Contact Nomad America 4×4 Rentals & Campervan Rentals Costa Rica

We will take the time to get to know you and your interests when you contact Nomad America so we can help you create a unique and personalized adventure with your Costa Rica 4×4 Rental. E-mail us, message us via WhatsApp, or chat with us on the chatbox on this website – let us know what adventure you are planning or any doubts we can help out with!

La Garita, Alajuela – 10 minutes from SJO airport – Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We offer FREE airport shuttle for SJO airport or any hotel in the Alajuela area.

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone:  (+506) 6259-6175 (Call or Whatsapp)

Say hello! (Whatsapp)

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Vehicles & Equipment

Still not sure what car is best for your adventure?  We have great options for all kinds of trips and groups! From great cars for couples to big groups and families, we are sure we can work something out that will work for you. Check through some of our most frequently asked questions and then send us a message if something is not clear.

The best options for couples or two people that we have are the 4×4 Toyota Prado 2-door option (Link to information about Toyota Prado) or the 4×4 Suzuki Jimny (Link to Information about Suzuki Jimny)- both have rooftop tents measuring 1.4 meters wide by 2.4 meters long. Both the Prado and the Jimny we have removed the rear seats to make more space for equipment/luggage. The Toyota BeGo/Rush is also a good option with more space, this car does fit 5 people but the luggage area is too small, its better for 2 or 2 adults and 1 child. For a “cooler”, more comfortable and better off-road capable car the Toyota FJ Cruiser is also a great option for 2 people.

Our medium category is made up of “4-door cars” – Which are mostly Toyota Fortuners, Toyota 4Runners and Toyota Prado 4-door. These cars all have ample space for storage, luggage and equipment space and big enough space for 5 passengers. For travelers who do not fit in the rooftop tents, we provide at no additional cost standard ground tents with inflatable mattresses. If you are traveling with small children who require baby/child seats this category is the best/most comfortable option.

The Toyota Hilux’s are also a good option as they can have two separate rooftop tents, have a large storage compartment and are great fuel-efficient 4×4’s.

Renting the 4×4  campervan Kia Bongo is also a great option for families as well as you can sleep inside but also add additional rooftop tents. Kia Bongo Campervans fit up to 6 passengers (3 in front and 3 in back).

All necessary camping and cooking equipment is included in the price. Including bedding and many extras.

Our 4×4 Camper Rentals include:

  • Rooftop tent + mattress (2 persons) (Not included on Kia truck-camper can be added as an extra or the Suzuki APV Campervan)
  • Bedding items (pillows (w/pillow cases), sheets and blankets)
  • Awning
  • Rooftop water tank (approx 25L) and extra water jugs/gallons.
  • 2 single burners gas stove + butane gas tanks
  • Pots/pans + cooking utensils
  • Eating utensils (bowls, plates, coffee mugs, glasses, forks, knives & spoons)
  • Rechargeable camp lights
  • Folding table + folding chairs
  • Costa Rican coffee maker (chorreador)
  • 12V converter to charge electronic devices
  • Hammocks
  • Yeti or similar deep cooler/ice-chest
  • Machete & shovel

Optional Extras

  • Extra rooftop tent – an extra rooftop tent can be added to Toyota Hilux or Kia 4×4 Camper Truck (with this configuration the vehicles will have 4 sleeping spaces in total). Both the main tent and extra tent measure 1.4m wide by 2.4m long. 
  • Large Double Rooftop tent – 4 persons or 2 adults and 2-3 kids (only available for 4Runner/Fortuner, FJ Cruiser and Land Cruiser Troopy)
  • Charcoal Grill Kit + utensils
  • Surfboards (short boards and longboards)
  • Boogie boards
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Spearfishing gear (speargun and snorkeling equipment)

All vehicles include a standard rooftop tent for 2-3 persons (1.4m wide by 2.4m long), except the Kia 4×4 camper and the Suzuki APV campervan. 

The size of the standard rooftop tent is 1.4m wide by 2.4m long. This tent is for 2-3 persons. 

The large rooftop tent dimensions are 2.2m wide by 2.4m long. This tent is for 4-5 persons. 

Here is a video to give you a better idea of the large rooftop tent: https://youtu.be/ChbFME8IDCs

The dimensions of the Kia Campervan sleeping space are: 1.7m wide x 1.8m long x 1.5 m height.

