I've been to Costa Rica 3 times, each time in different area and every time we rented a car my husband was driving. What we learned: NEVER EVER drive after the dusk. All type of living creatures use the roads freely in the dark: ppl riding horses, cattle, once we passed a group of ppl seating on the side of the road observing world passing by, they didn't even move !
I was almost driven off of a cliff due to a semi appearing from around a corner flying downgrade in my lane! Beware of drunks, POTHOLES especially at night, keep your eyes on the road 100% of times, beware of going up - stepping on gas only to find out right at the top there's a steep downgrade with a SHARP TURN 30ft in front of you, always lock your stuff, all luggage belongs in the trunk, never leave ANYTHING visible - your cheap flip flops will walk away without attendance, leave ALL YOUR JEWELRY HOME - who are you trying to impress? A Tico on Nico? Dress in gray, forget all of this fancy stuff, I wouldn't recommend wearing anything with us flags and such. On public busses, keep your luggage on the floor and not in the above head compartments, if you see a show - chances are someone's hand in in your bag, ....all of this are my personal experiences, after 3 years in CR
Drivers in Costa Rica are kitty cats compared to drivers in the Dominican! That being said, we rented a car for our entire time in Costa Rica (drove from Monteverde all the way down to the South) and never had any issues. Just take it slowly and be cautious. Remember, you are a visitor in their country and are not expected, nor should you try, to drive like the locals. As mentioned in the video, there are very little street signs within and outside the towns, with many of the roads having the same names so a GPS and your hotel's phone number is a good idea to have with you at all times. Just in case you get lost. But driving on your own is possible.
Thanks for the vid. Just got back from CR. We rented a car. It was a good decision because we were able to travel on our own schedule, but there were more than a few crazy drivers. Motorcycles, busses, and tractor trailers seemed to be the worst. The trick is to not let them influence your own driving. Also, watch out for pedestrians and cyclists because they won't be watching out for you. Like other commenters, I would also suggest a GPS. Ours worked great. "Turn left on unpaved road" was good enough to get where we needed to go. I'd also like to point out that CR requires insurance for the car rental. They will try to upsell you for more coverage, but you probably won't need it.
I agree with everything Mark says here. I am especially glad he mentioned that it's possible to hire a driver. Depending upon your budget, prices for drivers are reasonable in Costa Rica. I hired a driver for 3 days and was so happy I didn't have to drive. I had a wonderful time.
We rented an SUV there last week. The one driving tip I would add is become familiar with how to manually select gears with your rental's cars automatic transmission. Going up mountains very slowly behind trucks often causes automatics to constantly upshift which totally bogs the engine. Select 1st or 2nd gear and hold it for slow and steady up the mountains. This is much better than constant auto upshifts followed by pressing the accelerator hard to trigger downshifts-and doing that over and over. Similar principle on the way down. Many large trucks will downshift and run their jake brakes down mountains. Manually select a lower gear to help hold your car and you will not have to constantly be tapping the brakes to keep safe space.
Pay the extra for GPS in the rental car. It costs about $6/day and is well worth it, also helps to not be a drain on your phone. That helped immensely. Driving there was so fun, scared the shit out of my wife, but I loved the craziness of it.
I recommend to use the Waze app in CR, works better than Google Maps. And if you don't want to dry your phone you can always charge the phone in the car. And I totally agree with you, driving in Costa Rica is not for everyone, if foreigners want to drive here that's because they want to take on a real challenge.
Yes. We rented the GPS and it worked better than our GPS at home in the US. Very accurate and we never got lost. Also rented a phone from the car rental, since we didn't want to pay extra for international service on ours. I really didn't notice that the drivers were crazy. It was nice driving around seeing the country.
I’m here in Costa Rica now ! The driving here is not bad at all!!! Rent a car and go enjoy yourself , but thinking about it I learned to drive in MANHATTAN 😂😂.. if you can drive there you casa n drive anywhere
We are not that aggressive I guess. :D. Thanks dude for this video and I advice to use Waze instead of Google Maps, it is better here. And don't desperate in crowded rows.(mostly in central towns)
I love your video one thing that I had an experience with near Jaco, I got pulled over by the local police and he wanted 40,000 cloney's and I didn't even have a license with me or my wallet which was in the hotel then he went down to 25,000 then 15000 I'm not even sure what the citation was for but he wasn't thrilled that I didn't have my ID or any money on me, and he didn't want to follow me back to the Hotel. But overall they were cool- I'm actually planning on taking my daughter back there in 2022 Barry Nicholas Jax Florida. It's a fabulous country
I've been to Costa Rica many times (nice place!) but have never had the courage to drive there...on busy holiday Sunday afternoons they often make Highway 27, the new highway from San Jose to Puntarenas, one way in to San Jose.
