FAQs

Question

What should I pack in my suitcase?

Answer

- Sunglasses - Sunscreen - Insect Repellant - Bathing suit - Beach Towel - Hat - A light raincoat and/or umbrella - A Sweater/Light Jacket and Long Pants: evenings can be chilly - Clothing comfortable for hiking, touring, etc. (70-90 degree weather) - Hiking Shoes - Tevas or running shoes (if going white water rafting or canyoning) - Sandals - Day pack (fanny pack, backpack, etc.) - Your Passport and 3 photocopies - Your Driver's License - Credit Card - English/Spanish Dictionary (many locals and 90% of tourism industry speak English) - A Costa Rican Guidebook (Fodor's, Lonely Planet, etc.) - Drugstore items (toothpaste, soap, lotion, razor, etc.)

Question

Where in the world is Costa Rica?

Answer

Costa Rica is located in Central America with Nicaragua to the North, Panama to the South, the Pacific bordering the entire west coast while the Atlantic borders the entire east coast. It is just 9 degrees from the equator.

Question

What is the geography of Costa Rica?

Answer

Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, they range from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level). The Cordillera de Guanacaste, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera de Talamanca are the principal mountain ranges extending the length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Volcán Arenal, Volcán Irazú, Volcán Rincón de la Vieja and Volcán Turrialba) and the country's highest mountain (Cerro Chirripó), which reaches a height of 3,819m (12,530 ft.)The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract expert kayakers and rafters. Costa Rica’s land mass is 51,100 square kilometers, making it about the size of West Virginia or Nova Scotia.

Question

What’s the food like?

Answer

Costa Rican local cuisine consists mostly of chicken, beef or fish accompanied with rice and beans. The typical lunch menu is called a “casado” and includes one of the first three items, rice and beans and a small salad. The greater San Jose area has a wide variety of dining. Dining options are more limited in the beach towns, although there are some exceptional restaurants in Tamarindo (“The Lazy Wave”), Manuel Antonio (“Marlin”) and Santa Teresa (the restaurant at “Flor Blanca). In general, the seafood is amazing and you can’t go wrong with a dinner of mahi-mahi (Dorado) or tuna. In San Jose, Asian, Italian, French and international cuisine are all readily available.

Question

Is it safe to eat the food?

Answer

The food (fruits and vegetables) in Costa Rica is safe to eat but if you are prone to upset stomachs, eat only peeled fruit and well cooked foods. The water in cities is safe to drink but quite often has a fairly strong chemical taste. In more remote areas, drink only bottled water.

Question

How’s the weather?

Answer

Costa Rica's year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night, giving an "eternal spring" feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7°C (89°F) on the coast to 16.7°C (62°F) inland. The rainy, or ‘green season’ lasts from approximately May to December.

Question

What is the population and ethnic makeup?

Answer

“Ticos”, as they are fondly referred to, are a mixed group. Though the majority of the country's 5 million inhabitants are the descendants of Spanish immigrants, many families originated from other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and, of course, Central America. You may be surprised by the number of fair-skinned people you'll see in the country, especially in the Central Valley. In the lowlands, more people are mestizo: a mixture of European and Indigenous blood, whereas the majority along the Caribbean coast are of African lineage, and much of the Talamanca Mountain Range is inhabited by full-blooded Indians of various tribes. A full 1% of the entire population is of Asian origin.

Question

What type of wildlife can I see in Costa Rica?

Answer

Costa Rica is the most biodiverse place on earth – occupying less than 0.03% of the planet’s surface, it contains 4.23% of all the Earth’s biodiversity! Nearly all of the National Parks in Costa Rica (22% of Costa Rica is protected as national parks) are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Scarlet macaws, marine turtles, hummingbirds, sloths, leaf-cuter ants, quetzals, toads, frogs, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, bats, iguanas – the list goes on and on! Due to Costa Rica’s unique position at the continental divide there are a plethora of exotic creatures, flowers and trees. We recommend you purchase a guidebook for more information on what species you can find in each region.

Question

Is the government stable?

Answer

One of the longest running democratic countries, Costa Rica has no standing army since abolishing the military in 1948. It is considered to be the most stable country in Central America and among the elite of Latin America. An impressive public healthcare system and strong emphasis on education (literacy rate of 97%) have resulted in the most affluent country in Central America, with the largest middle class in the region.

Question

How safe is Costa Rica for tourists?

Answer

Generally, Costa Rica is a very safe place. Violent crime against tourists is a rarity here and in most cases, avoidable as long as you use common sense. Do NOT do anything in Costa Rica that you would not do in your home country. Do NOT buy drugs, party late with strangers, walk alone late at night in San Jose, get into a car with a stranger, flaunt cash or wear fancy jewelry. The most common crimes against tourists are pick-pocketing and breaking into rental cars. If you get a flat tire, or experience a minor roadside emergency do NOT stop and accept assistance from strangers. Instead, drive to the nearest gas station or public place to change it. If you go looking for trouble, no matter where you are in the world, it will find you. Have fun but don’t be reckless and your vacation should be free of any complications.

