ninermike

Visiting Costa Rica in mid-February. Please advise on the best transportation for the following itinerary.

Day 1- Arrive in San Jose, spend the night in Alajuela
Day 2- Head to Arenal Volcano area
Day 3- Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 4- Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 5- Head to Manuel Antonio
Day 6- Manuel Antonio
Day 7- Manuel Antonio
Day 8- Back to Alajuela
Day 9- Depart from San Jose airport

Am I better off renting a 4W drive for the duration, getting shuttle transportation from stop to stop, or hiring a driver for the whole period?

If I hire a driver, does anyone know the best place to look?

Thanks in advance for your help.

volcanogirl

We hired drivers through our hotels before we went; it worked really well for us and made everything easy, so we could just relax. Interbus is also popular, and a lot of people do the drive themselves - really, just your own personal preference.

cmerrell

Hi ninermike,

I echo VG's statement that its really up to your personal preference. We've driven on both of our trips to CR, and enjoyed the flexibility the rental car provided. If you decide to go that route, you'll definitely want the 4W drive for the trek to Monteverde.

Driving is a bit of an adventure in Costa Rica; but do-able if you're the type of person who enjoys driving in general. The road conditions do vary, and there's lots of narrow switchbacks, one lane bridges, and animals and people strolling across the roadway. Defensive driving is an absolute must, but we've enjoyed it (many people do...).

Interbus and private drivers are good options as well. Just depends on the type of vacation experience that appeals to you.

I assume this is your first visit to CR? You may actually want to consider dropping either Arenal or Monteverde from your itinerary because you'll be on the road a lot and really short-changing both Monteverde and Arenal with your current game plan. I haven't been to Monteverde, but can tell you that Arenal is definitely worthy of 3 to 4 days in it's own right. Just food for thought...

Dyer

ninermike: we used Leo Rodriguez and you were asking how to find a driver in case you decide to use one. Leo is a college grad, speaks fluent English and is so knowledgeable, a great driver and so personable. You can reach him at his business e-mail address: [email protected] for answers to your questions.

shillmac

ninermike, just to second cmerrell's advice. Do select either Arenal or Monteverde, but don't try to do both in the amount of time you have allotted. I'd go with Arenal as well.