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Traveling with Children
Costa Rica is a children-friendly holiday destination, whether you are traveling in a group or as a family. There is so much in this country that you can explore together with your kid(s) that will give them an invaluable educational experience.
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Travel Safety
As most foreigners who are long term residents here would vouch, Costa Rica is an extremely safe country to live in compared to where they have come from. Even the capital city of San Jose, notorious as it is, is safer than most large cities in the U.S. o
View moreSouvenir Shopping
The best place to buy souvenirs and gifts is in the town of SARCHI in the Central Highlands. The town is well known for its generations of artisans who produce a vast array of ornaments and decorative arts as well as practical items like bowls and trays o
View moreSimple Spanish
Learning to speak a little Spanish will enable you to travel in Costa Rica with more ease and enjoyment. It will open more doors for you to experience the local culture and encourage you to mingle with the local people.
View morePacking Tips
Packing for a destination well known for its variable weather conditions like Costa Rica can be a challenge; from freezing night temperatures in the mountains to blistering heat and humidity on the coasts.
View moreHealth Tips
If you have not been to Costa Rica before you can be forgiven for thinking that the country is plagued with tropical diseases, as some travel guidebooks on Costa Rica seem to imply with their elaboration on a long list of potential health risks.
View moreFood Shopping
The best place to shop for fresh produce is at the weekly Fería or what foreigners call Farmers Market. There is a Feria in every town and in large cities in every district or Barrio.
View moreEntry and Exit
Citizens of all countries require a passport to enter Costa Rica. Children must have their own passports; they may not enter on their parents’ documents. Passports must have at least six months’ remaining validity.
View moreEmergency Help
In Costa Rica all emergency services are channeled through 911; operators will guide you to the right department. Through 911 you can summon fire fighters, police, Red Cross and ambulances, and to report traffic accidents, robberies and incidences of viol
View moreEating Out
Costa Rican cuisine does not have a distinct or original style to call its own. It is a combination of Spanish, Mexican, American, Caribbean and South American influences. Day-to-day Costa Rican food is characterized by simplicity; most menus are built on
View moreFly and Drive
Driving a rented vehicle is by far the most enjoyable way to experience Costa Rica. You will have the freedom of movement and the flexibility of arriving and leaving when you want, changing or deviating from plans where and when you choose.
View moreCar Rentals
Driving a rented vehicle is by far the most enjoyable way to experience Costa Rica. The road network is generally good with many sections in excellent condition.
View moreBeach Safety
Riptides – currents that pull you out to sea, is a real threat in many Costa Rican beaches. Rip currents can be spotted at times, if you know what you are looking for, such as a noticeable difference in the water color, a gap in the breaking waves, and
View moreAbout Tipping
Many first time visitors to Cost Rica are not aware that in most restaurants, a 13% sales tax and a 10% service charge are automatically added to the final bill, so in effect, you are leaving a 10% tip for your waiter or waitress.
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