Where is Costa Rica ?
Costa Rica is in Central America . It borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. It has relatively long coastlines on both the Caribbean coast (east) and the Pacific coast (west). It is a small country - about half the size of Kentucky and two-thirds the size of Scotland .
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What is Costa Rica like?
Like most of Latin America, Costa Rica is predominantly Roman Catholic, but other religions are practiced freely throughout the country. Spanish is the native language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The Costa Ricans (commonly called Ticos) are known for their warmth and friendliness. They are proud of their country and glad to have you as their guest.
The country is divided in two by a mountain range that runs from Nicaragua on the north to Panama on the south. In the center of the range is a high altitude plain known as the Central Valley with lowlands and coastal areas on either side.
Costa Rica has a public healthcare system that provides affordable medical care to all its citizens as well as a free public school education from K through 12. Costa Rica has the highest rate of literacy in Latin America which has produced an exemplary Latino culture.
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What is the weather like?
The temperature in the Central Valley, the highlands, is moderate year-round with temperatures ranging in the 70's and low 80's Fahrenheit depending on the elevation. In the coastal areas the temperatures range from the 70's to the 90's. Rainy season starts in May and ends in November with the heaviest rains in October. Even in the rainy season, however, it does not rain all day. The mornings are generally sunny with rain in the afternoon and evening.
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What time zone is Costa Rica in?
Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (CST) in North America except during daylight savings. When the US is on daylight savings - from April through October, Costa Rica is on the same time as Mountain Time. We know this can be confusing, so be sure to set your watch when you arrive.
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When is high season/low season?
The dry/high season usually begins in late November and continues through the middle of April. Hotel prices usually run higher during this time but each hotel sets its own rates. The wet/low season runs from August through October, with October being the rainiest month. Some people find this time very agreeable with sunshine in the mornings and a tropical afternoon rain. The beginning and the end of the rainy (sometimes called the "green" season) are some of the best times to come to Costa Rica . Just bring your umbrella.
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What identification or entry requirements will I need?
You will need a valid, current passport. When you go through immigration in Costa Rica , you will be issued a 90-day tourist visa. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days you will have to leave the country for 72 hours and then come back in to get another 90-day visa. If you are not a citizen of the US , Canada or the UK go to www.rree.go.cr to check on travel requirements. (Note: if you need help understanding this information, e-mail Exotur at reservations@exotur.com ). We suggest that you make a couple of copies of the picture page of your passport and that you carry that with you while traveling. Keep your original passport in a safe place such as the strong box in your hotel room.
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Are there baggage rules that I should be aware of?
Recent travel advisories have changed the regulations about baggage and carry-ons. We recommend that you call you airline to verify the current requirements and limitations. Currently, l imits are more strictly enforced than in the past. Bags are weighed at check-in and many airlines have placed bag-sizers at their gates. If your carry-on bags are too big, you'll have to check them and that might cause them to be classified as "extra bags" which usually involves an additional charge. If your bags are too heavy, you can be charged an overweight luggage charge.
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What airlines fly into Costa Rica ?
US carriers with routes to San Jose , Costa Rica include:
American ( www.aa.com )
United ( www.ual.com )
Continental ( www.continental.com )
Delta ( www.delta-air.com )
US Airways ( www.usairways.com )
LACSA ( www.grupotaca.com ) is the official Costa Rican airline.
The following carriers also have service to San Jose 's Juan Santamaria International Airport :
Mexicana de Aviacion ( www.mexicana.com.mx )
Copa Airlines ( www.copaair.com )
Aviateca ( www.iberia.es )
Martinair ( www.martinair.com )
LTU ( www.ltu.com )
Avianca ( www.avianca.com )
Note: If you book your flights on-line, the airport code is SJO.
Most i nternational flights arrive at San Jose 's Juan Santamaria International Airport . There is also a second-string international airport, Daniel Oduber International Airport, in Liberia, 217km (135mi) northwest of San Jose and near the beaches in Guanacaste. The drive from this airport to San Jose is approximately four hours.
When you leave Costa Rica on an international flight, there is a departure tax of around $26.00 US.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Is the government and the economy stable?
Costa Rica is quite progressive both politically and economically. It is not without reason that it has been called the "Switzerland of Central America." Costa Rica has not had a single war in its modern history or any major political turmoil. It is recognized by most experts as the most stable country in Central America . It has a freely elected democratic government. Since adopting its current Constitution in 1949, Costa Rica , unlike its neighbors, has not had an army, something that has contributed significantly to its political and economic stability.
