We’re planning a trip through Costa Rica following this route:
Liberia - Rincon de la Vieja - Arenal - Poás Volcano NP - Playa Blanca - Corcovado PN - Cartego - Cahuita.
We mainly would like to visit the touristic highlights along the route.
Do we need a SUV/4x4 for this or is a sedan (compact) car sufficient.
Always rent a 4*4 in Costa Rica, you never know were you get. You can´t reach Corcovado in this time of the year by car.
The rivers along the road, you have to cross are too deep now. You must take a boat from Sierpe.
Johan
www.costaricaopmaat.nl
SUV and a compact car are not mutually exclusive, you could rent a compact 4x4 (like a daihatsu Terios). Johan is absolutely right about the trip to Corcovado, nor would I recommend driving to Rincon de la Vieja in a sedan considered the long dirt road.
Arenal, Poas, Cartago, Cahuita all places that are very doable in any kind of car as the roads are great.
One remark about Rincon de la vieja, you won’t be able to reach the crater; the trail is closed due to volcanic activity.