Traveling to Puntarenas
Most international flights arrive at San José's Juan
Santamaria international airport. There are good connections to US and
Canadian cities and several Latin and South American countries. Travel
options after arriving at the international airport are domestic air
transfers, rental cars, public buses or private taxis.
Puntarenas by Air
Sansa airline leaves from Juan Santamaria International airport and has
a limited luggage allowance of carry-on and checked baggage to a maximum
of 27 pounds per person. Excess baggage is allowed at an extra charge
BUT is subject to space or weight capacity and there is an additional
$1.00 charge per pound after 27.. A total of 2 surf boards (max. size
6’9”) are allowed per flight. If you want to ship your board check it in
early. One way ticket price $92. Flight schedules are variable, but
there is generally one early morning departure in and out of Puntarenas
plus an additional flight around mid-day. During the high tourism
season, a third afternoon flight will be offered.
Renting a
Car
Renting a car and driving in Costa Rica
allows total freedom of movement. You can cover a lot of ground without
delay, and you can stop and sightsee wherever you want. Plan your route
before you take it, then stop and ask if you need directions. Costa
Ricans do not like to say that "I don't know" and sincerely want to be
helpful. You may need to ask more that one person and get a consensus.
Remember to never leave valuables in your car.
It is best to carry them with you. There are sometimes young boys in
parking lots of nicer restaurants who will offer to watch your car for
you while you eat. It is best to agree and then tip them a few hundred
colones (approx. $1 U.S.).
When you get your rental car, the representative
will have you check the car for nicks, dents, and adequate tires.
Exaggerate this procedure. Also, be sure to fill the car before you
return it, or be prepared to pay an excessive amount for a fourth of a
tank of gas.
It is best not to speed, and the speed limit
signs are in kilometers. If you are pulled over by the police, they will
want to see your rental papers and your passport. Be polite, but never
let them keep either of these documents. Also, do not pay the police for
the ticket. You pay the ticket to the rental car company when you turn
in the car.
There is about 29,000 kilometers of highway in
Costa Rica but only about 14% of that is paved. This is why we recommend
4 X 4 vehicles to most areas. Even Manuel Antonio and Monteverde (as
popular as they are) have terrible roads to get there. But, look at it
this way, if the roads were great, the places would be too crowded.
Car rental
notes:
Car rental companies in Costa Rica charge a mandatory minimum
insurance per day of approx. $16.00. This is not included in package and
is payable direct to the car company on arrival. Car rental companies
will require a deposit on a major credit card on arrival of anywhere
between $1,000 - $1,500. It is recommended that you check car body and
tires for damage and advise personnel before departing with car. Deposit
will be refunded on return.
Costa Rica Sailing Charters
Terrence C. Boone
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Telephone: 011-506-383-3170
Email: terrencecboone@yahoo.com |
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