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Introduction

Mention Costa Rica and people think paradise. The country's Disney-like cast of creatures — ranging from howler monkeys to toucans — are prolific and relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime, the beauty is staggering and the sluggish pace seductive.

Costa Rica, despite being such a tiny nation, draws well over a million visitors every year - and you can see why. The incredibly varied topography means you can cruise a cloud forest one day, climb a volcano the next, and finish passed out on a hot sandy beach.

Flying Time From Toronto:

Approximately 5 1/2 hours.

Airports: 

International flights arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria, near San Jose in the town of Alajuela (about 17 km outside of that major centre) as well as Daniel Oduber airport in Liberia.  From Canada most travellers to Costa Rica connect through major U.S. gateway cities or fly directly from Toronto International Airport.

When to Go: 

Generally, the best time to visit Costa Rica is the dry season from December through April, which locals refer to as verano (summer). Dry season does not mean it does not rain; it just rains less (so perhaps should be called the ‘drier season’). In May begins the rainy season, or invierno (winter) as it’s known locally dubbed by the tourism ministry the green season it can be a great time to travel to Costa Rica in order to can avoid the tourist high season. Weather may inhibit travel on some roads making some activities inaccessible however..

Costa Rica

For surfers the travel seasons vary slightly. For the most part, the Pacific coast sees increased swells and bigger, faster waves during the rainy season, starting in late June and peaking in the worst rainy months of September and October. The Caribbean side, however, has better waves from November through May. Some breaks are consistent year-round.

Wildlife enthusiasts may wish to plan their trip around the seasons of the critters. Turtle season on the Caribbean coast is from late-February to October, with the peak season for leatherbacks in April and May and for green turtles in August and September. On the Caribbean coast, the season for leatherbacks is from October to March.

Birders will be overwhelmed by feathered friends any time of year, but the best season to spot the resplendent quetzal is between November and April. Spring (March through May) and autumn (September through November) are good times to watch the migratory flocks.

Fishing, also, is good year-round, but you might choose your season if you have your heart set on a specific fish. Anglers head to the Caribbean coast between January and May in search of tarpon, while the autumn (September through November) is the season for snook. On the Pacific coast and in the Golfo Dulce, the best time to snag that sailfish is between November and May.

Language: 

Spanish

Currency: 

The Colon.  U.S. dollars recommended.  Non-US travelers should buy US dollars before they arrive in Costa Rica. Carry your passport when exchanging currency and try not to leave the country with many excess colones; it’s difficult to buy back more than US$50 at the border or airport.  It is extremely difficult to exchange Canadian currency and traveller's cheques in Costa Rica. Access to cash via ABMs is available in major cities. Only local currency can be withdrawn.
 

Tipping: 

Naturally tips depend upon quality of service but as a general rule:

  • bellhop/porter (US$0.50 to US$1 per service)

  • housekeeper (US$1 per day in top-end hotels, less in budget places).

  • on guided tours, tip the guide US$1 to US$5 per person per day.  Tip the tour driver about half of what you tip the guide.

  • taxi drivers are not normally tipped, unless some special service is provided.

  • upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge onto the bill, if not, you may or may not leave a small tip to show your appreciation

Electricity: 

Same as Canada and U.S.

Documentation:

Valid passport is required.  Your passport must be valid for 6 months after date of travel.  When you arrive, your passport will be stamped. The law requires that you carry your passport at all times during your stay in Costa Rica.

Climate:

Sub-Tropical.  Average temperatures range from 26 to 29 C from December to March and from April to November the temperatures will average between 31 and 33 C.  A small country with great variation in climate geographically the highland areas are cold while the cloud forest areas are misty and cool.  San Jose and the Central Valley enjoy spring like weather year round and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are hot also year round.

Travel destinations within Costa Rica: 

Common areas of interest for travel to Costa Rica are Liberia and Puntarena.

Health: 

It's usually a good idea to consult your government's travel health website before departure, if one is available.  Canadian citizens please visit:  http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/pub-eng.php . 

Since most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, visit a physician four to eight weeks before departure. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination (otherwise known as the yellow booklet), which will list all the vaccinations you’ve received. This is mandatory for countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry, but it’s a good idea to carry it wherever you travel.  Travel medical insurance is highly recommended.

Safety:

For the latest official reports on travel to Costa Rica see the country report for this destination at the Canadian government website http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=67000.  This website is always current and covers such topics as recent warnings and recommendations, safety and security, entry and exit requirements, contact information for Canadian embassies etc., travel health recommendations, laws and customs, currency, natural disasters, climate and any additional information pertinent to keep you informed of changes as they occur.

Some useful tips and considerations regarding safety:

Safety features on small boats are not always reliable. Whitewater rafting, sea diving, bungee jumping, canopy touring and other adventure sports should only be undertaken with a well-established company. If you have any doubt concerning the security of the installations or equipment, we strongly recommend that you refrain from using them.

Visitors to jungle areas should always be accompanied by an experienced guide.

Few people outside major hotels, and very few public service providers (e.g. police, lawyers, hospitals) are able to communicate in English or French. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or French.
 

 
 
Barcelo Playa Tambor – San Jose , Costa Rica
 
Flyers 122
 
Cost Rica Trip Review - In January 2008, we took a trip
as a family of 10.  This hotel is located ...read review!
 
Costa Rica Photo Gallery - be sure to view both amazing
pages of this resort and destination!   Page 1 . . .  Page2
 
 
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