Hiring a driver in Costa Rica
#5
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Do you need the driver to stay with you full time? Where are you staying?
Full time drivers can get expensive, and are often not necessary. We usually recommend a private transfer point to point. You can rely on the hotel for taxis, tours, etc.
You will find that most day activities (ziplines, rafting, etc.) come with door to door transportation. If you want to go to a restaurant in the evening, the front desk can call for a taxi or two. It is all pretty simple.
I have arranged for a full time driver for our big group booklings. But for a smaller group like this, it can get pricey. Figure about $250.00 per day for the vehicle, driver, and expenses. You have to add a gratuity to that. It adds up.
Of course, whatever makes you comfortable. I don't know the names mentioned here. But you will find that the advice you get here on Fodor's is pretty spot on. So I am sure you will be fine.
I hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional
Full time drivers can get expensive, and are often not necessary. We usually recommend a private transfer point to point. You can rely on the hotel for taxis, tours, etc.
You will find that most day activities (ziplines, rafting, etc.) come with door to door transportation. If you want to go to a restaurant in the evening, the front desk can call for a taxi or two. It is all pretty simple.
I have arranged for a full time driver for our big group booklings. But for a smaller group like this, it can get pricey. Figure about $250.00 per day for the vehicle, driver, and expenses. You have to add a gratuity to that. It adds up.
Of course, whatever makes you comfortable. I don't know the names mentioned here. But you will find that the advice you get here on Fodor's is pretty spot on. So I am sure you will be fine.
I hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.
Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional
#6
Join Date: Sep 2004
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If anyone is looking for a good driver in Costa Rica, I have just had a great experience with one. His name is Christian Martínez. He is an excellent driver – very skilled, calm, and doesn’t take risks; I felt very safe being on the road with him – which, as anyone who knows Costa Rican roads and drivers knows, is saying something. His English is excellent, as is his knowledge of the country. The late model van he picked me up in was in excellent shape and quite comfortable (with good AC), and he was extremely accommodating about whatever stops I might want to along the way – whether to get food or see a quetzal! I should add that he is also a very kind and generous person, who went out of his way to help me out when I was in a difficult situation. (The university which brought me to Costa Rica sent me to “guest house” where, when I arrived in the evening, I found there was no host, no food for dinner, etc. Christian, quickly sizing up the situation and my discomfort, not only made sure I found out whatever I needed to about the procedures at the guest house, but also volunteered to take me to a grocery store to pick up some supplies, and to a restaurant to get some take out food – all of which was way beyond the call of duty.) So, all in all, if you are looking for a skilled driver with excellent English who is also a very kind and decent human being, Christian is a great choice. His email is: [email protected]. (You can also find info on his website - www.costaricadriver.net)
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#10
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That was pretty easy to google; but thinking poster carolelaine will come back to visit a thread after so much time is unlikely.
BTW, we've never had a problem renting a car and driving (all over) Costa Rica.
BTW, we've never had a problem renting a car and driving (all over) Costa Rica.
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