couple of years now and found them to be very good. He updates them a few times a year and offers the updates at no additional charge.

If you are renting a vehicle, just add a GPS unit to the rental. Don't go buying software unless you plan to use it again.

We used Adobe Car Rental at $6-$7/day last year. It's up to $9/day this year, but it was worth it. I did one day without a GPS and wasted so much time, first thing in the morning I went back to add it on before I left San Jose. Stick it on the windshield and go.