I am guessing he recorded during previous trips. No way he is moving back and forth between Costa Rica, Poland, Ireland, New Orleans and Chicago in a span of 2 weeks.
Unrelated but: Can you please advise on what to do when you arrive at your 5*, All inclusive resort somewhere in the Caribbean and the hotel is FAR FAR from what you have seen on pictures when booking. Dirty towels, cockroaches, dirty bathroom/shower, service is awful, pools are full of dirt, etc. You have payed a small fortune for your dream holidays and the hotel turns out to be a disaster. Can you advise what would you do, please? How not to get ripped off? Do you check out immediately the next morning? Do you stay and demand upgrade, do you stay and request a discount at checkout? What would a travel guru do or advise?
I've put on a lot of weight over the years since my svelt athletic 20's. I stop posting travel pics on social media b/c ppl closest to me just remark about my size and make me uncomfortable & embarrassed, rather than send well wishes about my familiy's travels. Anyone else experience this? How do you deal? Thx
Hi Mark, I will be going to Costa Rica in the next few months. Do you have an email where people can ask you questions? Or if not, can you provide information on having cell service to use apps like Waze to be able to navigate on the roads? Very anxious about the thought of lack of cell service or inability to use a navigation system while on mountainous roads. Thank you.
I do not agree on this. Leaving aside some of the truckers on the panamericana, the drivers in Costa Rica are pretty easy going, no driving up tight, sometimes they even let you in and if you do it, they often give a thumbs up.
@@LuchoCastle_11 No. Look here at 6:10 it's in there in good shape. For some reason you can see the green grass (the same as in the background) in place of the headlight. Pretty strange
I was almost driven off of a cliff due to a semi appearing from around a corner flying downgrade in my lane! Beware of drunks, POTHOLES especially at night, keep your eyes on the road 100% of times, beware of going up - stepping on gas only to find out right at the top there's a steep downgrade with a SHARP TURN 30ft in front of you, always lock your stuff, all luggage belongs in the trunk, never leave ANYTHING visible - your cheap flip flops will walk away without attendance, leave ALL YOUR JEWELRY HOME - who are you trying to impress? A Tico on Nico? Dress in gray, forget all of this fancy stuff, I wouldn't recommend wearing anything with us flags and such. On public busses, keep your luggage on the floor and not in the above head compartments, if you see a show - chances are someone's hand in in your bag, get travel insurance, there are mountains of phones, cameras, etc in rivers and oceans here, including lost jewelry sun glasses and stuff, you can slip on the wet rock and brake your stuff and or get damaged yourself...all of this are my personal experiences, after 3 years in CR
I drove a Taxi in Costa Rica for 10 years. This information is on point if you want to see some of my videos driving and Taxi tips from a few years ago go to my chanel.
It's ugly when u always say "awsome" about third world countries where people can't live as free humans and where are so many rude people and dangerous areas. 🤔
Addresses, or lack thereof, is just part of the tico charm. Love Costa
I've been to Costa Rica 3 times, each time in different area and every time we rented a car my husband was driving. What we learned: NEVER EVER drive after the dusk. All type of living creatures use the roads freely in the dark: ppl riding horses, cattle, once we passed a group of ppl seating on the side of the road observing world passing by, they didn't even move !
Yeah it's a circus here😂
I was almost driven off of a cliff due to a semi appearing from around a corner flying downgrade in my lane! Beware of drunks, POTHOLES especially at night, keep your eyes on the road 100% of times, beware of going up - stepping on gas only to find out right at the top there's a steep downgrade with a SHARP TURN 30ft in front of you, always lock your stuff, all luggage belongs in the trunk, never leave ANYTHING visible - your cheap flip flops will walk away without attendance, leave ALL YOUR JEWELRY HOME - who are you trying to impress? A Tico on Nico? Dress in gray, forget all of this fancy stuff, I wouldn't recommend wearing anything with us flags and such. On public busses, keep your luggage on the floor and not in the above head compartments, if you see a show - chances are someone's hand in in your bag, ....all of this are my personal experiences, after 3 years in CR
Drivers in Costa Rica are kitty cats compared to drivers in the Dominican! That being said, we rented a car for our entire time in Costa Rica (drove from Monteverde all the way down to the South) and never had any issues. Just take it slowly and be cautious. Remember, you are a visitor in their country and are not expected, nor should you try, to drive like the locals. As mentioned in the video, there are very little street signs within and outside the towns, with many of the roads having the same names so a GPS and your hotel's phone number is a good idea to have with you at all times. Just in case you get lost. But driving on your own is possible.