Historically, Costa Rica 's economy has been based on agriculture, including the production of coffee, bananas, pineapples, and ornamentals, but in recent times, ecotourism, electronics, pharmaceuticals, software development have become prime industries.
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Can I drink the water?
The water in Costa Rica is completely potable, but we suggest that you stick to bottled water while visiting. "Montezuma's revenge" is by no means the plague on tourists visiting here, but microcosms unfamiliar to your digestive system may exist so it is "better to be safe than sorry."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ hat is the food like?
You will enjoy a wealth of fresh fruits and vegetables while visiting Costa Rica . Papayas, pineapples, mangos, a variety of bananas, avocados and many exotic tropical fruits are plentiful and delicious in season. The staples of the Tico diet are rice, beans and corn tortillas. Be sure to try "gallo pinto," the typical item on any breakfast menu accompanied by eggs, tortillas and sour cream. At lunchtime try "casados" (meaning married) which is a large plate of rice, beans, fried plantains, salad, cheese, diced vegetable prepared in various ways, and your choice of meat, chicken or fish. With that "marriage," you won't be hungry again for quite a while. Throughout your stay, you will enjoy Costa Rican coffee, some of the finest in the world.
Due to the large number of foreign residents and tourists, the major cities and tourist areas have a wide variety of dining options. Asian, Italian, French and other international cuisines are readily available. You will also enjoy sampling some of the very fine South American restaurants that are available.
In recent years, the fast food chains have come to Costa Rica . So if you have a "Big Mac attack," hamburgers, pizza and fries are available.
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How much should I tip?
Most restaurants add a 10% surcharge to the bill. You can add to that at your discretion. If the service was good, an additional 10% is customary. Taxi drivers do not expect to receive a tip but one is always appreciated. It is customary to tip hotel personnel such as bellhops and the maid who cleans your room. Your Exotur guide may handle tips for you, so you will be advised accordingly.
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How much money should I bring and will I need the local currency?
You will need to bring some money with you and you will need to convert it to "colones," the local currency. Your Exotur agent can help you determine just how much cash you will need according to your length of stay, itinerary and the number of people in your party. It is important to wait until you get here to convert you money to colones. (Should you need to tip anyone at the airport, US dollars are welcomed.) You will receive a much better rate of exchange once you are in Costa Rica . You can change your money at any bank or the hotel where you are staying. The current exchange rate is around 500+ colones to $1.00 US but that fluctuates from day to day.
Personal checks will not be accepted and, in some places, neither are travelers checks or you may be charged a surcharge for cashing them. Most businesses accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). There are 24-hour ATM machines, with menus in English, readily available in most places. (Don't forget your PIN numbers - not letters.) Cash, either in US dollars or colones is always preferred and some places charge a surcharge if you pay with a credit card. If you pay in dollars, you will get your change in colones.
Most North American see Costa Rica as very affordable, but like anywhere, there are tourist traps that overcharge. If it is important to you, bargains can be found and your Exotur guide can give you good advice in this area. Wherever you go, however, it pays to be smart and know the value of the colon versus the dollar and spend your money accordingly.
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What electric current is used?
Costa Rica 's electricity is the same as the United States (110V AC at 60Hz). You can plug your laptop, hair dryer or any other electrical device into the wall socket anywhere you go.
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How do the phones work?
Can I call home? Direct dial phone service is available to most counties, but it can be expensive. We recommend that you purchase a prepaid, international telephone card before you come to Costa Rica if you think you will need to call home. Phone calls can also be paid with a credit card. Check with your long distance carrier to get access numbers.
Most cell phones do not work while in Costa Rica . Check with your cell phone company. However, some of our guests have been told that they could use their cell phones with a special international plan only to find that it did not work here. You have the option of renting a cell phone that will allow you to make international calls while in Costa Rica .
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How is driving in Costa Rica ?
Driving in Costa Rica is nothing like driving in North America or Europe . The main highways are quite good but they are heavily used. Costa Rican highway authorities are working hard to keep pace with the increasing number of vehicles using the highways. Roads through the mountains are narrow and winding. Even the roads to the popular beaches have many pot holes that you would not find in North America .
