www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Me and three buddies will be there next week. While we are spending the first few days in SJ enjoying ourselves, staying at the HDR and zonablue, we do want to get out for a few days and see the volcanoes, hot springs, etc. We do not want to have to deal with driving oursleves, and though planes are an option, that might be too cost prohibitive if we want to bring some chicas along.

Ideally, we would like to rent a van and driver to take us (and possibly a few chicas) to these places. Do services like this exist? How much might they cost? Are they safe/reliable and how would I set this up - through the hotel, or can anyone recommend someone?

A newbie looking forward to his first trip!

Any info I have is three years old so things may have changed..

But I used to exactly what you are asking. There used to be quite a few Tourista Vans parked right outside the Presidente every morning.. Not being much of a morning person myself, it was usually 10 or 11 am by the time I got down there. I would talk to the drivers still there till I found one I liked and that spoke enough English to compensate for my horrible Spanish and work out a deal. (Again 3 year old info here) but I was usually able to Van and driver to take us to Baldi (Hot springs) and/or Valle Escondido (Zip Lines and nature preserve) and back for $120 to $150. We usually also tipped the driver an extra $20 to $50 when we got back. This was always an all day and half the night trip. (Usually close to midnight before we got back)

I think going with the list posted above would probably be a better option.

Or you could just book your day tours through the tour desk in the lobby.

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
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Myself and two budddies were in CR a few months ago and used Alex of El Gallo transport. A CRT sponsor. He answered all of my email quickly, and when we met him, we instantly liked him. He drove us around San Jose, and on to Jaco. He picked us up on time a few days later in Jaco and drove us back. He knows everyone, and has connections for what ever u need. But above all, he is a very safe driver. He supplied us with a cooler of beer, and we supplied the tunes. He is a great way to see the counrty.

I can't say enough good things about Jimmy Diaz or Juan Carlos. Both have their own vans now and offer transportation services. They change in the 100-120/day range and tips are welcomed and appreciated. They are extremely reliable and know the area and all the tourist activity providers directly, usually working out a deal if you have a couple folks.

When working with them, you are working directly with the owner and they make all their own decisions. I use them for transport to/from the airport as well as around the country and day trips for activities. They never rush you and always look out for your safety and interests. You can't go wrong. PM me if you want any contact info on them.

100-120 bucks is the standard rate depending on length of travel. I have hired a van a few times to take me out to manual antonia when I didn't feel like driving.However if you were going up to playa flamingo it'd probably be a bit more especially with rising fuel costs. I know of a few drivers who will do it for 60-80 dollars but they are counting on the tips to make up the difference.
If your going sight seeing I think the tours are without a doubt the best way. Entrance fees to the sites like arenal for a private group will soon have you at the same price as a tour ticket. Down side tours can get a bit lengthy. I went on a 5 in 1 one time that took 13 hours.
The vans outside of the presidente are safe. Just set it up with them the night before.

EDIT- If you do hire a private guide for a full day. Make sure and buy him a soda if you stop somewhere and when you stop to eat offer to buy them something. Its not a have to but most drivers will appreciate it immensley.