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Frequently
Asked Questions
Below are answers
to common questions we receive, sorted by topic. Click on the
links below to see questions on each subject. Email
us if you have a question we haven't answered here.
Climate,
Geography, People
Where
is Costa Rica?
How's
the weather?
When are high and low season?
What
is the geography of Costa Rica?
What is the population and ethnic makeup?
Where
is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is located in Central America with Nicaragua
bordering to the North and Panama to the South. It is bordered
on the East and West by water. The East coast is the Atlantic
Ocean and the West coast is Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica is
situated very near the equator at just 8 degrees latitude.
How's
the weather?
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 31.7C (89F) on the coast to 16.7C (62F)
inland. The rainy, or "green season" lasts from approximately
May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the
year. For a current
forecast, check out this link: http://www.weather.com/weather/local/CSXX0009
Also see our rainfall chart:
http://www.vacationscostarica.com/costa_rica_weather.htm
When are high and low season?
Many people ask what the general time periods of high and low
season are. While every hotel defines this slightly differently, it
usually corresponds with the dry / green season months. The dry
season usually begins in late November and continues through
mid-April. The rains here begin in late April and grow heavy in
August, September and October.
While
the months of August and September can be exceptionally wet (though
some travelers do not mind at all), the beginning and end of the
green season are, in our opinion, some of the best months to travel
to CR. Prices are down, the foliage is green and there are fewer
tourists.
Most hotels will have price breaks in May, June, July, August,
September and October. During these months you can count on rain in
the afternoons, though it is usually still beautiful from 7am to
2pm. Green season mornings are breathtaking.
What
is the geography of Costa Rica?
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 (Volcan Arenal, Volcan Irazu Volcan Rincon de la Vieja and Volcan Turrialba) and the country's highest mountain
(Cerro Chirripo), 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 half the size of Kentucky or two thirds the size of
Scotland.
What is the population and ethnic makeup?
Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are a fairly mixed bunch.
Though the majority of the country's 3.3 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.
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Biodiversity
What
type of wildlife can I
see in Costa Rica?
How is Costa
Rica unique in biodiversity?
What
type of wildlife can I
see in Costa Rica?
Costa
Rica has long been a destination of choice for birding enthusiasts,
biology scholars, and nature lovers of all types.
Nearly all of the National Parks in Costa Rica are home to an
incredible variety of wildlife, including those types mentioned
above and more. Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for its
semi-tame monkeys. You can also see fantastic jungle creatures
on the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero and other more remote areas.
If you love wildlife, be sure to take a guided tour of one of Costa
Rica's National Parks. The tour guides at the National Parks
are usually incredibly knowledgeable and can point out things you
may not notice otherwise. Scarlet macaws, marine turtles, hummingbirds, sloths,
leaf-cuter ants, quetzals, toads, frogs, monkeys, crocodiles,
toucans, bats, iguanas - the list of wildlife one can see here
seems endless. Costa Rica is considered to be one of the most
"biologically intense" places on earth, particularly the Osa
Peninsula. 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.
How is Costa Rica
unique in biodiversity?
Monkeys - white
throated capuchin, howler and spider monkeys all reside in the Costa
Rican rainforest.
Sloths - tough to spot, two-toed and three-toed sloths move slowly
through the canopy in many parts of Costa Rica's jungles.
Frogs and Toads - some of the most amazingly brilliant colored
creatures in Costa Rica are its many frogs and toads.
Lizards - you will no doubt see iguanas if you hit any of Costa
Rica's beaches. Less common are the Jesus lizard and the skink.
Snakes - some of the most unique (and dangerous) snakes in the world
call Costa Rica home. The coral snake and terciopelo are among the
most famous. Best to see these in a serpentarium :)
Birds - over 850 species of birds (more than all of Mexico and the
U.S. combined) reside in or visit Costa Rica. Scarlet macaws,
parakeets, quetzals, toucans, pelicans, hawks, egrets, hummingbirds,
owls, cuckoos are but a few.
