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Driving between popular stops can be deceptively slow and curvy—San José→La Fortuna (~3.5–4 hrs) and La Fortuna→Manuel Antonio (~5 hrs) were described as beautiful but long, winding, and sometimes rough. Build in extra time, plan stops, and avoid rushing.
Multiple travelers called out the winding Central Valley/La Fortuna roads as nausea-inducing. Bring motion sickness meds/ginger, sit up front if possible, and plan breaks—especially if you’ll be driving after activities.
Costa Rica gets dark early, and night driving can be stressful—tight roads, pedestrians, and limited lighting. Aim to arrive at your destination before sunset, especially in rainy season when conditions can worsen.
Even experienced drivers reported potholes, steep mountain roads, and unpaved stretches—particularly on routes beyond the main paved highways (e.g., parts of the La Fortuna→Manuel Antonio drive). A 4x4 SUV made people feel much more comfortable.
Spa appointments at places like Volcano Lodge filled up quickly (morning slots were already booked by arrival). Similarly, in-demand excursions (catamarans, park tours) are smoother when reserved in advance—especially in peak dates.
For Manuel Antonio, travelers loved having a private guide for wildlife spotting, but a commenter noted the official park site is SINAC (no guides work for the government). Tip: buy entry via SINAC, then hire a reputable guide separately if you want the expertise.
Several comments warned Tamarindo and Santa Teresa can be expensive. Be cautious with beach vendors (high prices), unofficial tour sellers (scams/insurance issues), and always ask prices before buying (e.g., coconuts). Also, don’t leave cash/valuables in the car; and note that people may charge to “watch” your car in public lots—payment isn’t mandatory. For a cheaper party-friendly alternative, Coco Beach/Playas del Coco was suggested (about 1 hour from Tamarindo).
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