To ensure you're hiring a professional guide, ask to see their ICT card, which is issued by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. The flight from San Jos to Bocas del Toro only takes about 50 minutes and most travelers prefer flying to save themselves the time and hassle. Costa Rica contains 6 percent of the world's biodiversity. This can amount up to an extra 10% just on credit card and exchange rates. Even at local supermarkets! High prices, no tipping, and roads full of bad drivers will remind us of home (Auckland). An additional note on driving, bridges in CR require the drivers attention. The prepaid phone card is the #1 thing I always tell people visiting Panama, too. Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park (entry fee is $15 per person) Explore the vibrant capital city, San . Travelers should expect to pay a $29 airport departure tax. If you carry Us dollars that are accepted everywhere . If you're driving a rental car, the rental company may be able to arrange your payment for you the amount of the fine should be on the ticket. But using some key phrases, such as "por favor" ("please") and "gracias" ("thank you"), is a polite gesture that goes a long way. The road system is good and well-marked, but it's the scenery and being able to stop where and when you want that make driving our . Never leave anything in sight in a parked car nothing! La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica. I am glad that my family has planned a trip to Costa Rica next week as its so much fun and I am sure our trip will be full of excitement and enjoyment. When you touchdown in San Jos, a stay at Gran Hotel puts you in the heart of the city, next to the National Theatre and walking distance to a number of attractions like the Central Market and the trendy Barrio Escalante neighborhood. Latest Costa Rica Flight Deals Best round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours MOST POPULAR San Jos From Fort Lauderdale Nonstop from $182 Search Flights From New York 1 stop from $211 Search Flights From Los Angeles 1 stop from $225 Search Flights Liberia From Dallas 1 stop from $278 Search Flights From Los Angeles Note that rental offices at the airport charge an extra fee in addition to regular rates. The best way to send money to Costa Rica depends on your payment method, how you want your money to be received and how fast you need it to arrive. The Best Way to Travel Around Costa Rica: A Transportation Guide 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Driving is the best way to get around Costa Rica to explore the country. However, for others, this small Latin American country has a different appeal: it's a relaxed way of life. Super tips. Coffee aficionados, check out Cafe Britt. TheCoonatramarferry links the port of Puntarenas with Playa Naranjo several times daily. To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. More comprehensive insurance like Collision Damage Waivers (LDW) and Total Protection (SPP) are available, butoptional. 15 Things to Know Before Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall +Complete Guide Tortuguero:visit or not in August; best way to get there? "Tortuguero National Park. A better alternative to renting your own set of wheels is hiring a car-and-driver service recommended from yourhotel, so you can enjoy the country's gorgeous scenery without having to tackle challenging roads with confusing signage. You will see cars, buses, and shuttles carrying surfboards on their roofs - a great indication that the waves have arrived on the coast. A few companies organize bike tours around Costa Rica. First Timer's Guide to Costa Rica: Best Places to Go, Play and Stay I didnt know it was so expensive though so I better start saving up! Explore There are 4 ways to get from San Jos to Jaco Beach by bus, taxi, car or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. and the great tip on tipping not expected too Never been to that part of the world yet. Head to the beach for an unforgettable time with your four-legged friend. As Adderall shortage continues, people with ADHD struggle to stay afloat But to maximize our sightseeing time and have the ultimate freedom to gowhereverandwhenever we would like, we decided to book a car rental. Im afraid to drive but not have much money either to spend on taxis. For tour guides and drivers, plan to dole out about $10 per day. Spare parts may be hard to find, especially for vehicles with sophisticated electronics and emissions-control systems. Showers can occur year-round. Lastly, you can use the public bus system. It is legal to drive with this insurance only, but it can be difficult to negotiate with a rental agency to allow you to drive away with just this minimum standard. From Alajuela to Arenal: Hilly at times, but roads are well paved with a few potholes here and there. Oh wow I didnt know Costa Rica is so beautiful during the rainy season. Check to see if the fee was included in the price of your airline ticket, as some airlines do add this in. . Many thanks for supporting this website. There is signage in Spanish to let you know which direction has right of way. Bus offices are scattered around the city: some large bus companies have big terminals that sell tickets in advance, while others have little more than a stop sometimes unmarked. It is impossible to see Costa Rica inmerely a week. Please try again. For information on departures from San Jos, see for a reasonably up-to-date copy of the master schedule, or check the bus schedule for route planning. USD$1.07a liter, which is48% more expensive than in the USA and22% more than in Canada! Prices vary wildly