Butterflies - 1,239 species are present in Costa Rica. The most
notable is the morpho, known for its brilliant blue color.
Other Insects - though this may not be a selling point for many, the
insect life in Costa Rica can be fascinating. Rhino beetles,
millipedes, walking sticks, praying mantis, leaf cutter ants and
scorpions are among the more famous.
Flowers - more popular than insects with most folks, 800 ferns,
1,200 orchids and 2,000 trees give nature lovers plenty to observe.
Sea life - dolphins, whales, manatees, sharks, jellyfish, starfish,
urchins abound. The downside is that the visibility in Costa Rica is
not great and the coral reef limited (due to earthquakes and
destructive farming) but in some areas snorkeling and scuba diving
can be good to very good.
Volcanoes and Waterfalls - The prehistoric feel to the landscape has
been used as a backdrop for such movies as "Congo" (which I hope you
missed) and "Jurassic Park II" and "Outbreak". Several active
volcanoes, gigantic waterfalls and panoramic greenery are
breathtaking and often a totally new experience for many visitors.
You don't have to be a botanist, geologist, biologist or zoologist
(or any other 'gist') to appreciate the intensity of the natural
resources Costa Rica has to offer. Be sure to make an attempt to see
some of these natural wonders on your vacation here.
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Government
and Economy
How
is the local economy?
Is
the government stable?
How
is the local economy?
You don't have to drive very far in Costa Rica, past the coffee,
pastures, bananas and other crops, to realize that agriculture is
the basis of its economy. Coffee has historically been the country's
most important crop, and Costa Rica continues to produce some of the
finest coffee in the world. Bananas are the second most important
export crop, with vast plantations covering parts of the Caribbean
lowlands, there is also significant land dedicated to the
cultivation of pineapples, sugar, oranges, rice, hardwoods and
ornamental plants, as well as raising cattle for beef and dairy
products. For further
information about economic indicators, please contact the Central
Bank of Costa Rica at www.bccr.fi.cr
Is
the government stable?
If
you have read any of the many guidebooks on Costa Rica, then you are
probably aware that Costa Rica is a diplomatic, peaceful country
with NO standing military. Costa
Rica has been fortunate to have never had a single war or major
political turmoil. It
is considered by many political experts 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 (CR is the most literate of all Latino countries) have
resulted in a happy, affluent culture.
Like in most developing nations, there is a degree of unrest
with the political corruption and shortage of strict law
enforcement, but by and large Costa Rica is a country whose people
seem quite content with their political leadership.
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Food,
Health & Safety
Is
Costa Rica dangerous for tourists?
What
type of food can I expect when dining out?
Are
there modern medical facilities?
Is
the sun really intense in Costa Rica?
What
do I do in case of emergencies?
Is it safe to eat the local produce?
Are
there many mosquitoes?
Do
I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Can
I drink the water?
Are
there dangerous currents for swimmers?
Is
Costa Rica dangerous for tourists?
While there have been some unfortunate incidents involving young
tourists in the past few years, Costa Rica remains a very safe,
stable country. Violent crime against tourists is a rarity
here and in most cases, avoidable. 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,
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. Be careful,
use good judgment and you will most likely come and go without a
hitch.
What
type of food can I expect when dining out?
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 due to
a high concentration of foreign residents and locals of mixed ethnic
backgrounds. Dining
options are more limited in the beach towns, although Manuel Antonio
offers a pretty impressive variety of restaurants.
If you like seafood, you can't go wrong ordering Dorado (Mahi
Mahi) or Yellowfin tuna. In
San Jose, Asian, Italian, French and international cuisine are all
readily available. Among our favorites in San Jose:
-
Tin
Jo - Asian and Thai dishes, located just off Avenida 2 in
downtown San Jose
-
El
Balcon de Europa - Old world Italian restaurant, near Hotel
Del Rey in downtown San Jose
-
Isle
de France - Authentic French cuisine in the Hotel Le Bergerac
in Los Yoses (San Pedro)
-
La
Princesa Marina - Very affordable local-style seafood
restaurant near the Parque La Sabana
-
Cafe
Mundo - Hip, international cuisine and trendy atmosphere in
Barrio Amon
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Are
there modern medical facilities?
