Driving in Costa Rica
Driving a rented vehicle is by far the most enjoyable way to experience Costa Rica. You will have the freedom of movement and the flexibility of arriving and leaving when you want, changing or deviating from plans where and when you choose. The road network is generally good with many sections in surprisingly good condition, but at certain places driving can be challenging because of pot holes, hairpin turns and steep hills, which is made worse during the rainy season by torrential rain, mudslides and flooded rivers. However, with a dependable 4 by 4, common sense and advice from the locals, a little detour or delay is all that can eventuate in the worst scenario. If you are renting a car and driving in Costa Rica for the first time, be sure to clarify directions and get the latest weather and road condition update from your car rental agent before setting off.
To rent a car you must be over 21, have a valid passport, a credit card, and a valid driving license from your home country. All rental cars in Costa Rica are legally subject to standard insurance coverage and this is automatically added to the rate; some agencies however offer optional extra coverage, such as for content theft or coverage for the second driver.
Rental rates depend on the time of year, the make and the model, but be prepared to pay USA prices for a SUV; prices range from $60/day in the high season (Suzuki) to $120 (Land Cruiser) per day. A 4WD is necessary for exploring the countryside, regardless of rainy or dry season. Automatic 4WDs are harder to find and rates are usually higher. If you plan on renting one during the high season (December to April), you are advised to book ahead, online or through toll free calls.
Car rental agencies can be found all over San Jose and in the vicinity of the airport; the major companies have service counters within the arrival terminal. For first time visitors however, consider renting a car after you have arrived at your final destination, as many car rental agencies now have branch offices all over the country, certainly at most of the tourism hotspots; this can spare you from having to navigate your way out of San Jose to get onto the correct highway, a process that can take a couple of hours if you are unlucky.
Once you are on your way, remember to buckle up, as seatbelts are mandatory in Costa Rica, and gas up too at the first opportunity, as gas station can be few and far between once you are outside the metropolitan area. If you stop over to eat, shop or sightsee, do not leave valuables lying around in the car - not even with the doors locked. Obey speed limits, as traffic police abound on major highways. Look out for other drivers, bikers and pedestrians, all of whom may not have common sense like you. Beware of narrow bridges which are invariably one-way, so one side needs to yield (Ceda). Watch out for the sign ‘Alta’ at intersections, meaning ‘Stop.’
Perhaps the greatest challenge about driving in Costa Rica is the lack of signposts, especially in the outlying areas. The key is not to be in a hurry, take the time to research, stop and ask for directions often. Most tourist attractions are accessible on paved road, and moving between towns and cities is easy. The question is getting lost once you deviate from the main roads. Lastly, if you do not generally like driving at night, stay away from mountain roads after dark, because dense fogs can make driving near impossible.