Question

What about healthcare?

Answer

Hopefully, you won’t need it but be assured that health care in Costa Rica is excellent and there are several ultra-modern hospitals with English speaking Doctors (some are North Americans) in the greater San Jose area. For emergency assistance in Costa Rica, dial 911.

Question

Is the sun really intense in Costa Rica?

Answer

Being in a tropical climate, it's not difficult to get sunburned or dehydrated. A bad sunburn or dehydration are two ways to put a major kink in any vacation. Make sure you use plenty of sunscreen (remember, we’re just 9 degrees above the equator!) and drink plenty of liquids so as to avoid such problems.

Question

Who do I call in case of emergencies?

Answer

Call 911 although it's sometimes faster to call the Costa Rican Red Cross (128). Make sure to leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or a neighbor at home with contact numbers for where you'll be each day.

Question

What about mosquitoes?

Answer

Believe it or not, there are few mosquitoes on the popular tourist beaches. There are more in the rainforest and along the rivers. If you intend to take a river rafting tour or hike the jungle, bring insect repellent. On the beach, try to avoid the sand at sunset, as the “no-seeums” are vicious.

Question

Do I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?

Answer

Although nothing is required for entry into Costa Rica, there are recommendations for precautions when traveling to remote areas. Although we are not doctors, we do not recommend taking Malaria pills unless you are planning on being in a remote or high-risk area. Please consult your physician as well as the CDC's website for the latest updates when planning your trip to Costa Rica. http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

The local authorities state that the drinking water in Costa Rica is perfectly potable, but we recommend that you stick to the bottled variety for drinking (you can brush your teeth with tap water anywhere in the country without worries). Costa Rica is NOT Mexico and “Montezuma’s Revenge” is not a problem here but there MAY be bacteria in the water in some areas that disagrees with you so we suggest you be cautious of what you eat and drink.

Question

Are there dangerous currents for swimmers?

Answer

Very few beaches in Costa Rica have lifeguards so be careful when swimming. There are several beaches that claim the lives of nearly 200 swimmers every year. Most of these accidental deaths are caused when swimmers get caught in a riptide and panic. Most of these tides will pull you out but not under. To escape a rip tide, swim parallel to shore until you find a place where the current subsides, then swim to shore. Do NOT fight the current directly – you will only tire yourself. Beaches with notorious rip tides include: Playa Bonita (near Limon) The entrance of Cahuita National Park Playa Barranca (Puntarenas) Playa Espadilla (Manuel Antonio)

Question

Identification / Entry Requirements:

Answer

For US and Canadian citizens, a valid passport is all that is required. Upon entry, each tourist is issued a 90-day tourist visa. If you plan to stay beyond the 90 days, make sure you leave the country for 72 hours and then re-enter for a new 90 day visa or receive special permission / work visa before you arrive. It's also a good idea to have several copies of the picture page of your passport with you when you travel.

Question

How are the roads?

Answer

Generally, not great – winding, single-lane and notoriously pot-holed. The main highways are generally well maintained and a nice drive. The roads to the more popular beaches are fairly well kept, but beware of pot-holes! Try to avoid driving any distance at night, when road conditions are difficult to gauge. The biggest problem with driving in Costa Rica isn't the roads, it's the slow-moving vehicles (mostly trucks) that cause delays and the dangerous passes that frustrated drivers make in attempt to overtake them. You will probably have to make a few passes on double yellow lines if you rent a car and want to get anywhere fast, but use caution and drive VERY defensively. As there are few traffic cops in Costa Rica, drivers tend to be a little aggressive in their maneuvers. Roads to more remote locations (Osa Peninsula, Dominical, Monteverde) are in very poor shape and require a sturdy 4x4. Also, DO NOT leave unattended luggage or valuables in your rental car.

Question

What are the driving times between destinations?

Answer

It is very difficult to estimate accurate driving times as road conditions, traffic, time of day, and weather greatly affect how long it can take. These are very rough estimates. Typically one can average around 65-75 kilometers per hour on highways and 30-50 on side roads. San Jose to Manuel Antonio: 2.5 hours San Jose to Arenal: 2 hours San Jose to Tamarindo: 4 hours San Jose to Puerto Viejo: 4 hours San Jose to Monteverde: 3 hours San Jose to Jaco: 1 hour San Jose to Golfito: 6 hours

Question

Where can I exchange money?

Answer

Dollars - Carry US dollars with you when you arrive to Costa Rica. As the local currency is on a fixed devaluation schedule with the US dollar, you will most always get the best rate of exchange. Credit Cards - Most vendors give discounts for using cash, as credit card merchant companies charge high percentages on transactions here. Some vendors do not accept credit cards, while many only take VISA. Exchange - When you arrive, you may exchange your money at any local bank or most of the upscale hotels (if you are one of their guests). Note that you will get a better exchange rate at banks. You may also get foreign currency by using your ATM card. However, it's important that you know the exchange rate before you do this. Currently, the rate is about 620 colones to the dollar.

