If you are traveling to any beach in Costa Rica, it is better to rent a 4WD car. Usually, car rentals don’t have any hand controls, but Service Car Rental offers different options like minivans, ramps, and perhaps portable handicap driving hand controls. You have to make a reservation well in advance so they can prepare the best service possible.
The fastest way to get to Guanacaste is taking Route 27 (try to avoid rush hours here) and then Route 1. You will see a lot of green on the journey; trees on both sides of the road and some good restaurants. See Costa Rica Travel Tips. Roads are in poor condition compared to the USA with potholes and other bumpy barriers.
More buses are available now in Costa Rica since 2014, due to a law passed in 2006. Buses are marked with a wheelchair sign, but some of the platforms to get in and out of the bus are not in the best shape. Traveling across the country by bus is not easy. Manual wheelchairs won’t have a problem, but if traveling with a power wheelchair, it’s best that the width is no bigger than 27-28 inches as the fit will be tight. Drivers are really helpful, and will even change buses if the ramp to get inside the bus isn’t working. Also, finding the bus schedules can sometimes be challenging. Almost no bus stop is built under universal design lineaments and some sidewalks have good accessible conditions. If a sidewalk doesn’t have a ramp, wheel about a block or less and you’ll find one.
There are also handicapped taxis, even in smaller towns, but this is usually a more expensive service. You can call any red taxi service and they have some units available with ramps. The phone number is (506) 2666 2000. The Association of Costa Rican Special Taxis reports to have forty wheelchair accessible vans and can be reached at (506) 396-8986. Flagging down a taxi is quick. Like the buses, manual wheelchairs will fit easily, but it’s a tight fit for larger power wheelchairs.
I am a wheelchair user since 2008 due to an accident working as a highway engineer, but it didn’t stop my enthusiasm to enjoy life and adventures with my family and friends. I love to read, travel and try new things. I also love the ocean and scuba diving has become my favorite sport.
