Car rental in Costa Rica is perhaps the best way to soak in all the sights & sounds of this beautiful country. Some of the benefits are obvious – you can go where you wish, stop where you'd like to, take scenic detours, explore small townships off the main road, fundamentally everything becomes accessible to you. You aren't on a time schedule! You can go off the beaten track & explore concealed beaches and oases all to yourself. The probabilities become infinite when you're in absolute control of your destination.
Once you get out of San Jose or the major Costarican cities, public transportations become sparse & it can be pretty annoying if you have to customize your schedule according to buses that do not run all day, have not many routes and get super packed. This is probably not the best of ideas especially for those who travel with kids or health issues. Furthermore, taxis are costly & don't always go where you wish them to. And for adventure seekers, this is really annoying.
However, by having the option of a car rental in Costa Rica, you will not be restricted by bus schedules & you will have ample time to explore different things in this beautiful country.
What type of car you should rent in Costa Rica?
If your itinerary is a bit lengthy and you are with a large group of people, you must consider renting a 4×4. For the ideal 4×4 alternatives with ample room, you can always consider renting a Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner/Prado or Mitsubishi Montero Sport. These are large SUVs that easily accommodates up to seven commuters.
If your group size is not that big, you may prefer to rent a Ssangyang Tivoli, Hyundai Tucson, Daihatsu Bego, or Suzuki Jimmy. These cars are perfect for couples or small families.
However, if you're going to be staying in the city or on well-traveled routes, a sedan will be great. Some other recommendations are Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent Blue.
Automatic automobiles are a bit expensive in Costa Rica, so if you are in tight budget, hire a manual car instead.
You can also consider renting a van if you are traveling with a large group, with little ones or seniors. They've ample space but it's not advised to take them off the main road as they don't perform their best in poor road conditions.
Book your car in Costa Rica early:
Do not wait until the week or day before you leave to book your car rental in Costa Rica. The cost differs relying on the tourist season & how many vehicles they've accessible for when you wish it. Car rental costs are certain to be on the higher side during the peak tourist season – from October-March, and they will also hike them if they've only a few vehicles left, hoping to charge top dollars for the last minute booking. Always do some research before settling with a particular car rental service in Costa Rica.
Martin Wynn
