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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. Some roads in Costa Rica are rough and rugged, meaning that minor accidents or car damage are common. According to those at Venus Surf Adventures, the best flight to take from San Jose to Pavones is the 11:41 am flight. 4 ways to travel via bus, taxi, car, and shuttle Easy Ride offers international services directly from Jac, Tamarindo and Liberia to Granada and Managua in Nicaragua and from Monteverde to Managua. Hot Springs & Geysers. But using some key phrases, such as "por favor" ("please") and "gracias" ("thank you"), is a polite gesture that goes a long way. I am really interested in traveling too More comprehensive insurance like Collision Damage Waivers (LDW) and Total Protection (SPP) are available, butoptional. Simply ask for recarga, give the staff your phonenumber, and tell them how muchmoney you want totop up. That said, the dry season is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit. Flights can be booked directly through the company, a tour agency or some high-end accommodation. It will be completed soon and its on the Osa Peninsula. Dont attempt to get the car fixed yourself most companies wont reimburse expenses without prior authorization. And you should definitely allow for upwards of a week theres SO much to see and do! For sure will go for more than a 2 week!! Be mindful of your valuables when walking in crowded areas or on public transportation. Very well organized pictures and content. Interbus is one of the companies offering this service, it runs one shuttle to/from Santa Teresa at 9 am. It serves a number of American and Canadian airlines and some charters from London, as well as regional flights from Panama and Nicaragua. Heed caution when it comes to the weather 8. I also love the aerial picture you have from the plane. Other parts are 2 lanes. Need inspiration for your next couple's escape? Panama has plenty to offer its visitors but it doesn't all have to come at a premium. Inspiring Guide! At the time of research, fuel prices averaged around US$1.10 per liter. The green is so lush and gorgeous! To many, Costa Rica's charm lies in its lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches and abundance of wildlife. What would you say a budget day would cost? Tortuguero:visit or not in August; best way to get there? Its also common to tip $1: per bag to the airport driver and bellhop, per drink to the bartender, to the doorman for hailing a cab, to the concierge, if they help with a difficult request or make an exceptional recommendation. Like the fact that you recommend people to buy a local sim card. Another reason we chose Adobe is that they make it possible to enjoy a one-way trip. I always agree its better to travel during off season to enjoy a different kind of beauty! 1. If you're planning to stay longer than 90 days, you are required to apply for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits. Tap water in Costa Rica is generally safe to drink, but you can pack a purification bottle such as GRAYL or a device like the Steripen for peace of mind (and stomach). However, it typically costs more as there is only one private charter service that makes this trip. Note that rental offices at the airport charge an extra fee in addition to regular rates. There are two small aircraft companies in Costa Rica that offer daily flights all around the country: Nature Air and Sansa. If you want authentic local food like a Costa Rican grandmother makes, try La Esquinita de JM in San Jos. 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. Im hoping Central America, and especially Costa Rica, will feature in my travel plans in 2019 so this post will be extremely useful. Id definitely take the guided nature tour. You can try to arrange boat transportation for Barra del Colorado from Tortuguero. Black beans and rice are a staple and are a part of almost every traditional meal. But you will see so much more than expected if you join the experts on guided tours. Meters are not used on long trips, so arrange the fare ahead of time. Design by Purr. Top Costa Rica Travel Tips | Rough Guides 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. Full insurance through the rental agency can be up to US$60 a day. Make a trip to a local supermarket and youll realizeTicos (Costa Ricans) love cassava chips, yuca chips and plantain chips. The main reason for why I havent visited Costa Rica before is how expensive it is! Two Weeks In Costa Rica: An Action-Packed Itinerary For First-Timers, Luxury Hotel Near SJO Airport That Won't Break The Bank, The Adventurer's Guide: 16 Unforgettable Things To Do In Costa Rica, 15 Dos and Donts When Planning A Trip To Costa Rica. Ask your hotel what shuttle options are available to your first stop, as many of them run set routes. Costa Rica Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo. Rio Chollin. Build an ideal itinerary that balances the best of Costa Rica: adventure, nature, culture, wildlife, and wellness. This will ensure you're receiving