Where year-round sunshine meets expansive rainforests and a welcoming Central American culture creates the iconic “Pura Vida” mentality, Costa Rica is a cherished and vibrant destination. And while this diverse country offers an impressive variety of landscapes and experiences, there are a few general pointers travelers should keep in mind when visiting. Read on to learn more about this Central American country.
Logistics
First and foremost, before visiting any international destination, vacationers need to be ready to navigate communication barriers, currency conversions and more.
Language
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, and this variation does differ from what travelers may hear in destinations like Mexico or Spain. Without getting into the nitty-gritty linguistic differences, most Ticos (a more endearing term for Costa Ricans) know a varying degree of English. Naturally, those employed in hospitality-based industries tend to be more fluent than other locals, though travelers should be prepared to navigate the language barrier at any point during their trip.
Currency
Here, the local currency is Costa Rican colones (CRC), where one USD is equivalent to around 506 CRC. The strength of the colón has grown considerably in the last few years, meaning that the U.S. dollar doesn’t stretch quite as far as it historically has. While this is ideal for locals in certain industries, this does make Costa Rica one of the more expensive Central American destinations to visit.
Weather
Costa Rica generally boasts comparable temperatures through the wet and dry seasons, ranging from the mid-70s (Fahrenheit) to high 90s. The coasts tend to be hotter than the central valley, and visitors may notice the temperature drop a few degrees at higher elevations.
May through November is considered the wet season, also sometimes referred to as the “green season,” because this period of the year is when Costa Rican foliage is the lushest. December through April is the “dry” season, providing travelers with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. Don’t be fooled — while it’s called the dry season, the country does still have plenty of rainy days during this window, though far less than the wet season. As a result of the weather, December through April is considered Costa Rica’s peak travel season and is something to note as travelers book and plan their vacations.
What To Pack
There may be some variation in what to pack depending on the season travelers are visiting, though there are some general guidelines to abide by. Because Costa Rica is a hot and humid destination, less is more when it comes to clothing. Dressing for comfort should be the number one priority, especially considering that many visitors will be participating in some sort of physical excursion that has them working up a sweat.
Summer clothing (fast-dry material or loose-fitting), multiple pairs of walkable shoes and extra undergarments are the way to go to ensure that travelers have backup options to stay fresh. Even if visitors are heading up to higher elevations where temperatures may drop, limiting the number of pants or long sleeves in the suitcase is highly recommended.
The humid environment in Costa Rica also means that the mosquitoes are out in full force — be sure to pack plenty of bug spray to prevent an itchy vacation. The Costa Rican sun is strong as well, so reef-safe sunscreen (not legally required, though strongly encouraged) is a must.
Random Tidbits
We all know the saying “the early bird gets the worm,” and Costa Rica perfectly embodies that philosophy. The sun rises around 6 a.m. each day, with most locals up and at ‘em around 5 a.m. If that sounds like something you can sleep through, think again, because all the nearby critters and creatures like to make their early arrival known, often chittering loudly in the wee hours. Travelers who have late mornings and sleeping in high on their priority list should strongly consider their hotel’s location to ensure maximum relaxation.
Regarding vacationers’ food and drink options, the water is safe to drink in the Central Valley cities like San José, Heredia and Cartago and mountain areas like Monteverde. However, travelers with sensitive stomachs may want to opt for bottled water or a filtering device of some sort because Costa Rica’s water contains higher amounts of calcium and magnesium than some American visitors may be used to. Rural destinations like Tortuguero, the Osa Peninsula, the Guanacaste coast and Costa Ballena are more likely to have unsafe tap water.
As previously noted, the colón’s strength means that Costa Rica is not as inexpensive as people may assume. One way to save money on food is dining at sodas (small roadside restaurants) in less touristy areas. The dishes are still quite tasty, but the mom-and-pop vibe helps cut down on costs. Paying for food and other activities with your credit card is recommended, and remember to ask for the payment to be in colones for a better exchange rate.
Lastly, if travelers are planning on driving in Costa Rica or taking some form of motorized vehicle as their transportation, it should be noted that the roads back up quite easily. The average speed limit on the highways sits around 50 mph, and many areas only have one lane, causing extreme congestion. Should visitors choose to drive at any point during their vacation, they would need their original passport and driver’s license as well as a valid tourist stamp on their persons.
Cultural Courtesies
One of the great debates for American travelers when visiting an international destination is tipping culture. In Costa Rica, a service tax is most often already included in the price, raising the price by about 10%. Should vacationers feel inclined to tip on top of the service charge, 10% is normative.
Additionally, Costa Ricans operate on what has been fondly nicknamed “Tico time,” where locals are habitually late to appointments or other deadlines. While this may not impact travelers and the tourism industry too much, remembering to embrace the pura vida way of life is key to a positive experience for everyone.
Finally, vacationers should be courteous with the use of resources in their lodging. Turning off lights, limiting water waste and reusing towels are a few ways guests can help promote a more sustainable stay. As visitors explore this lush destination, do remember to leave shells, plants and other items in their natural habitats. Not only will they get confiscated at the airport, but this eco-friendly approach also helps reinforce positive travel habits.
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