The easiest way to rent a car is to find a company that has a pick-up location at the San Jose Airport (almost every major rental company does).  When you walk out of customs, you will immediately see all of the car rental companies.  It is not necessary to rent a car before coming to Costa Rica, however if you cannot drive a stick shift, then you should consider renting one online prior to arrival, as automatics are high in demand.

Make sure to buy all of the insurance offered (it is more than worth it), unless your insurance at home covers international driving.  Thankfully, I did not encounter any theft or vandalism, but everyone knows it is better to be safe than sorry.

Here is a website that offers free driving maps of Costa Rica:
www.centralamerica.com/cr/maps/mapcosta.htm.  I printed these before my trip and found them to be accurate.  When you pick up your rental car, you will be provided with free maps as well.

Good directions are difficult to come by, even if you speak Spanish.  So, try to stick to the maps as much as possible.  Otherwise you might find yourself driving around in circles, which happened quite often to me.  Instead of letting it frustrate me though, I just looked at it as another adventure!

It is not necessary to rent a 4-wheel drive, even during the rainy season, unless you are driving in remote areas.  Costa Rican drivers are a little aggressive.  Just let them pass you and keep yourself focused on the road ahead.

Best of luck on what I am sure will be an incredible journey!!!

Andi Perullo is a Chinese Medicine Doctor by day, travel addict by night. When she

is not treating patients, she is exploring the world or dreaming of the next place to

visit. She also writes travel features for MNUI  Travel Insurance and blogs at My Beautiful Adventures.

*All Photos in this post are copyright by Andi Perullo, My Beautiful Adventures.*