Hiring Drivers

If and when you hire a private taxi, car or van, make absolutely sure that you and the driver agree in advance on a price that includes gas and tolls and all other possible expenses, like, food for the driver and in some cases...lodging, if you want the driver to stay with you for your entire excursion. The drivers won't have to eat and stay at the same quality places you are staying. They will find their own food and lodging for a fraction of what you will pay to stay wherever you choose to stay. But this all needs to be discussed in advance so there are no surprises.

At the end of your trip the driver, even if it's the owner of the van or taxi, appreciates a gratuity. People usually leave between 10% and 20%. It's up to you and of course all depends on the quality of the service that was provided to you. You should be able to hire a driver for a full day for around $150-$160 including gas, tolls and food. But that's only the ball park. A "full day" is about six hours. If it goes longer than that, ask the driver if he is going to charge more for the extra time. Always clarify the prices...along the way. It can't hurt to stay on top of it.

Below are the names and contact info for two drivers I recommend. Raul Garcia and Carlos Fernandez. You can either call them from the states and set up your excursions beforehand, or call them when you get there and be more spontaneous, leaving your options open till the last minute. 

1. Raul Garcia - terratours@hotmail.com - Raul is a really sweet guy who speaks beautiful english and drives a lovely, clean, relatively new and well maintained van that holds up to 10 people. His prices are quite competetive. My husband and I had him drive us to Papagallo from San Jose (a four hour drive) and he did an excellent job for us, and we found his price for the trip (there and back) to be quite reasonable. Give him a call and talk to him about what you're interested in doing/seeing in Costa Rica. He will work with you and design something awesome and specific to your needs and desires. He'll accompany you, serve not only as your driver but your translator, your guide, your shopping negotiatoor, etc. I'd drop Raul an email first and explain in writing what you are interested in seeing in Costa Rica and how long you intend to be there and he will help you as best he can.

2. Carlos Fernandez- . Carlos's price for "around the town" driving to malls, museums, local shopping, touring within the evirons of San Jose is $10.

Carlos Fernandez contact info...

phone numbers - (from outside Costa RIca dial 011-506-83-82-7044 or 011-506-83-48-6188
(when dialing from within Costa Rica you don't need to dial 011-506)

email addresses charlie1091crl@aol.com or carlosfernandezc2005@gmail.com

See Carlos's website for tour prices - http://www.medicalconciergecostarica.blogspot.com