My wife and I went last year for a week and had a great time. Neither of us speak the language, but many of the locals knew enough English. I think the car rental was the most expensive part of the whole trip (got a great deal on airfare). Also, after staying in some pretty rustic places, we treated ourselves to our last night in the Hilton Garden Inn across the street from the airport outside Liberia. We did a loop from Playa Hermosa at the north end of the Pacific coast down to Samara, then drove inland to Nicoya and then back to Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport outside Liberia. We enjoyed the adventure. They have main roads which are in great condition and mostly everything else is potholes and dirt. If you plan to get off the main roads at all, rent a small 4x4 SUV. Also spring for the GPS, since a lot of cell phones don't work in other countries. The people were very friendly, there are street vendors and beach vendors trying to sell their wares but aren't pushy. Some of the parking lots near the beaches and even in the towns have a local guy that will ask you to pay 2-4000 of their colóns (3-5 dollars US) to watch your car for you. This is generally a good idea, we read before going, but I only remember one place where that happened and I paid the guy. There was also a police checkpoint on the highway once, but they just waved us through. It's the same as anywhere - including in the US: don't leave things in your car, don't flash cash around (use a hidden wallet or fanny pack worn in front), stay in well-lit, populated areas at night, etc. We spoke to a young (20s) girl who had traveled all over central America and Mexico and she said she felt the safest country she had visited was Costa Rica. Also GET YOUR CURRENCY EXCHANGED BEFORE YOU GO. There are exchange services at the airport and in the larger towns, but they charge a percentage, and it is sometimes quite a bit. Otherwise, they have good water, good food, great weather, scenery and low prices.
enjoy and have fun
