going to Uvita in March - Questions on transportation
 

Greetings fellow Fodorites,

I will be flying to Costa Rica (San Jose) and spending 8 nights in Uvita with a friend of mine. This will be in early March.

I just received my guidebook on CR and have lots more to read on Fodors.

Since it's the dry season, I believe I won't have to rent a 4-wheel car, although I read some roads are bad. Not sure if we'll be on those in particular. We plan to spend time at the beaches, snorkeling, do some hiking, whale watching, visit some towns, etc.

I understand that there are local buses, but I'm still researching. Plus taxi's are inexpensive - if we want to use a taxi to get to a restaurant or beach. So I'm not sure if it's worth having a rental car all 8 days or do a mix of rental, taxi, bus. But then that might be two one-way car rentals.

Our flight arives in the late morning but our flight home is after midnight, which means we probably should leave Uvita in the afternoon - about a 3.5 hour drive. I don't particuarly want to drive to the airport at night not knowing the area and traffic, etc. If we got to San Jose early, we could drop off the car but not sure if we can store our luggage for several hours, as we won't need to be at the airport until around 10pm.

I'm looking for the best way to get around but still be safe and comfortable if we do rent a car.

Thanks,

Monica ((F))

For Uvita, I'd get a car. Everything is very spread out down there and taking a taxi could be time-consuming and end up costing a good deal of money. I wouldn't let the dry season influence whether to get a 4WD or not, it doesn't really apply. The reason for getting a 4WD in that area is a lot of roads off the main are unpaved and some very steep, you need the pull and the clearance.

Thanks tully!

Monica ((F))

Just want to second Tully. We go to the Uvita area every year and I can't imagine not having a car. You will appreciate having a 4x4. While the Costanera is paved and easy, most of the side roads are rocky, wet or steep. Also, though it's dry season, that doesn't guarantee no heavy rain. Past couple of years we have been surprised in February.

I would guess a reputable rental car agency would hold your luggage if you want to drop your car and then taxi it into SJ. (FYI we always use Tricolor, 5 times without incident). Just a heads up that the airport is not super convenient to the city center, and if you don't know your way around SJ is easy to get lost in. You might be better just to hang out/get dinner in Alajuela before your flight. There are lots of lovely places.

I'm back from a great trip to Costa Rica! I posted my journal here: http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...march-2013.cfm

Monica ((F))