The Kia Bongo 4×4 Campervan can fit 6 passengers. The front row can fit 3 people as well as the second row. Ideally the person sitting in the middle (next to the driver) should be smaller in size for more comfort. For camping with 6 people it can be 2 people in the camper-box, and then 4 people in two separate rooftop tents.

The Toyota Land Cruiser “Troop carrier” is a great car to rent for a bigger group, it can fit up to 10 people legally – but with camping equipment and luggage this is difficult, we suggest max 6 adults or a bit more if with kids when camping. The Land Cruiser has the option of adding a extra large rooftop tent on top. If you just need a good 4×4 to move a large group arround it can fit 8 people comfortably or 10 people with no luggage. We can provide straps to tie luggage on the roof rack if needed.

Traveling by 4×4 Campervan with kids

If you are a family looking for the best vehicle option to rent in Costa Rica for camping, we recommend the following vehicle categories:

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is a 4×4, 5-passenger pick-up truck with excellent off-road abilities and the potential to conquer any terrain with no problems. Includes an enclosed metal canopy on the pick up bed, allowing for extra space in the back for luggage, equipment and/or any sports equipment (surfboard, fishing gear, coolers, etc etc). Fully equipped for up to 5 people, this is a great option if kids want to sleep separately, as it comes with the option of adding 2 rooftop tents, with the capacity for 2-3 persons in each tent (with one tent on the roof racks and one tent on the pickup bed’s canopy). Standard ground tent with inflatable mattresses can be included to accommodate the total number of passengers.

Toyota 4Runner/Fortuner/Prado

This category is made up of the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Fortuner or Toyota Prado – we can’t guarantee which one you get but they are all pretty similar in size, size-comfort and capabilities. These comfortable 4×4’s are fully equipped with camping gear for up to 5 and best for a fun family road-trip with small children. The double size rooftop tent option will open 4 sleeping spaces in a shared space (2.2m by 2.4m).  Standard ground tent with inflatable mattresses can be included to accommodate the total number of campers.

Kia 4×4 Truck Camper 

The manual Kia 4×4 Camperbox is a great way to explore Costa Rica comfortably and most similar to a campervan – it includes a full bed in the rear cabin, fan, extractor, 110v converter, dual battery, 60 liter water tank, awning, and all necessary equipment/cooking gear. Great for a family with 1 small child sleeping with parents in the camper – or for a bigger family with the option to add a standard-size rooftop tent! The Kia is a great 4×4 truck – very powerful low gear will get you everywhere – can fit up to 6 passengers (2+1 small person in the 3 front seats). Manual transmission – 3000cc turbo Diesel engine.  Standard ground tent with inflatable mattresses can be included to accommodate the total number of campers.

Toyota Land Cruiser “Troop Carrier”

Behind the wheel of this iconic car you will discover why this Toyota hasn’t changed much since they built them. Simplicity at its best, it includes a powerful 4.2 liters diesel engine, amazing off road capabilities and great interior space! Great camper option for families with bigger kids (baby seats not suggested due to rear seat setup). The rear seat configuration on these vehicles are bench-type side facing. Option to add a double size rooftop tent, which will open 4 sleeping spaces on the roof (2.2m by 2.4m). Standard ground tent with inflatable mattresses can be included to accommodate the total number of passengers.

Toyota Rush/Bego

If you prefer a smaller vehicle it could be a vehicle from the Rush/Bego category, but it’s important to mention that this category does not have the option for a large tent so the tent would be a 2 persons tent with possibly one child if not too big (1.4mx 2.4m).



Yes. Our 4×4 campers and camper vans are all awesome!

The most “normal” ones are the Toyota BeGo’s which are standard AWD cars, and then the Jimnys are not so “modified” – all the rest have bigger tires, raised suspensions, snorkels, bumpers etc.!

We have two different options of camper vans when you can sleep inside the car, the Suzuki APV Campervan and the Kia Bongo 4×4 Camper.

Kia 4×4 Truck Camper 

The manual Kia 4×4 Camper is a great way to explore Costa Rica comfortably – it includes a full bed in the rear cabin, fan, extractor, 110v converter, dual battery, 60 liter water tank, awning, and all necessary equipment/cooking gear. Great for a family with 1 small child sleeping with parents in the camper – or for a bigger family with the option to add a standard-size rooftop tent! The Kia is a great 4×4 truck – very powerful low gear will get you everywhere – can fit up to 6 passengers (2+1 small person in the 3 front seats). Manual transmission – 3000cc turbo Diesel engine.  Standard ground tent with inflatable mattresses can be included to accommodate the total number of campers.

