Driving in Costa Rica safe?

Question

I will be going to Costa Rica. Would it be safe to rent a car and drive from San Jose to Arenal? And would it be safe driving from Arenal to Guanacaste?

Answer 1

Personally - I won't drive in CR.  One of my regular taxi drivers told me San Jose is 3rd(?) in the world for accidents.  Outside the major cities it isn't so bad - but the roads are a bit adventurous.  Too much stress when I'm on vacation - I prefer my adventure to be strapped in a harness or on the back of a horse.  There are plenty of people that don't mind the driving, but I prefer to leave it to the locals.

Answer 2

It is very safe and a pretty easy drive as far as directions.  Some of the roads aren't marked but it is usually obvious which way to go- some great views and always good sodas(small restaurants) with great food.  Try to get a car with clearance or a truck as some roads can be washed out during green season.  Also, we chose to drive from Arenal to Monteverde driving around Lake Arenal- a very long and extremely bumpy road- Monteverde was nice but I would skip and head straight through to Guanacaste beaches.

Answer 3

I've been living here for 14 years (in Guanacaste).  The driving in the whole entire country is insane, but if you are a careful and attentive on the road, you'll be fine.  Thousands of tourist come and rent cars here...it's fine. The roads are sort of bad, many are dirt roads, and if they're paved, they're most likely FILLED with potholes, where you'll feel like you're in a giant pothole by the end.

The thing you'll really have to worry about is the directions.  There are almost virtually no road signs such as "turn right in 3km for Arenal" they're more like "Arenal 15km ahead".  Although many car rental places have various maps, they can sometimes be tricky.  You're best bet is to rent a car, prepare yourself with maps from the airport and rental places, and don't be afraid to ask directions.  If you happen to have a GPS in your car in the states, bring it, and it might work.  Otherwise some places will have it in their rental cars.  

Hope this helps you.  If you need to know anything else, let me know.  Have a WONDERFUL trip!

Answer 4

guanacaste is very safe, San Jose can be very dangerous if you are not used to it, everyone drives like crazy specially rush hour its incredible

Answer 5

Absolutely.  I highly recommend it.  Get a map...and take out the insurance.  Also, be sure to inspect your rental car before leaving the lot.  I had a flat...and when I changed it...the spare was worn to the cords.

Otherwise, I drove from San Jose to Arenal....then to Liberia then over to Sugar Beach north of Tamarindo.  I highly recommend a visit to Tamarindo.  Also, along the way are great little restaurants and sights.  I had no problems whatsoever....

Be sure to visit Tabacon Springs near Arenal.  Excellent!

Have a great time!

Answer 6

Costa Rica is quite safe to drive in.  The only problem that you need to be on the lookout for is crazy Tico drivers.  There isn't much respect from traffic laws in Costa Rica.  Drive defensively and drive safely and have lots of fun exploring the country.