Driving In Costa Rica: Advice For On and the Off Road
Driving in Costa Rica is an adventure! It’s a gorgeous country with diverse terrain. And nowhere is that more evident than on its roads.
Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – Sunday, April 30th, 2023
Costa Rica can be a fun place to drive, both on and off the road. But it’s not for the faint of heart nor the easily rattled. I’ve driven on them, and held my breath a few times while doing it! Seasoned drivers will have no problems.
I want to ensure that I provide you with two seriously useful concepts for driving a car in Costa Rica: 1) Be sure you actually need one. 2) A car might not be what you actually need.
If you’re traveling here, don’t assume you need a car to get around though. Assess your vacation plans, and why you need the car. Furthermore, don’t assume that a car is the best option for your time here.
In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about driving on, and off, the roads in Costa Rica if you’re a tourist over 55!
Let’s Do A Quick Assessment – Do You Need To Be Driving In Costa Rica?
Unless you’re booked at a resort and airport pickup is part of the package, most of us would automatically rent a car. Costa Rica has plenty of options and shuttles for getting from the airport to your destination.
But there’s also plenty of choice for getting around once you’re there. A “tuk-tuk” is one of the most popular ways of getting from A to B. They’re small motorized, tricycle-like vehicles. In vacation areas, everything is very close. Restaurants, the beach, or your yoga class will be near you.
So walking, bicycling, and tuk-tuks are your best alternatives for daily trips.
If you’re planning a sightseeing excursion, the chances are the price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. So again, a quick assessment of your vacation itinerary could save you a lot of unnecessary expenses. Why pay for a rental car if you don’t really need one?
Let’s Do Another Quick Assessment – Is a Car Really the Best Option for Driving In Costa Rica?
If you’re going to be doing enough driving to make the investment in renting a vehicle worthwhile. Make sure you choose the right vehicle. Driving here requires a vehicle with a certain “je ne sa Croix” shall we say.
Ideal Attributes for a Rental Car in Costa Rica
4-Wheel Drive
4-wheel drive is a necessity because sometimes even the highways are rocky, seriously potholed, and maybe even half-washed out. I’ve never seen a tow truck here, although I know they have them in larger cities. So, if you get stuck, you could on your own for hours.
High Ground Clearance
Your rental needs to have high ground clearance, the terrain is rugged. When you’re in the mountains or the rainforest, there are plenty of steep inclines and uneven surfaces. This will help you avoid scraping the muffler off!
Snorkel Muffler
A snorkel muffler comes in handy, especially during the rainy season. There are plenty of streams and rivers to cross…for fun and on purpose.
Small or Midsized
Small-sized cars are best for narrow roads. Highway 160 is really only a two-lane, mostly paved, road. This makes passing in the mountains tricking. It also means large on-coming vehicles could be taking their half of the road out of the middle! Avoid renting a wide vehicle if you can, think Toyota, not Hummer.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Efficiency. Duh, right!? Gas here is almost as expensive here as it is anywhere else. Save your money for surfing, the spa, or a fabulous dinner. Much of Costa Rica can be remote. There aren’t gas stations on every corner. And there definitely aren’t EV charging stations in the jungle. Most automobile associations, and my dad, always say “Never let the tank get below ¼”. A fuel-efficient vehicle just makes sense!
Reliability
Reliability is key here. Driving in Costa Rica demands a reliable, well-maintained vehicle. Breakdowns can leave you stranded, and without help, for hours. Be like the Boy Scouts, be prepared.
And it probably goes without saying, but unless you’re planning on city driving only…no sports cars!
Alternatives To Driving a Car in Costa Rica
If you’re just scooting around town, then consider renting a golf cart or an ATV. Both are driven on all the roads regularly here. Just remember that golf cart is useless on extreme terrain, long distance, and they’re not built for speed!
You can rent a motorcycle, there are companies that will rent you one of those too. The terrain and the weather make it a fabulous place to ride. They might not be ideal for taking your surfboard to the beach, but they’re brilliant for seeing the countryside.
Staying in Costa Rica for a while? Want your own motorcycle to drive down there? Consider shipping it there in advance. If you ship it from Florida, estimates for shipping are between $1000 and $3000 USD. This takes some planning, but it’s completely doable. And as long it’s for less than three months, there’s no tricky import stuff.
And for an outside-the-box idea, consider renting an e-bike if you just want a fun way to get around locally and aren’t hauling luggage. Tell the owner, Dado, that you read about his shop in I’m Thinking of Retiring.