Thanks for the vid. Just got back from CR. We rented a car. It was a good decision because we were able to travel on our own schedule, but there were more than a few crazy drivers. Motorcycles, busses, and tractor trailers seemed to be the worst. The trick is to not let them influence your own driving. Also, watch out for pedestrians and cyclists because they won't be watching out for you.
Like other commenters, I would also suggest a GPS. Ours worked great. "Turn left on unpaved road" was good enough to get where we needed to go. I'd also like to point out that CR requires insurance for the car rental. They will try to upsell you for more coverage, but you probably won't need it.
what car rental place you use?
You are the nicest, most pura vida youtuber ever, I'm costarican, but i find you searching Iceland videos, now i always watch your new vids.
You look like peruvian pe!
I agree with everything Mark says here. I am especially glad he mentioned that it's possible to hire a driver. Depending upon your budget, prices for drivers are reasonable in Costa Rica.
I hired a driver for 3 days and was so happy I didn't have to drive. I had a wonderful time.
where can I hire aa driver ?
@@manrinnandap5020 do a search for "costa rica driver for hire".
We rented an SUV there last week. The one driving tip I would add is become familiar with how to manually select gears with your rental's cars automatic transmission. Going up mountains very slowly behind trucks often causes automatics to constantly upshift which totally bogs the engine. Select 1st or 2nd gear and hold it for slow and steady up the mountains. This is much better than constant auto upshifts followed by pressing the accelerator hard to trigger downshifts-and doing that over and over.
Similar principle on the way down. Many large trucks will downshift and run their jake brakes down mountains. Manually select a lower gear to help hold your car and you will not have to constantly be tapping the brakes to keep safe space.
Pay the extra for GPS in the rental car. It costs about $6/day and is well worth it, also helps to not be a drain on your phone. That helped immensely. Driving there was so fun, scared the shit out of my wife, but I loved the craziness of it.
I recommend to use the Waze app in CR, works better than Google Maps. And if you don't want to dry your phone you can always charge the phone in the car.
And I totally agree with you, driving in Costa Rica is not for everyone, if foreigners want to drive here that's because they want to take on a real challenge.
Yes. We rented the GPS and it worked better than our GPS at home in the US. Very accurate and we never got lost. Also rented a phone from the car rental, since we didn't want to pay extra for international service on ours. I really didn't notice that the drivers were crazy. It was nice driving around seeing the country.
Great stuff Mark! One of the many reasons I subscribe!! Gotta make a Costa Rica trip soon.
The crazy driving you mentioned in Costa Rica sounds like the wild and crazy driving in Slovakia!!!!!
I’m here in Costa Rica now ! The driving here is not bad at all!!! Rent a car and go enjoy yourself , but thinking about it I learned to drive in MANHATTAN 😂😂.. if you can drive there you casa n drive anywhere
I love how positive you are! Crazy drivers could be a very negative topic. What a sweetheart you are. Love your energy!
It seems like you lived in CR, it’s amazing, great info
Driving in Panama is mostly the same as in Costa Rica, just that here there are more sidewalks, and less potholes, but not by much.
panama city is way worse haha
Driving in Costa Rica is a breeze. Go drive in Richmond BC. It's an advenrure
I'm from Costa Rica and I'm highly agree with this man. Hahahaha
Hi Wolters!!! I was see your vídeo about brasil. Very cool . I from to brasil.
Thank you ! This video helped so much.
Solid advice. I drove in Costa Rica and it was the worst I've ever seen.
Going there in 3 weeks..pumped!!!!!
Have a nice trip
How did it go? DId you drive?
Where did you go? How was the driving? Is a 90s 4x4 reliable?
We are not that aggressive I guess. :D. Thanks dude for this video and I advice to use Waze instead of Google Maps, it is better here. And don't desperate in crowded rows.(mostly in central towns)
I love your video one thing that I had an experience with near Jaco, I got pulled over by the local police and he wanted 40,000 cloney's and I didn't even have a license with me or my wallet which was in the hotel then he went down to 25,000 then 15000 I'm not even sure what the citation was for but he wasn't thrilled that I didn't have my ID or any money on me, and he didn't want to follow me back to the Hotel. But overall they were cool- I'm actually planning on taking my daughter back there in 2022 Barry Nicholas Jax Florida. It's a fabulous country
thanks
So in other words, everything you see on the road in Costa Rica is merely a suggestion? Got it, thanks.
