Does anyone out there have any experience with renting a car
in Costa Rica? I am going for 2 weeks in May, and want to
make the most of our time there (not getting stuck on busses
like I did across Thailand!)...approx how much is it? Is it
worth it? Was driving sketchy? Should we reserve a car in
advance, or deal once we get there? Any and all info would
be great. Also, we will be doing some surfing, so do their
rental cars accomodate boards? Thanks for your help, sorry
about the twenty-question factor!
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Last year, my girlfriend and I traveled around CR for about 10 days. We rented a suzuki sidekick at the airport in San Jose. If I remember correctly, the cost was about $550 - $600 for 7 or 8 days. We did reserve it ahead of time, so I don't know if you can get a better deal by walking up and bargining.
We covered a fair amount of ground, going up to Arenal and then over to Nosara and then back to San Jose. I thought It was well worth it. We were able to travel at our own schedule and stop where we wanted. The roads are not the best. A good bit of them are paved, but narrow and very mountainous and winding. It's not uncommon to encounter long stretches of dirt roads in some areas. The Sidekick is 4 wheel drive and I was pretty pleased with the way it handeled everything. We crossed a few shallow streams near Arenal with out any trouble too.
Make sure you get a good map, as road signs were virtually nonexistent. Navigation is still a bit of an adventure even with a map, but we only made a few wrong turns and never got seriously lost. It's not just the roads that make the driving a challange, it's also the locals. Nobody seemed to think twice about passing 2 or 3 cars at a time while going up hill around a blind curve with a steep cliff on one side of the road and a mountain on the other.
Also, We were warned to check our car very carefully for dents and sratches BEFORE we picked it up. The rental car company checked it closely when we returned it. We did have a small ding in one fender when we returned it and the agent let it go, but from everything I've heard and read, we were the exception. You can be charged for any damages not notated on your contract when you pick it up. If I remember correctly, damage insurance was not available.
I don't surf, but I think a small board would fit on top of the sidekick without much trouble.
The cost above is as much or more than your total expenses
for room, board and bus. Costa Rica is small so 3-4 hrs. is
probably the longest ride on a bus you'd have at a stretch.
Never taken a board there but several friends have and all
had no problems transporting them on buses. Sides...presume
you won't be doing all that much driving..the idea is to
surf. If you do rent a car remember..don't drive at nite in
the countryside....amazing number of unlit vehicles, bicycles
and livestock.
I went there last august for a quick 3 days to visit San
Jose and the high rainforest. I took buses adequately to
Braulio and a high forest preserve where I paid 2 bucks for
a guide who knew where the birds were hiding (a must). I
made the last bus back at dusk by 10 minutes, which would
have left me remotely in the plantation hills alone at
night 20 miles from any town if I had not. The Ticos are
very helpful, but don't rely on accurate info or clear
directions in english. (Yes, I know that spanish is their
language)
My point is, for a budget surfer a bus is a plus and will
provide for his needs and allow for a good trip. However,
the buses down there are are like commune factory
transportation. If you can at all afford it, spend for the
rental and save the time wasted organizing bus connections,
terminals etc.. that country is worth getting into the deep
rainforest. I saw an amazingly varied forest containing
howler monkeys, exotic birds and toucans just off their
thruway. I think I saw a cheaper rental offer in town than
above. Buy the 'Lonely Planet' travel guide to Costa Rica!
That is what I used and it is ALWAYS indispensible. It will
detail rentals and give valuable advice.
Nicole,
I have visited San Jose on a number of occasions and found
public transpo to be quite satisfactory. We took buses
around the city and to outlying areas but did so without a
surfboard and with defined locations. I don't know if a
car would be better in other cities but in San Jose, you'll
definitely be fine without.
I've traveled in other countries by bus and rented a car in Costa Rica. If I'd been doing the driving (instead of my husband and sister-in-law) I would've opted for the bus. The roads are awful, and driving is stressful, especially around Monte Verde. That said, it was nice to have our own schedule and the freedom to go where we wanted, when we wanted. The costs listed above sound about right, but damage insurance is required, but there is a $1,000 deductible.
The other major drawback from not taking the bus I found was that we didn't meet as many locals, which can be a lot of fun.
Thanks to everyone for the info....sounds like bussing it
may be a better (and cheaper) choice. I've heard some horror
stories about the accident rates, lack of traffic rules
(can't imagine anything worse than Bali, but then again, I
didn't drive there either!). Anyways, appreciate the input.
Nicole
Thanks to everyone for the info....sounds like bussing it
may be a better (and cheaper) choice. I've heard some horror
stories about the accident rates, lack of traffic rules
(can't imagine anything worse than Bali, but then again, I
didn't drive there either!). Anyways, appreciate the input.
Nicole
I have spent basically the last 7 months in Costa Rica,
with several trips home. I have seen travellers with
surf boards using the public bus system, just make sure
you take good board bags.
If you have the money and a short vacation time then it
is best to rent. We used National with the theory that
if the company gives you a hard time, you have recourse
with an international company that has its business
office in our home courtry. The cost for a 4 wheel
drive was about $80/day for a weekly contract. Let
them know you will have surfboards they do have roof
racks.
But an alternative exists. Check the English speaking
newspaper Tico Times. In the classified section you
can find people who own cars that are bilingual and
will drive you where you want to go for around US$55
to US$70 a day. They know the roads and can make
recommendations and I'm sure they will pick you up
on a pre-arranged basis.
Good luck.
Tell you the truth I'm kind of a jungle creeper myself.
Didn't realize I was leaving the toilet seat up!
Cheers.