Transportation - Costa Rica - page 1095

DRIVING THROUGH RIVERS
Driving in Costa Rica will likely necessitate a river crossing at some point. Unfortunately,
too many travelers have picked up their off-road skills from watching TV, and every sea-
son Ticos (residents of Costa Rica) get a good chuckle out of the number of dead vehicles
they help wayward travelers fish out of waterways.
If you're driving through water, follow the rules below:
Only do this in a 4WD Don't drive through a river in a car. (It may seem ridiculous to
have to say this, but it's done all the time.) Getting out of a steep, gravel riverbed re-
quires a 4WD. Besides, car engines flood very easily.
Check the depth of the water before driving through To accommodate an average
rental 4WD, the water should be no deeper than above the knee. In a sturdier vehicle
(Toyota 4Runner or equivalent), water can be waist deep.
The water should be calm If the river is gushing so that there are white crests on the
water, do not try to cross. Not only will the force of the water flood the engine, it could
sweep the car away.
Drive very, very slowly The pressure of driving through a river too quickly will send the
water right into the engine and will impair the electrical system. Keep steady pressure
on the accelerator so that the tailpipe doesn't fill with water, but go slowly.
Err on the side of caution Car-rental agencies in Costa Rica do not insure for water
damage, so ruining a car in a river can come at an extremely high cost.
Car & Motorcycle
Drivers in Costa Rica are required to have a valid driving license from their home country.
Many places will also accept an International Driving Permit (IDP), issued by the automo-
bile association in your country of origin. After 90 days, however, you will need to get a
Costa Rican driver's license.
Gasoline (petrol) and diesel are widely available, and 24-hour service stations are along
the Interamericana. At the time of writing, fuel prices averaged US$1.25 per liter.
In more remote areas, fuel will be more expensive and might be sold at the neighborhood
pulpería (corner store).
Spare parts may be hard to find, especially for vehicles with sophisticated electronics and
emissions-control systems.