Good day all! I'll be traveling around Costa Rica via car rental sometimes in . My questions are, is this the best way to move around the country and is it permissable to drive your rental across the boarders? Thanks and travel safe all.
Well, it depends where you are going, and what you plan to do. Having a car sit for 3-4 days while hiking or at the beach is not a goos use of funds at $65 day.
Otherwise, yes its the best way to get around the country. But, some areas its best not to have a car, that would be Tortuguero (no roads) and Drake Bay/Corcovado, hard to reach due to rivers. Best to leave car in Sierrpe and take boats to DB.
But there are great public buses many routes direct, shuttles, and boats, and planes.
No you can't take rental cars across borders.
Thank you for the valuable advice. I'm petty spontaneous when traveling so any info, recommendations, anything that will be useful is appreciated. Thanks again.
Get the MOON Guidebook...
Top areas to see for nature, wildlife, bio diversity and sheer beauty:
Corcovado
Tortuguero
Cano Negro
La Amistad
Tenerio/Celeste Waterfalls
Raft the Rio Paquare
Rincon
Cahuita
Manzanillo-Ganduca
Monteverde
Arenal
Hello again, flying into CR on the 26th of Aug. Will be there for 2 weeks. Am planning on driving around the country , according to guide book a 4 wheel drive is necessary. I would like another opinion. Also am planning on a fair amount of hiking, will hiking it's be necessary or can I get by with a pair of old running shoes. Thanks for the info.
What guidebook says you need a 4 wheel drive?
Where are you going? The best hiking that time of year is:
Tortuguero
Cahuita
No need for a car on above.
Tenerio
Rincon
Orosi
Which all are paved roads to them.
I Was looking at the 2016 Moon Costa Rica Guide book. I didn't buy it, I was looking thru it at the book store. It basically suggested a 4wd because of road conditions. But sounds like I don't need one. I'm really not sure where I'll end up, but I'm planning hiking the beautiful countryside, and relax a little at the beach. I appreciate your input. Thanks again
You can't really just hike the countryside. You need to hike in the National Parks on the designated trails, due to both safety (not getting lost in forest/jungle) and not getting bitten by a Viper, or charged by a herd of Peccares...
You sign in before you hike, at ranger stations, some parks requires a guide, or a permit, or both.