guide services that have been vetted by the government. Motorcycles (including Harley-Davidsons) can be rented in San Jos and Escaz, but considering the condition of the roads it's not recommended. I like your suggestion to visit in the rainy season bad weather has never really bothered me / stopped me doing anything, so itll definitely be nice to avoid ridiculous costs and crowds. Certainly, didnt know tips were not required and that the water was safe to drink. Ask to see the ICT card You'll be approached by guides offering their services at many of Costa Rica's natural wonders. You cant enjoy a place in FF mode. USD$1.07a liter, which is48% more expensive than in the USA and22% more than in Canada! I completely agree, one week is nowhere near enough time to fully enjoy they beauty of Costa Rica. They are addictingly delicious! 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. As always, all opinions on For Two, Please are my own andI only recommend brands that I 100% stand behind. Good tips you have here. In the Central Valley and Highlands, there's a burgeoning road biking scene and visitors are likely to see Lycra-clad cyclists climbing and zooming down the attractive winding roads, taking in the epic scenery. Great tips for travel in Costa Rica! Take gas prices, for example. Most tourists stop in Cahuita on their way to Cahuita National Park, the main attraction of the area. Fares range from less than US$1 to around US$20. Getting to the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast the easy way You can also stay in just 1-2 areas, depending on your travel style. 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. Happy New Year! Leave when you want, go where you want. Kirsten Hubbard is a travel writer and expert who specializes in Central America. Thank you for sharing amazing tips. I had never been to Costa Rica and would love to visit it in 2018. The Best Way to Travel Around Costa Rica: A Transportation Guide Northwest Costa Rica: Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara. Read more about. Costa Rica reminds me so much of my home country, Trinidad and Tobago. If we visited on our own, we wouldnt have spotted ourselves andgottenthese amazing pictures and videos ofthem! This can amount up to an extra 10% just on credit card and exchange rates. If you're wondering how to navigate Costa Rica's roads, airports, and ferry terminals, here's the scoop on getting around this impressive country. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Driving yourself is obviously the best option, as it gives you the most flexibility in terms of giving you access to the best-hidden gems that Costa Rica offers. I have not been to the Osa Peninsula actually. First Timer's Guide to Costa Rica: Best Places to Go, Play and Stay One way tickets with Skyway Costa Rica start at $160. Amazing place! Trips longer than four hours usually include a rest stop as buses do not have toilets. These are great tips! The chocolate covered coffee beans, dark chocolate covered pineapple, and dark chocolate with creamy nut filling are a few of our favorites! To save money, bridges on most roads reduce lanes. This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). You can take the public bus, go on a group shuttle, hire a private transportation service, rent a car, and drive. "Corporate Social Responsibility. Unearth more Costa Rican adventures with our articles on the best hiking trails and family-friendly resorts in Costa Rica. US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially at hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies. Note: many of thesetoursinclude hotel pick-up and drop-off so theres no need to worry about transportation. Space is limited on board, so if you have to check luggage be watchful. Keep posting such wonderful places attractions. Should we aim to get to Tortuguero or we can have similar eperience on the Pacific coast? You should not arrange a domestic flight that makes a tight connection with an international flight. For years these buses were converted school buses imported from the US, but they have slowly been upgraded and are now mainly coaches. 2023. Total time is around 4-5 hours. Costa Rica has 2 local airlines: Sansa Airlines and Nature Air. Get to know the city with this guide to its neighborhoods. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. The road system is good and well-marked, but it's the scenery and being able to stop where and when you want that make driving our . Don't be alarmed by their benevolence and eagerness to please guests. It costs approx. Prices vary depending on where you want to visit and how long you need the car. La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica. They can be hired by the hour, half-day or full day, or you can arrange a flat fee for a trip. La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano are some of the most visited destinations in Costa Rica, and therefore it is straightforward to get from San Jose to La Fortuna. 