Select Month January February March April May June July August September October November December or see when to go summary You have to be a little choosy to find the best things to do in September and unless you know where to look the wildlife might be hidden away trying to escape … [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
October in Costa Rica – Best Time for the Caribbean
Select Month January February March April May June July August September October November December or see best time to visit Costa Rica The typical rainfall patterns are inverted this month some of the top itineraries to the Pacific resort areas get washed out. It's the perfect time … [Read more...]
November in Costa Rica – Could be Great
A good friend of ours is a Costa Rica wedding planner and when she scheduled her own beach ceremony for November we thought she was nuts. Every bride wants everything perfect and she must have led a charmed life indeed because it turned out perfectly despite the fact that it's one of the most … [Read more...]
December in Costa Rica – Best Time to Visit?
December starts out with lower prices and occupancy during the tail end of the rainy season. By Christmas the dry season is normally beginning and hotels are sold out at for Christmas and New Years. The trails, zip-lines and white-water rivers are flowing with tourists. If you're considering a … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Best Restaurants in Costa Rica
Costa Rica boasts an off the grid farm where internationally renowned guest chefs create signature dishes based on the day's organic harvest, luxury resort seafood platters piled with langosta and camarones, and a modern menuless Mediterranean cafe that's truly family style because you'll eat what … [Read more...]