
The Costa Rican Caribbean coast
Costa rica is blessed with two coastlines on different oceans Check out the Caribbean -central American style!
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Monteverde
Costa Rica is known for its dual coastline along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, its endless rainforest it's biodiversity and its amazing surfing. With so many adventure activities, the geographical diversity, its myriad of ecosystems, incredible delicious and healthy food, friendly local people, superb sea life and pristine, idyllic beaches… it's really hard to disagree that this heavenly sanctuary of tranquillity is an incredibly happy country!
This relatively small country is the home to 5 million people and borders Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the South and is found splat bang in the middle of Central America. Costa Rica has been a Spanish colony since Columbus arrived there in 1502. Yet, today, the influence is very much the Spanish and the Creole cultures combined and what characterises the country to this day.
Costa Rica is a small country yet has 14 volcanoes, 7 of which are active! A lot of the country is also covered with rainforest and one of the reasons why Costa Rica is one of the main pioneers of eco-tourism. A lot of Costa Rica is National Park or a protected area, which helps massively to protect animal and wildlife species. This is why Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and why it is amongst the top ten ethical countries to visit. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, however, due to the Caribbean influence, many people speak English or a form of creole based English, originating from the Caribbean. The increase in tourism over more recent years also means that over 10% of the population are English speaking. Today the country, who's famous motto is "Pura Vida" which means, PURE LIFE, is intrinsic to the culture and philosophy of this super-happy nation. Learn where to go in Costa Rica and more about Costa Rica travel information.
Costa Rica is a small but diverse piece of land, and savoring its amazing nature and wildlife will be the highlight for the group.
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Moderate
Costa Rica boasts incredible, pristine beaches on both of its coasts. It is one of the places in the few places in the world where you can visit both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts on the same day!
Package type:Adventure,Traditional
Physical Rating:Very High
Costa Rica is quite possibly one of the most idyllic destinations to spend your honeymoon. This Mystical Costa Rica honeymoon tour combines luxury accommodation with
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Moderate
Explore the best private tours to Costa Rica in our 11 day classic Costa Rica tour package. Book now for an unforgettable experience.
Package type:Traditional
Physical Rating:Moderate
Costa Rica boasts incredible, pristine beaches and incredible virgin rainforests with a spectacular array of flora and fauna. On this tour, we will visit some
Package type:Multi-Destinations
Physical Rating:Moderate
The Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. And the experience of a lifetime. It encompasses the only remaining
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:Moderate
Costa Rica is quite possibly one of the most idyllic destinations to spend a luxury holiday. This 11 day Luxury Eco-adventure combines top-end accommodation with
Package type:Multi-Destinations
Physical Rating:Moderate
The North Pacific Beaches of Costa Rica are world-famous. It’s no secret that Costa Rica is a tropical paradise; in fact, you can find some
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:Moderate
If you want to get off the beaten track and experience the incredible lush biodiversity of the Costa Rican rain forests well as visit some
Package type:Adventure
Physical Rating:High
Discover remarkable landscapes, historic cities, and iconic landmarks across the region.
Explore monthly average temperatures across major regions to help plan your adventure.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Viejo | 23°C | 23°C | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 23°C |
| Tamarindo | 32°C | 33°C | 35°C | 35°C33°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 32°C |
| Nosara | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C |
| Monteverde | 20°C | 21°C | 21°C | 22°C | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C |
| La Fortuna | 22°C | 23°C | 24°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 23°C |
| San Jose | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C |
| Limon | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C |
| Arenal | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C |
| Cahuita | 22°C | 22°C | 23°C | 23°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 23°C | 22°C |
Real stories and authentic feedback from travelers who explored with VA Expeditions.
Everything you need to know before visiting Costa Rica: local customs, safety guidelines, currency, health advice, and practical tips.
