Local buses operate chiefly in San Jos, Puntarenas, San Isidro de El General, Golfito and Puerto Limn, connecting urban and suburban areas. Thanks again ! Costa Rica and Nicaragua have disputed the San Juan as territory, so take your passport if you want to explore these waters. This mobile carrier is the largest in Costa Rica and has great connectivity around the country. Spare parts may be hard to find, especially for vehicles with sophisticated electronics and emissions-control systems. Great tips! Note: If you pay basic insurance with a gold or platinum credit card, the card company may take responsibility for damage to the car, in which case you can forgo the cost of the full insurance. The trip to Costa Rica is really a wonderful experience. They have really made me rethink some of my plans for Costa Rica as I was planning to visit for a week. 1,121. I had no idea it was so expensive, I will definitely make sure I take your tips into consideration while I plan my trip! Ferries cross the Golfo de Nicoya, connecting the central Pacific coast with the southern tip of the Pennsula de Nicoya. There are speed limits of 100km/h to 120km/h or less on highways; limits will be posted. It is cheap and easy! When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. That being said English levels are higher in Costa Rica than in the rest of Central America. Happy New Year! What countries can US travelers visit right now? After explaining our situation, the Adobe staff was very accommodating. Cahuita. I knew that there are many american tourist ut I am surprise that we can use american dollar there. Roads that lead to the rainforest. The main reason for why I havent visited Costa Rica before is how expensive it is! Panama has both incredible wild spaces waiting to be explored and chic cities full of glamor here's everything you need to know before you go. Recommended option Bus 1h 48m Take the bus from San Jos to Entrada a Jac By Costanera / . This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Consider an organised tour 3. He showed us insects, plants, and trees that we never would have noticed. It's possible to rent a taxi for the day if you agree on a price in advance. Many places will also accept an International Driving Permit (IDP), issued by the automobile association in your country of origin. A two lane road will choke down to one lane. Renting a car is obviously a great idea but also a lot more expensive and a bit burdensome. If youve got time in San Jos, the Mercado Central (Central Market) is also an option. I always agree its better to travel during off season to enjoy a different kind of beauty! Costa Rica has plenty of fresh seafood, but do you know that shrimps are very very expensive? Sorry, I cant help answer your question. If you're planning to exploreGuanacasteand theNicoya Peninsulain the northwest region of Costa Rica, you can easily hail a taxi from the Daniel Oduber Quirs International Airport (LIR). 1-866-816-0197 Getting the Best Airfare to Costa Rica Departure level - Juan Santamaria Airport SJO Any time you travel to Costa Rica your best bet for getting cheap airfare is to know a good deal when you see one . Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. But I guess by reading your post going during the rain season a trip to Costa Rica doesnt have to cost that much! If youre curious, check out this Costa Rica Travel Costs page detailing how much it costs to visit Costa Rica. But yes, its definitely not cheap, and the mass tourism from the US will keep it that way. Spend at least a day or two here soaking in thermal hot springs, hiking an active volcano, zipping through the forest canopy, and scouting wildlife (yes, sloths live here) before you head for the beaches. Rio Chollin. Id definitely take the guided nature tour. There are so many places to see and adventures to be had from its gorgeous beaches, misty cloud forests, extraordinary wildlife, lush rainforeststo active volcanoes. Private rooms in hostels are usually $35-60 USD. Thanks for sharing your information. A better alternative to renting your own set of wheels is hiring a car-and-driver service recommended from yourhotel, so you can enjoy the country's gorgeous scenery without having to tackle challenging roads with confusing signage. You'll have to book your room and tour reservations three months in advance to secure a spot. Nice reading about all the tips for planning a trip to costa rica. Motorcycles (including Harley-Davidsons) can be rented in San Jos and Escaz, but considering the condition of the roads it's not recommended. Pro tip: pack a light water-resistantrain jacketand bring awaterproof backpack when visiting during the rainy season. The 4 Best Ways How To Get From San Jose To Monteverde Im glad you talk about the driving here. Getting around Costa Rica | How to get around in Costa Rica Dont do that. Fares range from less than US$1 to around US$20. But using some key phrases, such as "por favor" ("please") and "gracias" ("thank you"), is a polite gesture that goes a long way. For a hassle-free means of getting to downtown San Jos from the Juan Santamara International Airport (SJO), you'll want to flag a taxi. There is NO license plate fees,environmental fees, airport feesor any othermandatory fees that other car rental companies make their customer pay. Driving on your own is not highly. And that was theBEST DECISION weve made on our trip. Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! I love love love the wet season, so am totally behind you there were big wildlife fans, and photography enthusiasts, and the landscapes always look so lush for photos, with the rain bringing out more wildlife . You will have to drive out of the beach town and go back to the main road first before you can head towards the next beach community. Costa Rica's official currency is the Costa Rica Coln (CRC). Cahuita is a small fishing village on the southern side of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast. These are all great tips! Buy gifts such as coffee, Lizano sauce, and chorreador in a grocery store where prices are generally lower than the tourist shops. Note: many of thesetoursinclude hotel pick-up and drop-off so theres no need to worry about transportation. More than 70 percent of Costa Rica's population identifies as Catholic; however, the Catholic Church's presence is not readily visible to the unsuspecting traveler, except during patron saint celebrations when locals flock to the streets outside churches for dancing, music and scrumptious cuisine. Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. This beautiful hardback showcases 50 of the greatest road trips on Earth, from classic routes in America, Australia and Europe, to incredible adventures in Asia and Africa. Getting the Best Airfare to Costa Rica US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially at hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies. You'll also want to lather up with sunscreen and insect repellent, as mosquitoes and other critters swarm Costa Rica's damp rainforests. Very helpful post for me. And you should definitely allow for upwards of a week theres SO much to see and do! 1. Why so expensive? In rural areas, 4WDs are often used as taxis and are a popular means for surfers (and their boards) to travel from their accommodations to the break. An additional note on driving, bridges in CR require the drivers attention. I like places where people do not expect a tip from you. Enjoy your stay it is more than worth it to see this country at least once. Grabbing a SIM card is an awesome idea to cut back on roaming costs, and renting a car would be awesome while I am there! Shared shuttles are another option and most, such as Interbus, are efficient and comfortable. There is a US$29 departure tax on all international outbound flights, payable in dollars or colones, though most carriers now include it in the ticket price. I had no idea about the tipping and tap water! If you need Colones,go to the banks for the best exchange rates. There is signage in Spanish to let you know which direction has right of way. Shuttles are provided byGray Line,Easy Ride,Monkey Ride,Tropical ToursandInterbus. Easy Ride offers international services directly from Jac, Tamarindo and Liberia to Granada and Managua in Nicaragua and from Monteverde to Managua. I love to visit Costa Rica. how much was the cost of the driver that you hired? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, we are Cat + Kev, an adventure-loving couple from Canada who are committed to help young couples find daring adventures, food encounters, and luxury escapes unique to a destination. Costa Rica Caribbean Side: Best Places To Visit. ", Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C. Inexpensive domestic flights between San Jos and popular destinations such as Puerto Jimnez, Quepos and Tortuguero will save you the driving time. Prices vary wildly depending on how touristy the area is, though generally speaking a 10-minute ride costs US$5 to US$20. Or, pay in USD at restaurants or supermarkets and get the change back in Colones. Most towns will have at least one licensed taxi, but in some remote villages you may have to get rides from whomever is offering ask atpulperas(corner stores). Bus offices are scattered around the city: some large bus companies have big terminals that sell tickets in advance, while others have little more than a stop sometimes unmarked. Take gas prices, for example. According to those at Venus Surf Adventures, the best flight to take from San Jose to Pavones is the 11:41 am flight. The Colombian-owned airline Avianca(part of the Central American airline consortium Grupo TACA; www.avianca.com) is regarded as the national airline of Costa Rica and flies to the USA, plus Central and Latin America. Tickets are issued to drivers operating vehicles without a seat belt. Tortuguero:visit or not in August; best way to get there? - Costa Rica I loved this article. If you need more, you can top up at any store that has the Kolbilogo on the window. from $158 per adult. Drive on the right. Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C. Get your adrenaline fix at Lost Canyon where youll, If sun, sand, and surf are more your speed, head for the Pacific side and beach hop down the coast to, Visit the Caribbean coast from August through December and witness tiny green sea turtles as they hatch and scurry into the sea. Read more about. Havent been to Costa Rica yet but these are some great tips which I will take on board. U.S. citizens traveling to Costa Rica will need a passport that is valid for the length of their stay in Costa Rica. Looks like you explored the in and out of Costa Rica as your guide is detailed for anyone going there. This is great tips! Book a homestay experience to connect with locals and save some cash. Be mindful of your valuables when walking in crowded areas or on public transportation. If we visited on our own, we wouldnt have spotted ourselves andgottenthese amazing pictures and videos ofthem! To blend in, just reciprocate with kindness and embrace their positive philosophy. Prices vary depending on where you want to visit and how long you need the car. Pinning this for later . 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Rio Celeste (Rio Celeste Waterfall) With more than 16 offices across Costa Rica, they are flexible to have thecar picked up and dropped off at different locations. Gasoline (petrol) and diesel are widely available, and 24-hour service stations are along the Interamericana. We flew with Nature Aironce from LIB to SJO and it took us only 50 mins. You can also sign up for one of the best tours in Costa Rica to ensure you're being led by a professional. 