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Costa Rica Travel Guide 2021
Why does everyone love Costa Rica?
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Costa Rica is best known for being a tiny paradise of 51,100 km2 that touches both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Also called out for its unique biodiversity and for being a biological corridor for an amazing array of vegetation and wildlife between North and South America.
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But the best part is that you can do anything in here. We are not just talking about traveling the entire country or do the most adventurous thing you can imagine but here you will have the time & freedom to truly live and be yourself.
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No matter what you choose, it will be a feast for your senses. Daydream with all the steaming volcanoes, mysterious rainforests and palm-lined beaches that are home to a nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity.
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At Costa Rica all trails lead to waterfalls, hide beaches, National Parks, Wildlife Refuges and breathtaking forests that will remind you to Neverland, just with a mysterious touch.
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Costa Rica is not just in the perfect spot in Central America, geographically speaking; it also is the oldest most stable democracy in Latin America, becoming an example to the world in many aspects, such as social development and sustainability. That’s why for many years now, the country has been chosen to host international congresses, seminars, high-level meetings and, of course, group activities.
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And here is a secret, regardless of your preference in vacation, Costa Rica manages to be the perfect balance between land & aquatic adventure, nature, paradisiac beaches, jungle and city. We have just the exact amount of everything to make your time in here memorable.
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Survival Guide for Costa Rica
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Which is the best time to come? The country marked with two weather changes, dry season and wet season and can be visited at any time of year. But these are the best scenarios:
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San José in December to January is at 20º C /25ºC
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Central Pacific in December to March is at 20º C /27ºC
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Guanacaste in December to April is at 23º C / 34ºC
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Limón in December to April is at 17º C / 20ºC
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Where will I arrive?
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Most international flights arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, outside San José. You can also arrive at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia. Which is a growing destination for international flights; located in Guanacaste Province and serves travelers heading to the Peninsula de Nicoya.
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Costa Rica is more than a destination. Take a glimpse to our paradise!
IMPORTANT TRAVELER INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS:
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Juan Santamaría International Airport located in Alajuela, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport located in Liberia, Guanacaste and Tobías Bolaños International Airport located in Pavas, San José.
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One american dollar is the same of 600 colones.
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Traveling to Costa Rica without a visa will depend on your nationality; citizens from the United States, Canada, Russia and the majority of European countries enjoy this privilege. It is necessary to have a valid passport to enter the country.
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No vaccine is needed to enter the country, except for visitors coming from South America that must have the Yellow Fever vaccine.
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Major international credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica. You’ll also find ATMs throughout the country.
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In restaurants and other locales the check includes the 15% sales tax plus 10% for service. (Both are established by law), so a tip is usually not necessary as it is included in the final price. On the other hand, taxi drivers generally don’t receive a tip. If you are satisfied with the service you receive, you can tip tour guides, private drivers, hotel bellhops and chambermaids. The amount is at your discretion and absolutely voluntary.
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You can drive with your home country license for three months. In rural areas you may come across obstacles like pedestrians and animals, so drive slowly and attentively.
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Any hotel or place of lodging will have the Yellow Pages; there you can find the numbers to the international embassies and their locations.
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CAN I USE MY CELL PHONE IN COSTA RICA?:
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You will need an unlocked cell phone that is quad-band GSM or 3G handset or at least have an 850 or 1800 mHz band.
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DO I NEED A PLUG ADAPTER FOR A BLOW DRYER? :
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Costa Rica's outlets are 110 volts, with a standard duplex outlet.
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WHICH NATIONAL PARKS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WHO ARE PHYSICALLY DISABLED? :
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The Poas Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Carara National Park
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WHICH RIVERS ARE RECOMMENDED TO ENJOY THE WHITE WATER RAFTING?:
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The most popular rivers are: Pacuare, Reventazón, Corobicí, Sarapiquí, Naranjo and Savegre rivers.
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For safety reasons, it’s better to carry a copy of your passport. It is always the best to have identification in case of an emergency.
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If you need a taxi, be sure to use the services of an authorized company. There are illegal taxis (known as “pirate taxis”) which generally charge well above the official rates, but you have no insurance in case of accident. Authorized taxis are red with a yellow triangle on their doors. This indicates the registration number of the taxi. Also, it is important that the vehicle have a taximeter to register the total for the service. Ask what the rate will be before using the service, as prices constantly change.
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The water is safe in most areas of the country; however, it is recommended to drink bottled water, especially in areas outside the Central Valley.
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Costa Ricans do not use the avenue-and-street and number system to give addresses, instead, they use reference points such as buildings, restaurants, churches or bridges, and distances are given in meters.
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All domestic flights allow 25 pounds of luggage per person; any additional weight will be charged as extra luggage and is subject to space in the aircraft.
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At the airport you have to pay a departure tax of US $29.00 per person. It can be paid in cash or credit card.
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High season goes from November up to April, low season from May to October and peak season from December to April. If you are planning a trip for our Peak Seasons (Christmas, New Year and Easter Week), it is ideal to have your reservations made at least 10 months in advance.
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WHAT IS THE AREA CODE FOR COSTA RICA? :
Dial 00-506-number. For assistance on international calls you can dial 1024.
DO I NEED AN ADAPTOR FOR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS?:
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Outlets are 110 V, and you don’t need an adaptor.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, WHERE I SHOULD CALL? :
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You can call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
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WHAT IS RECOMMENDED TO BRING TO THE RAINFOREST?:
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You will need insect repellent, poncho, comfortable shoes and camera.
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WHEN DOES SUMMER START IN COSTA RICA?
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Costa Rica’s two seasons are the dry “summer” (verano) – January through April and rainy “winter” (invierno) – May through December. These correspond to the tourism high season and low season. The term “peak season” is often used to describe the two weeks from just before Christmas until after the New Year when special higher pricing is in effect for the holidays.