One of the biggest problems is slow moving vehicles that encourage dangerous passing on double yellow lines. If you rent a car , please drive very carefully and defensively . Driving habits and the rules of the road are not the same as in North America . Roads to remote locations ( Osa Peninsula , Cahuita, Moneverde) are in very poor shape and require a 4x4 with good suspension. Locals make jokes about the "famous Costa Rican pot holes," but they will slow your progress and can do serious damage to a vehicle if you do not know how to navigate them properly. These places are wonderful places to see so we recommend that you "leave the driving to us," and let your Exotur guide manage the really bad roads. You can sit back and enjoy the adventure.
If you do rent a car, please do not leave unattended luggage or valuables in the car. If you have to leave anything, be sure to keep it well hidden from the sight of passers-by. If you are driving anywhere, ask your Exotur agent about estimated travel times between destinations.
One more word of caution - we don't recommend that you drive at night particularly on the highways and secondary roads. There are no lights, and fog in some areas can roll in suddenly.
How are the health care facilities? What would I do in a health emergency?
Costa Rica is rightfully proud of its excellent health care. There are several modern hospitals, affiliated with major medical centers in the US , in the greater San Jose area. Many of the doctors affiliated with these hospitals are US trained and speak English. If you need the services of an emergency room, you can call one of the following numbers:
Hospital Clinica Biblica in downtown San Jose - 221-3922
Hospital Cima in Escazu (greater San Jose area) - 208-1000
The 911 emergency system is in place in Costa Rica .
Are there any dangers that I should know about?
Costa Rica remains a safe place to travel and crimes against tourists are rare. Like anywhere else, there are precautions you should take: don't flash a lot of cash around, don't wear fancy jewelry on the street, don't leave valuables in your rental car, don't party late with strangers, most certainly do not bring or buy drugs. If you are in San Jose , you should not go out at night alone.
The Costa Rica sunshine is not a danger but you should remember that you are only 8 o away from the equator so the sun is intense. Bring sun screen and apply it frequently. Keep your bottle of water handy and keep yourself well hydrated.
The beaches in Costa Rica are some of the best in the world and you should plan to enjoy them while you are here. There are, however, several beaches notorious for rip tides and undertow. Costa Rican beaches do not usually have lifeguards, so you need to be informed and careful. Your Exotur guide can tell you about the local beaches in the areas where you will be staying.
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What should I bring with me?
Your choice of clothes will depend on whether you are doing the barefoot/surfer trip or the luxury VIP tour, but either way you want light, cool clothes and something to a bit warmer to wear at night when it is cooler. Here is a list of things you will want to be sure to bring:
Passport and copies of the face page |
Light jacket or sweater |
Driver's license |
Shorts and long pants |
Credit cards |
Comfortable hiking clothes |
Camera, batteries and film |
Hiking boots or good hiking shoes |
Bathing suit(s) |
Sandals |
Beach towels |
Fanny pack, backpack or some kind of day pack |
Hat, baseball cap or eyeshade |
Personal items (toothpaste, lotion, etc.) |
Sunglasses |
Insect repellant |
Prescription medicines |
Sunscreen lotion |
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What can I buy in Costa Rica ?
Costa Rica has many products that make great gift and souvenirs. You will be amazed by the lovely handmade wooden and ceramic crafts. You might want to buy a hammock or a leather rocking chair. The town of Sarchi is a popular artisan town where items can be purchased directly from the craftsmen. You will find shops selling crafts in most of the areas that tourists visit.
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What is meant by "all-inclusive" in Costa Rica ?
When you book your trip with Exotur, we are careful to let your know exactly what is included. In most cases, it means your lodging, transportation in our vans, meals that are specified in your itinerary, tours, taxes and other domestic transportation (such as a domestic flight), if applicable. Generally, you are on your own for your evening meal unless specified in your itinerary. All our tours and vacations are designed so that you will be worry free.
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Will I travel with other people on an Exotur package?
You will not. Our travel packages are custom made for you or your group. While we can handle large groups, our specialty is hands-on, personal service for individuals, families and small groups. We take time to get to know you and find out what you want from your time in Costa Rica . Many of our clients turn into friends who come back again and again making Costa Rica their favorite vacation spot.
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What is the best way to book my vacation?
You can spend hours researching your options, OR you can call us, outline your preferences from your vacation planner and an Exotur agent will do the work for you. We are paid a commission from the hotels and tours that we book - you do not pay us anything extra . In fact, because we know the country and work regularly with the hotels and tour operators, we can get better prices. Chances are that you will pay considerably less when you book your vacation through Exotur. Our prices are competitive with other agencies and we promise you personalized guidance and attention from planning through to the end of your stay with us in Costa Rica .
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