Avoid _______ Rent-a-Car in Costa Rica Go ahead and fill in the blank. It’s finally happened. I’m pretty sure we’ve been worked over at least once by every rental agency in Costa Rica. In a couple of decades and dozens of rentals our we've had every imaginable major failure. We’ve experienced … [Read more...]
Flights Worth Taking
It's tempting to look at a 25 minute flight time compared with a four hour drive and think it's an obvious choice but it's often misleading. We recommend flying on a few select routes where a small plane is the cheapest and fastest transport What are the Problems with Flying A few things … [Read more...]
Nature Air Grounded
Update January 21, 2019 - One year after shutting down Nature Air has made a financial settlement with Lloyd's of London and announced that they are accepting offers of financing and job applications for all positions in hopes of eventually resuming operations. No new information was provided about … [Read more...]
Strikes, Protests & Road Blocks – Explained & Summarized
locations | history | explanation | the end? | maps Update Thursday September 12, 2019 - Both the truckers leadership and taxi union have called for massive blockades and strikes this week but so far none have materialized... In September traffic disruptions have been minimal except in downtown … [Read more...]
No, No, Your Other Izquierda – Passing Lanes
On Costa Rica's roads it seems derecho means "left" and izquierda is translated as "right" "tráfico lento mantener a la derecha" = "slow traffic should block passing lane" One afternoon when driving Costa Rica's "super-highway" 27 Sue and I both exclaimed simultaneously "Woah! Did you see … [Read more...]
San José, Airport and Metropolitan Buses
There are five different types of public bus systems in Costa Rica each with hundreds of routes operated by independent companies. InterCity Buses - operate between San José and other major cities around Costa Rica. For example Liberia, Nicoya, Santa Elena/Monteverde or Quepos/Manuel … [Read more...]
Rental Car & Driving Tips
Driving a rental car in Costa Rica has distinct advantages and disadvantages, but if you do get behind the wheel you'll be happier and safer if you heed the driving tips below. Slow down and be careful. You are in an unfamiliar environment, and the unexpected is the rule rather than the … [Read more...]
All Roads (and Flights, and Bus Routes) Lead to San José
San José is the capital of Costa Rica, the main population center, and located in the middle of the country surrounded by mountain ranges. The main roads radiate out from San José in a web and anywhere you go it sometimes seems you must return to San José to get anywhere else. You might … [Read more...]
Taxis in the City or Countryside
Taxis are a viable method of transportation in the countryside as well as in the cities and towns of Costa Rica. While they are expensive compared to public buses they are convenient and comparable in price to tourist van transfers or rental cars if you are traveling with two or more … [Read more...]
Advantages of Driving in Costa Rica
(also see disadvantages) Convenience Outside of San José a private vehicle can be very convenient. In San José, you may find that parking and traffic jams make having a car more of a headache than it is worth. Versatility & Flexibility If the bed and breakfast you were planning on staying in … [Read more...]
Disadvantages of Driving in Costa Rica
(also see advantages) Cost As noted under advantages, a rental car can be budget friendly transportation. However with only one or two people, you'll pay more for the convenience. A four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle isn't absolutely necessary, but there are many places you can't get without … [Read more...]
Costa Rican Rental Car Insurance Explained (Sort Of)
Auto insurance in Costa Rica is a government monopoly of the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros). Liability insurance from the INS is mandated by law, but provides only minimal coverage. Rental agencies offer supplemental programs that cover deductibles and contingencies other than a simple traffic … [Read more...]
Extra Costs of Renting a Car in Costa Rica
The Internet Price May be $9.95 a Day But it Will Cost MUCH More The most common complaint on any travel forum for Costa Rica is travelers getting "ripped off" by rental car companies. Hidden charges are a major complaint everywhere in the world but in Costa Rica it has been raised to the … [Read more...]
Map of Costa Rica’s Airports
Note: Updated May 1, 2018 – Nature Air has been grounded since a fatal crash on December 31, 2017. General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) reinstated their permission to operate in February of 2018 but the airline did not resume operations. As of May 1, 2018 the DGAC has suspended Nature … [Read more...]
Okay to Break the Law
The normal flow of traffic in Costa Rica is often moving at around two to three times the speed limit which can make it extremely dangerous to abide by the law. If you slow down to 25 kph (15 mph) in the school zones on the Pan American Highway you may be rear ended by someone going 100. An even … [Read more...]
Tips for Travel on Domestic Airlines
Domestic flights can be a great way to see some of the more remote areas of Costa Rica. Distances are short, flights from San José are under an hour to anywhere, and prices can be as low as $40-70 one way which is very competitive with renting an SUV or riding in a tourist transport bus for a … [Read more...]
LIR Live Flight Updates
Daniel Oduber Liberia International Airport Costa Rica (LIR) Check the status of your flight. All times are local (Central American Standard Time). Most airlines require you to be at the airport at least three hours prior to your scheduled departure time and Costa Rican law requires you to pay … [Read more...]
SJO Live Flight Updates
Juan Santamaría International Airport Costa Rica (SJO) Live Flight Updates Check the status of your flight. All times are local (Central American Standard Time). Most airlines require you to be at the airport at least three hours prior to your scheduled departure time and Costa Rican law requires … [Read more...]
Fording Rivers
This brief introduction is not sufficient to make you qualified to ford. River crossings destroy vehicles and kill people. If you don't know what you're doing don't do it. There's Not Always a Bridge When You Want One Over half the rivers we used to ford on a regular basis have been bridged … [Read more...]
Nature Air Unlimited Flight Pass
Note: Updated July 1, 2018 – It is evident that Nature Air will not be resuming operations. If you are holding tickets, coupons or vouchers for future flights they are probably worthless...see details NOTE: Nature Air discontinued their unlimited flight pass - we're keeping this page … [Read more...]