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1. Plan for the high season
With so many North Americans flying south for the winter – not to mention locals travelling home – it’s pivotal to book in advance if you want to visit Costa Rica during high season. Christmas and New Year period are especially busy.
Hotel rooms and buses can sell out weeks ahead, but by being savvy and using several transport links (such as a private shuttle), it’s possible to make things work. Alternatively, you can hire a car fro greater flexibility. https://twitter.com/Studio6612
The week leading up to Easter is another pressure point, though the parades and processions that take place during this time are quite unique and well worth seeing.
Veteran independent travellers might sniff at the idea of taking an escorted tour. Doubly so as Costa Rica is a country where hostels and hotels are plentiful and English is quite widely spoken.
Despite this, we recommend you don't rule out a tour entirely. Many activities have both high demand and surprisingly high prices, and there are few regular public bus services around the country. Joining a group tour is a top Costa Rica travel tip as it means you can pack a lot of experiences into one 10-day visit without fretting about availability or logistics. Rough Guides' own Tailor-Made Trips offers a full trip-planning service, in Costa Rica. We can pair you with a local expert on the ground to design a personalised itinerary that works for you.
To save money, eat plates of gallo pinto at small family-run sodas, pay for groceries and other small purchases with local currency colónes instead of dollars and travel during the low season (aka the rainy season) for reduced room rates. If you're eating out, be aware that 10% service charge and 13% tax is added to most restaurant bills and budget accordingly.
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Additionally many nature sites, from waterfalls to national parks, charge an entry fee so you'll need to factor than in too. Read our Costa Rica Travel Essentials page for tips on budgeting and more.
Costa-Rica-cuisinePlantain, rice and beans is a Costa Rican lunch staple © EQRoy / Shutterstock
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Next, be aware that pickpockets operate at bus stations and other crowded places like markets. Don't leave your bags unattended, and if you are unlucky, report the theft at the local police station.
With so many North Americans flying south for the winter – not to mention locals travelling home – it’s pivotal to book in advance if you want to visit Costa Rica during high season. Christmas and New Year period are especially busy.
Hotel rooms and buses can sell out weeks ahead, but by being savvy and using several transport links (such as a private shuttle), it’s possible to make things work. Alternatively, you can hire a car fro greater flexibility. https://twitter.com/Studio6612
The week leading up to Easter is another pressure point, though the parades and processions that take place during this time are quite unique and well worth seeing.
2. Consider an organised tour
Veteran independent travellers might sniff at the idea of taking an escorted tour. Doubly so as Costa Rica is a country where hostels and hotels are plentiful and English is quite widely spoken.Despite this, we recommend you don't rule out a tour entirely. Many activities have both high demand and surprisingly high prices, and there are few regular public bus services around the country. Joining a group tour is a top Costa Rica travel tip as it means you can pack a lot of experiences into one 10-day visit without fretting about availability or logistics. Rough Guides' own Tailor-Made Trips offers a full trip-planning service, in Costa Rica. We can pair you with a local expert on the ground to design a personalised itinerary that works for you.
3. Be prepared to spend
Costa Rica is among the most expensive countries to visit in Latin America – and it’s not just pricey when compared to its neighbours. For certain supermarket items, such as bottled water and sunscreen, the country can even rival the UK and USA.To save money, eat plates of gallo pinto at small family-run sodas, pay for groceries and other small purchases with local currency colónes instead of dollars and travel during the low season (aka the rainy season) for reduced room rates. If you're eating out, be aware that 10% service charge and 13% tax is added to most restaurant bills and budget accordingly.
https://draft.blogger.com/profile/07275935136483335823
Additionally many nature sites, from waterfalls to national parks, charge an entry fee so you'll need to factor than in too. Read our Costa Rica Travel Essentials page for tips on budgeting and more.
Costa-Rica-cuisinePlantain, rice and beans is a Costa Rican lunch staple © EQRoy / Shutterstock
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4. Watch your belongings
While Costa Rica is, in general, a very safe country, pickpockets and petty theft can be a problem. Applying basic common sense will mean you avoid the hassle of lost belongings. Firstly, never leave items on show in your parked car. If you're heading to the beach try and park in a carpark (some are guarded by enterprising locals) or near other cars.Next, be aware that pickpockets operate at bus stations and other crowded places like markets. Don't leave your bags unattended, and if you are unlucky, report the theft at the local police station.
