Costa Rica
Travel Guide

Central America + Caribbean - Costa Rica - Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Caribbean paradise. Costa Rica not only has dreamlike beaches, it also has a beautiful landscape and it’s full of great biodiversity, these things make Costa Rica a really attractive place to visit. Mountains, natural reserves, jungles, rivers, volcanoes, beaches to surf, coasts with black sand, colored sunsets, palm trees, crystalline waters… of course, nature is one of the most valued treasures of... this country. The vibes of Costa Rica are the Ticos, very nice and open people who are proud locals and excellent hosts. They love good food, sharing long conversations and to lead a happy life. The American influence is quite present and every day there are many more products and services from North America. Although the essence of Costa Rica remains and the country is still sharing and promoting its culture and traditions. Tourism is one of the strengths of the economy, those who offer rice and beans at every hour, of every day. To travel to Costa Rica leaves a mark in many ways, the country is pura vida... savor it!

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Costa Rica Overview

Language

Spanish and English. The official Language in Costa Rica is Spanish and the street slang is known as “Pachuco”. However, in the territory there are 5 indigenous languages spoken: Guaymí, Bocotá, Cabécar, Maleku and Bribri. Although Spanish is the most used language, the proximity with the United States makes it have a lot of their influence, and as a result many of the Costa Ricans speak in English as well.

Weather

The weather in Costa Rica is tropical because of its proximity with the Equator, but being a small and narrow, as well as close to the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, there’s a fair bit of variation in the weather. The sun shines throughout the year and the days have 12 hours of sunlight, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., when it starts getting dark. The temperature, usually, is mild throughout the year: winters are a little cold, but rainy, and summers are dry. The winter starts in May, until the final days of October or the first days of November, and it’s known as the “green season” because of the rainfall. The dry season, the summer, is between December and April.

Money

Colón (CRC) is the country’s currency, although its proximity with the United States allows for many stores to accept the US dollar. Exchanging currencies in Costa Rica is relatively easy if your currency is the Euro, the United States Dollar or the British Pound. Trying to exchange other types of currency can be a little bit harder, the advice we give is to ask your bank before travelling. Almost everywhere in Costa Rica there are ATMs –except on natural landscapes- but, have in mind that some ATMs only work with cards in their network. Paying with credit card shouldn’t be a problem, although they charge commission. Normally in the restaurants and services, a tip is given.

When to go

During the Costa Rican summer, between December and April, is when there are fewer rainfalls, which allows you to visit the country and their nature –the beaches and the wild areas- without torrential rain. Although you can also visit in the winter, because it is not that cold, although some days of your visit can be greeted with pouring rain.

Days

7 days minimum. Costa Rica is a small country with breathtaking natural landscapes. If you travel to this corner of the world we recommend you to spend at least a week so you can discover every aspect of this territory: take a bath in their crystalline waters, visit a natural reserve, discover their volcanoes, its fauna, savor their food and get to know its people.

Surroundings

Panama (Neighbor country)
Bocas del Toro (Islands of Panama)
Sarapiquí River (River)
Ujarrás (Ruined Temple)

Store Hours

Many stores and restaurants from Monday to Saturday are open from 9 a.m. until it gets dark. The big brands and shopping malls open at 9 a.m. and close later, around 8 or 9 p.m.