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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Guapiles
Guapiles
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Guapiles
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Guapiles
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Guapiles
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Guapiles?
Guapiles is a vibrant town located in the Limón province of Costa Rica, known for its lush rainforests, banana plantations, and access to ecotourism adventures. While local transportation is available, hiring a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.
Explore Braulio Carrillo National Park. With a hire car, you can easily access the park's diverse trails and scenic viewpoints, experiencing Costa Rica's natural beauty up close.
Visit Local Plantations. Discover the region's agricultural heritage by driving to nearby banana or pineapple plantations, learning about the cultivation process.
Day Trips to Tortuguero. Drive to La Pavona or Muelle, where you can catch a boat to Tortuguero National Park, famous for its sea turtle nesting sites and canal tours.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Guapiles
Before hiring a car in Guapiles, be aware of the standard hire conditions. These typically include age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance options, and potential extra fees. Understanding these terms will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free hire experience.
Area
Approximately 155 square kilometres (60 square miles)
Population
Around 35,000 residents
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Ideal for
Exploring natural parks and plantations
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak hours, especially in the town centre.
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Guapiles require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always necessary, especially if your licence is in English or Spanish. A passport is also essential.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the hire price, but it's advisable to consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection. A security deposit is typically required, held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some hires may have restrictions. The fuel policy generally requires you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, child seats, GPS navigation, or one-way hires. Always clarify these costs when booking.
Car Hire Prices in Guapiles – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher tourist traffic.
Low season (May to November): Often brings discounts and better availability as demand decreases.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way hires. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Guapiles?
Booking a car in Guapiles involves comparing prices, choosing a suitable vehicle, and reviewing the hire terms. Booking early is essential, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison platforms to find the best deals from various hire companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and terrain.
3. Check Hire Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, particularly during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your hire.
General Information About Guapiles
Guapiles is a key hub for exploring Costa Rica's Caribbean lowlands and rainforests. Hiring a car is ideal for accessing remote areas and natural attractions.
Guapiles serves as a gateway to numerous natural attractions and plantations in the Limón province. While the town itself is relatively small, having a hire car enhances your ability to explore the surrounding areas conveniently. Before setting off, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Explore the lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems of one of Costa Rica's most significant national parks.
Banana Plantations
Visit working banana plantations to learn about the cultivation and harvesting of this important crop.
Tortuguero National Park (via La Pavona or Muelle)
Drive to the docks and take a boat to Tortuguero, famous for its canals and sea turtle nesting sites.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the town centre for a fee, providing secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets, but check for time limits and regulations.
Parking at Attractions
Many attractions offer on-site parking, but it may be limited during peak season.
Gas Stations in Guapiles
Availability
Several gas stations are located in and around Guapiles, providing easy access to fuel.
Major Brands
Look for brands like RECOPE and local independent stations.
Payment
Most stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Guapiles
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially around schools and the town centre. Plan accordingly.
Watch for Wildlife
Be cautious of wildlife crossing the roads, particularly near forested areas.
Carry Colones
While US dollars are often accepted, carrying Costa Rican colones can be useful for smaller establishments.
Stay Hydrated
The climate can be hot and humid, so stay hydrated, especially when exploring outdoors.
Key Transportation Hubs in Guapiles
Major Bus Stations
Guapiles Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal provides connections to San José, Limón, and other regional destinations.
Airports
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Located in Alajuela, near San José, about 65 kilometres (40 miles) from Guapiles, it is the primary international airport.
Limon International Airport (LIO)
Located in Limon, about 70 kilometres (43 miles) from Guapiles.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Guapiles?
Hiring a car in Costa Rica is generally straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before you can drive off. Here’s what you’ll typically need.
A valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always necessary, especially if your licence is in English or Spanish.
Most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some hire companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport is required for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Guapiles as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Guapiles was great for exploring with the family! Having a car made things so easy. The local market was a bit underwhelming, though.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 28.06.2025
I'd heard great things about Guapiles, and renting a car definitely made getting around easier. The town itself was fine, though the selection at the local fruit stand was a bit underwhelming. Overall, a pleasant trip.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 04.03.2025
Loved my quick weekend trip to Guapiles! Having a car was perfect for exploring the area; so convenient. Beautiful scenery and friendly people.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 19.02.2025
Exploring Guapiles with a rental car was fantastic! So convenient to reach the nearby waterfalls and charming towns. I'll definitely return.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 14.08.2025
Guapiles was fine; a bit dusty, though. Easy to get around.
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
Guapiles was a perfect pit stop on our Costa Rican road trip. Having a car made exploring so easy and convenient. We loved the vibrant atmosphere!
David Lee
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 04.11.2024