FAQs
Question
HOW FAR AWAY FROM THE AIRPORT IS YOUR WEDDING VENUE?
Answer
La Fortuna is located approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from the San Jose airport, depending on which route you take.
Question
IS IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN COSTA RICA?
Answer
The region of Costa Rica that we will be visiting is both hilly and rural. Most roads are paved but some are unpaved. Many of the roads are very windy. In all, driving in Costa Rica is easy, but is different from driving in the US. We recommend renting a car if you are interested in exploring the rest of the country. Adriana can assist you in booking a rental car from one of several options at the San Jose airport.
Question
DO I NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH?
Answer
Not really. It always helps to know some basic phrases and terms. However in Costa Rica, 80% of the economy is based on tourism so most people speak English and Spanish. We recommend learning some Spanish prior to travel. Try Pimsleur or the Duolingo App for daily 15 minute lessons on your smart phone.
Question
CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER?
Answer
Yes. The tap water is safe to drink everywhere we will be traveling.
Question
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
Answer
The Costa Rica currency is the colón. Pronounced 'Coal - lone - eh'. The exchange rate can change daily at times. It is usually about $1 USD will equal about 550+/- Costa Rican colónes. However, most places also take US dollars. We recommend using US dollars for more expensive purchases like hotels, activities, and sometimes meals. We recommend using colón for food and other in-country purchases. There is no need to exchange money as all businesses will accept your payment in dollars and give you change in colones. There are ATMs in Costa Rica too but be aware you may get fees on both ends. More information is available here: https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/money-costa-rica/
Question
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR JUNGLE HIKING?
Answer
You should wear long pants and shirts and rubber or hiking boots if you want to go off trail or in areas where few people travel. This is the most safe outfit. The trails can also be very muddy. You can also wear hiking boots and shorts on the well trodden trails. Hats are good to wear if it is sunny or raining. Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
Question
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING IN COSTA RICA?
Answer
Restaurants: Required by law to add a 13% tax and 10% tip to the bill. As a general rule, Costa Ricans do not tip. If you wish to, tip between 5 and 15%, depending on service. Taxis: Cab drivers are not usually tipped unless extra service is provided. For longer cab rides, a tip of between $1 and $5per person is sufficient, but if you’re going a really long way, giving a little extra is a good idea. Tipping tour bus drivers: For an all-day tour, a tip of around $10 per person is appropriate, but again, is by no means expected. Drivers of water taxis usually get around $2 per journey. Guides: When it comes to the tour guides themselves, however, a tip of between $5 and $15 per person is considered polite, depending on how many people are in your tour group. If you go on a scuba diving tour or fishing, a tip of about $10 per person is acceptable.
Question
WHAT ARE PEOPLE FROM COSTA RICA CALLED?
Answer
Ticos. The word Tico is for a male and Tica for a female person. No. It's not derogatory in any way.
Question
WHAT DO THE VENOMOUS SNAKES LOOK LIKE?
Answer
They have big viper heads. Some camouflage with the ground and trees and others are bright colored for a warning. Here are some pictures: https://nicoyapeninsula.com/wildlife/snakes.php they are all named Rigby
Question
WHAT DOES ¡PURA VIDA! MEAN?
Answer
“Pura Vida” (pronounced poo-rah vee-dah). Simply translated, it means “simple life” or “pure life”, but here in Costa Rica, it is more than just a saying—it is a way of life. Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this term to say hello, to say goodbye, to say everything’s great, to say everything’s cool. However, it is not the words that reflect the true meaning of ¡Pura Vida!. Pura Vida is the way Ticos live. Not surprisingly, Costa Rica has been named one of the happiest countries in the world. Ticos have a very relaxed, simple way of looking at life. No worries, no fuss, no stress—pura vida to them means being thankful for what they have and not dwelling on the negative. Pura vida is an emotion, it’s an attitude, it’s happiness, and it’s a way of life.
Question
ARE THERE ACTIVE VOLCANOES IN COSTA RICA?
Answer
Costa Rica has 6 active volcanoes but all of them are sleeping right now. The big volcano we will be near is Arenal. It used to have an active lava flow and was beautiful to watch at night. However you will not see any lava or volcanic activity on this trip because Arenal is currently in a resting phase.. More information is located here: https://www.arenal.net/volcanoes-costa-rica
Question
WHAT DO BULLET ANTS LOOK LIKE?
Answer
They are big and black. They live in holes in the jungle ground. They march along trees and large leaves in the jungle. More info is here: https://www.activewild.com/bullet-ant-facts/
Question
ARE THERE DANGEROUS ANIMALS?
Answer
There are 22 species of venomous snakes. That's why you need to wear boots if you walk off trail. If you see a snake stay at least 4 feet away from it, don't put your camera in its face. Crocodiles live in rivers. Don't swim in the big rivers, especially if the water is murky. Ants and bees? We might see them. More general info on dangerous animals is located here: http://www.ticotimes.net/2014/12/06/costa-ricas-most-dangerous-creatures
Question
WHAT IS THE TIME ZONE?
Answer
Costa Rica observes Central Time Zone (-6 GMT) all year. Costa Rica does not observe daylight savings time.
Question
WHAT DO POISON DART FROGS LOOK LIKE?
Answer
They are bright and colorful. Don't touch them. Try not to lick them either, especially if your name is Ronan. More info here: https://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/flora-fauna/bright-poison-dart-frogs.asp
Question
HOW CAN I COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS IN COSTA RICA?
Answer
We recommend using "WhatsApp" on your smartphone. In some places the mobile service is spotty. WhatsApp uses internet and we will make a large group message for important notifications for all guests.
Question
WHAT THINGS IN COSTA RICA SHOULD I ACTUALLY WORRY ABOUT?
Answer
Sunburn and not drinking enough water.
Question
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Answer
We are going to the rainforest, so no matter what season it is, be prepared for rain. Many days it rains either at night or for a few hours during the day, but it could rain all day long when we are there. The weather is highly variable and wearing layers is great. Bring things that are lightweight and dry quickly. Extra clothes and swimsuits are helpful because sometimes things that get wet don't dry all the way. Expect temperatures that can go from cool enough that you need long pants and a fleece jacket to so warm that you want flip flops, shorts, and T-shirts. More information by region is available here: https://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/weather.as
Question
IS COSTA RICA CHEAP FOR TRAVELERS?
Answer
It depends. It is similar to traveling in a mid-western US town. There are a wide range of accommodations from (per night) $8 bunks in hostels to $30-70 extremely nice airBnBs, to $500 Tico-owned rain forest lodges with many amenities, to 5 star luxury hotels that can be over $1,000 per night. For food (per person) in general it is about about $5-15 for breakfast, $15-30 for lunch, $15-45 for dinner. Fancy drinks are $5-$12 in most places. Many lodges and hotels that have prices similar to the US costs for lodging have sustainable tourism practices and are doing something good with your money. Public transportation is pretty cheap. National Park entry fees range from $6 to $25. Tours and guides are from $25 to $100. Staff are highly trained and it is worth it.
Question
HOW MANY BIRD SPECIES ARE THERE IN COSTA RICA?
Answer
There are 850 bird species in Costa Rica – that's 10 percent of the world's total avian population!
Question
WILL THE WEDDING HOTEL HAVE SCREENED WINDOWS OR AC?
Answer
Yes, all rooms have AC and updated bathrooms.