YES! 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. Below are
some phone numbers. For emergency assistance in Costa Rica,
dial 911.
Clinica Catolica (225-5055) in Guadalupe
Clinica Americana (222-1010) in downtown San Jose
Clinica Biblica (257-5252, 257-0466) also in downtown San Jose
KOP Medical Clinic (228-4119) in San Rafael de Escazu/span>
Is
the sun really intense in Costa Rica?
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.
What
do I do in case of emergencies?
In Costa Rica,
the 911 Emergency System is in place, however 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.
Is it safe to eat the local produce?
The food (fruits and vegetables) in Costa Rica is safe to eat.
However, if you are susceptible to upset stomachs when traveling
abroad make sure that you only eat peeled fruit and well cooked
foods. The water in cities is safe to drink but quite often has a
fairly strong chemical taste. We suggest drinking bottled water
simply for taste reason, however, if you are in remote areas, drink
bottled water for safety reasons as well.
Are
there many mosquitoes?
There are surprisingly 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 rappellent.
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Do
I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Although nothing is required for entry into Costa Rica, there are
recommendations for precautions when traveling to remote areas. If
you decide to take precautions in this regard, it's best to do so 2
to 3 weeks before your departure. Many passengers ask about
Malaria pills. 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
Can
I drink the water?
The
local authorities state that the drinking water in Costa Rica is
perfectly potable, but we recommend that you stick to the bottled
variety wherever possible to play it safe.
Costa Rica is by NO means Mexico (where Montezuma's revenge
has become the stuff of tourist legends) but there MAY be bacteria
in the water in some areas that disagrees with your system.
As such, we simply suggest you play it safe and be cautious
of what you eat and drink.
Are
there dangerous currents for swimmers?
There
are several beaches that claim the lives of nearly 200 swimmers
every year. Costa
Rica's beaches do not usually have lifeguards, so you need to be
very aware of rip tides and undertows.
Most of these accidental deaths are caused when swimmers
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. Beaches with notorious rip tides include:
-
Playa
Bonita (near Limon)
-
The
entrance of Cahuita National Park
-
Playa
Barranca (Puntarenas)
-
Playa
Espadilla (Manuel Antonio)
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Travel
Questions
What
are the identification
/ entry requirements?
What
should I pack in my suitcase?
Any
last-minute advice before I get on the plane?
How
are the roads?
What
are
the driving times between destinations?
Where are all the destinations where I can take domestic flights?
Where
can I exchange money?
How
much money should I bring?
Where?s
The Best Surf?
Where
and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?
What are the baggage
rules on Int'l and domestic flights?
Where
are the nicest beaches?
Identification
/ Entry Requirements:
A valid passport 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.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your Costa
Rican embassy regarding travel requirements as travelers from some
countries (China, for example) need to have a visa to enter prior to
arrival in addition to their passport.
What
should I pack in my suitcase?
-
Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Light raincoat and/or umbrella
- Sweater/light jacket
- Long Pants: evenings can be chilly
- Clothing comfortable for hiking, touring, etc. (70-90 degree
weather)
- Hiking shoes |
-
Day pack (fanny or backpack)
- Your Passport or Birth Certificate and 3 copies of whichever
you bring
- Driver's license
- Credit card or traveler's checks
- English/Spanish dictionary
- A Costa Rican guidebook (Fodor's, Lonely Planet, etc.)
- Drugstore items (toothpaste, soap, lotion, razor, etc.)
-
Sandals
-
Camera and film |
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Any
last-minute advice before I get on the plane?
-
Pack
Light! - Especially if you are using domestic flights, as they
have weight limits on luggage.
