Reviews Of Costa Rica

Hi, I just returned from an extended vacation in Costa Rica. We were on a self-guided trip and loved it more than any escorted trip we have ever taken, but did not rent a car. All of the major car rental companies wanted to place an $1800 to $3000 hold on our credit card, which we felt was absolutely ridiculous considering we only wanted the car for a week of our trip. But, when you see the driving and the roads in CR you will understand why they do this!



The good thing about CR is that there are taxis everywhere - even in smaller towns. To get from major destination to major destination, we used THIS company - VacationCity.com - to book private transfers. The rates were reasonable and the drivers were fantastic. To just get around town, we took taxis. At no time did we feel trapped due to no transportation.



If you can do something like this, I would recommend it just based on my own personal experiences. If I HAD to rent a car, though, I would wait and do it when I got into the country. The smaller car rental companies (that most likely can't afford websites or advertising) are MUCH more reasonable on the deposits, although a little higher on the daily rates. By the time I arrived in the country and learned this, though, I had already made other arrangements.



To answer your other question, all the tour companies I have seen in Costa Rica pick you up at your hotel. Some of the day and half-day tours to the rainforest, mountains, wildlife, etc) are nice, but be sure to price-shop because some of the popular tours are available through smaller companies for MUCH lower prices.

It is the best to rent a car there, as you get to see a lot of nature, different areas, you get to see the real Costa Rica. Me and my husband were there last year for 3 weeks, and we had a car so we drove all over the Costa Rica. You don't get stuck in one place and you are free to go where ever and whenever. So take my word for it and just get your own car and be on the road. We are going back this year again and we will do the same.

Hi Nawz, who did you rent your car with while travelling throughout Costa Rica? Did you organise it before you left or when you arrived in the country?

Any info would be great as my finace and I try to organise our holiday!!