Car Rental Puerto Viejo: What to Know Before Booking

Are you considering renting a car while traveling in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica?

This popular Caribbean beach town offers several rental car options, but there are a few things you should know before securing your booking.

We created this post to give you info on your car rental company options, help you decide if you should rent a car, inform you of some possible car rental scams, fill you in on the best cars to rent, and give you some awesome activities you can do with your rental car.

Ready? Let’s get to all things car rentals in Puerto Viejo!

Should You Rent a Car in Puerto Viejo?

We think that having a rental car is often the best way to travel in Costa Rica. It will give you the most flexibility in exploring Puerto Viejo and the surrounding areas.

Puerto Viejo has a condensed downtown area that is walkable but, a lot of the most amazing things to do are within a 30-minute drive. For example, the Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, and numerous beautiful beaches.

In other words, you could most likely get by without renting a car, but having a car will make your experience easier and more stress-free.

People Who Should Rent a Car in Puerto Viejo

• Travelers who want the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path locations near Puerto Viejo.
• Larger groups or families: Renting a car will likely be more affordable than a shuttle and booking day tours. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to stop whenever needed.
• People with specific itineraries: If you have created a specific itinerary that includes multiple destinations or activities, a car will be so helpful.
• If you are staying outside the town center: If your hotel is located outside Puerto Viejo town center, a car will be helpful to get to restaurants, stores, and activities.

People Who Should Not Rent a Car

• If you are uncomfortable with driving in unfamiliar conditions, it is probably better to depend on shared or private shuttles to get to Puerto Viejo. Once you are in town you can book day tours with transportation, take a taxi, or walk in the downtown area.
• If you are a solo traveler, it might be more cost-effective to use different transportation options.
• If you are staying in a resort with most amenities and activities available on-site, you may not need a car.

Keep in Mind: You can not take a rental car across the border into Panama. If you have rented a car in another part of the country and Puerto Viejo is your last stop in Costa Rica, you will need to return your car here before crossing the border.

Car Rental Companies in Puerto Viejo

There are several car rental companies in Puerto Viejo. The main ones are Adobe, Alamo, and National.

We suggest renting your vehicle through Adobe Rent-a-Car because:

• They are a local company that prides themselves on excellent customer service.
• They don’t have any hidden fees and are completely upfront with their costs.
• We have rented with them several times and have always had a great experience.
• They offer free cancellation at any time.
• Your car rental will include unlimited mileage for tons of exploration.
• They will deliver your car directly to your hotel in Puerto Viejo for free within 12 miles of their office.

We have rented cars from Adobe several times and always had a great experience.

So, we approached them to ask if they would be interested in working with us because we think so highly of them. 

They have been generous enough to pass on a great discount to all Costa Rica Vibes readers. 

You will most likely want to rent a car in San Jose and drive to Puerto Viejo on your own. However, if you would like to rent your car in Puerto Viejo, they have an office directly in the downtown area. You can find it on Google Maps here.

Note: When you rent your car you will need to select “Puerto Viejo” as your pick up location. You can also select to return the car in Puerto Viejo or to any Adobe office throughout the country.

As I mentioned above, you can not take a rental car into Panama. If that is your next stop, you can always rent a car from Adobe in San Jose (or from one of their other locations throughout the country) and return it at the Adobe office in Puerto Viejo.

On the other side of that, if you are coming from the Panama border, the best way to get to Puerto Viejo is with the MEPE public bus from Sixaola. It takes about 45 minutes and runs about once an hour during the day.

Check out our guide to the Panama/ Costa Rica border crossing for more info.

Once you arrive in Puerto Viejo, you can pick up your rental car from the Adobe office in the downtown area. The Adobe office is a less than 2-minute walk from the MEPE bus stop.

#1 Car Rental Pick

Adobe Rent-a-Car

• 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
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• 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
• Excellent customer service
• New fleet of well-maintained vehicles

Check Prices and Availability!

The Best Type of Car for Puerto Viejo

In Puerto Viejo, you should be fine getting around with an SUV. However, if you are staying at a hotel further inland in the jungle you might need a 4×4.

The roads in the town and the main road down the coast are paved, but the surrounding areas can have unpaved roads.

We suggest asking at your hotel what the road conditions are like to get there if it is a remote spot.

How to Get to Puerto Viejo

Instead of renting your car directly in Puerto Viejo, you might opt to pick up your rental car at the San Jose International Airport (SJO) and drive to Puerto Viejo.

• San Jose International Airport Arrivals and Departures Guide
• Complete Guide to Renting a Car from San Jose International Airport

The drive from San Jose International Airport to Puerto Viejo will take about 4 to 5 hours depending on the traffic.

The scenic route offers a few great stops to break up the journey and enjoy some of Costa Rica’s unique attractions.