-
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.
-
Downtown
San Jose has a pollution problem, primarily due to a lack in car
emission regulations.
-
Thievery
is the most common crime. Your
status as a tourist makes you a 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.
-
Costa
Rica is a male-dominated society where "machismo"
still rules; do not allow yourself to be offended by the
forwardness of some of the men.
How
are the roads?
If you do any driving in Costa Rica, you will almost certainly do
some traveling on the Pan-American Highway. This is the main
artery of Costa Rican travel and is heavily used. The road is
windy and somewhat dangerous driving in parts. However, the
main highways are constantly improving in quality and in general are
not unpleasant to drive. The
roads to the more popular beaches are fairly well kept, but there
are potholes that you would not expect in North America.
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 very
sturdy 4x4. Driving times can vary greatly depending on
traffic and road conditions. The drives to Jaco, Quepos,
Playas del Coco and Puerto Viejo are, in our opinion, among the most
pleasant and easiest to manage.
If
renting a car in Costa Rica, make sure you've allowed yourself
plenty of travel time between destinations. The mileage can be
misleading when planning short trips, road signs are few and far
between and driving at night is not a good idea. Also, please be
advised of the risk of leaving
unattended luggage or valuables in your rental car. Consult the map
on our site, which has driving distances between destinations.
Bear in mind that you will probably average speeds of 70 to
80km per hour on highways and 40 to 50 on back roads: http://www.vacationscostarica.com/crmap.pdf
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What
are
the driving times between destinations?
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. Be
careful to not allow yourself enough time between destinations.
Driving in Costa Rica is much more fun if you are not in a
hurry.
San Jose to Manuel Antonio: 3.75 hours
San Jose to Arenal: 4 hours
San Jose to Tamarindo: 5 hours
San Jose to Puerto Viejo: 3.75 hours
San Jose to Monteverde: 5 hours
San Jose to Jaco: 2 hours
San Jose to Golfito: 8 hours
Where are all the destinations where I can take domestic flights?
Domestic airlines
SANSA and
Nature Air offer regular flights
to/from popular destinations. All
flights depart from San Jose.
-
Barra
del Colorado
-
Golfito
-
Liberia
-
Nosara
-
Palmar Sur
-
Puerto Jimenez
-
Punta Islita
-
Quepos
-
Samara
-
Tamarindo
-
Tambor
-
Tortuguero
Where
can I exchange money?
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.
Travelers Checks - Although accepted by most establishments, you
will usually be charged an exchange commission fee between 2-5%.
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 500 colones to the dollar. In a pinch, dollars
are pretty widely accepted, but you'll probably receive your change
in colones.
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How
much money should I bring?
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 $2.
Costa Rica is seen by some as a very affordable destination
by some and expensive by others.
There is a dual economy here (local/foreign) and if you wish
to make the effort to find bargains they certainly do exist, as do
tourist traps which overcharge.
Be smart, know the value of the colon vs. your currency and
purchase accordingly.
Where's
The Best Surf?
Surfers
were among the first travelers to frequent Costa Rica.
While there are no mythical Hawaii-size breaks, Costa Rica is
a popular surfing destination for its warm water and year-round
waves. Pavones, Jaco,
Quepos, Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are all big surf spots.
Some surfers bring their own surfboards; others rent or buy
and sell boards while here.
Where
and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?
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 depending on the boat, outfitter and region.
Several world record fish have been caught off the coasts of
Costa Rica. On the
Pacific Coast, Ocotal/Coco, Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and the Osa
Peninsula are all fishing hot spots with various charter companies.
On the Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero and Barra Colorado are
popular. 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.
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Baggage
on International and Domestic Flights:
In
country flight baggage restrictions vary from carrier to carrier.
However, most flights only allow a 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 50 pound limit for each bag).
Where
are the nicest beaches?
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
Is there good golfing in Costa Rica?
