Costa Rica is an amazingly beautiful country with plenty to see and experience in just about any part of the country. If you want to take in an active volcano, Arenal is located in the middle of the country and you can wind surf on the lake below it. Up for some eco-tourism? The rainforest in the south of the country is epic. Prefer a bit of surfing? Head to the beaches on the west coast for a blast. Regardless of your choice, the one constant is you will need some way to get around.
Renting a car in Costa Rica is a unique process. First off, you should consider renting a pickup truck instead of a car. While the main roads are in great shape, any explorations off of them put you on dirt roads that will shake, rattle and roll you till your teeth are about to fall out. A truck is far better equipped to take the beating than a car. If you have a big party, shoot for vans.
The actual act of renting a vehicle can be handled in two ways. The first is to do it the traditional way through a travel agent or online site. The second is to find what you need at the airport when you land in San Jose. After various trips to Costa Rica, I almost always just do it when I land. Yes, you can be tired, but the reserved rental car scenario never really seems to work out. You either end up with some other vehicle or your reservation seems to get lost. There are plenty of vehicles available at the airport, so save yourself the headache and just wing it.
When renting a vehicle, the prices are highly negotiable. You can get them for a couple hundred bucks a week during the rainy season. During the high season when the rain slacks off, expect to pay between $400 and $800 a week. These prices are for your average rental, not a luxury SUV.
If you are heading to Costa Rica, renting a beast of burden to get you around is the best way to do it. Bring dollars and rent something when you land. It cuts down on the hassle and you will get the best deal.