Question

How much money should I bring?

Answer

That really depends on what you intend to do, see, buy, etc. But to give you a fair estimate on costs, a typical lunch costs around $5 at an affordable restaurant or “soda” or up to $15 at a nicer establishment. Beer or mixed drinks run about $2.00 per at a typical bar or restaurant, and up to twice as much at a nicer hotel or high-end eatery. Taxi fares are very affordable compared to U.S. cities. A short trip (2-3km) within San Jose or at a beach town where taxis are prevalent (such as Quepos) costs around $5.

Question

Where’s The Best Surf?

Answer

Pavones, Jaco, Quepos, Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are all big surf spots. Although we don’t have the “killer waves” of Hawaii, the warm water and constant waves make Costa Rica a surfer’s paradise.

Question

Where and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?

Answer

Sport fishing in Costa Rica is excellent on both coasts and there are game fish to be caught during all months of the year. Fishing is of the ‘catch and release’ variety (although a small number are kept for trophies or for eating) and prices vary greatly in price depending on the boat, outfitter and region. Several world record fish have been caught off the coasts of Costa Rica. The slowest fishing months are September through November on the Pacific and June and July on the Caribbean, though this varies from region to region. Marlin, Roosterfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Tarpon and Snook (on the Caribbean) as well as Yellowfin Tuna are the prime targets.

Question

Baggage on International and Domestic Flights:

Answer

Sansa allows 25-pound baggage limit per person. In fact, before some flights, they will actually weigh you and your luggage to make sure. For International flights, 2 bags to check and 1 to carry is the standard (usually with a 75 pound limit for each bag).

Question

Where are the nicest beaches?

Answer

There are a variety of beaches here with different widths, sand color, water color, and foliage. Generally considered among the most attractive are (in no particular order): Playa Langosta (near Tamarindo) – white sand beach with blue Pacific waters and fantastic sunsets Manuel Antonio – one of CR’s most popular for a reason, the National Park is a must-see Playa Samara – wide, white sand, plenty of palm trees and hammocks, very swim-able water, uncrowded Cobano (near Montezuma) – HUGE white sand beach, great surf and very few tourists Pan de Azucar (near Flamingo) – Small, secluded, picturesque white sand beach Punta Cocles (near Puerto Viejo) – One of the few living coral reefs in Costa Rica, warm Caribbean water

Question

How’s the golfing?

Answer

Costa Rica is quickly becoming THE place to golf in Central America. Courses are either in the San Jose area or in the Northwest areas around Tamarindo only. The Melia hotel chain offers two courses, one near the San Jose airport at the Melia Cariari the other on the beach at the Melia Playa Conchal You have to be a member or a guest of their hotel to play the Cariari course. Also close to the airport in Santa Ana is the Parque Valle del Sol 18-hole course. The newest major golf resort is the Los Suenos Marriott in Playa Herradura (near Jaco). Royal Pacific Golf & Country Club, a Ron Garl designed course, is a short drive from the The Westin is an 18-hole course. Hacienda Pinilla, located on Costa Rica's North Pacific Coast is just a short drive from Melia Playa Conchal's Garra de León Golf Course.

Question

What time zone is Costa Rica in?

Answer

Costa Rica is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, which is equivalent to Central Standard Time (CST) in North America. Costa Rica does not change clocks ahead for daylight savings time, so from April through December local time is one hour behind CST.

Question

Is the electricity standard North American voltage?

Answer

Yes! You can safely plug any North American appliances into a wall socket here.

Question

What about tipping?

Answer

Generally, tip like you would in your own country. In restaurants a 10% service charge is already added to your bill by law. If you receive exceptional service, we recommend leaving an additional 10%. For porters, 600 colones (about $1) per bag is a fair gratuity. For tour guides, follow the guidelines for each company or again, tip like you would in your own country for similar services. Taxi drivers are usually not tipped but if you feel like doing so, the driver will be most appreciative.

Question

What are normal business hours?

Answer

Government offices are generally open from 8 am to 4 pm, while banks close anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, according to the bank and its branch. Most shops are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, while some open at 8:00 am and others close at 7:00 pm; most grocery stores close at 8:00 pm. Some shops also close for lunch, between noon and 1:00 or 2:00 pm.

Question

Any last-minute advice?

Answer

* Pack Light, especially if you are using domestic flights, as they have weight limits of only 25 pounds of luggage per passenger * Customer service here is more relaxed and can be very slow. Relax likewise and be patient. * Local traffic practices are less ordered and roads are in a state of ill repair. Drive with care while you are here. * Petty theft is the most common crime and tourists prime target for thieves, so practice some common sense: Keep valuable items in your front pocket; Do not leave valuable items or luggage unattended in public places or your rental car; Be wary of individuals hanging around the ATM machine.