Getting Around Costa Rica
 

If I plan my own trip, where do I go to get drivers. I hear it is a lot cheaper to plan your own trip. But I know alot of the areas are hard to driver so I want a driver where do I go.

Dear dmittylooo,
in the post "multi-generational CR trip" you can find the name of a driver suzie2 recommend2. I personally have worked with a company called Costa Rica Transfers (www.costaricatransfers.com), and so far I have been very happy with them. You can see the list of prices on their site, and you can ask them for a quote if you want to use their services for more than one ride.
Feel free to write me directly, and I will try and help you with your reservations etc.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

Neta,
Hi. I actually will be using Costa Rica Transfers in November for my trip. I was confused about the private transfer as well. The representative was very informative and quite prompt with my e-mails, but sometimes its hard to remember all of your questions at once. He mentioned that after picking us up at the airport SJO, we would be driven to our first stop at the Peace Lodge and could stop whenever and wherever we wanted to take pictures, stretch our legs, have lunch, etc.. It seems like this could potentially take a lot of his time for the price. We figured that we could have him stop in town before getting to the Peace Lodge so that we could buy water, soda, coffee, snacks, etc. Can you explain a little more if possible, how they work if you have had contact with them. Also when we leave Peace Lodge to Tabacon where would you recommend stopping? Also, what can we expect at the airport and during the ride? For example, do they wait with a sign and check the flight in the event of a delay if we can't contact them. Basically any info on your experience would help. Thanks

Dear Wolfiesmon,
From my experience, any stop that is on the way, and is for a reasonable time (i.e, buying something, stopping for coffee, taking pictures etc), is part of what you are paying for. An hour more or less doesn't really make a difference (for instance, your flight can come late, or it can take you time to get out of the airport, and they don't charge you extra for that either!).
On your way from the airport it would be a good idea to stop and get a couple of things. Ask the driver to stop at any supermercado (supermarket) on the way.
On the way to Arenal, you can go through Zarcero, which is a picturecque town with a beautiful church and manicured gardens. The way to Arenal is really beautiful and most drivers know of a nice place to stop for lunch or coffee, with great views and good and cheap food, so just ask the driver.
When the driver picked up my mother a couple of days ago from the airport, he came with a big sign with her name, he spoke English, and he was there on time although the flight arrived almost 30 minutes earlier, so I assume they check.
Wolfiesmon, feel free to write me directly as well with any more questions or doubts!
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

I used sansa airlines and found it to be quicker and even cheaper to fly than drive or hire a driver.

Thanks for the help Neta. I have planned this trip so well that I can't believe it's still 8 months away. My calendars all have red x's as the days pass haha