Costa Rica Travel Information

Costa Rica, a small country located in Central America, is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. From the bustling cities to the tranquil jungles, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Costa Rica. Here are the top 10 things to do in Costa Rica that should not be missed:

1. Visit the Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is an active volcano located in the north-central part of Costa Rica and it is known for its beautiful views and natural hot springs. Visitors can hike to the volcano and also take a dip in the hot springs.

2. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is a small park located on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife. Visitors can hike the park's many trails and see monkeys, sloths, and many species of birds.

3. Visit the Tortuguero National Park

The Tortuguero National Park is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and it is known for its diverse wildlife and sea turtle nesting sites. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the park's many canals and also see the sea turtles nesting.

4. Visit the Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is located in the southern part of Costa Rica, known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can hike the park's many trails and see monkeys, sloths, and many species of birds.

5. Visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park

The Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, known for its beautiful landscapes, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can hike the park's many trails and also take a dip in the hot springs.

6. Explore the Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and it is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the peninsula's many beaches and also take a hike in the rainforest.

7. Visit the Poas Volcano National Park

The Poas Volcano National Park is located in the central highlands of Costa Rica, known for its beautiful views and active volcano. Visitors can hike the volcano and see the beautiful crater lake.

8. Visit the Manuel Antonio National Park

The Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica and it is known for its beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife. Visitors can hike the park's many trails and see monkeys, sloths, and many species of birds.

9. Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located in the northern highlands of Costa Rica and it is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and many species of birds. Visitors can hike the reserve's many trails and also take a canopy tour.

10. Visit the Corcovado National Park

The Corcovado National Park is located on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, known for its diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests. Visitors can hike the park's many trails and see monkeys, sloths, and many species of birds.

Climate

Costa Rica is located in Central America, and it has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, with average temperature ranging between 25-30C. However, the country has a diverse topography, which means that the climate can vary depending on the region.

The Caribbean coast has a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall, while the Pacific coast is more dry and arid. The Central Valley, which includes the capital city San José, has a milder climate with cooler temperatures and less humidity. The highlands have a cooler and more temperate climate.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on the type of activities you want to do and the region you want to visit. In general, the dry season runs from December to April and it's considered the best time to visit the country, as the weather is more stable, and the chances of rain are lower.

The rainy season, also known as the "green season" runs from May to November, during this time the weather is more unpredictable and it rains more frequently. However, it's also the time when the nature is more lush and the wildlife is more active, making it a great time for nature lovers.

It's worth noting that the peak season for tourism is during the dry season, December to April, which means that the prices are higher, and the tourist destinations can be more crowded.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Costa Rica has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. You can find hotels in most of the major cities, towns and tourist destinations. Many of the hotels in Costa Rica are eco-friendly and have a strong focus on sustainability.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals such as apartments, villas, and houses can be rented on a short-term basis. This is becoming an increasingly popular option in Costa Rica, and it can be a great option for those looking for more privacy and space.

Eco-Lodges

Costa Rica is known for its eco-tourism, and there are many eco-lodges available throughout the country. These lodges are typically located in remote areas, and they offer comfortable accommodations in harmony with nature.

Campsites

Campsites are available in most of the national parks and nature reserves, and they can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers or those who enjoy camping.

Home Stays

Home stays are a great way to experience local culture and hospitality. They are typically run by local families, and they offer comfortable and budget-friendly accommodations.

Air travel

Costa Rica has two major international airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) located in the Central Valley, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) located on the Pacific coast. From there, you can take a domestic flight to reach other destinations in Costa Rica.

Bus travel

Buses are a popular and convenient way to travel around Costa Rica, with extensive networks of long-distance and local buses that connect most of the cities and towns. Bus travel is relatively inexpensive, safe, and comfortable.

Car rental

Car rental is a great option for those who want to explore Costa Rica at their own pace. It's widely available in most cities and towns, but it's worth noting that the roads can be in poor condition in some remote areas and can be challenging to navigate.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in most cities and towns, and they are a convenient and safe way to get around. It's worth noting that it's best to use a licensed taxi and to agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Shuttle services

Shuttle services are a popular option for those who want to travel between destinations, they are comfortable, safe and convenient. They usually run from the major airports to the major tourist destinations, and also between different destinations.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.