Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Mexico & Central America (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/)
-   -   personal driver recommendations?? (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/personal-driver-recommendations-484076/)

superturnip Nov 3rd, 2004 09:18 AM

personal driver recommendations??
 
We (six of us) will need a driver to take us from San Jose to Quepos in Jan 2005. We are a fun bunch of late 30s/early 40s people that like to party and want a driver who is fun, has moderate english skills, and most importantly has a great sense of humor! Does anyone know of such a driver, and if so, can we get the contact info?
Thanks

Latitude9Lisa Nov 3rd, 2004 09:39 AM

Several years ago we were introduced to Carlos! and we've used him since as have all our "crazy" friends. Great guy, fun loving and very bilingual!! You can call him in San Jose from the states 011 (506) 240-2727 (home) or cell 384-4042. Email [email protected]

Tell him Lisa & Harry in Manuel Antonio say hello!

Lisa

superturnip Nov 5th, 2004 09:46 AM

Thanks for the info Lisa! I e-mailed Carlos and will let you know what happens.
Thanks again,
Dee Dee

toucan Nov 5th, 2004 11:22 AM

I can also recommend Carlos. Great guy, very trustworthy. speaks very good english too. Last time I talked with him he was considering moving to Dallas. Glad he didn't.

Latitude9Lisa Nov 6th, 2004 04:08 AM

DeeDee: If you don't get a response from Carlos right away, be patient. RACSA (our internet server) is a bit unreliable and s-l-o-w at times! I need to speak with Carlos today on another matter so I'll tell him to watch for your email.

Lisa

superturnip Nov 6th, 2004 08:13 PM

Thanks for the info and contacting Carlos. I'll let you know when he gets a hold of me.
Thanks again,
Dee Dee

trevorjoyce Nov 7th, 2004 05:03 PM

If you don't hear from Carlos, we used a wonderful driver in August with a large, comfortable van: Oscar Chavarria Mora, [email protected], cell- 373-2736. We used e-mail communication, but it did take a little while as most Ticos use internet cafes to get their mail. He was fun and we learned so much from him, Joyce

Percy Nov 7th, 2004 05:08 PM

I will second the motion for Oscar.

I used him last year for my full 9 days in the Central Valley and had a terrific time with him.

If you use Oscar tell him Percy says hello.
He just sent me an e-mail last week.

We stay in touch always.

percy

Pura_Vida Nov 7th, 2004 07:05 PM

If that doesn't work out and you would be interested in a driver and guide for the drive...we used Jorge Fernandez. He speaks great English. He had a driver and gave us a great introduction to CR culture and was great at finding birds on the drive. His email is [email protected].

Good luck
Maureen

lvk Nov 8th, 2004 06:47 AM

A third recommendation for Oscar.

Jessie_ Nov 8th, 2004 07:27 AM

We use a private driver frequently and really enjoy it. He has shown us so much that we might have missed on our own. I tell you this just so you will get the idea that it can be fun traveling with one. He will definitely have a cooler full of beer or otherwise waiting for you if you request it.

He previously worked for two well known tour companies until going out on his own. He is youngish (mid 30's and a lot of fun-enjoys a party as much as anyone although he is very serious about ecology and nature). He has been in the business for a long time and has a huge following so his availability is very limited. He has asked not to have his name put out generally because he was having trouble keeping up with inquiries. Most of his time is taken by private referals and quite frequently he travels with his customers as a guide as well. I can contact him to see if he is available at all during Jan. if you are interested. If it is just for a one day transfer he might be able to fit it in or have someone else he can call for you. An exact date would be helpful if you are interested.



superturnip Nov 16th, 2004 03:29 PM

Hey everybody - thanks for the recommendations. I just heard back from Oscar and we are all set. I was surprised to see so many people that had not only used him but loved him!!
Thanks again for the info from everybody!!

superturnip Nov 16th, 2004 03:32 PM

I meant Carlos - not Oscar ;0)!!

ladybug98 Nov 23rd, 2004 08:11 AM

Hi,

I had a question so I just thought I would tack it on to this thread. Hope no one minds!!

I need a driver 12/29 - 1/4 and have tried both Carlos and Oscar and neither has returned calls/emails. Jorge Fernandez did get back to me, but says that he doesn't just drive he provides tours, mostly nature. Is there any "main" website or phone number I can call to find someone? Thanks

trevorjoyce Nov 23rd, 2004 08:21 AM

I am realizing I posted Oscar's e-mail wrong..it should be: cuco2228@hotmailcom. I am so sorry. The cell is the one we used and was correct. Maybe you will have better luck now, Joyce

gac1yahoo Nov 27th, 2004 07:21 PM

Hello..
If no one minds..what is the normal charge for the private drivers..? We'll be going as a family (4), looking into $$s...

I mean only driver not a guided tour operator.

Jessie_ Nov 29th, 2004 08:14 AM

I have seen private transports listed for between $90 and $150 depending on where you are going. If you get lucky you will have a combination tour guide/driver. Costa Ricans are very proud of their country and always eager to show it off.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:27 PM.