 

Suzuki APV Campervan

Comfortable, manual transmission, small camper-van – perfect to explore Costa Rica with good ground clearance – set up for 2 people maximum. 

Includes efficient slide out fridge, interior fan for cooler nights, all sheets and bedding, lighting, cooking and eating utensils. Also tables, chairs, hammocks, rooftop shower, slide-out side awning (roof) and, for no extra fee, standard ground tent with inflatable mattresses can be included if you would like.



We rent both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.

Our guaranteed automatic transmission cars:

  • Toyota 4Runner/Fortuner medium category
  • Toyota FJ Cruiser
  • Toyota Rush/BeGo.

Our guaranteed manual transmission cars are:

  • Toyota Prado 2-door
  • Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Kia Bongo 4X4 Campervan

The Toyota Hilux and Suzuki Jimny are mixed fleets so we cant guarantee 100% if you will get automatic or manual in those categories, you can email us or message us your preference and we can try to organize but we cant guarantee it in these two options.

All our rooftop tents have mosquito nets on all doors and windows.

In terms of camping equipment we provide all of it, including pillows and blankets; you can bring the following:

  • Headlamps (we provide camp lights and LED strips, but not headlamps)
  • Sweater
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Flip flops
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Waterproof Jacket
  • Sunglasses



All our camper vans and 4×4 campers we rent are waterproof. The rooftop tents handle heavy rains no problem. After a rainy night its important though to give it an hour or so in the morning to dry out before storing it, to avoid it being humid the next time you open it.

FAQ Online Reservation & Payment

Easily confirm your reservation right on our website. Read some common questions and doubts about our payment options, reservations, policies and other items concerning payment and reservations. If you are having trouble creating and online booking please contact us and we will solve it right away 🙂

To check on the different prices for all our cars and availability, please go to the BOOK NOW page: https://www.nomadamerica.com/booknow-4×4-costa-rica/

Step 1: Checking Availability

  • Enter a ”Start Date” and an ”End Date’‘ to see which cars are available for your desired dates
  • You can also choose different languages for the booking platform/process at this stage
  • It will show you immediately the AVAILABLE cars in the first lines and then the Sold-Out cars

Book Campervan online in Costa Rica or Panama

Step 2: Choosing the Category or the Country you are interested in

Renting Campervan in Panama

Campervan Rental or 4×4 Campers in Costa Rica or Panama

  • For the time being our selections are divided into:
    • 4×4 Expedition Vehicles Costa Rica: All our rooftop tent camping equipped 4×4’s in Costa Rica
    • Campervans Costa Rica: Sleep-Inside camper vans in Costa Rica
    • 4×4 Expedition Vehicles Panama: All our rooftop tent camping equipped 4×4’s in Panama
    • Extras: Insurance option, extra equipment, drop off fee’s and more

Step 3: Choosing your Vehicle

  • If your car is available you can click on the BOOK NOW button to see the final price with insurances and any other extras you would like to add.Booking Buttons 4x4 Availability
  • If it shows Sold-Out of any car or the car you wanted, click on the AVAILABILITY calendar icon of that car and it will show you the calendar with the available days in green color. If it looks like its available most of the time, email us and we will try to figure out a way to rearrange the calendars/bookings to make something work out for you.
  • If you are ready to book, enter your information and you will be able to confirm the booking with a 20% downpayment. Refer to next F.A.Q. for a explanation of the online payment process via PayPal.

In order to secure your booking we take a 20% downpayment fee via our online booking system. This system uses PayPal and is 100% safe. We offer the full 20% refund if you cancel with more than 30 days notice.

PayPal is just our payment processor, you can pay via this method without having an account just using your standard credit or debit card. You can access PayPal as a guest in case you don’t have an account, you will find the option under the Log-In button.

Also, setting up an account in PayPal is very easy, a few minutes and an email and you are ready to go.

Watch this quick video explaining how to set up a PayPal account or click this link: How to set up a PayPal Account

In case you don’t want to open an account, or can’t proceed to pay as a guest in PayPal let us know and we will help you with the process and find another solution.

