If and when you hire a private taxi, car or van, make absolutely sure that you and the driver agree in advance on a price that includes gas and tolls and all other possible expenses, like, food for the driver and in some cases...lodging, if you want the driver to stay with you for your entire excursion. The drivers won't have to eat and stay at the same quality places you are staying. They will find their own food and lodging for a fraction of what you will pay to stay wherever you choose to stay. But this all needs to be discussed in advance so there are no surprises.
At the end of your trip the driver, even if it's the owner of the van or taxi, appreciates a gratuity. People usually leave between 10% and 20%. It's up to you and of course all depends on the quality of the service that was provided to you.
You should be able to hire a driver for a full day for anywhere from $100 -$130 including gas, tolls and food. But that's only the ball park. A "full day" is about six hours. If it goes longer than that, ask the driver if he is going to charge more for the extra time. Always clarify the prices...along the way. It can't hurt to stay on top of it.
Below is the name of the particular driver I recommend. You can either call him from the states and set up your excursions beforehand, or call him when you get there and be more spontaneous....leaving your options open till the last minute.
Alex knows practically every inch of Costa Rica. He knows all the great sights and can serve as your tour guides as well as your driver, interpreter and negotiator when you're ready to buy that VERY IMPORTANT MUST HAVE item. It's really great. Before long, Alex will become part of your family...it's just the way the Ticos are in Costa Rica. Very friendly, lovely, helpful and nurturing people (unless they are at a soccer game...then they turn into crazy lunatics screaming in Spanish while jumping around wearing Costa Rican flags on their heads and red, white and blue paint on their faces!!!)
If you call in advance from the states, you need to add the numbers 011-506 to the seven digit number. If you call from inside Costa Rica, obviously you don't need to use these extra numbers. The entire country of Costa Rica has only one area code (506). The (011) is what you need to dial every time you dial from the USA to another country. Here's Alex's info:
Alex Palma - (011-506) 83-94-4101 His email address is
palmaelgallo@racsa.co.cr. Alex has a website which is elgallotours.tripod.com (see below for sample price list for Alex Palma). Alex has a website which is
elgallotours.tripod.com Alex Palma Tour Brochure
Of course mention my name when you contact Alex. He'll be extra specially nice if he knows "Didi sent you!" Actually, Alex has remained in contact with many of the patients that have used him over the years. I find it very sweet. As a matter of fact, one of our past patients, Barbara Stephan created Alex's tour brochure!
