Traveling to Costa Rica later this summer - flying in and out of Liberia, planning to spend a few days in the Arenal/La Fortuna area, then the beach area (one of the smaller areas north of Tamarindo). We plan to do a few hikes/adventure excursions near Arenal, then beach time and exploring nearby towns on the coast. On the fence about renting a car vs. arranging shuttle/drivers/taxi throughout. Any insights from those who have traveled there? We are specifically wondering about transportation and would also be grateful for other Costa Rica tips as well! Thank you!
Posted by
ATL, USA
620 posts
It's been almost ten years since we traveled to Costa Rica, but for what it's worth....we had our initial lodgings in the Arenal area (at the time it was a rustic resort, it's since changed hands and is something else now) arrange for a driver to pick us up at the airport. We had our rental car delivered to us there on about the third day. We drove from Arenal to Manuel Antonio, stayed a few days, then returned our rental car at the airport.
If arranging a driver in CR is easy and affordable, I would probably use that option if I were to visit again. Driving in CR is not for the faint of heart, in my opinion. We went on one early evening outing in our rental car near Arenal and there were zero lights on the roads, but people, entire families, walking along the roads in the pitch dark. I doubt this has changed in the more rural areas.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
477 posts
Like Kayla P, it has been about 10 years since we were there. We also had a driver pick us up at the airport (liberia) and drive us to our accomodations in Arenal. While in Arenal, we booked several excursions through an outfitter that included transportation to/from our hotel. We then picked up a car in town and drove to Playa Hermosa for the second half of the trip. We dropped the car off at the airport at the end of the trip. We only drove during the day so did not have the same experience as kayla, and had no problems driving.
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ
337 posts
We were in CR for 10 days last May/June. The driving was adventurous from San Jose to Arenal, and then from Arenal to Monteverde. Around Arenal it was no problem.
I'm not sure of the roads from Liberia to Arenal, though. Have you driven much overseas? We've driven in Ireland and Israel and much of CR was still challenging.
CR is quite worth it though, what a stunning country with wildlife, delicious affordable food and a relaxed air. Except for SOME roads.
ps if you're into wildlife, pay to go with guides, it's incredibly worth it.
Posted by
37 posts
We were in Costa Rica in 2019 and rented a car in San Jose before driving through the Central Valley. The roads are very good, but we were afraid of, and for the motorcyclists who dart between the cars and trucks on the highways. It was very exciting in the heavy traffic around the city. The national parks were wonderful. We stopped at every garden we could. And the people could not have been friendlier--even with a language barrier.