Car importation?! (San José)

Hello to all of you, i am happy to be part of InterNations, and i am looking over the forum about bringing a car into Costa Rica and all i can read is that the import tax/fees are tremendous. Although, i was wondering, what if i drive down to CR on a road trip and do not intend to establish in the country, would it be the same process??

Thank you too everyone that can enlight me!