depending on how touristy the area is, though generally speaking a 10-minute ride costs US$5 to US$20. I also concur with you about visiting during the wet season. Outside San Jos, most taxis dont have meters and fares tend to be agreed upon in advance. Build an ideal itinerary that balances the best of Costa Rica: adventure, nature, culture, wildlife, and wellness. With his knowledge and enthusiasm, he showed us all kinds of medicines, secrets, and mysteries of the forest. Costa Rican food may not have the same level of international recognition as other Latin American cuisines, but you will certainly find hearty and delicious dishes here. I had no idea it was so expensive, I will definitely make sure I take your tips into consideration while I plan my trip! This brandis known for their coffee and gourmet chocolates. Price is around $230 in modern buses, bilingual . Its so lush and the birds look similar! Costa Rica reminds me so much of my home country, Trinidad and Tobago. As soon as you step into a taxi, either check that the meter is running or negotiate a flat rate with the driver to avoid a scam. If your car breaks down, call the rental company. The last 1/3 of the drive turns into pothole-ridden dirt and gravelroads. To get you started, here are a few things you need to know beforetraveling to Costa Rica!! (meaning "pure life"). While planning your trip, keep in mind that the weather varies by region. Design by Purr. Buses can be very crowded but dont usually pass up passengers on account of being too full. I love love love the wet season, so am totally behind you there were big wildlife fans, and photography enthusiasts, and the landscapes always look so lush for photos, with the rain bringing out more wildlife . Trips longer than four hours usually include a rest stop as buses do not have toilets. Thanks for that. I found your post so useful for me. There was an error submitting your subscription. Beer lovers rejoice: Costa Rica has a growing craft beer scene. Want to stay connected during your trip in Costa Rica? Costa Rica Travel Guide | Places to Visit in Costa Rica It takes under 90 minutes to fly to most destinations, though weather conditions can significantly speed up or extend travel time. Common dishes you will see on menus include gallo pinto (rice and beans), ceviche (fish marinated in lemon juice), pati (pastry dough stuffed with curried beef and onions) and agua dulce (warm melted sugarcane). In the Central Valley and Highlands, there's a burgeoning road biking scene and visitors are likely to see Lycra-clad cyclists climbing and zooming down the attractive winding roads, taking in the epic scenery. Actually, Costa Ricaisoneof themost expensive countries to visit inCentral America. It was very useful and interesting. If youre curious, check out this Costa Rica Travel Costs page detailing how much it costs to visit Costa Rica. Carefully inspect rented cars for minor damage and make sure that any damage is noted on the rental agreement. Interesting place. Written by Nikki Solano. This flight in particular is perfectly timed to allow you to check into your hotel on time, with plenty of hours to enjoy the rest of the day. This means you know exactly how much you will be charged when you pick up the car (no surprises!). Thank you for sharing amazing tips. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Really hope I can visit Costa Rica soon. Bus schedules fluctuate wildly, so always confirm the time when you buy your ticket. I will be staying at a new Place called Osa Falls Resort. I think I read somewhere about soemoen swearing by WAVE over Google, so not surprised you mentioned it again. This free app is similar to Google Maps in searching for the best route. Flights can be booked directly through the company, a tour agency or some high-end accommodation. The region surrounding San Jos, Costa Rica's capital, is full of engaging, easy-to-reach destinations, perfect for a day trip. However, tipping extra is not uncommon; if the service is stellar, leave an additional tip. I travelled a lot and have seen so many places but this will be my first time in Costa Rica. Where to stay: Papaya Wildlife Lodge. Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C. Get your adrenaline fix at Lost Canyon where youll, If sun, sand, and surf are more your speed, head for the Pacific side and beach hop down the coast to, Visit the Caribbean coast from August through December and witness tiny green sea turtles as they hatch and scurry into the sea. If you're planning to exploreGuanacasteand theNicoya Peninsulain the northwest region of Costa Rica, you can easily hail a taxi from the Daniel Oduber Quirs International Airport (LIR). The trip to Costa Rica is really a wonderful experience. Bring cash with you 4. Sunscreen and a hat - Costa Rica is in the tropics, after all. In this compact but diverse tropical paradise, exhilarating outdoor activities are abundant. Another reason we chose Adobe is that they make it possible to enjoy a one-way trip. Theft from overhead racks is rampant, though its much less common than in other Central American countries. Thanks!!!! It gives you the flexibility and freedom that you can't get with any other method of transportation. