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...]
Save a Million
A million Colones is about $1,700 and it's possible for two people to save that much on a week long vacation in Costa Rica using the money saving ideas below... How to Save a Million Colones Traveling in Costa Rica...sensational title for some sensible advice Credit card car insurance … [Read more...]
Río Tárcoles Crocodile Bridge
One of the edgiest and most dangerous wildlife watching walks in Costa Rica will soon be tamed forever. The famed Tárcoles River "crocodile" bridge is losing its fear factor. The MOPT (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes) announced that the three month long project to widen the … [Read more...]
Bribery
It's not common, but it does happen. In thousands of kilometers of driving I've been pulled over twice... three... four times — once "legitimately" and three times fraudulently. I haven't paid mordida (a bribe) or received a ticket in any of the stops. $1,800 parking ticket | corruption | the bite … [Read more...]
Rent-a-Car Cost Comparisons
As you can see from the rate quote comparisons below the cost for a full size SUV rental can vary from $55.59 per day from Alamo using Credit Card coverage, to $95.90 from the local company Vamos, and up to $207.92 per day with full insurance coverage. 50% off | compare prices | damages | … [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...]
Poás Volcano – Tickets & Visitor Information
A visit at Poás Volcano National Park takes 45 minutes - 5 minutes to present your entrance ticket (required advance purchase online), sign waivers, and queue up which is followed by a 10 minute walk on the paved path from the parking lot to the overlook, 20 minutes at the overlook, and 10 minutes … [Read more...]
Corruption in Costa Rica
Corruption is a Latin American stereotype and Costa Rican headlines continuously announce the latest official caught taking bribes for anything from automotive safety inspections to construction contracts. Corruption impacts residents much more than tourists, but visitors may experience it in a few … [Read more...]
Tips for Traveling with Kids
These suggestions are informed by nearly 25 years of experience traveling with young people in Costa Rica. While a lot of it is just obvious common sense hopefully there are some helpful tidbits that haven't occurred to you. Children of All Ages Home Base - Most kids learn their home address … [Read more...]
Hot Springs – Natural & Spas in Costa Rica
I gotta be honest with you. I've never really understood the popularity of hot springs in the tropics. With the thermometer sitting at 85° and the air laden with moisture at 98% humidity. Why on earth would you want to dunk yourself in hot water to push that to 99° and 100%?...except for the swim … [Read more...]
Turtle Nesting
Costa Rica is a sea turtle paradise. If you’re flexible with your destinations it's possible to see them nest and/or hatch nearly anytime you plan to visit. Sea Turtles lay eggs on beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean shores of Costa Rica every month of the year which in turn means … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Live Weather Reports
Headed over to the Caribbean side and you want to know what the weather is doing right now? Arenal Barva Volcano Buenos Aires Cahuita Cerro Muerte Domincal Golfito Irazú Volcano Jiménez La Cruz Liberia Limón Los Chiles Manuel Antonio Nicoya Nosara/Guiones Palo Verde Paquera Poás … [Read more...]
Finding Long Term Rentals – How To
It's easy to find a long term rental in Costa Rica at a reasonable price if... You want to live in the city - online listings are plentiful and relatively accurate for the San José greater metropolitan area You're staying six months during the rainy season - occupancy in tourist areas … [Read more...]
Credit Card Insurance
We always use the rental car coverage that is included as a free service of our VISA signature credit card. Other Options | Damage Claims | Fine Print Rental Car Insurance Using a Credit Card in Costa Rica For us there are a number of advantages to using our card coverage instead of buying … [Read more...]
Save Money Renting a Car in Costa Rica
Renting a vehicle in Costa Rica is surprisingly expensive for visitors used to north American or European rates. The roads are rough and hard on vehicles. The import duties, taxes and circulation fees all add to the cost of maintaining fleets. local | shop twice | don't rent | skip days | … [Read more...]
Tortuguero Beach – National Park & Sea Turtles Nesting
Tortuguero is amazing. Everything about every visit makes us want return again and again. This time we were there for the turtles and timed our visit to coincide with the second half of the nesting season for the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas mydas. October is perfect because the … [Read more...]
Volcanoes in Costa Rica
It's been a tough decade for volcano tourism in Costa Rica. Arenal, Poás (partially re-opened), Turrialba, Chato, Tenorio (re-opened!), Miravalles (re-opened!), Rincón, Von Seebach, and Santa Maria Volcanoes have all been impacted by increases or decreases in volcanic activity, weather, … [Read more...]
Useful Costa Rica Websites
A directory of sources for Costa Rica information - actually useful* not paid promotions birds | docs | embassy | gov | health | hike | maps | news | public works | transport | trivia | weather Finding anything useful in the tsunami of advertising and search engine optimization garbage returned by … [Read more...]
Working in Costa Rica
One of the most common questions about relocating is "can foreigners work in Costa Rica?" Whether it's a full time job, something part time to supplement social security, or running a B&B on the side - practically and legally the concise answer is usually "No." At the same time there are … [Read more...]