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Car rental in Santa Maria de Dota - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Santa Maria de Dota

Santa Maria de Dota

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Santa Maria de Dota

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Santa Maria de Dota

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Santa Maria de Dota

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Rent a Car in Santa Maria de Dota?

Santa Maria de Dota, nestled in the highlands of Costa Rica, offers breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences. While local transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore this stunning region at your own pace.

Access Remote Locations. Many of Santa Maria de Dota’s most beautiful spots, including coffee plantations and scenic viewpoints, are difficult to reach without a car. A rental vehicle allows you to explore these hidden gems effortlessly.

Flexibility and Independence. Public transport schedules can be limiting. With a rental car, you can set your own itinerary and travel whenever and wherever you please, maximising your time and enjoyment.

Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with family or carrying equipment for outdoor activities? A rental car offers ample space and comfort, making your journey more enjoyable and stress-free.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Maria de Dota

Before renting a car in Santa Maria de Dota, be aware of the rental terms to ensure a smooth experience. These conditions typically cover age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other vital details.

Area

Approximately 300 square kilometres

Population

Around 7,000 residents

Time Zone

UTC-6

Ideal for

Exploring rural landscapes

Rush Hours

Minimal traffic congestion

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsGenerally, the minimum age to rent a car is 21, but some companies may require renters to be 23 or older. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25.

2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is typically accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in Spanish.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with the same amount of fuel as when it was picked up.

5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, GPS rentals, child seats, or late returns.

Car Rental Prices in Santa Maria de Dota – How Much Does It Cost?

Expect to pay an average of from £25 / $31.50 / €30 per day for an economy-class car rental.

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €48 per day​

Electric:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day​

Classic:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

Executive:

from £50 / $63 / €60 per day​

7 Seater:

from £60 / $75 / €72 per day

Automatic:

from £30 / $38 / €36 per day

SUV:

from £45 / $57 / €54 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (December to April): Higher demand leads to prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (May to November): Discounts are often available during the green season

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Santa Maria de Dota?

Follow these steps to book your rental car. Comparing offers, choosing a vehicle, and understanding rental terms are key to a hassle-free experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and terrain.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your car well in advance, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card to collect your rental.

General Information About Santa Maria de Dota

Santa Maria de Dota is a serene region known for its coffee plantations and stunning natural beauty. Driving here allows you to explore the countryside at your own pace.

Nestled high in the Talamanca Mountains, Santa Maria de Dota offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life. The region is renowned for producing some of Costa Rica’s finest coffee and boasts lush landscapes perfect for hiking and birdwatching. While public transportation is limited, renting a car provides the freedom to discover hidden gems and experience the true essence of rural Costa Rica.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Coffee Plantations

    Explore world-renowned coffee farms and learn about the coffee-making process.

  • Los Quetzales National Park

    Hike through pristine cloud forests and spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

  • Scenic Viewpoints

    Discover breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Limited availability, mainly near the town centre.

  • On-Street Parking

    Available in town, but be mindful of local regulations.

  • Park & Ride

    Not applicable in this rural area.

Gas Stations in Santa Maria de Dota

  • Limited Availability

    Gas stations are sparsely located; plan your fuel stops accordingly.

  • Main Brands

    Look for local Costa Rican brands along the main roads.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use apps like Waze to locate the nearest gas stations.

Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Maria de Dota

  • Drive Carefully

    Roads can be narrow and winding; drive cautiously, especially during the rainy season.

  • 4x4 Recommended

    Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle for better traction on unpaved roads.

  • Learn Basic Spanish

    Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.

  • Allow Extra Time

    Distances may appear short, but travel times can be longer due to road conditions.

Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Maria de Dota

Major Bus Stations

Santa Maria de Dota Bus Terminal

The main bus terminal connects Santa Maria de Dota with other towns and cities in Costa Rica.

Airports

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Located approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles) from Santa Maria de Dota, it is the closest major airport.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Maria de Dota?

Renting a car in Costa Rica requires you to meet specific criteria before you can get behind the wheel. Here’s what you’ll generally need:

  • A valid driver’s licence from your country of origin is required. If your licence is not in Spanish, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

  • The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21, but some companies may require renters to be 23 or older.

  • A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may also accept debit cards.

  • A passport is usually required for international renters to verify identity.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Santa Maria de Dota as

4.6

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.

Peaceful, quiet getaway.

AS

Alex Smith

Reviewed: 29.09.2024

Relaxing, car was great

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 11.02.2025

Absolutely loved exploring Santa Maria de Dota! Having a car made everything so easy, perfect for a relaxing break after my busy time near the coast.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 24.02.2025

Back in Dota after years, renting a car was a breeze. The scenery was breathtaking, though the local cafe was a bit underwhelming.

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 10.09.2024

Stunning views on our road trip through Santa Maria de Dota! Getting around with a rental car was perfect.

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 16.01.2025

Incredible scenery! Meeting friends in Dota made the trip even better, and having a car was perfect for exploring.

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 06.10.2024

Kinda sleepy; mosquitos!

MD

Mia Davis

Reviewed: 08.03.2025

Tranquil escape to Santa Maria de Dota! Having a car made exploring the area so easy. After a busy time near the coast, this was perfect relaxation.

IM

Isabelle Martinez

Reviewed: 27.05.2025

Exploring Dota by car was fantastic! The views were unforgettable.

AH

Ava Hernandez

Reviewed: 22.12.2024

Heard great things; Dota exceeded expectations!

SL

Sophia Lee

Reviewed: 03.07.2025

Family vacation in Dota was amazing! Exploring the area with our rental car was so convenient.

AW

Ava Wilson

Reviewed: 17.02.2025

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