All bank transaction fee’s or credit card commission charges, that is on our side, you don’t have to worry for an extra charge or commissions. The final price you pay is the price you see at the checkout when you select the vehicle.

We currently have a 5 day minimum to rent our camping equipped vehicles and campervans.

The initial deposit (20%) will be processed online as explained in the previous answers.

At our office (the day you pick up the vehicle) we have different payment options.

  • You can choose to pay the whole balance online at the office of before arrival
  • Payment using Visa or MasterCard

Nomad America Payment Options

If you cancel with more than 30 days’ notice we provide a full refund of the deposit minus any incurred transaction fees. This will be refunded to the same payment method you used.

  • For cancellations with less than 30 days’ notice we charge a 20% of the total.

There will be a security deposit charged at the time of vehicle pick-up. This is a hold placed on a debit or credit card which varies depending on the vehicle category from $1200 for Small vehicles and $1500 for Large vehicles.

The security hold will be released when the vehicle is returned in good state. Credit card “releases” are usually instant, while Debit Card holds can take from 3 to 10+ days depending on the bank.

FAQ Camping and Driving Tips

Adventures in a far away Tropical Paradise! Where should I go? What should I see? Too much information and doubts can confuse anyone. Read a few tips and ideas to guide you in the proper direction. Also remember, the day your trip starts we can go over in person all the ideas, routes, maps and suggestions!

We give a free trip planning assistance for any rental. This includes a personalized itinerary and suggested routes depending on your interests in Costa Rica. We also offer our full list of recommended campsites (over 100) and help you plan a great adventure filled with activities like waterfalls, hiking, scuba diving, water rafting and much more.

During your whole trip (and before) we set up a WhatsApp group with all our team members where we can help out all the time for on-the-go suggestions, routes to take, where to go next, where to camp etc. So it’s not necessary to have it all planned out before your arrival, it’s nice to have the flexibility as you move along! Like a place, stay longer! The true advantage of renting a campervan with us in Costa Rica is the flexibility and peace you have of not being in a hurry, not having to have reservations anywhere, moving with what you feel like doing and deciding on the go!

When picking up the rental campervan in Alajuela/SJO airport we offer free pick up a the airport or any hotel nearby – then we go to our office about 10 minutes away where we go over the paperwork and all the equipment explanation – this can take about 30 minutes, and if you want to sit down for trip planning and general route and camping info consider maybe an extra 30 minutes.

For rentals starting at Liberia Airport (LIR) we bring the car to the airport and go over contracts/explanations in the airport parking lot.

Campsite prices range from 5$ to 10$ per person usually – a few will charge a fixed fee per vehicle and not per person. It is common that kids dont have to pay.

Take into account most camping spots here are in beautiful places and run by great people (nice views, on the beach, next to rivers, on farms etc.) but are pretty primitive in terms of camping facilities (no hot showers, no electric hook up, bathrooms not so nice etc.).

We are working on compiling tons of campsites in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
Let us know if you know of any cool spots we should add to our list!

This here is a link to our 60 and counting campsites in Costa Costa Rica Campsites

Of course! We help you save money by offering a hotel + restaurant + adventure vehicle all in one. We include full kitchen supplies, gas stoves, gas tanks, pots & pans, eating utensils and even folding table + chairs. Eat out and about on your adventure.

In Costa Rica gas stations are very common and all over – in most cases not more than 30km between each other. There are two more remote spots in the country (Southern Nicoya Peninsula/Southern Guanacaste) and also in the Osa Peninsula. When entering these spots make sure to fill up before heading in too deep.

All gas stations in the country will accept credit cards and debit cards and will have an attendant which pumps the fuel for you. You ask them for a full tank of Diesel or Super (Gasoline) and they fill it up for you. Make 100% sure you are telling them the correct fuel as they will not question what you say! Filling up with the wrong fuel destroys the engine and this is not covered by insurance.

FAQ Insurance & Legal

That serious stuff. Read more about the main questions, procedures and doubts regarding insurances and local laws/requirements for driving in Costa Rica or Panama. If something is not perfectly clear please contact us and we can discuss it via email or a quick phone call.