Advice For Driving In Costa Rica (32 Tips To Get Home And Back)
On-Road Driving Tips
1. No Special License Requirement
Do I need a special permit to drive here, or an international license? No, if you’re a tourist and you hold a valid license from your home country, you’re good to go. Travelers are usually advised to keep their passports with them in case they’re stopped by police. And you should always keep a photo of your passport on your phone.
2. Insurance
Insurance? OMG, for the love of God, make sure that you have some sort of insurance on the car you rent. Purchase it through the car company if you need to or check to see if your travel credit car covers this. Accidents and repairs can be a financial mess!
3. Road Conditions
Road conditions here don’t just vary between the city and the rural areas. They can vary mile by mile. Stay alert and stay off your phone. Hands-free is always best. The weather can change quickly in the mountains. You can experience blinding sunshine, torrential rain, and thick fog from cloud cover.
4. Pavement
Pavement ranges from brand new to non-existent, even on the highways. Sometimes this is due to poor engineering when the roads were constructed years ago. Other times it’s because the rain has washed sections away.
5. Potholes, The Stuff of Legend
Assess potholes as you go. Keeping your eyes down the road can help you dodge those potholes. Drive through them at a reduced speed to save the car’s undercarriage. And don’t assume that just because it’s a rental car you can “drive it like you stole it.” You’ll pay for the damage and could be left stranded for hours.
6. Road Signs
Their road signs are similar to the ones we’re used to here in North America in terms of shape and color. Obviously, they’re in Spanish. At home, a red octagon sign says STOP. In Costa Rica it says ALTO. (More on that later)
But while their road signs are the same as ours in color and placement, they are totally lacking in quantity. With the exception of large cities, road signs are virtually nowhere to be found. It’s a good idea to know where you’re going before you depart on any journey.
Oh, and there are no street signs. Even the locals navigate using an app called Waze.
7. Don’t Rely On The Landmarks From Last Year
Scenery changes quickly here. The area can look different from season to season, let alone year to year. So pay attention to your surroundings and your navigational aids.
8. Speed Limits
Though generally unmarked, the speed limit on larger roads is normally 80 kilometers per hour and 60 km on smaller roads. That being said, while driving in Costa Rica, you’ll find that those speeds are merely treated as guidelines. Due to road conditions and local hazards, people are virtually always traveling much slower.
9. Seat Belts
Seat belts are the law here. So, buckle up! You’ll appreciate being strapped into your seat if you’re in an accident. But you’ll be praying for a five-point harness to keep you from bouncing out of your seat on some of those scenic mountain backroads.
10. Car Seats
Vacationing with your kids or grandkids? Safety car seats are mandatory here for kids under 12 years of age and if they are under 57 inches (almost 5 feet) and/or under 79 pounds.
11. Night Driving
If you’re older, like I am, then driving at night is not something you like doing. Regardless of how bright the moon and stars can be, the jungle is a dark place. And streetlights aren’t a priority in most towns or intersections. Drive accordingly. And if you’re renting, check how scratched and dull the headlights are before you leave the parking lot of the rental company.
12. One Lane Bridges
One-lane bridges are ultra-common in Costa Rica, so be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic if necessary. There should always be a yield sign on one side. A narrow bridge sign, should there be one, would say PUENTE ANGOSTO. And a yield sign, in that familiar shape and color, could say CEDA EL PASO.
13. Large Trucks and Narrow Roads
Large vehicles take up a lot of space on these narrow roads. When traversing roads with blind oncoming curves, stay to the right. And be prepared for a transport truck to swing wide in your lane.
14. Pedestrians
Pedestrians turn up where you least expect to see them. You’ll find locals and tourists walking on the roads, even very late at night.
15. Passing
Passing here can be tricky. Stay alert. You could be passing a car one minute, a family of four (like seriously, with toddlers) on a motorcycle the next, or even a herd of cows or horses. Be patient when driving in Costa Rica. Pura Vida baby!
16. Monkeys
Monkeys. Yes, I said monkeys. You will occasionally find them crossing the road on foot. Usually, they cross overhead in the trees or on the powerlines. Fortunately, the country is making great strides to keep the monkeys safe by building swing bridges. They’re long green ropes over the roads. Keep an eye out for them while you’re driving.
Off-Road Driving Tips
Off-road driving is where the fun really begins! It’s a great way to see the country. If you enjoy off-road riding, then you’ll be right at home here.
If you ride offroad for the scenery, Costa Rica ticks that box. Challenging terrain? Tick that box. Varied landscapes? Tick!
17. Terrain
Just be prepared to use a generous amount of caution here. Some of the inclines are quite treacherous, and trails can end suddenly at a very large cliff. The Rainforest can be very dense, causing difficulties in reading the terrain and depth perception. The frequent rain here can make trails super slippery or completely submerged.