I've been to Costa Rica many times (nice place!) but have never had the courage to drive there...on busy holiday Sunday afternoons they often make Highway 27, the new highway from San Jose to Puntarenas, one way in to San Jose.
OMG you are heeereee!!! If I saw you guys, I would buy you drinks!
That's just amazing😍
Amazing video
The only annoying thing about ticos is they all use high beams at night. Led bars and everyone seems to think that is normal... FYI
Very nice puravida
How are u able to travel so much or are these vids recorded at different times
I am guessing he recorded during previous trips. No way he is moving back and forth between Costa Rica, Poland, Ireland, New Orleans and Chicago in a span of 2 weeks.
another best country
Hi how is the bus system from San Jose to Jaco beach? Also do you know of any great shuttle companies?
Unrelated but: Can you please advise on what to do when you arrive at your 5*, All inclusive resort somewhere in the Caribbean and the hotel is FAR FAR from what you have seen on pictures when booking. Dirty towels, cockroaches, dirty bathroom/shower, service is awful, pools are full of dirt, etc. You have payed a small fortune for your dream holidays and the hotel turns out to be a disaster. Can you advise what would you do, please? How not to get ripped off? Do you check out immediately the next morning? Do you stay and demand upgrade, do you stay and request a discount at checkout? What would a travel guru do or advise?
I've put on a lot of weight over the years since my svelt athletic 20's. I stop posting travel pics on social media b/c ppl closest to me just remark about my size and make me uncomfortable & embarrassed, rather than send well wishes about my familiy's travels. Anyone else experience this? How do you deal? Thx
Sounds to me like the people around you aren't worth it. If they don't appreciate you for who you are they are not very nice people.
Hi Mark, I will be going to Costa Rica in the next few months. Do you have an email where people can ask you questions? Or if not, can you provide information on having cell service to use apps like Waze to be able to navigate on the roads? Very anxious about the thought of lack of cell service or inability to use a navigation system while on mountainous roads. Thank you.
Is a 4x4 recommended. Would a Toyota Prado be good?
Almost any car is good here
I mean we have cities man it's not just a jungle
Long distance please do not use a taxi, better rent a car
Or ride the bus, it's equally efficient.
I do not agree on this. Leaving aside some of the truckers on the panamericana, the drivers in Costa Rica are pretty easy going, no driving up tight, sometimes they even let you in and if you do it, they often give a thumbs up.
That's right, but it's like a 50% responsible and nice drivers and 50% crazy and rude drivers. Just be prepared for anything when out on the road.
Do you have a shuttle service ?
How much will it cost for a 21 year old driver
I was watching a video about virtual particles and accidentally clicked on the notification
Now that is a random rabbit hole of RUclips you are going down today :)
*brakes
So the Caribbeans are close?😍
What happened to the right headlight of the bus in the thumbnail of this video?
Looks like somehow it got busted and the owner didn't care enough to replace it. Either that or was in the process of replacing it.
@@LuchoCastle_11 No. Look here at 6:10 it's in there in good shape. For some reason you can see the green grass (the same as in the background) in place of the headlight. Pretty strange
Hi mark
I was almost driven off of a cliff due to a semi appearing from around a corner flying downgrade in my lane! Beware of drunks, POTHOLES especially at night, keep your eyes on the road 100% of times, beware of going up - stepping on gas only to find out right at the top there's a steep downgrade with a SHARP TURN 30ft in front of you, always lock your stuff, all luggage belongs in the trunk, never leave ANYTHING visible - your cheap flip flops will walk away without attendance, leave ALL YOUR JEWELRY HOME - who are you trying to impress? A Tico on Nico? Dress in gray, forget all of this fancy stuff, I wouldn't recommend wearing anything with us flags and such. On public busses, keep your luggage on the floor and not in the above head compartments, if you see a show - chances are someone's hand in in your bag, get travel insurance, there are mountains of phones, cameras, etc in rivers and oceans here, including lost jewelry sun glasses and stuff, you can slip on the wet rock and brake your stuff and or get damaged yourself...all of this are my personal experiences, after 3 years in CR
I drove a Taxi in Costa Rica for 10 years. This information is on point if you want to see some of my videos driving and Taxi tips from a few years ago go to my chanel.
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It's ugly when u always say "awsome" about third world countries where people can't live as free humans and where are so many rude people and dangerous areas. 🤔
Maybe he's finding positives... I like that. Every country has its negatives. Not his focus.
It's not like the USA doesn't have any rude people or any dangerous areas.
CR is not a third world country and a very open and free society with an active democracy.
Such great advice!