The insurance options we offer are separated in three options so you can choose which ones you need:

      • The Third Party Liability (TPL) covers ALL damages to third party personal and property damages, legal fees, damages to other cars or property all up to US$ 400.000 with ZERO deductible/Own Risk.
      • The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers all damages to our vehicle to its full value in case of accidents, theft, collision, damages, and has a deductible that goes from $1.000 to $1.500 USD responsibility/risk. Small cars will be $1000 and Medium and Large cars will be $1500. Everything above this amount is covered.
      • 100% Tire + Window Insurance Coverage covers ALL damages to windows and tires, with 0% Deductible/Own Risk.

You can use your own private insurance or credit card insurance providers no problem. In this case you will be requested to provide proof of own insurance that includes covers for Costa Rica and 4×4 rentals – some of our cars (Defenders, Land Cruisers, FJ Cruisers are considered “Exotic” for some private or credit card coverages so also consider this exclusion possibility in the fine print with your own providers.

Not presenting proper proof of own insurance or not getting Insured by our provider make you fully responsible for damages to the car and to third parties.

If something is not clear at the time of booking about insurances dont worry – we can discuss this in persona and you can add the necessary insurances the day you come to pick the car up.

If you use your own insurance provider all payments, refunds, paperwork and communication between your insurance is between you and your provider.

If you want to drive without Insurance we at least recommend you get the Third-Party Liability coverage (which covers damages you cause to other people or property) as that one can be the most risky/unpredictable/highest cost.

  • Make sure your driver’s license is not expired. We cannot and will not rent to someone with an expired license.
  • No need for an international driver’s license from Europe, U.S., Oceania and South and Central American countries.
  • Anyone with a driver license who is over 18 can drive the car.
  • Rentals with drivers who are all under 23 must leave a double security deposit – this can be left with debit/credit card or cash.
  • Additional drivers will need to present the driver’s license and sign the rental agreement as well to apply for the insurance coverage.
  • We can’t rent to someone who has been in the country for over 90 days.

The insurance agreement allows 1 person to drive the car, if any one else of the group wants to drive please select the additional driver option at the time of booking to be covered by the insurance provider. Dont worry if you forgot to add this, we can go over it at the office on the day of pick up.

We have a 0% Risk or No-Risk on all our Third-Party Insurance, but we do not provide this for our vehicles. Our cars are too prone to customers doing crazy stuff off the path so we have removed this option. You are responsible for up to $1000 in small cars and $1500 in large cars if an accident or damage happens. This is the maximum responsibility you have on our cars in case of accidentes or damages. It is the security deposit which will be placed on hold on a debit or credit card when your trip starts, at the end of the trip if there are no damages we release this hold. 

Our insurance covers all of Central America except Belize (Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala) – Mexico requires an additional $180/month for insurance activation. Outside of Costa Rican Borders for Costa Rica cars only the main driver is covered by insurance. Sorry not possible to activate additional drivers internationally.

  • Water damages are NOT insured under any coverage.
  • All insurances are void if driver is under the effects of any alcohol or drugs.
  • Camping equipment and electronics are not insured under any coverage, client is 100% responsible for these items.
  • When the car is being driver by a driver that is not authorized under the rental agreement.
  • If an accident is not reported correctly when it happens, failure to do this will immediately void coverage. Read following FAQ for correct procedures.

Costa Rican law prohibits vehicles driving on the beach. This means you can drive to the beach, park and camp under the palm trees, but you can’t go play around in the tidal area for safety of other beach goers and to protect turtle nests and other wild-life.

No driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol.

If you are driving on 4×4 only paths and there is damage or an accident the towing and recovery expenses are your responsibility until a road accessible by a standard tow truck is reached.

NO smoking in the vehicle or tents. A cleaning fee of $250 will be charged for smoking in the car or the Rooftop tents.

Costa Rica has serious laws which prohibit smoking in public places (sidewalks, parks, beaches etc.) where other people are nearby – The fine is heavy.

E-mail Us

Please e-mail one of our specialist to set up a time to meet with an advisor in person or via a phone-call. Alternatively, email us any questions and we will reply as quickly as possible. We look forward to being a small part of your next big adventure.

Meet Us

Organize a one-on-one meeting in person or via Skype to talk about your planned adventure. Free trip planning assistance and itinerary/route creation for all clients.

Ask Us

Ask us anything about our gear, our cars, Costa Rica, Panama Nicaragua, Camping, laws, driving conditions, dates, prices, guided tours, solo tours, long term or multi-car discounts, surfing, kayaking, mountain-biking, adventuring, and anything else!
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