Route Overview

• Route Options: The most common route is via Route 32 through Braulio Carrillo National Park. This is the most direct and fastest way, taking about 4.5 to 5 hours. Travel Tip: If Google Maps tells you to take Route 10 through Turrialba, try to find more info before beginning your drive. This route is sometimes best if Route 32 is closed, but it will be the adventure of a lifetime and we strongly suggest avoiding it if at all possible.
• The drive starts with urban scenery as you leave San José. Be careful in this part of the drive because you will have to drive down city streets. From the airport, there isn’t a highway to bypass the city.
• After getting out of the city the drive will transition into mountainous terrain on Route 32 with lush rainforests. Keep in mind there is one toll just after you exit the city along with the one driving tunnel I know of in the country.
• You will then drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. You might encounter fog and rain in this area, so drive carefully​. This is a highway but it is very curvy in spots.
• Expect heavy truck traffic on Route 32, especially during peak hours. The road is mostly two lanes, and there can be slow-moving vehicles. Plus, it seems like there is constant roadwork here.
• After descending from the mountains, you’ll pass through small towns and banana plantations on the way to Limón. Traffic can get backed up with 18-wheeler trucks heading to the port in Limón.
• From Limón, you follow Route 36 south along the Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo. This part of the drive is straight and offers occasional glimpses of the coast​.

Click here for the complete route on Google Maps

Driving Tips

• Use Waze: Waze is the best free app for driving directions in Costa Rica. It’s widely used by locals and provides real-time traffic updates, road conditions, and the best routes.
• Fuel Up: Make sure to start your journey with a full tank of gas. There are plenty of gas stations along Route 32, but it’s always good to be prepared.
• Don’t Drive at Night: The sun sets around 6 PM year round. We suggest starting your trip at 2PM at the latest. You should not drive the first half of the route in the dark. The fog can be really bad and it’s just not safe.
• Keep Your Passports Up Front: There is a police checkpoint about 15 miles before Puerto Viejo. You will likely have to stop and show your passport. This is just to prevent people from illegally traveling between Costa Rica and Panama.
• Don’t Leave Your Car Unattended: If you stop along the way we suggest choosing restaurants with views of the parking lot or places you feel very secure. Petty theft, such as breaking into cars, is the most common crime in Costa Rica.

Recommended Stops Along the Way

• Braulio Carrillo National Park: About an hour into your drive, you will pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park. It’s possible to stop and enjoy a short hike in the park. Get more info with our Braulio Carillo National Park guide.
• Banana and Pineapple Farms: I don’t know of any farms that you can actually explore, but you will certainly pass several banana and pineapple plantations on your drive. If you find a safe spot, pull over and catch a glimpse of where the bananas and pineapples you buy at your grocery store likely come from.

Restaurants Along the Way

If you need a meal, here are restaurant suggestions in order of which you will pass first from San Jose.

Restaurant Pura Vida, Restaurante donde Ceci, Sol y Luna

If you would like fast food options, I suggest stopping when you get to the town of Guapiles. There is a Subway, McDonalds, and Burger King here. This is a little before the half way point of your drive.

If you need something small, your best bet is to buy snacks at a gas station.

Things to Do with a Rental Car in Puerto Viejo

Once in Puerto Viejo, there are plenty of fun things to do with your rental car. Here are a few of our favorite options:

Visit Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is one of our favorite national parks in the country and it is located just 15 minutes away from Puerto Viejo. If you are in this area, I consider this a must-do activity.

It is possible to visit the Cahuita National Park with a guided tour with transportation included from Puerto Viejo. However, it will be much more cost effective if you can just drive yourself.

Find out more with our guide to Cahuita National Park.

Take a Day Trip to Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is located south of Puerto Viejo. To drive here from downtown Puerto Viejo will take about 20 minutes.

This refuge is seriously impressive and offers great hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Check out our guide to Manzanillo for more info

Explore Nearby Beaches

There are several amazing beaches near Puerto Viejo. These include places that are great for surfing, swimming beaches, places with black sand, and spots with white sand.

Keep in mind that all beaches in Costa Rica need to have public access by law. That means the entire coastline is yours to explore.

Check out our guide to the best beaches in Puerto Viejo for more info

Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center

The Jaguar Rescue Center is located just outside Puerto Viejo.

The center gives both temporary and permanent residence to wildlife. They provide essential veterinary services, give round-the-clock care, and provide comfort to creatures unable to survive in the wild.

Drive your rental car to this sanctuary where you can learn about the rehabilitation of local wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and yes, the occasional jaguar.

There are tours that operates daily at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m and tickets can be purchased online.

The sanctuary also offers private tours at 2:00 p.m., providing a VIP exclusive experience tailored to individual preferences.

Find out more about visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center

Getting Gas in Puerto Viejo

There isn’t any gas station directly in downtown Puerto Viejo. Instead, you will need to go to Hone Creek Gas Station which is located about 10 minutes north of Puerto Viejo.

Definitely keep this in mind because if you are staying south of Puerto Viejo in a place like Manzanillo, you will need to make sure you have enough gas to make it to this station to refill. From Manzanillo, it is about a 25-minute drive.

