Rental Car Vs Traveling By Bus In Costa Rica

One of the most often asked questions fromto have some small talk with the locals.
travelers about Costa Rica besides "How muchYou better get up early in Costa Rica, because
does it rain in the rainy season?" is: "Do we reallythe sun goes down around 6 pm. Driving at night
need a rental car?". The answer depends veryin Costa Rica can be dangerous and is not
much on you, but by describing a bit more therecommendable. Most of the roads don't have
conditions I can make the decision easier for you!lights and road marking mostly exists on the main
Driving in Costa Rica is not as difficult as it seemsroads.
in some frightening reports. Nevertheless it is trueThe alternative to renting a car is to travel with
that the Costa Ricans that are known for athe extensive bus system. This is a good way to
laid-back and calm attitude seem to get into asee the country and meet the Ticos. There are
hurry as soon as they sit behind the wheel of abuses going almost everywhere in Costa Rica,
vehicle. They are not alone on the planet with thisconnections between outlying areas are limited.
particularity, the only difference is that in manyThe capital San Jose is the major transportation
other places the people seem to be always in ahub of Costa Rica, sometimes it is necessary to
hurry.return and switch the bus here. Before you buy a
The roads in Costa Rica are famous for theirticket for the bus ask precisely if this bus really
potholes and some destinations can only begoes to the destination where you plan to go.
reached on a gravel road. If you plan only to visitThere are several towns in Costa Rica which
San Jose and Jaco you may be fine with a sedan,share the same name! You can assure going to
but it is highly recommendable to rent a 4x4. Inthe right Playa Hermosa by mentioning the
the rainy season you will even have to crossProvince where you plan to travel. There is a
some rivers. Even some of the main attractionsPlaya Hermosa in Guanacaste and a Playa
for tourists in Costa Rica are only accessible withHermosa in Puntarenas. There are several other
an all-terrain vehicle. The road to Monteverde isexamples like Naranjo and San Isidro.
not paved and there are no plans for doing so.Traveling by bus is certainly cheaper than renting
The local community wants to protect this uniquea car, but is most often slower. There are several
place and does not want that to make their placehundred bus companies operating in Costa Rica
accessible for huge tourist buses.and unfortunately they don't always work
The big advantage of renting a car in Costa Ricatogether. This can result in an unplanned overnight
is, that you are independent and can make a stopstay at a place where you missed your
whenever you want. Fruits and crafts are soldconnecting bus.
along the roads, this is always a good opportunity