6 road trips in Costa Rica that aren't for the faint of heart, Central Americas most popular volcano adventures. How to Get to Pavones Costa Rica Easiest Routes Ever! Note:the weather really depends on what part of Costa Rica you are visiting. 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. Buses can be very crowded but dont usually pass up passengers on account of being too full. On the opposite side of the country, the Pacific coast is the perfect place to soak up some sun and do some deep divingboth into the ocean and internally, as this Blue Zone is known for its colorful marine life as well as its wellness retreats. Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park (entry fee is $15 per person) Explore the vibrant capital city, San . And it should be your next stop. The best times to go are June July, November. The prepaid phone card is the #1 thing I always tell people visiting Panama, too. If possible, park the car in a guarded parking lot rather than on the street. With its tropical temperatures, Costa Rican cuisine features an abundance of exotic fruits (especially pejibayes a type of savory fruit) and vegetables, and depending on what part of the country you are in, lots of fresh fish. 15 Things to Know Before Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall +Complete Guide There was an error submitting your subscription. What countries can US travelers visit right now? Wherever you dine, dont forget dessert; grab a locally-made bar of chocolate to go or lap up a plate of tres leches (cake doused in three kinds of milk and considered the national dessert). Toasted corn snacks by Jacks Picaronas are popular among the locals as well. Travel in the green season when rates are lower. Driving from the United States to Costa Rica is an adventure best undertaken with patience, a sense of humor, and about two weeks of free time. 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. 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. We flew with Nature Aironce from LIB to SJO and it took us only 50 mins. South Caribbean Costa Rica: Cajuita, Puerto Viejo. TheCoonatramarferry links the port of Puntarenas with Playa Naranjo several times daily. Recommended option Fly Houston to San Jose Fly from Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJO) 6h 42m $121 - $271 7 alternative options Nature-seekers will roam thick jungleswhile beachgoers will sprawl across the powdery sands. Nice reading about all the tips for planning a trip to costa rica. At restaurants, a 10% service charge is included in your bill. How to get to Santa Teresa Costa Rica - Enchanting Costa Rica Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! Wow great list of tips for CR. I should bookmark this when I am about to fly there! If you need Colones,go to the banks for the best exchange rates. You can addextra days if you want to cover more ground. Driving (Car Rental) Let's dive right in: There are four ways to get from San Jose to Monteverde, Costa Rica. I had no idea about the tipping and tap water! However, high-end coffee beans are hard to come bysince they are commonly exported rather than sold locally. Driving on your own is not highly recommended as some roads are tricky (speckled with potholes and ambiguously marked intersections). Great informations. Its true what you say about WAZE it works so well. It is true that you can go onself-guidedhikes and tours at many places. Dont do that. (meaning "pure life"). On top of all that, they have a wide selection of vehicles for hire, all of which are less than 2 years of service! Surfing is a huge part of the Jaco community, and surfers from around the globe travel to experience the swells it became known for. It means pure life, but it is commonly usedto mean hello, goodbye, and everythings great. Cool post! This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. For information on departures from San Jos, see for a reasonably up-to-date copy of the master schedule, or check the bus schedule for route planning. Bikes, mostly mountain bikes and beach cruisers, can be rented in towns with a significant tourist presence for US$10 to US$20 per day. Natural beauty. How to get around Costa Rica Save Lonely Planet Editors Apr 29, 2021 13 min read Costa Rica has a variety of transportation options, from buses and shuttles to rental cars and even private flights. Liquor is just as expensive or more expensive in the grocery store than it is at home. 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! Pro tip: Instead of driving, rent an ATV. I agree with you, going on a gudied tour is the best way to explore another environment especially the ones that boasts of rich natural landscape such as Costa Rica. 1-866-816-0197 Money- How to Get & Spend in Costa Rica The best way to access funds and pay for things while traveling in Costa Rica depends on Security Economy Convenience Each is important. 