rmr

My husband and I are honeymooning in Costa Rica in February for 10 days. I've been there once before so I have a general idea of spots I'd like to revisit (Arenal, Monteverde, Manual Antonio).
We're trying to figure out if renting a 4x4 or relying on public transportation would be better. I've heard the roads are pretty bad going from Arenal to Monteverde and was considering taking a bus from the airport (San Jose) to Arenal and then doing the taxi/boat/taxi trip to Monteverde, then renting a 4x4 to travel to Manual Antonio (if there's a place near there to rent from). I'm leaning towards a 4x4 for the entire trip just so we don't have to rely on other transportation and schedules (and worry about baggage limits) but in addition to the sketchy roads I also wonder if it's a waste of money to have a car the whole time?
Is it too hard to find your way around on your own? Also, is there a big difference in travel time with public transportation vs. driving on your own?
I have tons more questions but thought I'd tackle this first! Any info on traveling would be very helpful. Thank you!

dncee11

Many go with the car option now, it makes it conveinent and it is faster than buses. The one bad road you mention is kinda rough, but passable, and the rest are mostly paved but rutted. We have done it twice in a compact, 4wd is not necessary unless you really wanna go offroad. It is not too hard to find your way to the major tourist spots. OTOH, buses are a great way to save $$$ and meet lotsa friendly Ticos! Either way, you'll have fun, good luck!

rmr

dncee11, thank you for the reply. Very helpful! What about guided tours, do these have to be made in advance or is it easy to go to a popular location (i.e. Arenal, Monteverde)and find a guide upon arrival? We've selected our destinations but would like to kinda play it by ear once we are there- but don't want to end up not being able to do stuff because we didn't plan ahead enough. Thanks!

CarolM

It's possible to arrange private transfers between points; that way you don't have to worry about driving or relying on public transportation. This way you'll travel in a comfortable private van driven from place to place. I know that Costa Rica Expeditions can arrange transfers between the places you've mentioned (www.costaricaexpeditions.com). They're a very respected organization, and they also own/run the Monteverde Lodge as well as several others places. I personally don't like to worry about driving conditions, finding my way, etc, so this is a great option if you're like me. It also simplifies planning a lot.

CarolM

Oh yeah... about tours: it's best to just arrange tours once you get to each destination. This allows you the most freedom and it quite easy to do. All hotels can help you sign up for day tours and various activities (hiking, horseback riding, watersports, canopy tours, etc.) Of course there may be something you might want to book in advance, such as a whitewater rafting trip (if you do a two-day overnighter for example... I'm not up on this, really), but most day trips and guides are readily available and can be booked once you get there.

rmr

Carol,
Thank you for the information. I'll look into the private transportation option too. It might be a less expensive to go that route too. I don't imagin once we are at a destination that we'd be doing much driving around.