COSTA RICA

 

Costa Rica is on everyone’s bucket list and rightfully so! In fact, it is hard to think of a country with a more magnificent blend of beauty and adventure. From scuba diving to volcano trekking to zip lining to surfing to rainforest hiking - the opportunities are truly endless! This nation is best embodied by its mantra, “Pura Vida”, which directly translates to “pure life”. This expression takes on a whole ‘nother meaning with locals though; it is a way of life and encourages people to live with no worries! Pura Vida!

  • Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:

  • Currency:

    • The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but most travelers use U.S. Dollars.

      • $1 USD = 615 CRC

  • Pricing for Leisure Travelers:

    • Average Hotel Expenses = 34,000-43,000 CRC/Night ($55-$70 USD/Night)

    • Average Food/Drink Expenses = 12,000-22,000 CRC/Day ($20-$35 USD/Day)

  • Pricing for Backpackers:

    • Average Hostel Expenses = 6,000-12,000 CRC/Night ($10-$20 USD/Night)

    • Average Food/Drink Expenses = 5,000-11,000 CRC/Day ($8-$18 USD/Day)

  • Communication:

    • Costa Ricans speak their national language of Spanish but most can navigate conversations in English as well.

  • Transportation:

    • Direct Shuttle Bus: This is a great option for those who do not mind sharing transport with fellow travelers. Most of the vehicles in Caribe Shuttle’s fleet can seat up to 12.

    • Bus: This is the most popular and affordable means of transportation in Costa Rica for sure! There is no unified national bus network but there are plenty of buses that flow in and out of the main tourist destinations daily. The main travel hub in Costa Rica is San José and most bus routes run through here. Book tickets via Bookaway.

    • Airplane: Flying in Costa Rica can be done but it is much more expensive than bus travel. I recommend flying only if you are extremely pressed for time. Costa Rica has international airports in three cities: San José, Liberia, and Limón.

    • Taxi/Uber: In larger cities, this can be a good option but, for the most part, taking a bus is your best bet. Don’t expect to find many taxis in smaller Costa Rican towns.

    • Private Transportation: ILT Costa Rica offers high-end private transport throughout the country. They have options for all group sizes with vehicles that can seat 5, 9, 12, and 18 passengers.

  • Miscellaneous:

    • Costa Rica recently celebrated its 70-year anniversary without an army!

    • If you cross into Costa Rica on land (at the Panamanian or Nicaraguan border), there are strict requirements to enter. You must:

      • Show your passport (valid at least six months past when you cross the border)

      • Show two printed copies of your passport (the border officer will take 1 of them)

      • Pay $1 USD to enter the country

      • Show proof of exit (either a bus or plane ticket showing that you will leave Costa Rica within 180 days)

      • Show proof of financial stability (a bank account screenshot showing that you have at least $500 USD)

      • Show a visa (if necessary; check this website to see if your home nation requires a visa to visit Costa Rica)

        • United States, Canadian, Australian, and most European residents do not need a visa (there is a visa-waiver agreement between the EU and Costa Rica that allows Schengen-area country residents to travel in Costa Rica without a visa)

    • In addition to the $1 USD fee to enter Costa Rica, there is a $7 USD fee to leave the country.

    • Below are recommended vaccinations and prescriptions to obtain before travel to Central America. None of them are required, but a travel doctor I spoke with advised getting these shots and prescriptions to be safe:

      • Hepatitis A (shot)

      • Hepatitis B (shot)

      • Malaria (prescription for Mefloquine pills)

      • Traveler’s Diarrhea (Imodium pills to use just in case)

      • Typhoid (shot)

JACÓ

MANUEL ANTONIO

MONTEVERDE

PUERTO VIEJO (DE TALAMANCA)

 

SAN JOSÉ

 

Thank you Samuel Charron (for the photo of Jacó) and GoodFreePhotos (for the photo of San José)!