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. Oh wow I didnt know Costa Rica is so beautiful during the rainy season. Your tips are also very helpful. Read our, Your Trip to Costa Rica: The Complete Guide, Juan Santamara International Airport Guide. Thanks. Sample the comida tipica (typical or traditional food) around town or the local brew on a culinary or craft beer tour. Appreciate advice, we would like to see the turtles. If fees are not included in your ticket, travelers will not be allowed through airport security without paying. We encountered a toll booth when driving from San Jose to Alajuela. That being said English levels are higher in Costa Rica than in the rest of Central America. Watch out for motorbikes. Costa Rica's official currency is the Costa Rica Coln (CRC). Public Bus. This brandis known for their coffee and gourmet chocolates. The Best Ways to Get to Costa Rica - Costa Rica StarVillas Wow, so many great tips and very useful for my trip planning to this amazing central American countries thanks a lot for covering aspects, like: transportation, food, and pre-paid sim card. Plus,Nature Air has large windows, giving us an unobstructed view of Costa Ricas lush mountains, beaches, and volcanoes from above! Foreign drivers in Costa Rica are required to have a valid drivers license from their home country. Ill keep Adobe Rent a Car in mind when i plan my trip to Costa Rica. Think that is is really helpful that you suggested to buy a sim card. Recommended option Bus 1h 48m Take the bus from San Jos to Entrada a Jac By Costanera / . 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. Costa Rica is an absolute delight from all the numerous accounts of travelers that I have read. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica . After 90 days, however, you will need to get a Costa Rican drivers license. As far as dining goes, travelers should note that restaurants add gratuity onto the bill. From Alajuela to Arenal: Hilly at times, but roads are well paved with a few potholes here and there. Here's how to visit this Central American gem on a budget. The tourist-van shuttle services are a pricier alternative to the standard intercity buses. Note that there are usually no buses from Thursday to Saturday before Easter Sunday. There are 8 ways to get from United States to Costa Rica by plane, shuttle, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. So there is absolutely no need to exchange Costa Rican Colonesin advance. The flight from San Jos to Bocas del Toro only takes about 50 minutes and most travelers prefer flying to save themselves the time and hassle. Any dos and dont? Simply stated, having a car is the best way to explore Costa Rica. I have only visited Costa Rica as a cruise port. Charter companies in the country include Carmon Air,Alfa Romeo Aero Taxiand Aero Caribe Air Charter. To blend in, just reciprocate with kindness and embrace their positive philosophy. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Required fields are marked *. Private shuttles or private driver-guides are other (and arguably the best if youd like to relax and let someone else handle the driving) possibilities, though they are more expensive. More beautiful is the way you have captured it. You can find a variety of them on the shelves, sold under the brands PRO and Soldanza. From the U.S. border at Brownsville, Texas to the Nicaraguan-Costa Rican border at Penas Blancas - the shortest and therefore preferred route for most travelers - the distance totals almost 2,300 miles. Price is around $230 in modern buses, bilingual . Be sure to check the box that says Use TrueBlue Points. Monteverde roads There are tradeoffs to driving however. Good to know that Costa Rica has so much to offer. Having bug spray on hand - one of the most important Costa Rica travel tips 9. How to get around Costa Rica - Lonely Planet And whether you're willing to brave the country's many water crossings in a rented 4x4, are looking forward to snapping photos out the bus window, or plan on chartering a private flight from point A to point B, there are almost equally many ways to get there. This free app is similar to Google Maps in searching for the best route. You'll find a beautiful and continuous green scenery that will amaze you with every mile. This definitely wants me to go and visit Costa Rica. They fly out to as many as 13 different destinations within the country, and it generally takes 30-45 minutes! Costa Rican residents (los Costarricensesor "Ticos") are known for their pleasant and easygoing nature. Costa Rica Travel Costs. Why not visit during the rainy season (May-November) instead? Top Resorts in Costa Rica Best Honeymoon Resorts Complete Guide to San Jose Costa Rica's Islands Day Trips From San Jose 48 Hours in San Jose Top Things to Do in Costa Rica Adventurous Things to Do Top Hikes Best Diving Sites Best Beaches Top Things to Do in San Jose Food to Try in Costa Rica Best Restaurants in San Jose Nightlife in San Jose 13 Nov Getting to the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast the easy way Family Vacations, Where to Stay Caribbean, costa rica, Le Cameleon Hotel, Limn Costa rica, Puerto Viejo, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 0 Views: 6,402 However, this adds up fast. The best way to get around Costa Rica is by bus, which is reliable, navigable, inexpensive and frequently runs throughSan Jos, Costa Rica's capital. Great tips! That is what I usually do. However, in congestedSan Jos, you'll want to keep an eye on your belongings and your rental car. