travelincane

A friend who lives in country recommends renting a vehicle instead of using other transport alternatives.

We are traveling from San Jose to Dominical and points north and south on the coast.

Recommendations welcome.

Thanks.

JC98

I'm also interested in this thread. Is driving in Costa Rica safe? What kind of car should we rent? How much is the typical rate?

From some of the trip reports I've read, it looks like most people hire drivers instead. Is it because it's not easy or safe to drive in CR?

Thanks!

qwovadis

Solid Car Rental good in your area

Rental Car safe great easycheaper do it a lot in CR

rent for 1 week for less

than a driver will cost for 1 day

www.servicecarrental.com

www.wild-rider.com

also good...

Newbies who are fearful mostly hire drivers

plumboy

I just did the drive from Escazu to Uvita (just past Dominical) and it was easy as pie (but this was my 4th trip, so maybe my fear was much less). There's only about one or two turns at most -- otherwise, it's just a straight-through drive. It took us exactly 3 1/2 hours to get to Uvita, going the speed limit. We made two quick bathroom breaks on the way. So, I'd say it should take a little over 3 to get to Dominical.

The only thing I found really annoying was the constant speed limit changes. It seems like it went from 80 to 60 to 80 to 40 to 80 (kph) constantly! My poor right foot. I was determined not to go over the speed limit, and I didn't (even if that meant annoying the people behind me, but so be it).

We rented from Wild Rider at the suggestion of our b&b (Casa Bella Rita), and it was a great, easy experience. I'd definitely use them again. They were having a special on Daihatsu Terios in May -- it was $299 for the week, including all taxes and required insurance and drop off and pick up from the b&b -- and that's what I was charged (they also put a $900 authorization on my card as a deposit).

The Daihatsu Terios was okay, but next time I think I'd want something with a bit more power. It was sort of sucky at going up hills and just didn't seem to have much get up and go. You certainly don't need a 4WD to get there, but you might once you're there, depending on where you're staying.

yacare

Absolutely! Costa Rica y very safe to drive, a wonderful and beautiful! We rode our bicycle from coast to coast, so a car should be no problem. Here there are some nice pictures from Dominical http://www.hoteltraveltour.com/costa...untarenas.html
Cheers!

sylvia3

Ditto. Get a car, and make it a 4WD; esp. if you are going to the mountains.
Eurocar came to our hotel (near the airport, in Alajuela)first thing in the morning, right on schedule, with all the paperwork (and bring your own paperwork, too; check with your insurer, your coverage might be more complete than you think!), and they picked up the car from the hotel, too. We thought they were great. We used a hotel shuttle to/from the airport. After lots of research, we thought their prices were the best, too.

JC98

Thanks, for your replies. Could those who have rented a car give me an idea of what much you paid for your rental cars? Thanks!

plumboy

I think I mentioned it above already, but we paid $299 total for a week from Wild Rider. This included all taxes and required insurance. In the end, that's what I was charged.

travelincane

Thanks to all of you for your replies to my inquiry.

Time to rent a 4WD!

Safe Travels!

Cookie1129

I'll be renting a 4WD at ALAMO for 8 nights for only $170 with a coupon. It's at the SJO airport.

kippy6

Cookie - Where did you get your coupon from? I'm not experienced in renting cars. We need to fit 6 peo in a vehicle.

For a "premium 7-passenger SUV, I have gotten a quote of $355.30 in US Dollars for everything. I got this price by going thru Amex Travel.

Also, I got a quote for Budget Rental car for 400,82 colones. I need to figure out the exchange for it. I don't see the insurance on the bill though...

kippy6

Oops - didn't mention that the $355.30 was a quote for Alamo