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Costa Rica Driving |
Be extremely cautious when navigating Costa Rica’s roads. Ticos are renowned for their politeness in conversation, but the opposite is true on the road. The roads claim enough lives to give them some of the worst highway safety records in the world. Drivers dart in and out of lanes; motorcycles fly past at red lights; police control of drunk driving is still developing. Additionally, the condition of most dirt roads defy description, and pot holes are just a fact of life. It is not unusual to meet stray cows and horses wandering onto the roads. The best advice is to take your time and wear your seat belts (now a law in Costa Rica). It will make the drive much more enjoyable and give you a chance to take in the spectacular natural surroundings. Besides, it is not a good idea to hit one of the many, many chickens running around everywhere outside the towns. You should be aware that Costa Rica does have strict traffic laws with high fines for a variety of infractions. The car rental agencies will have information about these rules. Wear your seat belt and observe speed limits and other directions along the road, especially in school zones, and you should be OK. Speed traps (stretches of road with a much lower speed limit for no apparent reason) are not unusual, and the traffic police officers like to station themselves in the shade at the side of the road with their radar guns. Should you get pulled over, don’t fret. Accept the ticket (multa) and turn it over to the rental company who will apply the ticket to your bill. If you have an accident, do not move your car until the police instructs you to do so, regardless of how much people honk and scream Because Costa Rica is located close to the Equator, the sun rises between 5 am and 6 am, and sunset is between 5:30 pm and 6 pm all year round. Dawn and dusk are very short, and we recommend considering this when planning your trips in Costa Rica, especially when traveling by rental car. Driving at night can be tricky because of the often poor road conditions, vehicles and bicycles without lights, and people and animals on the road. Please also keep this in mind when walking in the afternoon. Bring a flash light so you can stay at the beach to enjoy the sunset till the end. Some helpful words when driving: Despacio: slow About Sarchi: Sarchi, 30 minutes west of San Jose is worth a stop for souvenirs. This small town is the home of Costa Rica’s traditionally brightly painted ox carts, but has become the center for typical arts and crafts, especially things made of wood. Most of these things are available in San Jose and Moravia, but the selection is larger and cheaper in Sarchi, where you also can watch artisans create many of the items. The most inexpensive place to buy crafts is at the cooperative, on the right of the west end of town. From hwy 1, take the Grecia exit and follow the signs for “Sarchi Artisani”. The road winds through gorgeous coffee country. To leave, go back the same way or head for San Ramon.
About Nicoya: Nicoya is the main settlement on the Nicoya Peninsula. The town was named after Chorotegan Indian Chief Nicoya, who ruled the region and welcomed the Spaniards in 1523. Nicoya does not have a lot of personality, but is the place to go for many services (banking, hospital, shopping, transportation and much more.) The fruit and vegetable market on Fridays is absolutely worth a visit. A nickel for a banana – sweeter that you thought possible! English won’t get you very far, but pointing and smiling goes a long way as do coins and small bills.
About Garza: Driving between Nicoya and Nosara, you will pass through the little fishing village of Garza. This is the perfect spot to stop for refreshments at one of the many bars and restaurants. “Volver, Volver” (Return, Return) serves the BEST conch ceviche. Alex’s Fish Market will sell you the freshest, finest fish and sea food at very reasonable prices. Try the Pacific lobster!!
About Nosara: The town of Nosara is laid-back and quiet…..but will serve most of your needs! The only pavement is the runway at the airport, so the dirt roads will always reflect the season. The rainy season brings mud and pot holes, and the dry season brings dust. However, not many are in favor of paving the roads, because of the increased number of people that would bring. Just looking at the recorded rainfall in Nosara 1995-2003 (Source: “Voice of Nosara”), it is easy to misunderstand the rainy – or Green – season.
Monthly average December – April: 1.68” / 4,27 cm
From May to August, most of the rain falls as cool, short afternoon and evening showers. The temperatures average in the lower 80s. This makes the jungle come alive and trees bear fruit in abundance. Because fewer tourists come at this time, most hotels and rental properties have lower rates, and it is a really good time to bring the family while the kids are out of school. September and October will bring much more water – but it is still very possible to get a sun burn – and 2-3 weeks into November the showers will wind down. From December to April, we see almost no rain, and this time with temperatures in the upper 80s is called “summer”, despite Costa Rica being in the northern hemisphere.
About 5 km/3 miles from the village of Nosara we find “Playas de Nosara”: Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada and Playa Nosara, which are some of the only eco-touristic beaches in Guanacaste. A large international community resides here, governed by the Nosara Civic Association. The residents have set aside half their land as a wildlife reserve and park, and the NCA has so far been successful in keeping out large developers and upholding rules for exploitation of the area. There are no big hotels right on the beach or nearby, and the whole area is generally greener that the rest of Guanacaste. Playa Guiones is famous for its waves and is popular with surfers.
About Playa Ostional Wildlife Reserve: This is the second largest nesting site in the world for the Olive Ridley Turtle. During “arribadas” which happen 3-4 nights after full moon from July through November, thousands of turtles cover the beach in the night and very early morning hours. Absolutely something to try to do!!
In the dry season, it is a 20 minute drive from Nosara across the bridge over Rio Nosara and through Rio Montana. During the green season, it might be possible to cross by four-wheel-drive vehicle in the morning hours – if it has not rained too much overnight. There is a small foot bridge across the river, which will hold your horse or bike – or let you get across by foot in case you have to leave the car on the other side.
About Tamarindo:
Tamarindo has a wide, white-sand beach which is popular with surfers. Playa Tamarindo and other nearby beaches are quite touristy with nice hotels, good restaurants, and many activities and services. The drive along the coast from Nosara to Tamarindo offers many beautiful vistas of the ocean and beaches as well as a peak of several small villages. Four-wheel-drive is recommended all year round.
About Santa Cruz:
East of Tamarindo, 20 minutes north of Nicoya is Santa Cruz, home of much of Costa Rica’s folklore. The city is famous for its colorful fiestas which feature delicious native foods, music, instruments and dances. Santa Cruz is also home to several nice restaurants and stores.
About Guaitil:
A 15 minute drive from Santa Cruz, through beautiful, hilly farm land, will bring you to the village of Guaitil, where local artisans have revived the art of Chorotega-style pottery making. The pottery is displayed at the local shop and in front of homes around the soccer field/plaza. Count on spending a few hours here to chat with the artisans and watch them work. A couple of places serve food and beverages. |
