Discover San José by Hire Car
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a lively and bustling city surrounded by mountains.
It is also the hub for all excursions to the nearby surrounding countryside by hire car.
The famous Panamericana, the dream road that connects North, Central and South America, runs through San Jose.
And those, as well as the surrounding countryside of San Jose, are best explored by hire car. For rental and travel we have compiled a few tips.
Receiving the hire car
Many hire car companies can be found right in the main terminal of the airport. You should only make sure that your rental company is also there. Because if the provider only has one station near the airport, you’ll have to wait for a shuttle to take you there. That costs valuable travel time.
Finding the right hire car
With a four-wheel drive vehicle you are on the safe side in Costa Rica. Because you may well find yourself driving on unpaved roads at times. And when a tropical shower hits, you’ll appreciate the four-wheel drive.
Hire car prices
Hire car prices in San José are in the mid-range. In most cases, you will drive cheapest if you book the hire car well in advance of your trip and use our handy price comparison.
hire car price comparison
Insuring the car properly
The road traffic in Costa Rica does not work according to the rules we are used to.
Many drivers drive at excessive speeds, people tend to forget their turn signals when turning, and at night it is quite common to see cars on the road with inadequate lighting.
Since these conditions can quickly lead to an accident, you should cover yourself with comprehensive insurance without an excess.
And with liability, you should pay attention to the coverage amount. It should be at least one million euros. Because if several vehicles or even people are damaged in an accident, it quickly becomes very expensive.
If you think that the amount of coverage of your landlord is not enough, you can provide additional protection with a so-called traveller policy. Talk to your insurance company.
age limit
To be safe from unpleasant surprises, young drivers should check if there is an age limit with the rental company of their choice when renting a car. You almost always have to be 21 to get a hire car.
Other rental companies will only rent to drivers 25 and older. Still others charge an additional fee from drivers under 25. And then there are rental companies that won’t rent cars to seniors over 75.
Accessories
If you need accessories such as a navigation device, you should check before renting the car whether your rental company also has that in its range. And be sure to reserve the accessories well in advance to make sure they’re available on the day of the rental.
Language barrier
Since not all rental station employees speak English flawlessly, you should save the phone number of your rental agency’s headquarters in Costa Rica in your cell phone. Then you can call to ask for an operator in a pinch.
Free kilometers
I’m sure you’ve taken the long trip to San Jose to explore as much of the country as possible. That’s why you should make sure that you are allowed to drive unlimited kilometres in your hire car without paying any additional fees.
Customer Review Hire Car
There are always complaints because the hire cars in San Jose have scratches and dents. Be sure to get written confirmation of any damage to the vehicle when you pick it up. This way, you will avoid being held liable for damage that you did not cause when you return the car.
Safety hire car
Sometimes there are also complaints because individual hire cars are not roadworthy. Before you drive off, be sure to check all of the vehicle’s lights.
And do a brake test while still in the rental company’s parking lot. You have a good chance of avoiding the black sheep among rental companies if you read our customer reviews before booking.
Bail
You should avoid rental companies that do not block the deposit on the credit card, but actually collect it. Then it can take quite a while until the money is transferred back to you after returning the vehicle.
Sights in San José
Powerful colonial buildings in a modern city
Shopping opportunities abound in San José. Worth seeing are the magnificent colonial buildings that still shine in their old glory in various parts of the city.
Despite this, the city is modern and sophisticated. And there’s plenty of nightlife to go around, too.
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica: Experience the history
You’ll delve deep into the country’s history when you visit the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. Whether you’re interested in Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian or more modern history, you’ll find it at this museum.
Mercado Central: Colorful market life
A complete contrast to the quiet museum you will experience when you visit the Mercado Central at the end of your stroll. Here, the hustle and bustle of life is in full swing and the traders’ tables bend under tropical fruits. The city’s largest market was founded in 1880. It now comprises 200 stalls, snack bars and inexpensive restaurants.
Suggestion of a round trip
Quepos: Dream beach on the Pacific
First stop on your round trip by hire car could be Quepos.
Although Quepos is only 115 to 170 kilometers from San José, depending on your route plan, you should allow three hours for the drive.
However, the breathtaking tropical diversity of Costa Rica will compensate you for the exertion.
Then, in Quepos, you can relax on the beach, plunge into the waters of the Pacific, or watch the surfers perform their daring feats.
Tours for deep-sea fishing are also offered from this pretty town.
San Isidor de El General: Adventures in the Rainforest
Back inland, you can now steer the hire car to San Isidro de El General. There you will find the Tree of Life company, which offers fantastic tours into the rainforest.
Whether it’s a simple hike or a whitewater experience with rappelling down a waterfall, Tree of Life has something for everyone.
Cartago: Tracing History
You should allow another two hours of driving time to get to Cartago at the end of your round trip.
There you can visit the traditional home of Costa Rican President Jésus Jiménez Zamora, who died in 1897, and learn how the country’s high society once lived.
Back to San José, it’s now just under an hour’s drive. There you can review the experiences of your round trip with a cool drink.
Conclusion
Costa Rica with its diverse nature is a wonderful country to be discovered by hire car. However, tours should be planned carefully and a generous cushion of time should be allowed for.
But then you are in for an unforgettable travel experience. And with our practical price comparison, you will always find a good deal and the right car for you.
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