You will be able to find places selling typical local meals and funnily enough are called “tipicos” They usually contain rice, some kind of meat and fish and a side of coleslaw. The meals generally are quite simple but delicious and decently priced. Gallo Pinto or “rice and beans”- The menu of the day usually has several options, ceviche being a delicious raw fish option if you are over rice and beans. There will always be a vegetarian option too and it is widely accepted to ask for a dish with no meat. Sweets are really sweet, but luckily fresh fruits are the abundant and healthier option.
Costa Rica is famous for its coffee. Traditionally after meals, people will drink a coffee. This locally grown brew is widely available, although the best quality coffee is usually exported. The Arabic bean is the chosen coffee bean and you can even check out a plantation tour to see how the bean is grown and produced and have a few sips of course.
Eating out in Costa Rica is relatively expensive as it is mainly focussed on tourists. Prices will be similar to your home country and there are some top-end incredible eateries, especially in the cities. Restaurants do not accommodate late-eaters, like in other parts of Latin America, so no midnight snacks here!
The alcoholic drinks are wide and varied with all the popular tipples. The national drink is Guaro the sugarcane-based tipple. Most towns and cities have gringo hangouts and the local “Bocas” which are where you go for a drink and a tapas-like snack. Rum is actually the preferred drink for locals with all the associated rum cocktails widely available.
Costa Ricans are party goers They like to dance, celebrate and generally have a decent time! They do air on the conservative side, however. They will enjoy concerts or a bull fight or a horse parade for example.
Costa Rica is probably one of the safest countries of Central america. In San Jose, you will need to tke the usual precautions as in any large city, but apart from that enjoy the idyllic beaches and rainforests !
The currency in Costa Rica is the “colon” however, USD are widely accepted throughout the country. Carry colones with you if you are travelling in rural areas or small towns and for buses and public transport. Credit cards are widely accepted and used and often the best way to pay for things to avoid carrying cash.
ATMs are found in all cites and dispense dollars and Colones. Smaller towns may not have an ATM. Colones come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000. In general, the USD is considered more stable than the colon and is the often, preferred currency. Expect that if you pay for something in USD it is common to receive your change in colones. Only accept new USD, if they are ripped or torn they will not be accepted. In restaurants you will often get an unfavourable exchange rate if you pay in USD.
Tipping is expected in Costa Rica. A 10% service charge is usually included in the cost. If not a tip will be expected.
Costa Rica is a relatively healthy country to visit. In general, the usual travel vaccinations are enough. While there are not any fatal diseases endemic in Costa Rica, mosquito-borne illnesses are common such as Zika, dengue, leptospirosis and malaria. The best way to avoid these is to not get bitten if you can help it! Protect yourself!
Water is generally safe and bottled water is widely available to buy. The main types of illnesses will have something to do with something you ate or drank…germs are different in every country so try and stick to purified water and cooked veggies if you are staying for a short period of time. In more rural areas take the usual precautions, boil and filter your water, just in case!
Altitude can be an issue in some higher elevation regions or when mountain climbing, for example. Take the necessary acclimatization precautions and ascend slowly. Headaches, nausea, upset stomach, dizziness and insomnia are all common symptoms of altitude sickness.
Costa Rica has an excellent health care system and even people come here for a number of operations as part of their vacation as costs are relatively low. We recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes health cover for all destinations and Costa Rica is no exception. A decent insurance policy will cover you for any emergencies and should include repatriation should it be necessary. It will also cover loss or theft of any of your personal items while travelling.
There are not usually any problems for minority groups in Costa Rica. However, Costa is a catholic country and is somewhat conservative. Bigger cities are a lot more open-minded in general; however, in smaller rural communities, attitudes may be a little more conservative. It is a good plan to be more discreet in the more rural areas. Manuel Antonio is especially open to gay and lesbian travel.
Most countries do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica and you will be given an automatic 90 day tourist visa on entry. You will need a valid passport from your country of origin and your fingerprints will be taken on entry, to register your arrival in the country. Many African and Other Latin American countries need to apply for a visa in advance. Check with the Costa Rica consulate to see if you require a visa to enter.
