Are you thinking of traveling to Costa Rica and have a taste for adventure? Would you like your next vacation to be filled with new and exciting experiences and the exhilarating sense of freedom only the open road can offer? Then maybe you want to rent a motorcycle and discover Costa Rica like the rugged, intrepid traveler that you are! We have gathered below a few of the questions you may have about renting a motorcycle in Costa Rica, and we will try our best to answer them.

Yes, absolutely! Costa Rica’s warm weather year-round means only light clothing is required. In the rainy season, all you need is a small windbreaker in your back pocket in case you get caught in a sudden downpour. Costa Rica has a mix of fantastic highways and fun, challenging dirt roads. Each back road could take you to a beautiful secret spot you would have never found otherwise! From one coast to the other, Costa Rica has an amazingly varied landscape with mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and more. All of this is so much more fun to discover with the wind in your hair!

A Motorcycle License/Endorsement

To drive a motorcycle in Costa Rica, you must have the proper permit. If you are planning on renting a bike while on vacation here, remember to bring the hard copy of your driver’s license and make sure you have the motorcycle endorsement. You don’t need an International Driving Permit, in fact, that permit is useless without the hard copy of the Driver’s License from your country of origin.

Gear

In Costa Rica, every motorcycle rider must always wear a helmet and a reflexive strap, so every motorcycle rental company will provide those at no extra cost. If you want some special riding gear, or prefer to use your own helmet, you may have to bring it from home. Keep in mind that hot weather in Costa Rica might make it uncomfortable to wear a lot of equipment.

A sense of Adventure

A certain sense of adventure and some prior riding experience are required to feel comfortable riding a motorcycle in Costa Rica. The road can change quickly from paved to dirt. You might have to cross small streams and will undoubtedly encounter wildlife, potholes, and a few “crazy” drivers! But be brave, relax, and you will discover supernatural landscapes that will melt all your worries away.

As we already mentioned, potholes are part of the riding landscape in Costa Rica. There are also speed bumps, all sorts of animals crossing the roads, pedestrians, and cyclists, so don’t be taken by surprise, and exercise caution both on dirt and paved roads, particularly after dark. You never know what is waiting for you around the next corner, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, reduce your speed, and enjoy the scenery!

During the rainy season, flash floods may occur, and small creeks can appear out of nowhere. Verify that the water is not too deep before you engage and take care not to lose control of the motorcycle.

Costa Rican drivers can sometimes be a bit unpredictable, and many don’t use signals. Always drive defensively and keep a healthy distance between you and other vehicles maneuvering erratically. Don’t forget that we drive on the right side of the road in Costa Rica, just like in North America.

Finally, always watch your gas tank and make sure you don’t get stranded at the end of a dirt road with an empty tank! Gaz Stations are not hard to find in Costa Rica, but in more remote areas, they might be few and far between.