15 Dos and Don'ts When Planning A Trip To Costa Rica While planning your trip, keep in mind that the weather varies by region. Getting to The Costa Rica Caribbean Coast. Unfortunately, too many travelers have picked up their off-road skills from watching TV, and every season Ticos get a good chuckle out of the number of dead vehicles they help wayward travelers fish out of waterways. We have seencars got stuck there and people had to push them from behind. Best Way to Pay Colones Dollars Credit Cards ATM While you'll want to bring a few Costa Rican colns with you for small purchases upon arrival, exchange the bulk of your cash once you're in the country or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Costa Rica 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica. From Arenal to Monteverde: Make sure you drive a 44 vehicle. Online money transfer provider. It is an unusual experience. Unearth more Costa Rican adventures with our articles on the best hiking trails and family-friendly resorts in Costa Rica. Should we aim to get to Tortuguero or we can have similar eperience on the Pacific coast? Even at local supermarkets! Driving in Alajuela & San Jose: Traffic is terrible during the daytime. Panama may be small but its attractions are mighty and not always easy to get to. Try Costa Rican cuisine 6. Of course, Costa Rica is famous for its coffee beans (though much of it is exported), but you shouldn't leave without trying a cup. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. This guiding philosophy can be observed from Costa Rica's central cosmopolitan capital of San Jos all the way to the sandy Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The best way to send money to Costa Rica depends on your payment method, how you want your money to be received and how fast you need it to arrive. Read our, Your Trip to Costa Rica: The Complete Guide, Juan Santamara International Airport Guide. Visitors can pay the fee upon arrival in Costa Rica or before departure. Theft from overhead racks is rampant, though its much less common than in other Central American countries. To many, Costa Rica's charm lies in its lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches and abundance of wildlife. In San Jos, taxis havemaras(meters) and it's illegal for drivers not to use them. I cant agree more with your choices. Its true what you say about WAZE it works so well. But that comes with a price its busy and expensive! Local buses are a cheap and reliable way of getting around Costa Rica. Explore 7 days / from 1900 USD Tropical Costa Rica Visit volcanoes, take a dip in a hot springs, drift lazily along the country's waterways and seek out wildlife in tropical lowland forest. If you are catching a bus that picks you up somewhere along a road, get to the roadside early. Interbus. Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! We had come across manycomplaints about hidden fees while doing our research. This is often an easier way to see further-afield sights without renting a car. Get to know the city with this guide to its neighborhoods. USD$1.07a liter, which is48% more expensive than in the USA and22% more than in Canada! But not to worry, there are so many other delicious seafood availablefor us to enjoy at inexpensive prices! If you don't mind getting a little wet, visit between May and November when prices are at their lowest. Don't rent a car at the airportMost car rental companies at Costa Rica's airports add a 13 percent charge to their rates. Make a trip to a local supermarket and youll realizeTicos (Costa Ricans) love cassava chips, yuca chips and plantain chips. Select your flights (unfortunately, JetBlue does not allow flight holds). Great article! Surround yourself with graceful butterflies atLa Paz Waterfall Gardens, hike along the monumentalArenal Volcano, mingle with locals atPuerto Viejo de Talamanca, or simply sit in a hammock under a palm tree along theNicoya Peninsula. Meters are not used on long trips, so arrange the fare ahead of time. Signing up for one of the best tours in Costa Rica is another great way to sightsee without having to navigate the country on your own. Note:the weather really depends on what part of Costa Rica you are visiting. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. ATM s are available in most popular tourist towns but are usually limited to a maximum of 200$ per day. So, to protect the marine resources, the government has put a halt to the use of trawler nets to catch shrimp and other unselective and destructive fisheries. International flights typically arrive atAeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara, 10.5 miles (17km) northwest of San Jos, in the town of Alajuela. There are great tips and good posts to travel in Costa Rica. How reliable/safe is SANSA (is this the . Although guided naturalist tours are a bit more expensive, they will leave you an unforgettable memory! Toasted corn snacks by Jacks Picaronas are popular among the locals as well. How to Get to Pavones Costa Rica Easiest Routes Ever! Costa Rica is definitely high on our bucket list, we would love to get there ASAP. It is true that you can go onself-guidedhikes and tours at many places. In some cases, taxis are pick-up trucks with seats built into the back. Costa Rica is an amazing place for nature, birds and wildlife lovers, the small country has so much to offer from tropical rain forests, cloud forests, volcanic mountains, so many variety of birds, wildlife, beautiful beaches!