“Ticos” will quite often turn up late it is normal to arrive half an hour late for everything, except a Drs appointment! There are remnants of the typical Latino “machista” culture though this has diminished in recent years with the amount of tourists visiting the destination.
Costa Ricans can also have an issue saying “no”. Sometimes they will say “puede ser”, which is maybe…. When quite often they mean no! This is to do with not hurting anyone’s feelings as opposed to trying to be deceptive. People here are very respectful and somewhat formal in their behaviour. Everything is accompanied with a ”Please” and “Thank you”.
Expect a kiss when someone says Hello. This is customarily on the right cheek, or even in the air. Men to men usually shake hands as opposed to a kiss.
Because of the amount of tourism Costa Rica receives, accommodation tends to be of a decent standard and there are a lot of different options.
The resorts are of an excellent category with everything on-site and generally are used for package bookings. This is a great option for those who want to hang out on the beaches and not do too much planning!
There are also many boutique options, for those who are looking for more character in their accommodation spread all around Costa Rica and certainly have more charm than more generic options. These often quirky hotels, make a change from the chain hotels which are also widely available.
Family-run B and B’s are a popular choice and are usually run by a family who rent out part of their home. This is a great way to meet other travellers and also get to know the locals a little.
Ecolodges are the way to go in the jungle areas and national parks. Costa Rica is home to 2 of the best eco lodges in the world and they come in all shapes and sizes, as well as price brackets. These usually remote lodges often do not have water or electricity for parts of the day as they typically use renewable sources. They may also come with a creepy-crawly or two, so make sure you ask for a mozzie net!
Cabins are also located throughout Costa Rica and tend to be basic yet clean and comfortable. This is the preferred option for those who are looking for a bit of peace and quiet. If you want a more party orientated option check out the hostel accommodations but expect to do much sleeping of course! With cabins and hostels, always have a look at the facilities first to make sure they are adequate.
Everything you need to know before and during your travel experience in Costa Rica.
You can check our safety protocols in the following link: https://www.horizontes.com/travel-bubbles
Hepatitis A Food & Water
Recommended for most travellers
Hepatitis B Blood & Body Fluids
Recommended for travellers to most regions.
Typhoid Food & Water
Recommended for travellers to most regions.
Yellow Fever Mosquito
Required if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Saliva of Infected Animals
A High-risk country. The Vaccine ris ecommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Malaria
There are often outbreaks of malaria in Costa Rica. While there is no vaccine for malaria you can take certain medications.
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when travelling to the destination.
As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.
Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.
We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.
We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.
Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.
Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.
This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.
We have put together a vast selection of highly qualified organizations that we consider to have influenced their specific fields and the sustainable development of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is known for being a green sustainable country and you can do activities such as:
Visit National Parks
Visit rural communities and share with locals
Try local gastronomy
Immerse in nature and wildlife
Volunteer
Plant a tree
For more information you can check our Hands on Learning in Costa Rica Program on the following link: https://horizontes.s3.amazonaws.com/dev/ks/images/VNYhAKY31Ed7w0bY.pdf
This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.
The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.
Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your hotel.
In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.
It depends on each itinerary. We suggest contacting your account representative to give you specific information regarding your program.
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We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.
We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.
VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.
Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.
Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.
We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.
The official currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.
As a committed tour operator we follow the next steps in order to promote sustainability with our collaborators, suppliers and clients:
We undertake sustainability certification processes to improve our operation and promote our green credentials.
We promote sustainable practices among our suppliers and evaluate their performance.
We educate travelers in how to be a responsible traveler.
With our Horizontes Foundation we work with local communities to improve livelihoods and preserve ecosystems.
Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature.
The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.
For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the 24/7 Operations Phone & WhatsApp number: (506) 8730-0396
All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: (506) 8730-0396. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com
This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.
In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.
We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. Depending on your destination, at various points on your trip there will be places where you can fill your water bottle.
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