Travel
Travel Note
International Travel and Visa Information
Costa Rica is an easy country to travel to and does not have any major requirements for entry or exit. Here is the travel information on entry and exit requirements from the US Travel Website linked above: Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay with 1 blank page for entry stamp. It's always a good idea to have a photo copy of your passport when you travel internationally, just in case. Tourist Visa: Not required for stays less than 180 days, but you must have your return ticket as proof of when you will be leaving Vaccinations: None (Yellow fever is listed on the website but that is only if you are arriving from specific countries in South America or Asia)
Flight
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica
The Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the major airport and easiest to fly into. We recommend you fly into San Jose for the best prices and most flexibility. Monteverde is a 2 hr and 40 minute drive from the airport with several options for ground transportation.
Flight
Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica
Flying into Guanacaste is also a good option. This is on the opposite side of Monteverde than San Jose, so you'll be coming from a different direction which means you could avoid the busy San Jose traffic! This airport is a bit smaller, and the prices might be a bit higher, but it is about the same distance to Monteverde. The benefit of flying into or out of this airport is to avoid San Jose traffic, and if you are planning to spend time in Guanacaste (it has stunning beaches) before or after the wedding.
Hotel
Hotel Recommendations
Santa Elena is the town closest to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and El Tigre where the wedding will be. We have put together a list of hotel recommendations on Trip Advisor that you can access through the link. We included options at a range of price points and amenities. You are also welcome to pick something that is not on this list. We highly recommend the Hidden Canopy Treehouses Boutique Hotel!
Travel Note
Safety and Laws
Safety: Costa Rica is a very safe country to travel to and within, and is even ranked as safer than the US on global safety indexes. Much like traveling to basically anywhere, including major US cities, there is always a risk of petty theft or robbery. Common sense is a good rule of thumb, such as not leaving your valuables unattended, securing your valuables (even on the beach), using the buddy system, etc. In the unlikely scenario that you run into any police officers who ask you for money, they are likely imposters impersonating police. US Travel guidance says to not argue, but write down their name and any numbers on their uniform or car before calling 911 to report them to local authorities. Emergency Numbers: For Costa Rican police, dial 911. For the US Embassy, dial +506 2519-2000 Local Laws: As a tourist, you must follow local laws. If you break a law, you can be imprisoned. A few laws to be aware of: -Hallucinogens are sometimes offered as part of spiritual ceremonies or rituals (not sure what you're doing on your vacation but we will not be offering this). These substances are not regulated by the Costa Rican Ministry of Health so please use caution. -Driving while drunk or impaired is illegal - You can be fined or jailed for using, having or selling illegal drugs - Marijuana and marijuana-related products are illegal
Travel Note
Helpful Phrases
Ticos (Costa Ricans) are very friendly and there is plenty of English speakers in Monteverde. However, we encourage you to learn a few easy phrases in Spanish! Any amount of effort to speak the local language will be appreciated. The website linked is helpful, and here are just a few of the main ones: "Hola" - Hello "Buenas" - Shorthand for "good morning" or "good day" "Adios" - Goodbye "Donde esta..." - Where is.... "El bano" - the bathroom "Me gustaria" or "me regala" - I would like (use when ordering or asking for something) "Cuanto cuesta..." - How much is.... "Ayudame" - Help me "Por favor" - Please "Gracias" - Thank you "No hablo espanol" - I don't speak Spanish "Tu hablas ingles?" - Do you speak English? "Pura Vida!" - A Costa Rican phrase that means 'pure life' and you will hear and see pretty frequently