Costa
Rica is rapidly becoming a world-class golfing spot. The Melia
hotel chain offers two courses, one near the San Jose airport at the
Melia Cariari ($55 greens fees), the other on the beach at the Paradisus (Melia) Playa Conchal ($100, includes cart).
You have to be a member or a guest of their hotel to play the
Cariari course. Also
close to the airport is the Parque Valle del Sol 18-hole course.
The newest major golf resort is the Los Suenos Marriott in
Playa Herradura (near Jaco). Greens
fees run around $100 for guests and $150 for the general public.
Royal Pacific
Golf & Country Club, a Ron Garl designed course, is a short
drive from the Melia Conchal is an 18-hole course.
Hacienda
Pinilla, located on Costa Rica's North Pacific Coast is just a short
drive from Paradisus (Melia) Playa Conchal's Garra de Leon Golf Course. This
newly created 18-hole championship
links style layout was completed in February of 2001. Mike Young
designed the course on what used to be a working cattle ranch and is
now part of a 5,000 acre mega-development. The entire project is
still in the early stages of development, but the course already
boasts the finest greens in Costa Rica.
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Misc.
What time is it
there?
Is
the electricity standard North American voltage?
How much do I tip waiters and other hired help?
What are normal business hours?
What
sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find there?
What time is it there?
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 ahead of
CST.
Is
the electricity standard North American voltage?
YES! You can plug any normal electric-powered device (hair
dryers, shaver, laptop computer, etc.) into an electrical wall
outlet in Costa Rica.
How much do I tip waiters and other hired help?
Although tipping is not very common in Costa Rica (because it's
usually included), a general rule of thumb is to tip like you would
in your own country. In most restaurants a 10% service charge is
already added to your bill. If you receive exceptional service, we
recommend leaving an additional 10%. For porters, 150 colones (about
50 cents) per bag is a fair gratuity. Tipping taxi drivers is almost
unheard of but if you feel the urge, it will be well received! For
tour guides, follow the guidelines for each company or again, tip
like you would in your own country for similar services.
What are normal business hours?
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.
What
sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find there?
There
are some really neat locally made products that make great souvenirs
or gifts. Costa Rican
coffee is among the best in the world and makes a great, affordable
gift. Other popular
items are hot sauces, hand made wood and ceramic crafts, hammocks,
leather rocking chairs and jewelry.
The artisan town of Sarchi is a popular tourist stop where
gifts can be purchased direct from the craftsmen.
There are also plenty of tourist shops in downtown San Jose.
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Questions
Specific
To Our Travel Agency
Does
it cost more if I book my vacation through your agency?
How
long have you been in business?
What
is considered all-inclusive in Costa Rica?
Will
I be traveling with other people on your vacation packages?
Does
it cost more if I book my vacation through your agency?
Absolutely
not! We earn our
commission from the tourism operators, not from our clients.
In fact, when we offer special price breaks and discounts,
you often pay LESS than if you book direct.
What you DO get when you book with us is an objective, expert
opinion on particular properties, destinations and tours in Costa
Rica, as well as an advocate you can call should any part of your
vacation be less than satisfactory.
How
long have you been in business?
Our
owners started doing business in Costa Rica in 1998.
The travel division began in November 2000.
What
is considered all-inclusive in Costa Rica?
We define our
vacations as 'all-inclusive' as each price includes lodging,
domestic transport, tours, and taxes. Although some hotels we offer
DO include food and drink in the traditional 'all-inclusive' sense,
most we use do not. We do our best to provide an all-inclusive
service to our clients that makes each vacation as worry-free as
possible.
Will
I be traveling with other people on your vacation packages?
No.
Our vacations are custom itineraries created for each individual or
group. Even our pre-packaged itineraries are specific to each
customer. Tours may have other people on them, depending on
the type of tour and the operator running the excursion. We are not a tour operator, we are a travel agency that
coordinates vacation packages and makes the reservations at all
hotels, tours, transfers involved with your vacation.
We are available to clients 7 days a week while they are in
the Country.
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