7 Tips for Choosing the Ideal Car for Your Trip to Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a wide variety of beautiful destinations, from vibrant cities to tropical jungles. Just as you wouldn’t pack the same clothes and accessories for the beach as you would for the mountains, you also need to consider which rental car will best suit your journey from one destination to another.

Your car should provide comfort and safety while also being suitable for the road conditions you'll encounter. Below, we provide a guide to help you choose the ideal rental car in Costa Rica, tailored to the type of trip you plan to take.

1. Consider Your Destination

Traveling around Costa Rica is an exciting experience. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the beach, or the city, each destination has its unique charm. To fully enjoy your trip, you must drive the right vehicle for each location. Here are some key options:

• City Travel: If your journey takes you to the capital, San José, or other urban areas, a compact sedan or an economy vehicle will be sufficient. Models like the Toyota Yaris are perfect for navigating crowded streets, finding parking easily, and saving on fuel.
• Beach Getaways: If your plan is to relax on the stunning beaches of Guanacaste, Montezuma or the Central Pacific, consider a 4x2 SUV like the Toyota Raize or Corolla Cross. These vehicles offer comfort and space for your luggage, along with good performance on paved roads and coastal areas.
• Mountain Adventures or Off-Roading: For those looking to explore national parks like Monteverde or Arenal Volcano, you'll need a 4x4. A compact SUV like the Mitsubishi ASX or Toyota RAV4 will provide the power and stability necessary for gravel roads and uneven terrain.

2. Traveling Alone or in a Group?

The size of your travel group is another key factor in choosing the right vehicle.

• Couples Getaway: For couples seeking a romantic escape or intimate adventure, a small car like the Yaris will be more than fine. It's economical and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for two people with light luggage.
• Family or Friends Trip: If you're traveling with a larger group, an SUV, or truck will be your best option. Vehicles like the Toyota Sequoia Hybrid, Toyota Raize, or Toyota Rush offer plenty of space for passengers and luggage, ensuring comfort throughout the journey.
• Corporate or Large Groups: For larger groups or corporate meetings, a van like the Toyota Hiace will be the perfect choice. These vans can accommodate multiple passengers (14 in total) without sacrificing luggage space.

3. Weather Conditions

The climate in Costa Rica can change drastically from one region to another. Roads can become slippery during the rainy season (May to November), especially in mountainous areas. For the rainy season, a four-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicle is a great option, if you plan to head into rural or mountainous regions. An SUV like the Toyota RAV4 offers safety on rough terrain and also peace of mind in adverse weather conditions.

4. Comfort and Technology

Comfort during a long trip is essential. All vehicles in Hertz Costa Rica's fleet have air conditioning for hot days at the beach or in cities like Liberia, in Guanacaste. Additionally, many models come with modern technological features such as advanced audio systems, USB ports, and rearview cameras, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free journey. For a more premium SUV experience, we recommend the Toyota Prado or Hilux (Pickup Truck).

5. Eco-Friendly Vehicles

If you're looking for a more environmentally friendly option, Hertz Costa Rica also has electric vehicles like the Toyota BZ4X. This car allows you to move efficiently through the city while reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying Costa Rica's lush nature.

6. Safety and Peace of Mind

Traveling with peace of mind is crucial, especially when exploring a foreign country. Hertz rental cars are equipped with airbags and advanced safety systems. Moreover, when renting with Hertz, you can opt for additional coverage to be fully protected in case of any road incidents.

7. Final Tips for Choosing Your Rental Vehicle

• Book in Advance: Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination. Be sure to book your vehicle ahead of time to secure the model that best fits your needs.
• Consider Fuel Costs: Larger vehicles, like SUVs, tend to consume more gasoline. If you plan to cover long distances, keeping this in mind will help you manage your travel budget better.
• Accessories and Extras: Don’t forget to consider extras like GPS, baby seats, or surf racks if you need them for your trip.

Conclusion

Renting the right vehicle is key to making the most of your stay in Costa Rica. With a diverse and modern fleet, Hertz Costa Rica has the perfect option for every type of journey, whether you're looking to explore bustling cities, relax on the beaches, or venture into the mountains. You choose the destination, and we’ll provide the car you need to experience a unique journey behind the wheel. Visit us at any of our branches in Paseo Colón (San José), airports (Juan Santamaría and Daniel Oduber), Alajuela, Liberia, Uvita, and Jaco. Book now and enjoy a comfortable and safe trip with one of the best car rental agencies in Costa Rica: Hertz.

José Ricardo Carballo Villalobos

Works as a journalist, blogger, writer, and freelance copywriter. He is a frequent press columnist, co-director of the digital media La Revista CR, and administrator of the current affairs blog: analistahoy.com. For more information about the author, visit his website or Facebook.