If my flight arrives into SJO at 9:30 AM, and I want to get to Arenal that day, is there enough time to catch the 11:30 AM Nature Air flight to Arenal (the only flight to Arenal)? If not (and I suspect not), how can I go about hiring a private driver in advance to take us from SJO to Arenal? Is there a listing or is it all by word of mouth? Please let me know if you have any personal recommendations. Obviously we would prefer someone who speaks English and can also serve as a tour guide during the drive.

Also, are these private drivers licensed or certified in any way? As tourists, can we be sure that we won't be scammed by some con artist?

Thanks!

I would say that would be pushing it timewise. We went to CR in July, and it took us 2 hours to get through customs and immigration because 5 planes landed at the same time, and there was a big backlog. I've been before where we breezed through, so there's no guarantee, just depends on the day. Personally, I wouldn't risk it.

We hired all our drivers through our hotels before our trip. They spoke varying degrees of English, from being fluent to barely speaking any, but we enjoyed all of them and felt safe.

You doubtfully would be unable to catch the flight to Arenal via Natue Air. They are about a 30 minute drive away, with a 30 minute check-in required. So you'd have to make it out of SJO under an hour (which sometimes happes, sometimes doesn't).

I have a driver that I recommend: his name is Alberto Artavia and his email is [email protected]

Just as an aside, you can also use Interbus for a little cheaper but then again you'd have to wait around til 3pm which could waste some good time.

I absolutely recommend a driver, whenever your budget allows. We had Oscar Mora in June 2005 for our fam of 4 for a week before Osa. Returning in Jan 2008 and again hired Oscar. He displayed a special lic and carried gov't papers.

We have self-driven in many other countries, but loved the freedom of riding together with the kids and each other for a change. He was punctual, fun, great english, and no stress: he stayed with the car or our stuff all the time, was very cautious and vigilant. It was sort of like he adopted us! His advice was very helpful, tweeking our itinerary, guiding and finding critters, even planned a side trip for us during a long drive section, to look for Quetzals.
We were not interested in the bus option. Other drivers may be cheaper. But for us, the kids voted for a little less time in CR this visit so that we could travel with Oscar.

So that's my vote, a driver/guide, to make the ride a pleasure.

Can anyone share what a driver might cost (SJO to Arenal)?

We drove all the way down to Golfito so we covered a lot of miles overall in CR.
Here's what I learned, but it was only on one trip, so....

Numbers I've heard range from $100-150 per day. Driver pays all gas, makes his own overnight hotel arrangements near wherever you are, many CR hotels have rooms for them. Tradition seems to be you buy their lunch when you are out on the road traveling together(Often they recommend the best spot)

Remember, you have no rental car hassles or worries over those challenging CR roads and lack of signs, and best of all, no worries over leaving your belongings in your car while you sightsee. While we surfed our last day, Oscar watched all our stuff and went off to refresh/fill the cooler (he provided the cooler and filled it daily, carrying it into the rooms, a lovely touch). Then he sat on it to watch the comedy of our surf show and then pass out the cold ones! A never ending supply of Fanta for the kids and Imperial for us! He bought all the ice and drinks for the whole 10 days and surprised us often with new CR snacks to try. He wouldn't even here of letting us contribute.
Best of all: You get to indulge and he's your designated driver.

Yes, I'm hooked...

We paid $120 last year. I think most estimates would be around that range.

When I'm not flying from one place to another, I always use the same driver--Luis [email protected]. His English is perfect, he's a great driver, and a terrific guy.

Carol

Sorry about the typing mess-up
Carol

Let me tell you some thing, the best option is to find a nice and friedly driver,I recommend Alex he's a profesional and safe driver, and has a very nice van, he works with some travel agencies like elegant adventures and journey's costa rica he's a very good option, i recommend him, if you are interested contact him at [email protected]

Carol: We are using Luis in November. I have been emailing him a bit. He seems wonderful and has a very witty sense of humor. Just curious about any of the details when you traveled with him... Is he good with kids, suggestions, Imperials

Hi campjulie,

Luis is great with kids. I've only brought my granddaughter (14 at the time) with me once, but he was terrific with her. Also, I've seen him with other peoples' kids. He has suggestions but doesn't push something you're not interested in. Not much on Imperials. If he doesn't keep you laughing the whole time, I'll be surprised. Also, he is a totally unflappable driver on the worst of roads and in the craziest traffic.

Have a wonderful trip!!!!!!!

Carol

You'll need much longer than that to connect - no point risking it. If your main flight is delayed you'll have real problems. San Jose to Arenal only takes about 3 hours, so why not go by car?

Craig
www.bigtravelweb.com