Taxis, buses, rental cars, charter and scheduled airplanes, horses, ferries, bicycles, helicopters, balloons, motorcycles, horses, foot-power-many options exist for moving a traveler around the country. Most of you will experience the country's highways and byways. Potholes are a serious hazard on paved roads, and unpaved roads definitely add an element of adventure, especially in rainy months. The kilometers of paved roads grow yearly, always with greatest increases (Costa Ricans say) in election years. Remember that highway construction and maintenance are expensive in this mountainous, rainy nation, to say nothing of the havoc wreaked by hurricanes and earthquakes. I traveled over the newly paved road between San Isidro de El General and Dominical in southern Costa Rica, just after it was finished ' marveling at what an easy, quick trip it was through a spectacular landscape. Six months and Hurricane Joan later the landscape was still spectacular, but some of it had shifted onto the roadbed and potholes required full driver attention. Quality control in construction has also been lacking. As you travel, you'll encounter superb highways, potholes, unpaved gutbusters, and charming country roads.

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