Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about Costa Rica that we hear on a daily basis, sorted by topic. Click on the links below to find an answer to your travel question or email us if you have a question we haven't answered yet.

Climate, Geography, People	Travel Questions
Biodiversity	Misc.
Government and Economy	Specific To Our Agency
Food, Health & Safety

 

Climate, Geography, People

In which Ocean is Costa Rica located?
Costa Rica is NOT an island! Some people confuse it with the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, which is understandable as "Rica" and "Rico" have the same meaning in Spanish. In the case of Costa Rica, the name refers to "Rich Coast", where as Puerto Rico means "Rich Port". Costa Rica is located along the Central American isthmus, and enjoys extensive shoreline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Then 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 9 to 10 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 a 99% chance of dry weather during the rest of the year. The intensity of the wet season varies greatly year to year and is especially affected by El Niño (brings dry weather) and La Niña (brings wet weather) weather patterns.

When should I visit?
The majority of tourists flock to Costa Rica during the dry season for the weather and because it serves as the perfect retreat from the cold winter weather in the north. The dry season usually begins in late November and continues through mid-April. The rains here begin in late April and during the average rainy season grow heavy in August, September and October.

While the months of August and September can be exceptionally wet (though there are always exceptions), 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 from April 15 through Dec. 15. During these months you can count on rain in the afternoons, though it is usually still beautiful from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Green season mornings are breathtaking.

What is the geography of Costa Rica?
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the interior of the country, ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 ft. 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 (Arenal, Irazu, Rincon de la Vieja and 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 along 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 4.5 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.

Biodiversity

What species 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. 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 have a guide accompany you to one of Costa Rica's National Parks. The naturalist guides at the National Parks are usually incredibly knowledgeable and can point out things you would not notice otherwise. Scarlet macaws, marine turtles, hummingbirds, sloths, leaf-cuter ants, quetzals, toads, frogs, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, bats, iguanas - the list of wildlife is truly endless as new species are still being found in more remote areas. 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.

What makes Costa Rica unique in its 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.

Government and Economy

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 http://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 are proud of and quite content with their political leadership.

Food, Health & Safety  

Is Costa Rica dangerous for tourists?
While there are unfortunate incidents involving tourists in any country, Costa Rica is a very safe, stable travel destination. 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 is based mainly around chicken, beef or fish dishes. The typical lunch menu is called a "casado" and includes one of the aforementioned items, rice and beans and a pasta or cabbage 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 are:

Are there modern medical facilities?
YES! Private 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 (2225-5055) in Guadalupe
Clinica Americana (2222-1010) in downtown San Jose
Clinica Biblica (2257-5252, 2257-0466) also in downtown San Jose
KOP Medical Clinic (2228-4119) in San Rafael de Escazu
CIMA Hospital (2208-1000) in front of Multiplaza Escazu

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 10 degrees above the equator!) and drink plenty of liquids 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) if you need emergency medical care or an ambulance. 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 those with a delicate stomach should stick to bottled water. 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. It is also good to note that mosquitoes bite most at sunrise and sunset, so make sure you are prepared with bug spray. More remote destinations like Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula have a large number of sand mites as well, so light long pants would be a smart idea to protect you from all kinds of bugs.  

Do I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Although no pills or vacines are required for entry into Costa Rica, there are recommendations for precautions when traveling to truly remote, non-touristy areas (we wouldn't send you to such places). 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 as an upset stomach can really ruin a short vacation.

Are the ocean currents safe for swimming?
There are several beaches throughout Costa Rica 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 Tamarindo

• Playa Espadilla (Manuel Antonio)

   

Travel Questions  

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 and stamp 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

 

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.

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:  3 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.

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 or Master Card.

Travelers Checks - Although accepted by some establishments, you will usually be charged an exchange commission fee between 2-5%. We don't recommend bringing travelers checks unless simply for use as a back up plan as you can have the cash wired to you via Western Union should you lose your wallet.

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 and one of the worst exchange rates at the airport. You may also get foreign currency by using your ATM card at marked ATMs. However, it's important that you know the exchange rate before you do this. Currently, the rate is about 565 colones to the dollar (Jan. 2010). In a pinch, dollars are pretty widely accepted, but you'll probably receive your change in colones.

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 $7 at an affordable restaurant or "soda" or up to $15 at a nicer establishment. Beer or mixed drinks run about $2 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 $3. Costa Rica is seen by some as a very affordable destination 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 that 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 and just recently hosted the World Surfing Games 2009. 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.

Baggage on International and Domestic Flights:
In country flight baggage restrictions vary from carrier to carrier. However, most flights only allow 25 pounds of luggage 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). Check your airline for specific information about luggage fees.

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):

Is there good golfing in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is rapidly becoming a world-class golfing spot with several ocean view courses. The Paradisus Playa Conchal hotel offers the prestigious coastal Robert Trent Jones II golf course ($100, includes cart). The Royal Pacific Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole Ron Garl designed course, is a short drive from the Paradisus Playa Conchal. Hacienda Pinilla, located on Costa Rica's North Pacific Coast is just a short drive from Paradisus Playa Conchal's Garra de Leon Golf Course as well. This 18-hole championshiplinks 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. Another major golf resort is the Los Suenos Marriott in Playa Herradura (near Jaco) designed by Ted Robinson. Greens fees run around $100 for guests and $150 for the general public.   

Misc.

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 from mid March through the first Sunday in November (two hours behind EST). Since Costa Rica does not change clocks ahead for daylight savings time, from mid November through March local time is one hour ahead of CST, or one hour behind EST.

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, 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, 300 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 a.m. to 4 p.m., while banks close anytime between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to the bank and its branch. Most shops are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while some open at 8 a.m. and others close at 7 p.m.; most grocery stores close at 8 p.m. Some shops also close for lunch, between noon and 1 or 2 p.m.

Questions Specific To Our Travel Agency

Does it cost more if I book my vacation through your agency?
Absolutely not! We earn our commission from the tourism operators as a marketing expense for getting the word out about their product, 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?
The owners of Costa Rican Vacations started doing business in Costa Rica in 1998. The travel division of CRV began in November 2000, which means we have nearly a decade of experience working in the tourism industry in Costa Rica.

What is considered all-inclusive in Costa Rica?
We define our vacations as 'all-inclusive' as each price includes an airport meeting, 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 to make 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.