18. Get a Guide
If you’re going off-road here for the first time, second, or even third time, go with an experienced guide. They know the terrain and the current trail conditions.
19. No Solos
Don’t ride alone. This is not the place to just head out into the jungle all by yourself.
20. GPS and Use an App for Navigation
Always have the GPS activated on your cellphone. It can help you navigate, and be found…if you didn’t navigate all that well. Take advantage of the numerous travel and navigation apps that are readily available.
21. Book a Tour
If your vacation isn’t solely based on off-road riding, and you just want a single-day trip, book a tour.
22. Check the Depth
If you’re headed through rivers or streams assess the depth and current speed first before you attempt to cross it. If it’s too deep and you stall, getting out can be difficult. And hazardous to your health if there are crocodiles. This is a good rule for cars too.
23. Crocs, Not The Shoes
So, let’s add “assess for crocodiles” at river crossings as a tip.
24. Crocs, Not The Critters
When you’re riding anywhere in Costa Rica, on or off the road, you will see a wide variety of footwear by those who ride motorcycles and ATVs. Yes, including Crocs. And while safety footwear on motorcycles and ATVs is, well, smart. I let you know right now that I would never go off-road anywhere in open-toed shoes or flip-flops. There are too many snakes, spiders, and jabby-pokey things out in the bush.
25. Wear A Helmet.
Wear a helmet. Duh, Gary Busey! And it’s the law here, and so is other safety gear like reflective vests. Take your own helmet if you’re going to be doing a lot of riding. Rental helmets remind me of bowling shoes.
26. Off-Road Regulations
If you’re off-roading on an ATV, there’s no special license. You must be over 18 to drive one. And that the ATV you’re driving needs meets Costa Rican government regulations for vehicle safety. Ask the rental company if they’re compliant before you hit the road.
27. Stay Hydrated
If you’re out off-roading for the day, on an ATV, or on a dirt bike, stay hydrated. Take some bottled water with you or use a camel pack.
28. Snacks
Take snacks. And some cash for food. You’ll get hungry. But you’ll also be surprised when you find a cool place to eat in the middle of nowhere.
29. Have a Fuel Plan
Have a fuel plan. Know where you’re going, and how much fuel you need. Pre-identify gas stations if it’s a really long ride. Or pre-arrange a gas crew to meet with fuel, water, and snacks.
30. First Aid Kit
Make sure at least one person in your group has a first aid kit.
31. Health Insurance
Do you have medical insurance? Costa Rica has a wonderful, modern health care system. But it’s not free. Accidents happen. And you’re no spring chicken (if you’re the segment of my audience that’s over 55). Here, let me provide you with a link that has some health insurance options.
32. Show Courtesy to Landowners
Respect the property signs and limits of landowners. Trespassing is illegal here too.
Driving In Costa Rica FAQs
Roads in Costa Rica become less safe at night because there is little to no streetlight illumination. You can also factor in animal crossings, pedestrians walking alone, or rainy and foggy conditions that have the potential to make nighttime travel more dangerous. If you asking about driving safety at night from a crime perspective; crime here is very low.
Absolutely. As long as you are a tourist, and are only in the country for three months or less, and you have a valid driver’s license in your country of residence.
No. If you are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and have a blood alcohol level greater than 0.05% you can face fines up to $410 USD and up to three years in jail.
They follow the same rules of the road similar to North American countries. Drive on the right. Their cars are identical to North America as well in terms of steering wheel placement.
So, Let’s Sum Up Driving In Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica, both on and off the road, can be a marvelous adventure. And for those of us over 55 who enjoy driving, and have taken the time to prepare, it can be a wonderful way to experience such a beautiful country.
This would be a dandy time to also let you know that according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, Costa Rica “has a better safety record than most Latin American countries. However, the road crash rate is high compared to many industrialized countries.” But statistically, they are less than three points behind the USA.
If you follow the tips that I’ve provided here in this article, you can relax knowing that your driving experience is safe and enjoyable. If you rent any type of vehicle, car, ATV, motorcycle, or golf cart make sure you’re selecting a reputable company.
Safe travels and happy trails!
Cheers,
Cynthia
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Cynthia Ross Tustin retired early to pursue her passion for writing. Turns out, she's equally passionate about retirement! This author has spent 1000s of hours researching all the best that retirement has to offer. What you'll find here is a well-curated resource of amazing places to go and fun things to do as your retirement approaches. Not retired, no problem! There's plenty here for all of us that are "of a certain vintage"!