How to Rent a Car in Costa Rica: Complete Guide for Tourists Visiting Río Celeste

Complete guide to renting a car in Costa Rica for your Río Celeste trip: license requirements for tourists, age, insurance, road tips, and driving directions.

Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Costa Rica — and getting to Río Celeste is a beautiful, doable drive. But many visitors wonder about the requirements: your driver’s license, age, insurance, and road conditions. Here’s a complete guide to renting a car in Costa Rica for your trip to Tenorio Volcano and Río Celeste.

Can tourists drive in Costa Rica with their home license?

Yes. Tourists can drive in Costa Rica with a valid driver’s license from their home country for up to 90 days after entering. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also accepted and often recommended by rental agencies as extra security, though it’s not required for most nationalities.

Car rental requirements in Costa Rica

Valid driver’s license — most agencies require you to have held it for at least 2 years
Minimum age: usually 21 or 25, depending on the company (drivers under 25 may pay a surcharge)
Credit card in the main driver’s name (for the deposit)
Passport and an active international credit card
Basic insurance is often included, but full coverage (SLI) is strongly recommended

Driving to Río Celeste

Río Celeste is inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, about 45 km (28 miles) and 1–1.25 hours from La Fortuna via Route 142. The road is mostly paved but can be curvy and hilly; in the rainy season, a 4×4 SUV is a smart choice for extra safety and comfort.

What to know about driving in Costa Rica

Drive on the right side of the road
Seat belts are mandatory; using a phone while driving is prohibited
Respect speed limits and watch for pedestrians, bikes, and wildlife
Rain season (May–November) means slippery roads — slow down
Some rental companies include tolls; ask before you sign

Staying longer or becoming a resident?

If you’re staying beyond your tourist stay or becoming a resident, you’ll eventually need a Costa Rican driver’s license, which requires passing the COSEVI theory exam (rules, traffic signs, and traffic law). To prepare, you can practice with the COSEVI theory exam simulator and review the official driver’s manual at Licencia de Conducir CR.

With a rental car, the drive to Río Celeste becomes part of the adventure. Rent with a good company, check your license requirements, and get ready to see one of the bluest rivers in the world.