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them below! There are two types of bus:directoandcolectivo. Make sure to research and plan before going to make the most with your time over there. Minimum of 2 weeks? These are all great tips! but I have read so much about Costa Rica that I need to seriously plan. There is also a 13% sales tax on almost everything along with a 10% service tax on all restraunt meals which makes it 23% added on to all restraunt meals.If you are using a foreign credit card most credit cards will charge items in colones and use the bank daily exchange rate to change them to US$ and then convert the Us dollar to your countrys currency. #1 inBest Cheap Destination Wedding Locations, #10 inBest Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023-2024, #2 inBest Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023-2024. I love seafood but I am quite glad to hear that the goverment is trying to protect the sea life! Hi Lois, im traveling there next week. However, for others, this small Latin American country has a different appeal: it's a relaxed way of life. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Local buses operate chiefly in San Jos, Puntarenas, San Isidro de El General, Golfito and Puerto Limn, connecting urban and suburban areas. During June and July, rain showers pause briefly, and Costa Rica's forests burst with green foliage. Tours average around USD$100 per person per day. It is also suggested that kids under 4 use a baby carrier. Interesting place. Tour guides, drivers, housekeepers usually do not expect an additional tip fortheir service. The second-busiest airport is theAeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirsin Liberia, which also receives international flights from the USA, the Americas and Canada. With an increasingly large network of paved secondary roads and heightened awareness of cyclists, Costa Rica is emerging as one of Central Americas most exciting cycle-touring destinations. Tour an organic coffee or chocolate plantation and learn to cook corn tortillas with a local family. Or, pay in USD at restaurants or supermarkets and get the change back in Colones. Airfare As with any destination, the cost of flying to Costa Rica varies by season. 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. Ask permission before photographing anyone. Also, most tours run year round. Awesome post. Youwill run into rain showers, but in return, youll be rewarded withthinnercrowds, greener landscapes, cooler temperatures andcheaperrates! Flying within Costa Rica is expensive, but if youre short on time (or dont want to drive), domestic flights may be a sensible option. For example, when we visited in early November, it rained almost every day in Arenal, but was bright and sunny in Monteverde! Traffic police use radar, and speed limits are sometimes enforced with speeding tickets. 44. Fares can fluctuate due to worse-than-expected road conditions and bad weather in tough-to-reach places. Tours average around USD$100 per person per day. Ive been three times now and its the most incredible country! At unmarked intersections, yield to the car on your right. Getting to The Costa Rica Caribbean Coast. I travelled a lot and have seen so many places but this will be my first time in Costa Rica. These services will pick you up at your hotel, and reservations can be made online or through local travel agencies and hotel owners. How to get from San Jose to Jaco Costa Rica - Universal Traveller It is not customary to leave a tip. If youll be spending time in San Jos, take advantage of the. Jan Csernoch / Alamy Stock Photo" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="abb61c46-63ef-4a71-94a1-7efe1d0960da" data-langcode="en" title="Tourists observing White-nosed Coatis from bus, Costa Rica, Central America">. But yes, its definitely not cheap, and the mass tourism from the US will keep it that way. Air Travel. Why so expensive? Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. Costa Rica Travel Guide for 2023 - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site On the other side of the Pennsula de Osa, water taxis connect Baha Drake with Sierpe. Buckle up for the next installment in our Epic series and the follow-up toEpic Bike Rides of the World. Another useful site for planning point-to-point bus trips is YoViajo, which has a phone app as well. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). Would love to visit Costa Rica. We did not enjoy our AI vacation in CR, so have been planning our own trips to CR instead. The Best Ways To Fly to Costa Rica With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step] This place seems to be very interesting and full of fun. If you are flying in to the airport during business hours you can buy up to six bottles of liquor or wine at the duty free store just before you clear customs.