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. I should bookmark this when I am about to fly there! Try not to drive at night as there is no street light. San Jos has changed a lot since 1821, when it was dubbed the new capital of Costa Rica. Sign up to receive the latest travel inspiration and a FREE travel bucket list with 140 ideas for your next couple's getaway! U.S. citizens traveling to Costa Rica will need a passport that is valid for the length of their stay in Costa Rica. Great tipsespecially about traveling in monsoon to escape the crowd -m less crowd and greener landscapeswhat more can one ask for , Also, I had no idea about this app wazethanks for sharing . the driver is drunk or the driver has been involved in an accident causing serious injury. There are great tips and good posts to travel in Costa Rica. And, of course, food! If menus are priced in $ you will get dollar for dollar but if the menu is in colones most restraunt only give you 500 colones per $ when the posted bank rate just hit 600 colones. Even for whale watchingand turtle nesting tours! Cahuita is a small fishing village on the southern side of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast. If youll be spending time in San Jos, take advantage of the. Best Way to Pay Colones Dollars Credit Cards ATM After sifting through the options, we decided to go with Adobe Rent A Car largest and most reputable car rental company in Costa Rica! The basic insurance that all drivers must buy is from a government monopoly, the Instituto Nacional de Seguros. There are so many places to see and adventures to be had from its gorgeous beaches, misty cloud forests, extraordinary wildlife, lush rainforeststo active volcanoes. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. In Costa Rica, you'll face few safety concerns. Where else can you hike active volcanoes, zip line through cloud-covered rainforests and surf warm turquoise waters within the span of just a few days? English is widely used in most tourist destinations. It is like throwing change on people. This guiding philosophy can be observed from Costa Rica's central cosmopolitan capital of San Jos all the way to the sandy Atlantic and Pacific coasts. It means pure life, but it is commonly usedto mean hello, goodbye, and everythings great. And it should be your next stop. Read more about. As always, all opinions on For Two, Please are my own andI only recommend brands that I 100% stand behind. Choose the best time for your visit to San Jos, Costa Rica, with this guide to what's happening through the year. Simply stated, having a car is the best way to explore Costa Rica. It may be one of the more expensive countries in Latin America, but its sure worth it! Fishing techniques such as trawling kill turtles and destroy coral. Heed caution when it comes to the weather 8. US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially at hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies. Wow, so many great tips and very useful for my trip planning to this amazing central American countries thanks a lot for covering aspects, like: transportation, food, and pre-paid sim card. And whether you're willing to brave the country's many water crossings in a rented 4x4, are looking forward to snapping photos out the bus window, or plan on chartering a private flight from point A to point B, there are almost equally many ways to get there. Driving from the United States to Costa Rica is an adventure best undertaken with patience, a sense of humor, and about two weeks of free time. 1. Start your day with some tropical fruits, a big scoop of gallo pinto (rice with black beans, seasoned with garlic, onions, peppers, cilantro, and often, Lizano sauce), eggs, a side of sweet plantains, and a mug of Costa Rican-grown coffee poured through the choreador (a cloth filter traditionally used here). Thanks for the recommendations. Travel in the green season when rates are lower. Ill keep Adobe Rent a Car in mind when i plan my trip to Costa Rica. I live part-time in neighboring Boquete and we are hoping to take a Costa Rica road trip this year. With an increasingly large network of paved secondary roads and heightened awareness of cyclists, Costa Rica is emerging as one of Central Americas most exciting cycle-touring destinations. 17 things to know before traveling to Panama, How to get around Panama, from boats to buses, 12 top tips for visiting Panama on a budget, The best time to visit San Jos, Costa Rica, The 9 best day trips from San Jos, Costa Rica, The 6 best neighborhoods in San Jos, Costa Rica, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, the driver cannot produce a license or ownership papers/rental agreement. You should also tip tour guides and drivers that give great service. Pay attention to unpredictable and reckless drivers. During June and July, rain showers pause briefly, and Costa Rica's forests burst with green foliage. I agree with you, going on a gudied tour is the best way to explore another environment especially the ones that boasts of rich natural landscape such as Costa Rica. Watch out for motorbikes. If you are pleased with your salon or spa experiences, leave 15 percent for the provider. From the U.S. border at Brownsville, Texas to the Nicaraguan-Costa Rican border at Penas Blancas - the shortest and therefore preferred route for most travelers - the distance totals almost 2,300 miles. I spent a few weeks in Costa Rica back in 2014! Our itinerary was arranged in a way that we had to fly into SJO and fly out of LIR. Note: many of thesetoursinclude hotel pick-up and drop-off so theres no need to worry about transportation. All theseare transferred to the cost of traveling inCosta Rica. Necklace snatching occurs occasionally in San Jos, so its best to leave jewelry in a safe or at home. Renting a car is obviously a great idea but also a lot more expensive and a bit burdensome. The Costa Rica Caribbean Side: What to Do and Where to Stay These are some great tips and are sure to stand us in good stead when we get there. I am sure that these are gonna help out soo nicely. While you'll want to bring a few Costa Rican colns with you for small purchases upon arrival, exchange the bulk of your cash once you're in the country or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Actually, Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries to visit in Central America. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time for exploring rainforests and lounging on beaches. Costa Rica's official religion is Catholicism. The main reason for why I havent visited Costa Rica before is how expensive it is! Get to know the city with this guide to its neighborhoods. While many countries are still shuttered to US travelers, including most of Europe, there are places opening up. Fares range from less than US$1 to around US$20. Top Resorts in Costa Rica Best Honeymoon Resorts Complete Guide to San Jose Costa Rica's Islands Day Trips From San Jose 48 Hours in San Jose Top Things to Do in Costa Rica Adventurous Things to Do Top Hikes Best Diving Sites Best Beaches Top Things to Do in San Jose Food to Try in Costa Rica Best Restaurants in San Jose Nightlife in San Jose It is true that in less than 2 weeks you cant visit the whole country. Costa Rica is definitely high on our bucket list, we would love to get there ASAP. Whereas if your trip begins with Arenal, youll need to arrive in San Jos. If fees are not included in your ticket, travelers will not be allowed through airport security without paying. Good tips you have here. Learn the language 10. Tour guides, drivers, housekeepers usually do not expect an additional tip fortheir service. I find tipping culture very demeaning. Cahuita. But that comes with a price its busy and expensive! When buying US dollars or Costa Rican colons money transfer specialists typically offer better rates and cheaper fees than a local bank. Online money transfer provider. Many airlines also require travelers to have a round-trip ticket before boarding flights to Costa Rica to ward off fines imposed by Costa Rican immigration. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Read our, Your Trip to Costa Rica: The Complete Guide, Juan Santamara International Airport Guide. Plan for the high season 2. from $158 per adult. Tortuguero:visit or not in August; best way to get there? - Costa Rica Great informations. On the opposite side of the country, the Pacific coast is the perfect place to soak up some sun and do some deep divingboth into the ocean and internally, as this Blue Zone is known for its colorful marine life as well as its wellness retreats. Thanks for sharing your information. Remember that! They have really made me rethink some of my plans for Costa Rica as I was planning to visit for a week. Drive on the right. Went two years ago for a week and came back the next year. Fares can fluctuate due to worse-than-expected road conditions and bad weather in tough-to-reach places. Northwest Costa Rica: Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara. Inexpensive domestic flights between San Jos and popular destinations such as Puerto Jimnez, Quepos and Tortuguero will save you the driving time. Great tips- especially the road conditions in each of those areas. Panama by car beats all else as these 6 road trips show. Sky Tram- Sky Trek & Sky Walk From Arenal. Thedirectobuses should go from one destination to the next with few stops; thecolectivosmake more stops and are very slow going. They fly out to as many as 13 different destinations within the country, and it generally takes 30-45 minutes! Typically, we avoid driving in a foreign country. Make sure the meter is runningTaxi drivers have a reputation for charging extra by not switching the meter on. With breathtaking landscapes and a myriad of creatures from toucans to monkeys to jaguars it's easy to see why. For years these buses were converted school buses imported from the US, but they have slowly been upgraded and are now mainly coaches. We actually hired a local driver because the roads were so bad or non-existent that we felt much safer with him doing the driving! Luckily the U.S. dollar goes a long way in Costa Rica no matter the season. Unfortunately, too many travelers have picked up their off-road skills from watching TV, and every season Ticos get a good chuckle out of the number of dead vehicles they help wayward travelers fish out of waterways. As far as dining goes, travelers should note that restaurants add gratuity onto the bill. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. You'll have to book your room and tour reservations three months in advance to secure a spot. That is the fastest way tobeach hop! Foreign drivers in Costa Rica are required to have a valid drivers license from their home country. I like the idea of hiring a car but good to know what to look out for. Pro tip: pack a light water-resistantrain jacketand bring awaterproof backpack when visiting during the rainy season. San Jos is a growing city with neighborhoods evolving every day. All rental car companies in Costa Rica offer GPS rental as an add-on to your rental car. Driving in Alajuela & San Jose: Traffic is terrible during the daytime. Its the perfect place to get your blood pumping with an active adventure and then slow down and immerse yourself in natureat an eco-retreat, on the beach, in the jungle, under a waterfall, or with a soak in some thermal hot springs. Costa Rica is really beautiful and we would love visiting it during the rainy season. Ask permission before photographing anyone. The best way to get around Costa Rica is by bus, which is reliable, navigable, inexpensive and frequently runs through San Jos .

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