Recommendations for hiring a driver?

Well, I think we've decided not to rent a car on our trip in a few weeks - better to relax and enjoy the views!

So now I'm wondering if anyone could recommend a company where we could hire a van and driver for 8 days, 7 adults plus luggage. Several Spanish-speakers among us, so a bilingual guide isn't necessary. Just need someone with a safe driving record, fairly punctual, and very friendly. Oh, and not horribly expensive would be nice!

Thanks in advance!

http://costaricaprivatedriver.com/privatecr.php<BR><BR>Nice vehicles, sane drivers.

Uh, where are you going to? You didn't say.

Oh, duh, I guess that might be helpful!

Alajuela to Monteverde (2 nights)
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio/Matapalo (4 nights)
Matapalo to Cerro de la Muerte (km 70 - Finca Eddie Serrano) (1 night)
Cerro de la Muerte back to Alajuela

I'd love to get some personal recommendations! We don't have time to deal with public buses, plus with 7 tall adults and a suitcase each, it would be a bit hard to fit. Any suggestions, people?

Hiring a driver for that many days will be expensive. Generally, for long-term hires, you are expected to pay the drivers room and board for the duration of the trip in addition to the cost of transportation. However having a driver to share the experience with can be very enriching. We hired a great driver, Magdiel, for several one-day transports (we also rented a car) and I look back on our experience with him as a highlight of our trip. It was great having someone to answer all the cultural questions that came up and getting to relax and enjoy the scenery was a bonus. We got married last year in CR and spent 5 weeks in the country. Magdiel made several trips for our group throughout our stay. He was always on time, very friendly, spoke English and made everyone feel very comfortable. I highly recommend him! I believe he can be reached by calling this number 506-363-1667. Have fun and enjoy Costa Rica!!

Cheers!

Hiring a driver doesn´t mean that you have to have him with you the entire time. I think that in places like Monteverde and Manuel Antonio where it's either a very small area or there is a good amount of public transportation, that you would see paying a driver to stay with you the whole time as a waste. Hire the driver to take you from point to point, and that's it. With that many people, it's cheaper than Interbus and Grayline, and you can choose your departure times. Having a rental car gives you the most freedom, but at the same time can be the biggest hassle. Breakins, flat tires, and getting lost are common. Also, for 7 people you would need to rent a mini bus thing.

At this page, I think all the rates are published: http://www.costaricaprivatedriver.com/privatecr.php<BR>