Currently, in order to enter Costa Rica you need to be either completely vaccinated (bring your vaccine card!) or, you need to purchase Costa Rica's travel insurance and provide a negative COVID test if you are not fully vaccinated. Many places do require you to be vaccinated in order to enter.
Las Catalinas is a walking beach town. When it was developed, the architect wanted a strong sense of community, and its residents to be able to walk everywhere in the town. The town features plazas throughout. Our wedding ceremony will take place in "Plaza Agave" and our wedding will take place in "Plaza Danta". Take a look at this link, which really lays out the different areas of Las Catalinas, as well as the Plaza's we mentioned. https://theblog.lascatalinascr.com/the-plazas-and-places-of-las-catalinas
Very warm and dry! You'll experience temps in the mid to high 80's during the day and low 70's at night. February is in the middle of the dry season so there won't be any rain. Expect the sunny, blue skies!
Dress for sunny, warm weather in the high 80's! Bring your bathing suit, sandals, and resort wear. If you're up for a hike or bike ride through the hills surrounding Las Catalinas then be sure to bring your workout gear too.
We recommend you bring $150-200+ in cash in US dollars. While Costa Rica does accept debit and credit cards almost everywhere, there is a 3% international transaction fee for every purchase with your credit card, which is why cash is favorable. The currency in Costa Rica is colones, but American dollars are accepted everywhere.
Guanacaste is a tourist area and you'll find that most people speak English. If you want to brush up on your Spanish skills, Duolingo is very helpful! You can also download the Google Translate app for live translation.
Most US carriers have deals with local phone companies to provide you with cell service and data, but you might want to check with your specific carrier to see if you need to set up a travel notice and what the rates will be. Costa Rica's wifi system is very well connected and you'll have access to free wifi at the airport, your hotel, and all restaurants. If you want to stick to the wifi, be sure to keep your phone on airplane mode so that you aren't charged roaming fees. We recommend you download WhatsApp, a free and secure communication app to communicate with each other.
Voltage and outlets are the same as in the US.
Fill out the online form: www.mipruebacovid.com, you will receive an automatic confirmation email containing a personal code. Forward the automatic confirmation email to: catalinascovidtest@beachsidecliniccr.com In this email you must include the date you require the appointment, your preferred time, and your rented house number* Wait to receive a confirmation email from the Beachside Clinic. If 24hrs before of your requested time you have not received a confirmation email, please reach out to Concierge by phone, WhatsApp, or in person. On the day of your appointment, the doctor will come to take the test to the house. Keep in mind when filling out the form: Phone Number +1 and your number including area code, no characters Geographic Location Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, Tempate, Tempate Region: Chorotega - Area Santa Cruz Cruz. Address: ____ (House Name or Number and Neighborhood), Las Catalinas (20 characters min)
Cost Antigen (Rapid Test) $85 (Up to 10hrs) PCR test $115 (Up to 36hrs results) PCR - Rapid Test - $200 (Up to 24hrs results)
Within 3 CALENDAR days of departure.