Doses anyone know if you can just hire a taxi driver on the spot to take you from San Jose to Monteverde, or Tamarindo to San Jose, rather than reserve a private driver in advance? If so, any idea what prices are in general?
Thanks!

I am sure you can hire a taxi driver for these routes, but I really think your best option would be the small turismo van. Not sure, but think it would be cheaper. Very safe and comfortable. . .check out Interbus on the internet. I think the address is interbusonline.com. Usually about $35 per transfer.

Thanks, Shillmac. Forgot to mention that we are a family of 4 so I don't know if it is more reasonable and efficient to travel via Interbus versus private transport. I will check Inerbus' rates.

Why don't you send an e-mail to [email protected]? She can give you information on a transfer company that she recommends--it might meet your needs, and you might as well compare several options. You are right, with a family of 4, you would be paying per person on Interbus. If it were me, I'd feel better with a private transfer company rather than a taxi for these distances.

Our hotels set us up with drivers from SJ to Monteverde ($95 for up to 6 people), Monteverde to Arenal ($25 per person), and Arenal back to SJ ($90 up to 6 people).

I've been checking around and those rates you quoted, RufusTFirefly, seem very reasonable. With your and Shillmac's recommendations, we will probably do the private transfer thing.
Thanks much!