Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Santa Maria de Dota
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santa Maria de Dota
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santa Maria de Dota
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santa Maria de Dota
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
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, maximizing your time and enjoyment.
Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with family or carrying equipment for outdoor activities? A rental car offers ample space and comfort, making your journey more enjoyable and stress-free.
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 kilometers
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 License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your country of residence is typically accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license 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.
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
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.
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 license, passport, and credit card to collect your rental.
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 center.
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.
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 kilometers (43 miles) from Santa Maria de Dota, it is the closest major airport.
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 license from your country of origin is required. If your license 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.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Santa Maria de Dota as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Relaxing, car was great
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.
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.
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.
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.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 06.10.2024
Kinda sleepy; mosquitos!
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.
Isabelle Martinez
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Exploring Dota by car was fantastic! The views were unforgettable.
Ava Hernandez
Reviewed: 22.12.2024
Heard great things; Dota exceeded expectations!
Sophia Lee
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Family vacation in Dota was amazing! Exploring the area with our rental car was so convenient.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 17.02.2025
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Peaceful, quiet getaway.
Alex Smith
Reviewed: 29.09.2024