Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
chipelín' go west on the Carretera John F Kennedy and pass the Costa Rica Country Club.
All go through San Rafael.
For buses to
Alajuela
and
Heredia
, see
Click here
and
Click here
.
CAR
It is not advisable to rent a car just to drive around San José. The traffic is heavy, the
streets are narrow and the meter-deep curbside gutters make parking nerve-wracking. In
addition, break-ins are frequent, and leaving a car - even in a guarded lot - might result in
a smashed window and stolen belongings.
If you are renting a car to travel throughout Costa Rica, there are more than 50 car-rent-
al agencies - including many of the global brands - in and around San José. Travel agen-
cies and upmarket hotels can arrange rentals; you can also arrange rentals online and at the
airport.
rider.com
; Paseo Colón btwn Calles 30 & 32; 8am-6pm)
, run by a charming pair of Germans.
They have a fleet of over 60 very reasonably priced 4WD vehicles (from US$380 per
week in high season, including all mandatory insurance coverage). Reserve well in ad-
vance.
MOTORCYCLE
Wild Rider
rents sports bikes like the Honda XR-250 or the Suzuki DRZ-400S. Prices start
at US$420 per week in high season (including insurance, taxes and helmets). It organizes
on- and off-road guided tours as well.
TAXI
Red taxis can be hailed on the street day or night, or you can have your hotel call one for
you.
Marías
(meters) are generally used, though a few drivers will tell you they're broken
and try to charge you more - especially if you don't speak Spanish. Not using a meter is il-
legal. The rate for the first kilometer should automatically appear when the meter starts up
(at the time of writing, the correct starting amount was 610 colones). Make sure the
maría
is operating when you get in, or negotiate the fare up front. Short rides downtown cost
US$2 to US$4. There's a 20% surcharge after 10pm that may not appear on the
maría
.
