Car rental in Costa Rica

[rggmeg]

My huband and I are traveling to Costa Rica with 2 other couples. We are interested in renting a vehicle and driving ourselves. I've read multiple sites that describe the roads as a challenge and adventure so we are expecting that. Our trip is to land in San Jose, do a rafting/overnight camping trip on the Pacuare River, then head up to Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano, then down the coast to the Osa Peninsula to meet other friends. My husband and I were thinking of returning to San Jose on the Interamerican Highway. Since there will be 6 of us and our luggage that limits us to a full size SUV (and I'm not sure if they are all 4WD) or a van. Will one be better than the other. What I've read says you need a 4WD vehicle going to Monteverde, and other places, but are the various vans one can hire using 4WD? I've seen the Toyota Hiace on some rental sites. Is the Toyota Hiace up to the road construction? We had one in Africa on our tour and were very impressed with it, but maybe if is a different verison. Any suggestions or thoughts about any aspect of this trip are greatly appreciated. Betsy

[ftuley]

Click on this link Car Rental here you can search Multiple sites for Cheapest Car Rentals. Costa Rica is a very small country and most tourist destinations are within a few hours drive of San José. Not only will you drive through beautiful countryside, but some small, out-of-the-way places will only be discovered by car. The adventure lover will appreciate the freedom to explore.
I do not recommend renting a car during the time you are in San José. Traffic and parking can be difficult and finding your way around is almost impossible as most buildings don't have addresses. Taxis are not only relatively cheap, but the drivers know where everything is. The biggest problem with driving in Costa Rica isn't the roads, it's the slow-moving vehicles (mostly trucks) that cause delays and the dangerous passes that frustrated drivers make in attempt to overtake them. You will probably have to make a few passes on double yellow lines if you rent a car and want to get anywhere fast, but use caution and drive VERY defensively. As there are few traffic cops in Costa Rica, drivers tend to be a little aggressive in their maneuvers. click on this links Things To Do In Costa Rica and Arenal Volcano.
Here are some driving times that might help
San Jose to Manuel Antonio: 3.75 hours
San Jose to Arenal: 4 hours
San Jose to Tamarindo: 5 hours
San Jose to Puerto Viejo: 3.75 hours
San Jose to Monteverde: 5 hours
San Jose to Jaco: 2 hours
San Jose to Golfito: 8 hours
I hope this information can help you. Have a great time!

[donjuan]

Hi ftuley,

This is a very helfpul post from a very cute woman!


Thanks
Don

[rggmeg]

Thanks so much for your information! A friend who lived in Costa Rica for 3 months strongly recommended not driving down to the Osa Peninsula, rather to fly, due to the roads and a bunch of slides. We're still thiking of driving to Monteverde.

[ftuley]

Good idea, I hope you have a really nice time. Take care!

[willsmiller]

Hi ftuley,
Thanks for providing a so much information