I am flying in to San Jose for a week in Costa Rica. I’ve never been before and wondering how to get around quickly without renting a car, I really don’t want to drive when I’m there. Are there shuttles or drivers to rent?
I would love to go to some hot springs see some amazing wildlife. Not really sure where to go or what the must sees are and how to get there.
Any recommendations would be lovely.
Posted by
8239 posts
We visited Costa Rica at a port on the Pacific side and did an excursion into the country.
From what we saw and what I have read road travel in this country can be difficult. Suggest checking out your proposed routes before you plan to rent a car.
We loved the friendly people. Also, Costa Rica seems to have avoided much of the issues of cartels and crime, unlike several other Central American countries.
Posted by
1044 posts
There are many shuttle services in Costa Rica and you will be able to find ways to go between all the usual points of interest.
Must sees and hot springs. Try a guide book or google. Costa Rica is a hotspot for tourism. There is plenty of information out there. Since you have not been then anywhere you go will be new. Anything off track from the usual will be more difficult. And, why would you do that since you have not been to the regular things?
Posted by
SF Bay Area
878 posts
Have you checked the website twoweeksincostarica.com? They have information about shuttles and more.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4656 posts
I was just there. I used shared shuttles. I flew in and out of Liberia, in the north, and used Interbus for most of my connections. Full website of TripAdvisor Costa Rica Forum links to a list of companies, but I saw a number of links were broken.
I suggest emailing the companies with your itineraries, as not all routes are online, and they may default to minumum 2; whereas by email they can add you solo.
For animals and hot springs, you can find them around Monte Verde and Arenal/la Fortuna area. Monte Verde is cool weather as in rain forest where as the other area is hot - with coasts even hotter. I didn't hit the coast, as I was focusing on slow travel and birdwatching, but Manuel Antonio National Park area gets raves for animals. A little harder to get to, but popular, so shuttles get you there. A shared shuttle will be more like $60 to a private driver of $175++. It isn't a cheap country, particularly with my Canadian $, but cheaper for the Americans.
Credit card is easily used, but particularly as a solo, if you arrange tours directly with the guide, (and some activities) want cash. Bring plenty of US$. ATMS also issue US$, but sometimes these are finicky. I went to 7 different locations before one would accept my card.