Sorry I am inundating you all with questions, but I have a lot of them!
1) Can I rent a car anywhere other than San Jose?
2) If yes, when will I need a car if I am flying into San Jose and planning on stopping by Corcovado and Dominical for 3 days each? I am ideally looking to rent a car some and take transport for the other times to cut down on costs. Any suggestions on how to make this happen?
3) I now have 14 nights in C.R. like I said 3 in Dominical, 3 in Corcovado. Flying in/out of San Jose. Does it make sense for my to hit the caribe side for the rest of the trip and just avoid the busier parts of the pacific coast?
4) How long would the drive be from the Corcovado Area to Caribe Coast? I assume public transport would be time prohibitive?
5) Finally, we don't get in to San Jose until 3ish the 1st day -- where would you suggest travelling to that first night just to get out of the city?
Thanks!
You can rent cars in Domenical, for example. However, renting a car somewhere and dropping it off somewhere else always involves extra costs. Also, renting a car twice for 3 days, will always be much more expensive, than renting it for a week. Most car rentals offer weekly rates.
Public transportation is o.k, as long as you bring lots of time. I travelled 2 days ago from Domencial to San Jose, and it took me 7 hours (I switched busses in San Jose). By public transport, you will need at least a day and a half from Corcovado to the Caribbean side. You will need to go via San Jose. By car, it is a long one-day drive, but with a scenic route to take.
I like the Carribean very much, it's relaxing, more laid-back and a bit less touristic........however, it will take precious time of your journey. Going back from the Caribbean, it will take some 4-5 hours to San Jose.
Regarding your first day: It gets dark by 6:00 almost imediatly and it is not advisable at all to drive at night. I would recommend to stay in San Jose your first night and get an early start the next day.............on your arrival time, add an extra hour for luggage and customs. Busses to the beaches leave from San Jose center, which is another 1/2 hour at least from the airport.
If you are thinking to rent a car for the whole time (San Jose-San Jose), we do have a couple of 4x4 which are not brandnew and which we offer at backpacker rates. Send a short mail to info@wild-rider.com (also see our listing in the Lonely Planet under motorcycle rental).
You can rent cars in Domenical, for example. However, renting a car somewhere and dropping it off somewhere else always involves extra costs. Also, renting a car twice for 3 days, will always be much more expensive, than renting it for a week. Most car rentals offer weekly rates.
Public transportation is o.k, as long as you bring lots of time. I travelled 2 days ago from Domencial to San Jose, and it took me 7 hours (I switched busses in San Jose). By public transport, you will need at least a day and a half from Corcovado to the Caribbean side. You will need to go via San Jose. By car, it is a long one-day drive, but with a scenic route to take.
I like the Carribean very much, it's relaxing, more laid-back and a bit less touristic........however, it will take precious time of your journey. Going back from the Caribbean, it will take some 4-5 hours to San Jose.
Regarding your first day: It gets dark by 6:00 almost imediatly and it is not advisable at all to drive at night. I would recommend to stay in San Jose your first night and get an early start the next day.............on your arrival time, add an extra hour for luggage and customs. Busses to the beaches leave from San Jose center, which is another 1/2 hour at least from the airport.
If you are thinking to rent a car for the whole time (San Jose-San Jose), we do have a couple of 4x4 which are not brandnew and which we offer at backpacker rates. Send a short mail to info@wild-rider.com (also see our listing in the Lonely Planet under motorcycle rental).
I would fly to Corcovado from SJ.
I beleive Solid rent a car is the only company that will rent you a car in Dominical without a drop off fee. I feel that a car is a must in Dominical as you will definately want to go south down the Coastenara to check out the many beaches, restaurants,etc.
Dont know #4
I wouldn't even bother going into San Jose....I never do. I prefer staying in Alajuela(right next to the airport). There are good Peruvian sodas and many restaurants in Alajuela, and a quick exit to your first destination the following morning.
You fist need to settle where the heck your staying for Xmas and New Years, 3 day minimums?
Whats the status of your Osa-Corcovado lodging? Are there room? Are there flights?
So far I have
Arrive S.J. at 3pm 12/23 Stay: ???
nights of 12/24, 25, 26 Nothing Booked Any suggestions??--> possibly go up to Monteverde Cloud Forests or Arenal for the Volcano --> game for other suggestions
nights of 27,28,29 Stay in Dominical (Booked the Pacific Edge)
night of 30th Stay in either Drake or Puerto Jiminez to relax/be able to catch transport the next morning to Corcavoda (Nothing Booked - Drake or PJ???)
nights of 31,1,2 - Booked La Leone Eco Lodge
Nights of 3,4,5 - Still don't know need to be in S.J for a 6:30 pm flight and would love suggestions.
Thoughts on this itin? Suggestions for the beginning/end of the trip? Now that I look at it I will need to book a car for sure for the whole time.
Thanks!
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