Early March is definitely a good time for a Costa Rica vacation (see our favorite routes). The most popular destinations have hot dry weather and many hotels and lodges have some rooms available even a couple of weeks ahead. Later in March Spring Break travel may reduce availability and raise … [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
April in Costa Rica
Select Month January February March April May June July August September October November December or see when to travel? Our favorite time to travel is when it's cold up north and many of our "Best Trips Ever" were in the first part of the year. The tropical beaches are a sure cure … [Read more...]
May in Costa Rica
Select Month January February March April May June July August September October November December or see when to go summary May can be fantastic. The low season is kicking in, there are no crowds, prices are down and although the rains start in May it's usually nothing like the … [Read more...]
June in Cost Rica – Best Time to Travel?
Select Month January February March April May June July August September October November December or see when should we go? If you want to get a head start on summer June is a great time to visit Costa Rica. Popular destinations have shed their crowds and you can enjoy some of the … [Read more...]
July in Costa Rica
Best Time to Travel - Low Season? Select Month January February March April May June July August September October November December or see when to travel in Costa Rica Twenty years ago only insiders traveled to Costa Rica in July, but the secret is out so we've started … [Read more...]
August in Costa Rica – The Best Time to Go
Select Month January February March April May June July August September October November December or see best times to visit August is probably our personal favorite month for traveling around Costa Rica. It's "winter" on the Tico calendar but a tropical beach fits perfectly into … [Read more...]
Self Test for Travelers Returning to the U.S.
Update June 10, 2022 - TESTING IS NOT REQUIRED - as of Sunday June 12, 2022 12:01 EST travelers will be permitted to board international flights departing for the U.S. with NO testing. Update April 1, 2022 - Several companies have begun offering just proctoring services so travelers can use any … [Read more...]
NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. No testing required No vaccination required No "pase de salud" electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR codes … [Read more...]
Traveler’s Health Tips
Some basic planning and precautions can help keep you healthy and happy while traveling. Where to Get Care Emergencies Dial 911 toll free, and no coin required at a pay phone for emergency assistance. The Red Cross Rescue unit may be reached directly at 128 throughout the country (2221-5818 in San … [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...]
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
Most of the festivals and fiestas that were cancelled during covid are returning in 2023. One of the most colorful and dramatic Costa Rican celebrations is the Festival of the Little Devils in February. The Boruca put on masks representing devils and do stylized battle with the invading … [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...]
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...]
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...]