NOTE: As of 9:00 am October 14th, the official government COVID hotline maintains that this requirement is for NATIONALS (citizens and residents) ONLY. You can call and confirm at COVID hotline 506 2233 0683 extension 201 Beginning December 1, 2021 proof of a Covid 19 vaccine will be required … [Read more...]
Travel
Practical travel information like transportation options, driving, safety, health, packing, lodging, holidays, festivals, money and much more. Includes a section on weather, seasons, crowds and pricing to help you decide the best time to visit
Secrets of September & October
Ask locals about the best time to visit Costa Rica. They never choose the dry season months that are most popular with tourists. January through April have dry, hot, sunny weather every day on the Pacific beaches - but insiders prefer the secrets of the (not as wet as you think) rainy … [Read more...]
Self Test for Travelers Returning to the U.S.
Update August 8, 2021 - alternative home test for travel to the U.S. "GetTestedNow" antigen tests - the price is a bit higher than eMed (2 tests for $99 + $3 convenience fee + $15 to $60 shipping depending on speed... so about $60 to $80 each test) but they don't seem to have the wait times that … [Read more...]
New Instant Covid Viral Test – $30, FDA Approved
Update February 28, 2021 - eMed modified their website to include the following statement " these tests are NOT APPROVED for international reentry requirements" Update February 22, 2021 - The Chief Marketing Officer of eMed contacted us today requesting that we stop recommending their … [Read more...]
Choosing Transportation in Costa Rica
How should you travel around Costa Rica? It depends on your priorities - budget? time savings? convenience? safety? cost comparison | uber | 4WD? | air | boat The best way for many visitors to get around in Costa Rica is with a rental car. Typically tourists don't leave the pavement and driving … [Read more...]
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Coronavirus in Costa Rica The Covid 19 pandemic has replaced weather, crowds, bargains and wildlife migrations as the immediate consideration determining the best time to travel to Costa Rica. Perfect destination to avoid indoor risks - Costa Rica's outdoor activities, al fresco dining, and if … [Read more...]
Uber in Costa Rica – Okay? for Travelers
NOTE: As of early February 2021, the license plate based driving restrictions that were making it difficult/impossible to find an uber have been lifted. Availability is back to normal (see below for limited service area). The 10pm driving curfew is still in effect so it will be even more … [Read more...]
No Driving at Night in Costa Rica
"The Arenal volcano tour ends with a sunset mirador at 5:30 p.m. so we'll just pack and drive up to Monteverde for dinner then..." More like breakfast if you're lucky. Although a few km of modern highway are added to Costa Rica's road system each year driving at night on most routes is … [Read more...]
Current Storms in Costa Rica
current storms | forecasts to avoid | best time to visit | useful forecasts | historical storms After an exceptionally active and long hurricane season NOAA predicts that precipitation will be normal for the first half of 2021 in Costa Rica. That means very dry on the Pacific side until … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Holidays & Fiestas
Covid Note: Until the vaccine brings the pandemic under control, festivals, fiestas, rodeos, parties and gatherings of all kinds are not only a bad idea they are illegal in Costa Rica for the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. embassy in San Jose, fines of up to $3,800 ($750 minimum fine) … [Read more...]
Camping
Camping in Costa Rica is a great way to get to out of the way places, and experience the fascinating night and very early morning hours in the tropical forests. Costa Rica's Best Camp Sites boondocks | national parks | RV parks | backpacking | cabinas | glamping Tips for Tropical Camping in … [Read more...]
Costa Rica’s Domestic Airlines
Note: The premium tourist airline, NatureAir, ceased operations in January 2018 and a pack of newcomers arrived for the 2019 travel season just in time to be devastated by Covid. Of the four Green Airways is the only one active in April 2021. Aerobell, SkyWay, and TAC all have suspended flights … [Read more...]
Coronaviris & Covid19 in Costa Rica
The recent sixth consecutive extension of the closure of Costa Rica's borders from the end of June until at least August 1 was expected but disappointing. At a press conference at the end of June the president promised international visitors a comprehensive and detailed plan with specific … [Read more...]
Covid Perfect Destination – Costa Rica
2020 was rough and a tropical getaway to Costa Rica is the perfect remedy. outdoor everything | low cases | low risk | modern medical | perfect weather | assistance | restrictions insurance | electronic health pass | where to test | planning/logistics assistance What Makes Costa Rica the … [Read more...]
Do I Need Four Wheel Drive in Costa Rica?
The answer to the question "is 4WD necessary in Costa Rica?" is nearly always no. Since renting an SUV can be twice as expensive as choosing a standard car it's worth considering whether the extra capability is needed. Paved access to the most popular destinations means the majority of travelers … [Read more...]
Saving Money on Public Buses
I recently helped a family of 4 work through the best transportation options to get around Costa Rica and we were surprised by the results. They arrived late at SJO so planned to spend the night at the Holiday Inn Express before traveling to a rental house in Manuel Antonio the next … [Read more...]
Costa Rican Code of the Road
It doesn't take long to realize that there is a different code of the road in Costa Rica - at least if you want to survive it better not take too long... red = go? | arrows | ceda | danger boots | going straight | stupid | lights & siren | spares Traffic Lights, Yield and Stop Signs Check … [Read more...]
How to Rent a Car in Costa Rica
Renting a car in Costa Rica can be different - for example needing to decide whether 4WD is necessary or not. Other aspects are just plain bizarre, like the bumpy number requirement. If you want to skip all the fascinating quirks and just take the path of least resistance we've also written … [Read more...]
Stress Free Car Rental in Costa Rica
If you're reading this you've probably heard horror stories about renting cars in Costa Rica. It may be more expensive than you're used to but it doesn't have to be a trauma. Simple Instructions for Avoiding Frustration Reserve a car with an international rental agency or as part of a … [Read more...]
Which Airport is better – LIR in Libera or SJO Outside of San José?
Costa Rica has two international airports - Liberia (Daniel Oduber, LIR) and San José (Juan Santamaría, SJO). Both are fairly modern and efficient but are also operating well over their designed capacity. Your itinerary, interests, budget, timing and other factors will determine which is better or … [Read more...]