I leave for Costa Rica in 3 days and am debating whether or
not to rent a car. We (2 of us) are only going for 6 days
and want to see Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio.
We'd only rent a car for Arenal and Monteverde(we are
flying to Manuel Antonio) but I heard the roads are
treacherous during the rainy season! (especially the road
from Arenal to Monteverde) Is it worthwhile to go through
the hassle for the convenience of having a car? If so,
which car rental company would you recommend? Estimated
cost? Please help-we are leaving soon!
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The road from Volcan Arenal to Monteverde is not only long
- about a 5 hour drive - but is quite rough...many potholes
and some of it isn't paved.
I would personally not rent a car, but instead hire the
service that for US$75 for two, will cab you to Lake
Arenal, then boat you across, then jeep you to Monteverde,
all in two hours. The hotels have flyers for it. We did
this in April and it was very pleasant.
Your trip sounds great.
I would suggest getting a car, especially if you're only
there for a week. The bus system is pretty good, but takes
a while longer. Just be really careful driving. They are
crazy on the highways, so just make sure you're constantly
aware (don't be looking at the pretty rainforest and
countryside :). Also, try to avoid driving in San Jose.
Even crazier. Just be really defensive out there, and good
luck!
From La Fortuna (the town closest to Arenal) you can ride a
horse to Monteverde for about USD50. We took our rental
car and spent the whole day driving. Horseback would have
been more fun--although I guess your butt would hurt by the
end of the day.
Went from SJ to Arenal at night during the dry season (in a
4wd) and it was the most nerve racking experience--rain,
fog covering the road, mammoth potholes galore, steep
winding roads and no guardrail!
Renting a car was fine, but challenging during the dry
season, I can't even imagine doing in the wet season.
Based on my experience, it would let someone else do the
driving during the wet season. Good luck!!
You don't want to rent a car in Costa Rica. For the money
you are much better off using the SANSA air taxis. The
drive from Fortuna to Manuel Antonio will take your forever
and the SANSA flights cost about $45. There's an airstrip
outside of Fortuna and Quepos though you will have to fly
by way of San Jose. We were there during peak season and
had little problem booking flights in Fortuna at the
tourist office (can book in several major towns). There
are also many taxis that will beg for your long distance
travel and with several of you it may also be reasonable.