Traveling through Costa Rica by car allows you to discover the country at your own pace, reach less touristy destinations, and enjoy the freedom that only the open road can offer. At Mapache Rent a Car® we want this process to be easy, safe, and transparent. That’s why we clearly explain the requirements to rent a car in Costa Rica, what information your reservation should include, and our policies for changes and cancellations.
What do I need to rent a vehicle?
The requirements are simple and designed to ensure your safety and that of the vehicle during the trip:
- Minimum age: The driver must be over 21 years old and have at least two years of driving experience.
- Licencia válida: Se debe presentar una licencia de conducir vigente junto con el pasaporte. Si su licencia no está en alfabeto latino, recomendamos portar un Permiso Internacional de Conducir.
- International credit card: The contract holder must have a credit card to provide the security deposit. This requirement is standard in the industry and protects both the customer and the company in case of incidents.
- Seguros y servicios: Cualquier cobertura adicional o servicio extra (como GPS, Wi-Fi, sillas para bebé, etc.) se adquiere en el momento de la renta.
What information should I include in my reservation?
When submitting your rental request, it is important that the reservation includes the following details so that we can confirm it promptly:
- Full name of the customer.
- Vehicle category you wish to rent (SUV, 4×4, sedan, etc.).
- Date and place of delivery: if you are arriving on a flight, please include the flight number and arrival time to coordinate the welcome service.
- Fecha y lugar de devolución, con hora y referencia de vuelo si aplica.
- Duración total del alquiler en días.
- Insurance coverage you wish to include (basic or additional).
- Extra services: GPS, baby seat, portable Wi-Fi, additional driver, among others.
- In case of direct payment, the payment method and the currency you wish to use.
- All reservations must be sent to the Mapache Rent a Car® headquarters for official confirmation.
Cancellation and Modification Policies
Please check through our communication channels.
Practical Tips for Your Rental
- Book in advance: especially during peak seasons such as Christmas, Easter, or July holidays, as demand is very high in Costa Rica.
- Verifique su tarjeta de crédito: asegúrese de que tenga fondos suficientes para cubrir el depósito de garantía.
- Infórmenos sobre su vuelo: si llega en avión, enviar el número de vuelo nos ayuda a coordinar su entrega aunque haya retrasos.
- Consider the extras: a GPS or portable Wi-Fi can greatly facilitate your road trip.
An Easy and Transparent Process
At Mapache Rent a Car, we believe that trust is built through clarity. That’s why we provide you with all the information you need before your arrival in Costa Rica. Our team will always be ready to answer your questions and guide you step by step through the process. With these clear requirements, you will be able to enjoy a car rental in Costa Rica that is fast, safe, and hassle-free.