All gas stations in Costa Rica are full-service, so stay in your car and an employee will fill your gas tank.

Find out more in our guide to getting gas in Costa Rica.

What You Should Know Before Renting a Car in Puerto Viejo

Renting a car in Costa Rica is a bit complicated. Here is what you need to know:

Requirements to Rent a Car

To rent a car in Costa Rica you need to meet a few main conditions:

• Meet the minimum age requirement. This ranges by company from 18 to 25. If you rent with Adobe through us you will need to be at least 23 years old. 
• Have a valid driver’s license. You do not need an international driving permit. Your regular license is fine. It needs to be the official license. Not a photocopy or temporary license.
• Have been driving for at least 2 years. You can not be a brand-new driver and rent a car.

The Rental Car Process

First, you need to decide which car rental company to book through. 

Please do not book through a third-party travel websites like Expedia!

These sites often do not disclose the taxes, extra fees, and mandatory rental car insurance. Instead, you might think your rental price will be something ridiculously low like $5 a day.

When you go to pick up your rental car you will be charged several hundred dollars more for all additional fees. You can read all about our negative experience with this here.

We suggest booking through us if you plan to rent with Adobe for the best deal. 

If you plan to rent through another company, book directly on their website and make sure all fees are included. 

Mandatory Rental Car Insurance

In Costa Rica there are three types of car rental insurance. These are Liability Protection Insurance, Car Protection Insurance, and Total Protection Insurance. 

• Liability Insurance is required by Costa Rican law. Every person who rents a car in Costa Rica will need to purchase this insurance.
• Car Protection is also required by law. However, it is possible to avoid paying this if you have a letter from your credit card company with proof of coverage for car protection in Costa Rica (if you rent with Adobe). 
• Total Protection is an additional comprehensive insurance. This extra insurance is not required by law, but is helpful to have. 

You can get more details in our complete guide to renting a car in Costa Rica. 

Car Rental Deposit

Keep in mind, that you will need to pay a deposit for your rental car at the rental agency. This is often between $1,000 and $2,000 US dollars depending on the rental car company.

It is usually possible to pay this with either a debit or credit card.

We suggest paying with a valid credit card because it is just a hold on your account. When you return the vehicle without issue you will automatically be refunded the deposit.

If you book with a debit card it can take several days for the refund to be processed.

Most companies accept all major credit cards. 

Note: Check your credit card limit beforehand to make sure that you can put down $1,000 without maxing out your card.  

Paying for Your Rental Car

You can pay for your rental car with credit or debit cards.

If you opt to rent with Adobe, you do not need to pay until you arrive and pick up your rental vehicle. Also, all prices from Adobe are quoted and paid in United States dollars. 

Saving Money on Car Rentals

We get it, Costa Rican car rentals are not cheap. To save money there are a few things you can do.

Rent a Car for Only a Few Days

You could always opt to rent a car for only a few days of your trip rather than for the whole vacation. 

For example, spend a few days relaxing on the beach in Puerto Viejo and spend a few days with the car exploring.

This is very easy to so since Adobe has an office in downtown Puerto Viejo and can deliver your car to you.

Travel at Off-Peak Times

During the rainy season, the average price of car rentals goes way down. During the high season (December – April) the prices go up A LOT!

In Puerto Viejo, this works out well because the Caribbean Coast has the opposite rainy season to the Pacific.

That means, if you visit in the months of July through October you should have amazing weather on the Caribbean Coast, and car rental prices will be very reasonable.

Other Things to Know About Puerto Viejo Car Rentals

• Never leave belongings in your vehicle unattended. Puerto Viejo is safe, but petty theft is known to happen. 
• Be wary of rental deals that seem too good to be true (like $6 a day prices). These are not accurate. You will then be charged with a lot of other fees upon picking up your vehicle. Find out more in our guide to common rental car scams.
• If you are coming from the United Kingdom, Australia, etc. people drive on the opposite side of the road in Costa Rica. The roads and driver seat are set up the same as in the United States, Canada, mainland Europe etc.  
• If you rent with Adobe you can always pick up your car in one spot and return in a different location. They have several car rental locations throughout the country.
• The posted speed limits in Costa Rica is listed in kilometers per hour NOT miles per hour
• If you get in an accident, the emergency number here is 9-1-1. 
• If you would like a long-term rental with Adobe, let us know. We can get you a discount if you need a car for over a month. 

Check out our guide to Puerto Viejo for all the must know info on this area from the best hotels, beaches, restaurants, and more!

Conclusion: Puerto Viejo Car Rentals

In conclusion, renting a car in Puerto Viejo is a great way to explore the landscapes and hidden gems of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast at your own pace. Whether you’re eager to visit secluded beaches, hike through lush rainforests, or discover nearby towns, having a rental car provides that flexibility and freedom.

If you have any questions about renting a car in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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